Selling handmade products has become more accessible thanks to a range of online platforms tailored to artisans and creators. Whether you’re starting out or expanding your business, choosing the right platform is crucial to reaching a larger audience and building your brand. In this guide, we’ll explore the best platforms for selling handmade items, highlighting features like user base, fees, ease of use, and the type of products each platform excels at showcasing.
1. Etsy
Keywords: Etsy for handmade, selling on Etsy, best platform for handmade goods
Why It’s Popular: Etsy is a go-to marketplace for handmade, vintage, and artisan products, attracting millions of buyers who value unique creations. It’s the perfect platform for artisans looking to gain access to a large, ready-made audience.
Key Features:
- Ease of Use: Etsy makes it easy to set up a shop and list your products.
- Built-in Audience: It provides direct access to a community of buyers actively searching for handmade goods.
- Search Visibility: Etsy’s SEO tools help optimize your listings for better visibility.
Fees: Etsy charges a $0.20 listing fee per item, plus a 6.5% transaction fee on sales, and payment processing fees.
Ideal For: Sellers of handmade jewelry, clothing, home décor, and gifts seeking a wide, built-in audience.
2. Shopify
Keywords: Shopify for handmade, eCommerce for artisans, building a shop on Shopify
Why It’s Popular: Shopify is a highly customizable eCommerce platform, giving you full control over your online store. Unlike Etsy, Shopify lets you build a professional shop with your unique branding.
Key Features:
- Full Control: Customize your store’s design and functionality.
- Multiple Sales Channels: Shopify integrates with social media and other platforms like Amazon and eBay.
- Scalability: Shopify offers pricing plans and tools for businesses of all sizes.
Fees: Monthly fees starting at $29, plus transaction fees for third-party payment processors.
Ideal For: Artisans wanting to create a professional online presence with full control over their branding and customer experience.
3. Amazon Handmade
Keywords: Amazon Handmade, selling handmade on Amazon
Why It’s Popular: Amazon Handmade offers access to a global marketplace with millions of potential customers. It’s ideal for artisans who want to scale up and take advantage of Amazon’s fulfillment services.
Key Features:
- Global Reach: Amazon’s vast audience provides extensive exposure.
- Prime Eligibility: Sellers using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) can offer Prime shipping.
- Trusted Platform: Amazon’s reputation for reliability and customer service.
Fees: No listing fees, but Amazon takes a 15% referral fee per sale, along with a $39.99 monthly subscription fee for professional selling.
Ideal For: Artisans looking for large-scale exposure and those who want to benefit from Amazon’s fulfillment services.
4. Big Cartel
Keywords: Big Cartel for handmade, affordable eCommerce
Why It’s Popular: Big Cartel is designed for artists and makers who prefer simplicity and affordability. It’s a great option for small-scale artisans who don’t need complex features.
Key Features:
- Affordability: Free plans for up to five products.
- Ease of Setup: Simple to use with no prior eCommerce experience required.
- Customization: Offers basic themes for a personalized look.
Fees: Free for up to five products, paid plans starting at $9.99/month for more features.
Ideal For: Small-scale artisans and creatives who need an affordable and easy-to-use platform.
5. Folksy
Keywords: Folksy UK handmade, British handmade marketplace
Why It’s Popular: Folksy is a UK-based platform specifically for handmade goods. It’s perfect for British artisans looking to sell locally and connect with customers who appreciate handmade products.
Key Features:
- Niche Audience: Focuses on the UK market, ideal for local artisans.
- Support for Makers: Strong focus on promoting handmade products and supporting independent creators.
- Simple to Use: Easy setup with a user-friendly interface.
Fees: £0.15 listing fee, plus a 6% commission on sales. “Folksy Plus” offers unlimited listings for £5/month.
Ideal For: UK-based artisans seeking a local marketplace with a focus on independent makers.
6. Zibbet
Keywords: Zibbet handmade marketplace, multi-channel selling
Why It’s Popular: Zibbet is a multi-channel platform that allows artisans to sell on various sites from one central account, including Etsy and eBay, offering convenience for sellers who want to expand their reach.
Key Features:
- Multi-Channel Management: Sell across Etsy, eBay, and Zibbet’s own marketplace.
- Low Fees: Zibbet charges a flat fee of $5/month per sales channel.
- Customizable Store: Simple and clean store layout with some customization options.
Fees: $5 per month for each sales channel with no additional transaction fees on Zibbet’s marketplace.
Ideal For: Artisans who want to manage multiple sales channels from one dashboard.
7. Madeit
Keywords: Madeit handmade Australia, Australian handmade marketplace
Why It’s Popular: Madeit is Australia’s largest handmade marketplace, focused on local artisans and buyers. It’s perfect for artisans who want to sell in the Australian market.
Key Features:
- Local Focus: Dedicated to Australian consumers and makers.
- Support for Makers: Offers tools and support to help artisans grow their businesses.
- Curated Marketplace: Emphasizes high-quality, well-curated handmade items.
Fees: Small monthly fee starting at AUD $5/month and a 4% commission on sales.
Ideal For: Australian artisans seeking to sell locally and connect with consumers who appreciate local craftsmanship.
Conclusion
The right platform for selling your handmade products depends on your business goals, target audience, and level of control you desire. Whether you prefer a large marketplace like Etsy or Amazon Handmade or a customizable platform like Shopify or Big Cartel, there’s a perfect fit for every artisan. Choose the platform that aligns with your vision, and you’ll be well on your way to growing your handmade business.