Selling handmade products has never been easier, thanks to a wide variety of online platforms designed specifically for artisans and makers. Whether you’re just starting or looking to expand your existing business, finding the right platform can help you reach a broader audience and grow your brand. In this article, we’ll explore the best platforms to sell your handmade products, considering factors like user base, fees, ease of use, and the types of products each platform excels at showcasing.
1. Etsy
- Keywords: Etsy for handmade, selling on Etsy, best platform for handmade goods, Etsy marketplace
- Why It’s Popular: Etsy is one of the most popular and well-known platforms for selling handmade goods. It has built a strong reputation as a go-to marketplace for unique, vintage, and artisan products. With millions of active users, Etsy offers a large, ready-made audience for your handmade goods.
Key Features:
- Ease of use: Etsy makes it simple to set up a shop and list products, even if you’re new to online selling.
- Built-in audience: With a large community of buyers who specifically seek handmade and vintage items, Etsy provides instant access to potential customers.
- Search visibility: Etsy’s robust search function helps customers find your products, and SEO features allow you to optimize your listings for better visibility.
Fees: Etsy charges a small listing fee (currently $0.20 per item) and takes a transaction fee of 6.5% per sale, plus a payment processing fee.
Ideal For: Sellers of handmade jewelry, clothing, home décor, art, and gifts who want access to a large, built-in audience.
2. Shopify
- Keywords: Shopify for handmade, eCommerce for artisans, building a shop on Shopify, sell handmade online
- Why It’s Popular: Shopify is a fully customizable eCommerce platform that allows you to create your own online store. Unlike marketplaces like Etsy, Shopify gives you full control over your website, branding, and customer experience. This platform is perfect for artisans looking to establish a professional online presence and scale their business.
Key Features:
- Full control: You can design your store to reflect your brand’s identity, with customizable themes and a variety of plugins for added functionality.
- Multiple sales channels: Shopify integrates with social media platforms, Amazon, and eBay, allowing you to sell across various channels.
- Scalability: Whether you’re just starting or looking to grow, Shopify offers various pricing plans and tools to accommodate your business’s size and needs.
Fees: Shopify charges a monthly subscription fee (starting at $29 per month), plus transaction fees if you use third-party payment processors.
Ideal For: Artisans who want to build a dedicated online shop with full control over design, branding, and customer interactions, particularly those with plans to scale.
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 massive global audience. It’s a specialized section of Amazon dedicated exclusively to handmade products, and it allows you to take advantage of Amazon’s fulfillment services, including fast shipping and Prime.
Key Features:
- Global reach: With millions of customers worldwide, Amazon gives handmade sellers access to a vast audience.
- Prime eligibility: Sellers using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) can offer Prime shipping, increasing visibility and appeal to Amazon Prime customers.
- Trusted platform: Amazon’s well-established reputation for customer service and reliable shipping makes it a trusted platform for buyers.
Fees: Amazon Handmade does not charge listing fees, but it takes a referral fee of 15% per sale. There is also a $39.99 monthly subscription fee for professional selling, which may be waived for Handmade sellers.
Ideal For: Artisans looking for large-scale exposure and sellers who want to take advantage of Amazon’s global reach and fulfillment options.
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, easy-to-use platform designed for artists, makers, and creatives. With a focus on affordability and simplicity, it’s ideal for small-scale artisans who want to maintain a minimalist online shop without the complexity of larger platforms.
Key Features:
- Affordability: Big Cartel offers free plans for up to five products, making it an excellent option for artisans who are just starting.
- Ease of setup: It’s user-friendly and designed for sellers with no prior eCommerce experience.
- Customization: While not as robust as Shopify, Big Cartel still offers customizable themes to help your shop reflect your brand.
Fees: The free plan allows up to five products, and paid plans start at $9.99 per month for more products and additional features. There are no transaction fees beyond standard payment processing fees.
Ideal For: Small-scale artisans, artists, and makers who want an affordable, straightforward platform with no-frills customization.
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 specifically for handmade goods. It’s a smaller, more niche platform compared to Etsy, but it’s perfect for British artisans looking to sell their products locally or within the UK market. Folksy focuses on supporting independent makers and offers a friendly, community-driven environment.
Key Features:
- Niche audience: Folksy is tailored to UK-based buyers and sellers, making it ideal for those looking to sell within this market.
- Support for makers: The platform has a strong focus on supporting independent makers and promoting the value of handmade products.
- Simple to use: Folksy offers an easy-to-navigate interface and straightforward setup, making it accessible to new sellers.
Fees: Folksy charges a listing fee of £0.15 and takes a 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 looking to sell handmade products in a niche marketplace with a focus on local, independent makers.
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 allows artisans to manage multiple storefronts from one place. You can sell on Zibbet’s own marketplace as well as sync your listings to Etsy, eBay, and other platforms. Zibbet offers a flexible solution for makers who want to expand their reach across different sales channels without managing multiple accounts.
Key Features:
- Multi-channel management: Zibbet integrates with Etsy, eBay, and other platforms, allowing you to manage all your listings in one place.
- Low fees: Zibbet’s pricing is straightforward, with no listing or transaction fees on its marketplace. Instead, you pay a flat monthly fee.
- Customizable store: Zibbet offers a simple, clean layout and the ability to customize your shop’s appearance.
Fees: Zibbet charges a flat fee of $5 per month for each sales channel you use (e.g., Etsy, eBay, Zibbet Marketplace), with no additional transaction fees on its own marketplace.
Ideal For: Artisans who want to sell across multiple platforms and simplify their 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, providing a platform for Australian artisans to sell their crafts. Similar to Folksy in the UK, Madeit focuses on local makers and buyers, making it ideal for those who want to reach the Australian market.
Key Features:
- Local focus: Madeit is dedicated to Australian artisans and consumers, offering a more localized shopping experience.
- Support for small makers: The platform provides tools and support to help new and established artisans grow their businesses.
- Curated marketplace: Madeit emphasizes quality and curation, making it a good option for artisans looking to stand out.
Fees: Madeit charges a small monthly subscription fee (starting at AUD $5 per month) and a 4% commission on sales.
Ideal For: Australian artisans looking to sell handmade goods within the local market and connect with buyers who appreciate Australian craftsmanship.
Conclusion
Choosing the right platform to sell your handmade products depends on your goals, target audience, and the level of control you want over your shop. Whether you’re looking for a large marketplace like Etsy or Amazon Handmade, or prefer the flexibility and customization of Shopify or Big Cartel, there’s a platform out there to suit every artisan’s needs.
By selecting the platform that best aligns with your business, you can maximize your reach, grow your brand, and turn your passion for handmade goods into a thriving online business.
