Selling handmade items is now more accessible than ever thanks to a variety of online platforms designed specifically for artisans. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your business, choosing the right platform is essential for reaching a broader audience and growing your brand. In this guide, we’ll explore the top platforms for selling your handmade products, focusing on aspects like user base, fees, ease of use, and the types of products each platform excels at showcasing.
1. Etsy
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Why It’s Popular: Etsy is one of the most well-known platforms for selling handmade goods, offering a vast community of buyers who actively seek out unique, artisan, and vintage products. With millions of active users, Etsy provides immediate access to a large and engaged audience.
Key Features:
- Ease of use: Setting up your shop is straightforward, even for beginners.
- Built-in audience: Etsy attracts buyers specifically looking for handmade and vintage items.
- Search visibility: Robust search functionality and SEO optimization allow your products to stand out.
Fees: Etsy charges a $0.20 listing fee per item, plus a 6.5% transaction fee and a payment processing fee.
Ideal For: Sellers of handmade jewelry, clothing, home décor, art, and unique gifts who want access to a broad, established audience.
2. Shopify
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Why It’s Popular: Shopify offers full customization of your online store, giving you complete control over your brand, customer experience, and website design. It’s perfect for artisans looking to build a professional presence and scale their business.
Key Features:
- Full control: Design your store with customizable themes and plugins.
- Multiple sales channels: Shopify integrates with social media, Amazon, and eBay.
- Scalability: Flexible pricing plans and tools for businesses of all sizes.
Fees: Shopify charges a monthly subscription fee starting at $29, plus transaction fees if you use third-party payment processors.
Ideal For: Artisans who want full control over their store’s design and customer interactions, especially those looking 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 massive global audience, along with the option to use Amazon’s fulfillment services, which includes Prime shipping.
Key Features:
- Global reach: Millions of customers worldwide.
- Prime eligibility: Sellers using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) can offer Prime shipping.
- Trusted platform: Amazon’s reputation for customer service and reliable shipping makes it a trusted marketplace.
Fees: Amazon Handmade does not charge listing fees but takes a 15% referral fee per sale, plus a $39.99 monthly subscription for professional selling.
Ideal For: Artisans looking for broad exposure and those who want to utilize Amazon’s global fulfillment options.
4. Big Cartel
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Why It’s Popular: Big Cartel is a simple platform for small-scale artisans, focusing on affordability and ease of use. It’s perfect for creators who want to maintain a minimalist shop without the complexity of larger eCommerce platforms.
Key Features:
- Affordability: Free plans for up to five products.
- Ease of setup: Simple and ideal for those new to eCommerce.
- Customization: Offers customizable themes to suit your brand.
Fees: The free plan allows up to five products. Paid plans start at $9.99/month, with no additional transaction fees.
Ideal For: Small-scale artisans and creators who want an affordable, straightforward platform with minimal setup.
5. Folksy
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Why It’s Popular: Folksy is a UK-based marketplace focused on handmade goods. It’s ideal for British artisans looking to sell locally or within the UK market, with a strong community of independent makers.
Key Features:
- Niche audience: Tailored for UK-based buyers and sellers.
- Support for makers: Focuses on supporting independent artisans.
- Simple to use: Offers an easy-to-navigate interface and setup process.
Fees: Folksy charges a £0.15 listing fee and a 6% commission on sales, plus payment processing fees. There’s also a “Folksy Plus” option for unlimited listings at £5/month.
Ideal For: UK-based artisans looking to sell handmade products to local buyers in a supportive, niche marketplace.
6. Zibbet
Keywords: Zibbet handmade marketplace, multi-channel selling, sell on Zibbet, Zibbet for makers
Why It’s Popular: Zibbet allows artisans to manage multiple storefronts from one platform. It integrates with Etsy, eBay, and other platforms, making it easy for sellers to expand their reach across different channels.
Key Features:
- Multi-channel management: Sync your listings across Etsy, eBay, and Zibbet’s marketplace.
- Low fees: No listing or transaction fees on Zibbet’s marketplace; only a flat monthly fee.
- Customizable store: Simple and clean layout with options for customization.
Fees: Zibbet charges a flat fee of $5/month per sales channel.
Ideal For: Artisans who want to sell across multiple platforms while managing all their listings from one 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, dedicated to supporting Australian artisans and connecting them with local buyers.
Key Features:
- Local focus: Designed for Australian artisans and consumers.
- Support for small makers: Provides tools and support for artisans to grow their businesses.
- Curated marketplace: Emphasizes quality, making it ideal for artisans looking to stand out.
Fees: Madeit charges a small monthly subscription fee starting at AUD $5/month and takes a 4% commission on sales.
Ideal For: Australian artisans looking to sell locally within Australia and connect with customers who appreciate Australian craftsmanship.