Platforms for Creators: Which Are Legitimate?

As creators take strides to monetize their work, navigating the possible online selling platforms can feel like a minefield. So how do you know which online selling platforms are trustworthy?

Alternatives to Etsy

On April 11th, 2022, creators, sellers, and customers began an Etsy strike to protest a 30% increase in the transaction fee (from 5% to 6.5%). This fee is in addition to other unnecessary Etsy costs, like listing fees, subscription fees, and even in-person selling fees. Popular platforms like Amazon and Etsy do not always offer the control and capabilities that creators need. Not to mention, they often take a substantial cut of each creator’s payout. With this, sellers are standing up for themselves and looking for alternatives. Let’s unpack the legitimacy of 3 online selling platforms geared toward creators.

1. SamCart: Is SamCart Legit?

Yes, SamCart is a legitimate online platform for creators. SamCart specializes in helping creators monetize by selling online courses, coaching services, digital products, and physical products. At the time of publication, SamCart is Better Business Bureau accredited with an A+ BBB rating and a 5-star BBB customer rating.

More About SamCart

--Pricing: Currently, SamCart plans start at $39 per month when billed annually and $59 billed monthly with no additional charges or fees. --What can you sell or create? Online courses, digital products, memberships, subscriptions, coaching services, and physical products SamCart has a suite of creator tools to help you get started. This platform can help you unlock all of the selling capabilities of Etsy without all of the fees.

2. Kajabi: Is Kajabi Legit?

Yes, Kajabi is a legitimate LLC founded in 2010. This platform primarily supports the sales of online services—such as digital courses and coaching. At the time of publication, Kajabi is not Better Business Bureau accredited. It currently has a C- BBB rating and a 1-star BBB customer rating.

More About Kajabi

--Pricing: Currently, Kajabi plans start at $119 per month when billed annually and $149 when billed monthly. --What can you sell or create? Digital services. While Kajabi allows customers to sell digital services (including online courses), it does not support creators selling physical or digital products. In terms of pricing, Kajabi is also on the higher end of creator platforms.

3. Teachable: Is Teachable Legit?

Yes, Teachable is a legitimate corporation that provides online courses and coaching services. Teachable was founded in 2016 by Ankur Nagpal. At the time of publication, Teachable is not Better Business Bureau accredited. It currently has a B- BBB rating and a 1-star BBB customer rating.

More About Teachable

--Pricing: With the most limited features, Teachable’s membership is “free,” but customers will pay $1 + 10% per transaction. Paid plans begin at $39 per month when billed annually and $59 when billed monthly with a 5% transaction fee. --What can you sell or create? Online courses and coaching services. --Trial: Teachable does not currently advertise a free trial of their paid features. While you can start Teachable for “free,” it comes with the cost of a transaction fee. As seen in the current Etsy controversy, these fees are subject to change—which can leave creators paying the price.

SamCart eCommerce Platform for Creators

You have a lot of options to choose from for your creator platform. SamCart wants to help you see the benefits of our site before committing. We offer a free 2-week trial for all new members to help you move forward with confidence into your business as a creator. SamCart can serve as your one-stop creator platform or in tandem with other platforms to boost your sales. We invite you to click here to get started today!