Selling handmade products has become easier than ever, thanks to a wide range of online platforms specifically designed for artisans and makers. Whether you are just starting or looking to expand your business, choosing the right platform can help you reach a wider audience and grow your brand. In this guide, we’ll explore the best platforms to sell your handmade products, considering factors such as user base, fees, ease of use, and the types of products each platform is ideal for.
1. Etsy
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Why It’s Popular: Etsy is one of the most recognized platforms for selling handmade goods. Known for its marketplace that highlights unique, vintage, and artisan products, Etsy offers a vast audience of active users seeking high-quality, handmade items.
Key Features:
- Ease of use: Simple setup for new sellers with an intuitive listing process.
- Built-in audience: Access to a community specifically interested in handmade and vintage items.
- Search visibility: Powerful search functions and SEO features to optimize your listings for maximum exposure.
Fees: Etsy charges a $0.20 listing fee per item and a 6.5% transaction fee, plus a payment processing fee.
Ideal For: Sellers of handmade jewelry, clothing, home décor, art, and gifts seeking a large, established audience.
2. Shopify
Keywords: Shopify for handmade, eCommerce for artisans, building a shop on Shopify, sell handmade online
Why It’s Popular: Shopify provides a fully customizable eCommerce platform that allows artisans to create their own online store, offering full control over design, branding, and the customer experience.
Key Features:
- Full control: Design your store with customizable themes and additional plugins for enhanced functionality.
- Multiple sales channels: Shopify integrates with platforms like Amazon and social media for broader reach.
- Scalability: Multiple pricing plans accommodate businesses of all sizes.
Fees: Shopify charges a monthly fee starting at $29 per month, plus transaction fees for third-party payment processors.
Ideal For: Artisans looking to establish a professional online store with full control over branding, and those aiming to scale their business.
3. Amazon Handmade
Keywords: Amazon Handmade, selling handmade on Amazon, handmade crafts on Amazon, Amazon for artisans
Why It’s Popular: Amazon Handmade offers artisans access to Amazon’s vast global audience. It allows you to leverage Amazon’s fulfillment services, including fast shipping and Prime benefits.
Key Features:
- Global reach: Millions of customers worldwide give you exposure to a massive audience.
- Prime eligibility: Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) enables you to offer Prime shipping, appealing to Prime members.
- Trusted platform: Amazon’s reputation for customer service and reliable shipping ensures credibility.
Fees: Amazon Handmade does not charge listing fees but takes a 15% referral fee per sale. There is a $39.99 monthly subscription fee for professional sellers, which may be waived for Handmade sellers.
Ideal For: Artisans seeking large-scale exposure and those who want to take advantage of Amazon’s global reach and fulfillment services.
4. Big Cartel
Keywords: Big Cartel for handmade, affordable eCommerce, independent artists platform, Big Cartel features
Why It’s Popular: Big Cartel is a simple, user-friendly platform ideal for small-scale artisans who prefer a minimalist approach to eCommerce.
Key Features:
- Affordability: Free plans for up to five products and paid plans starting at $9.99 per month.
- Ease of setup: Simple to use with no prior eCommerce experience required.
- Customization: Offers basic but customizable themes to help reflect your brand.
Fees: The free plan allows up to five products, while paid plans start at $9.99 per month, with no transaction fees beyond standard payment processing.
Ideal For: Small-scale artisans who want an affordable, easy-to-use platform without complex features.
5. Folksy
Keywords: Folksy UK handmade, British handmade marketplace, sell crafts on Folksy, UK artisans
Why It’s Popular: Folksy is a UK-based marketplace focusing on handmade goods, perfect for British artisans looking to reach local customers.
Key Features:
- Niche audience: Tailored to UK buyers and sellers.
- Support for makers: Focus on promoting the value of handmade products and supporting independent makers.
- Simple to use: An easy-to-navigate interface that’s beginner-friendly.
Fees: £0.15 listing fee per product, 6% commission on sales, plus payment processing fees. There’s also a “Folksy Plus” option for unlimited listings at £5 per month.
Ideal For: UK-based artisans aiming to sell locally and connect with an audience that values handmade products.
6. Zibbet
Keywords: Zibbet handmade marketplace, multi-channel selling, sell on Zibbet, Zibbet for makers
Why It’s Popular: Zibbet is a multi-channel platform that lets artisans manage multiple storefronts from one account, making it easier to sell across various platforms.
Key Features:
- Multi-channel management: Integrates with Etsy, eBay, and other platforms, all from one dashboard.
- Low fees: No listing or transaction fees on Zibbet’s marketplace, only a flat monthly fee.
- Customizable store: Offers a clean layout and customizable shop design.
Fees: Zibbet charges a flat fee of $5 per month per sales channel with no additional transaction fees on its own marketplace.
Ideal For: Artisans looking to sell across multiple platforms while simplifying operations with a centralized dashboard.
7. Madeit
Keywords: Madeit handmade Australia, Australian handmade marketplace, sell crafts in Australia, Madeit for artisans
Why It’s Popular: Madeit is Australia’s largest handmade marketplace, focusing on local artisans. It’s ideal for sellers wanting to reach the Australian market.
Key Features:
- Local focus: Dedicated to Australian artisans and customers.
- Support for small makers: Offers tools and resources for growing your business.
- Curated marketplace: Focuses on quality and curation, ideal for artisans looking to stand out.
Fees: AUD $5 per month for the subscription and 4% commission on sales.
Ideal For: Australian artisans looking to sell handmade products within the local market.
Conclusion
Choosing the right platform to sell your handmade products depends on your goals and target audience. Whether you prefer a marketplace like Etsy or Amazon Handmade, or the flexibility and control of platforms like Shopify or Big Cartel, there’s a platform tailored to your needs. By selecting the platform that aligns with your business vision, you can maximize your reach and grow your handmade brand.