What Are Some Online Platforms For Selling Handmade Products?

You’ve perfected your craft and are ready to share your handmade products with the world. But where do you start? In “What Are Some Online Platforms For Selling Handmade Products?”, you'll explore some of the top online marketplaces that cater specifically to artisans like you. From Etsy’s vibrant community of indie sellers to the niche appeal of Storeenvy and the customizable flair of Big Cartel, this guide covers a range of platforms that can help you reach eager buyers.
Have you ever wondered where you can sell your handmade creations online? With so many options out there, it can be a little overwhelming to figure out the best place to showcase your unique products. But don't worry—this article will walk you through some of the top online platforms for selling handmade products. We’ll cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision, so you can find the perfect marketplace for your crafts.

What Are Some Online Platforms For Selling Handmade Products?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but exploring various platforms can help you find the perfect match for your handmade treasures. Whether you create jewelry, clothing, home decor, or art, each platform has its own set of features, audience, and selling environments. Let’s dive in and explore some popular platforms where you can start selling your handmade products.

Etsy

Etsy is often the first platform that comes to mind for handmade goods, and for good reason. This marketplace specializes in unique, handcrafted items and vintage goods. It boasts millions of active buyers, which means great exposure for your products.

Key Features:

• Easy-to-use interface for sellers and buyers.
• The option to customize your shop with banners and logos.
• Built-in analytics to help you track your sales and views.
• Marketing tools like listings promotion, search ads, and discounts.

Fees:

• $0.20 per listing.
• 5% transaction fee on the sale price (including shipping).

Pros:

• Large, active marketplace with a focus on handmade items.
• Strong community and support resources.

Cons:

• High competition, making it crucial to niche down and differentiate.
• Transaction fees can add up.

Handmade at Amazon

Handmade at Amazon is Amazon's take on the handcrafted marketplace. It allows artisans to sell their unique items on a global platform, giving them exposure to Amazon's massive customer base.

Key Features:

• Trusted Amazon infrastructure for listings, shipping, and payments.
• Prime eligibility for some sellers.
• Hand-vetted selling application, ensuring quality.

Fees:

• 15% referral fee per sale.

Pros:

• Access to Amazon's extensive customer base and marketing tools.
• Integration with Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) for convenient shipping.

Cons:

• Higher fees compared to some other platforms.
• Strict application process.

eBay

While not exclusively for handmade items, eBay can still be a great place to sell handmade products due to its vast user base. It offers a variety of listing options like auctions and fixed prices, allowing you to choose what works best for you.

Key Features:

• Flexible auction and fixed-price formats.
• International selling opportunities.
• Detailed analytics and sales history.

Fees:

• Insertion fees (first 50 listings per month are free).
• Final value fees (usually around 10%).

Pros:

• Huge customer base.
• Diverse range of products, reducing direct competition.

Cons:

• Not specifically geared towards handmade items.
• Listing fees can become expensive if you have a large inventory.

Shopify

Shopify allows you to create a fully customizable online store for your handmade items. It’s perfect if you want more control over branding and the customer experience.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive customization options.
• SEO and blogging tools for driving traffic.
• Various payment gateway integrations.

Fees:

• Monthly subscription (starting at $29/month).
• Transaction fees vary by payment method.

Pros:

• Full control over the design and branding of your store.
• Excellent customer support and extensive plugins.

Cons:

• Monthly fees can add up.
• Requires more effort and management compared to other platforms.

Big Cartel

Big Cartel is geared towards artists, makers, and small businesses. It provides a straightforward and cost-effective way to set up an online store.

Key Features:

• Simple and easy-to-use interface.
• Customization options for your storefront.
• Free plan for up to 5 products.

Fees:

• Free for up to 5 products.
• Paid plans start at $9.99/month.

Pros:

• Affordable for small inventories.
• Easy setup and minimal learning curve.

Cons:

• Limited features compared to some other platforms.
• Best suited for smaller product quantities.

Facebook Marketplace and Instagram Shopping

Social media platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Instagram Shopping allow you to reach audiences where they already spend a lot of their online time.

Key Features:

• Use social media to drive traffic and sales.
• Easy integration with Facebook shops and Instagram Shopping tags.
• Direct engagement with customers.

Fees:

• Facebook and Instagram do not currently charge listing fees, but transaction fees apply.

Pros:

• Large, engaged user base.
• Easy integration with your social media strategy.

Cons:

• High competition for attention.
• Requires consistent social media efforts.

Folksy

Folksy is a UK-based marketplace focusing on British handmade goods. It’s an excellent option for artisans in the UK looking for a platform that supports local handmade items.

Key Features:

• Focus on British handmade products.
• Community-oriented platform.
• Blog features and seller tips.

Fees:

• £0.15 per listing plus a 6% commission on sales.
• Pro membership option for £5/month.

Pros:

• Focus on UK handmade items.
• Supportive community.

Cons:

• Smaller audience compared to global platforms.
• Fees can add up without the Pro membership.

Zibbet

Zibbet allows you to manage multiple sales channels from one platform. You can list your products on Zibbet, Etsy, eBay, and other marketplaces, all through one interface.

Key Features:

• Centralized management of multiple sales channels.
• Simplified product listings.
• Inventory syncing across platforms.

Fees:

• $5/month per sales channel connected.

Pros:

• Time-saving unified platform.
• Simplifies multi-channel selling.

Cons:

• Costs increase with the number of connected channels.
• Fees on top of those from other marketplaces.

ArtFire

ArtFire is another marketplace focusing on handmade, vintage, and craft supplies. It allows you to create an online shop for selling your products and connecting with buyers looking for unique items.

Key Features:

• Focus on handmade, vintage, and craft supplies.
• Community features like forums and guilds.
• SEO and marketing tools.

Fees:

• $4.95/month plus listing fees or higher monthly plans without listing fees.

Pros:

• Focus on handmade and vintage items.
• Community and support features.

Cons:

• Smaller audience compared to larger platforms.
• Fees can add up depending on the plan.

Not On The High Street

This UK-based platform is tailored to unique and high-quality handcrafted items, offering a boutique-like shopping experience. It's a good choice if your products lean towards premium categories.

Key Features:

• Curated selection of high-quality handmade items.
• Personalization options for products.
• Marketing support and features.

Fees:

• Setup fee plus commission on sales (varies by product).

Pros:

• Niche market for premium handmade items.
• Brand-building assistance.

Cons:

• Higher upfront costs.
• Rigorous application process.

Storenvy

Storenvy offers a marketplace and a customizable online store, providing flexibility for how you want to sell your handmade products.

Key Features:

• Customizable online store.
• Marketplace with an audience.
• Free plan for basic features.

Fees:

• Free for basic features.
• 10% commission on marketplace sales.

Pros:

• Flexibility to run a standalone store and use the marketplace.
• Customization options without a monthly fee.

Cons:

• Smaller user base.
• Commission fees on marketplace sales.

Aftcra

Aftcra specializes in American handmade goods, providing a marketplace for U.S.-based artisans to sell their crafts. It’s ideal if you want to keep your business within the U.S. market.

Key Features:

• Exclusive to American handmade products.
• No listing fees.
• Focus on unique, artisan goods.

Fees:

• 7% transaction fee on sales.

Pros:

• U.S.-based artisan focus.
• No listing fees.

Cons:

• Limited to U.S. sellers.
• Smaller audience base.

Comparing The Platforms

Making the right choice requires understanding each platform's strengths and limitations. Here's a comparison table to help you decide:

Tips For Choosing The Right Platform

Consider Your Audience

Think about where your potential customers are likely to shop. If your products appeal to a broad audience, platforms like Etsy or Amazon might be suitable. For niche markets, more specialized platforms like Folksy or Aftcra could be a better fit.

Evaluate The Costs

Different platforms have different fee structures, from listing fees to transaction fees. Make sure to factor these into your pricing strategy to ensure profitability.

Assess Ease of Use

Some platforms are easier to use than others. If you’re not particularly tech-savvy, you might prefer user-friendly platforms like Etsy or Big Cartel. Platforms like Shopify offer more customization but come with a steeper learning curve.

Leverage Multi-Channel Selling

Don’t be afraid to diversify your presence. Platforms like Zibbet allow you to manage listings across multiple sites, increasing your reach without too much additional effort.

Understand Marketplaces vs. Custom Stores

Marketplaces offer built-in audiences but come with higher competition. Custom online stores, like those you can create with Shopify, give you full control over branding and customer experience but require more effort in driving traffic to your site.

Final Thoughts

Selling handmade products online can be incredibly rewarding, but choosing the right platform is crucial to your success. Whether you go for a large, all-encompassing marketplace like Etsy, or a niche, curated site like Not On The High Street, the key is to align your choice with your specific products, business goals, and the audience you want to reach. Take your time to explore these options, consider the pros and cons, and don't hesitate to try out a couple of different platforms to see which one works best for you.

Happy selling, and may your handmade creations find their perfect homes!