Is this a community marketplace like eBay or Etsy?

Nope. Community marketplaces like eBay and Etsy are essentially one big shopping cart that you can add your products to. Customization is very limited, and you’re sharing the spotlight with millions of other products.

On the other hand, Big Cartel is your own shopping cart. You can setup your store to look any way you’d like, and your products are the center of attention. Not just one more lost in the crowd.