Selling handmade products has become more accessible than ever, thanks to a variety of online platforms designed specifically for artisans. Whether you’re new to the craft or looking to expand your business, choosing the right platform can help you reach a wider audience and grow your brand. This guide explores the best platforms to sell your handmade creations, with a focus on factors like audience size, fees, user-friendliness, and the types of products each platform excels in showcasing.
- Etsy
Why It’s Popular: Etsy is one of the most renowned platforms for selling handmade goods. With millions of active users, it offers artisans a robust marketplace for unique, vintage, and crafted items.
Key Features:
- Easy setup for shops and product listings
- Large, built-in audience specifically looking for handmade items
- Strong search function and SEO options for visibility
Fees: Etsy charges a listing fee ($0.20 per item) and takes a 6.5% transaction fee, plus payment processing fees.
Best For: Sellers of jewelry, clothing, home décor, art, and gifts seeking a broad audience.
- Shopify
Why It’s Popular: Shopify offers full control over your online store, giving artisans the ability to design and manage their brand and customer experience. It’s ideal for those looking to establish a professional online presence.
Key Features:
- Fully customizable themes and plugins
- Multi-channel sales through integration with social media, Amazon, and eBay
- Scalable pricing plans
Fees: Shopify charges a monthly subscription fee (starting at $29/month) and transaction fees for third-party payment processors.
Best For: Artisans wanting to create a professional online store with full design control, especially those planning to scale.
- Amazon Handmade
Why It’s Popular: Amazon Handmade provides access to Amazon’s massive global audience. With the option to use Amazon’s fulfillment services, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking widespread exposure.
Key Features:
- Large global reach
- Prime shipping eligibility for FBA users
- Trusted platform with excellent customer service
Fees: Amazon Handmade charges no listing fees but takes a 15% referral fee per sale. There is a $39.99/month subscription fee for professional sellers, though it may be waived for Handmade sellers.
Best For: Artisans seeking massive exposure and the benefits of Amazon’s fulfillment services.
- Big Cartel
Why It’s Popular: Big Cartel is a simple, affordable platform designed for small-scale artisans. It’s perfect for those wanting a minimalist online shop without the complexity of larger platforms.
Key Features:
- Free plan for up to five products
- Easy setup for sellers with no prior eCommerce experience
- Customizable themes
Fees: Free plan for up to five products, paid plans starting at $9.99/month. No transaction fees except standard payment processing fees.
Best For: Small-scale artisans, artists, and makers looking for a straightforward platform with minimal customization.
- Folksy
Why It’s Popular: Folksy is a UK-based marketplace dedicated to handmade goods, offering a community-driven environment that supports independent makers.
Key Features:
- Focus on UK-based buyers and sellers
- Simple setup and user-friendly interface
- Emphasis on supporting independent makers
Fees: £0.15 listing fee, 6% commission on sales, plus payment processing fees. A “Folksy Plus” option offers unlimited listings for £5/month.
Best For: UK-based artisans looking for a niche marketplace focused on local products.
- Zibbet
Why It’s Popular: Zibbet allows artisans to manage multiple storefronts from one platform. It syncs with Etsy, eBay, and other platforms, simplifying the process of selling across multiple channels.
Key Features:
- Multi-channel management from one place
- Low fees with no transaction fees on Zibbet Marketplace
- Customizable shop appearance
Fees: $5/month for each sales channel used (e.g., Etsy, eBay, Zibbet Marketplace).
Best For: Artisans who want to expand across multiple platforms and manage everything from a central dashboard.
- Madeit
Why It’s Popular: Madeit is Australia’s largest handmade marketplace, focusing on local artisans and buyers, making it perfect for those targeting the Australian market.
Key Features:
- Localized focus on Australian artisans and consumers
- Tools and support for small makers
- Curated marketplace for quality products
Fees: Small monthly subscription fee starting at AUD $5/month and a 4% commission on sales.
Best For: Australian artisans looking to sell locally and connect with buyers who appreciate Australian craftsmanship.
Conclusion
Choosing the right platform to sell your handmade creations depends on your goals, target audience, and the level of control you want over your shop. Whether you prefer a large marketplace like Etsy or Amazon Handmade or the flexibility of platforms like Shopify or Big Cartel, there’s a platform suited for every artisan’s needs.
By selecting the platform that best matches your business, you can maximize your reach, build your brand, and turn your passion for handmade products into a successful online business.
