The Best Platforms to Sell Your Handmade Products

Selling handmade items is now easier than ever thanks to a range of online platforms designed specifically for artisans and makers. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your business, selecting the right platform can significantly expand your reach and elevate your brand. This article explores the best platforms to sell handmade products, focusing on factors such as user base, fees, ease of use, and product specialization.

1. Etsy

Why It’s Popular: Etsy is one of the most recognized platforms for handmade goods, with millions of active users. Known for its focus on unique, vintage, and artisanal products, Etsy offers a large, built-in audience ready to discover your creations. Key Features:

• Ease of Use: Simple shop setup and product listing process, even for beginners.
• Built-in Audience: Attracts buyers specifically searching for handmade and vintage items.
• Search Visibility: Etsy’s SEO features and search optimization help your listings get discovered.
• Fees: Small listing fee ($0.20 per item), 6.5% transaction fee, plus payment processing fees. Ideal For: Sellers of handmade jewelry, clothing, home décor, art, and gifts seeking a large audience.

2. Shopify

Why It’s Popular: Shopify enables you to create a fully customizable online store, giving you control over branding and customer experience. It’s perfect for artisans aiming to build a professional online presence and scale their business. Key Features:

• Full Control: Customize your store’s design and functionality with various themes and plugins.
• Multiple Sales Channels: Integrates with platforms like social media, Amazon, and eBay.
• Scalability: Plans available to support businesses of any size.
• Fees: Monthly fees starting at $29, plus transaction fees for third-party processors. Ideal For: Artisans who want to build a dedicated online store with control over design and growth.

3. Amazon Handmade

Why It’s Popular: Amazon Handmade connects artisans to a massive global audience, with access to Amazon’s fulfillment services, including fast shipping and Prime eligibility. Key Features:

• Global Reach: Access to millions of customers worldwide.
• Prime Eligibility: Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) offers Prime shipping options.
• Trusted Platform: Amazon’s reputation ensures buyer trust.
• Fees: No listing fees; 15% referral fee and a $39.99 monthly subscription fee for professional sellers (waived for Handmade sellers). Ideal For: Artisans who want broad exposure and access to Amazon’s global network.

4. Big Cartel

Why It’s Popular: Big Cartel is perfect for small-scale artisans seeking an affordable, simple platform to manage their minimalist online shop. Key Features:

• Affordability: Free plans for up to five products, ideal for beginners.
• Ease of Setup: No eCommerce experience required.
• Customization: Basic but customizable themes.
• Fees: Free for up to five products, paid plans starting at $9.99 per month. Ideal For: Small-scale artisans and independent artists looking for an affordable and simple online presence.

5. Folksy

Why It’s Popular: Folksy is a UK-based marketplace for handmade goods, catering to British artisans and buyers. It offers a community-driven space for independent makers. Key Features:

• Niche Audience: Focused on UK buyers and sellers.
• Support for Makers: Promotes the value of handmade products.
• Easy to Use: Simple interface for new sellers.
• Fees: £0.15 listing fee, 6% commission on sales, plus payment processing fees. Ideal For: UK artisans wishing to sell locally in a supportive, niche marketplace.

6. Zibbet

Why It’s Popular: Zibbet allows artisans to manage multiple storefronts from one dashboard, integrating with Etsy and eBay for broader reach. Key Features:

• Multi-Channel Management: Sync listings across various platforms.
• Low Fees: No listing or transaction fees on Zibbet’s marketplace.
• Customizable Store: Clean layout with customization options.
• Fees: $5 per month for each sales channel used, no transaction fees on Zibbet’s marketplace. Ideal For: Artisans looking to sell on multiple platforms and streamline their operations.

7. Madeit

Why It’s Popular: Madeit is Australia’s largest handmade marketplace, focusing on local artisans and buyers, similar to Folksy in the UK. Key Features:

• Local Focus: Dedicated to Australian artisans and consumers.
• Support for Makers: Offers tools and support for business growth.
• Curated Marketplace: Focuses on quality, offering a curated space for unique products.
• Fees: $5 monthly subscription and 4% commission on sales. Ideal For: Australian artisans seeking to reach a local market.

Conclusion

Choosing the right platform depends on your goals, target audience, and the level of control you want. Whether you choose a large marketplace like Etsy or Amazon Handmade or a more customizable eCommerce solution like Shopify, there’s a platform suited for every artisan. Align your choice with your business objectives to maximize your reach and make your handmade products a successful online venture.