Selling handmade products online is a great way to showcase your creativity and turn it into a profitable business. Whether you are just starting out, transitioning from craft markets, or looking for additional sales platforms, the internet offers countless opportunities to sell handmade goods. The challenge lies in finding the best platform that aligns with your goals and resources.
In this blog, we will explore the best online marketplaces, niche-specific platforms, wholesale opportunities, and website-building tools to help you successfully sell your handmade products.
Understanding Your Selling Options
Before choosing a platform, it’s important to understand the different types of online selling options for handmade businesses:
- Retail Marketplaces: Platforms where you sell directly to customers (e.g., Etsy, Amazon Handmade).
- Country-Specific Marketplaces: Platforms popular in specific regions.
- Niche-Specific Platforms: Websites that focus on unique or specific handmade items.
- Wholesale Marketplaces: Sell to retailers instead of individual customers.
- Your Own Website: Build a dedicated platform to have complete control over your store.
- Social Media Platforms: Use Facebook, Instagram, and other social media to sell directly.
Each option has its pros and cons, so it’s essential to pick one (or more) based on your business goals, audience, and the time you can dedicate to managing it.
Top Retail Handmade Marketplaces
1. Etsy
Etsy is the leading global marketplace for handmade goods. With millions of customers actively searching for unique items, Etsy provides a huge opportunity to reach buyers worldwide.
Pros:
- Large, established customer base.
- Easy to set up and manage.
- Tools for SEO optimization to improve visibility.
Cons:
- High competition.
- Listing and transaction fees.
Tool Link: Etsy Marketplace
2. Amazon Handmade
Amazon Handmade is Amazon’s dedicated platform for artisans and handmade sellers. It gives you access to Amazon’s vast audience but is more selective in accepting sellers.
Pros:
- Reach Amazon’s massive global customer base.
- High trust factor for buyers.
Cons:
- Strict application process.
- Higher fees compared to other platforms.
Tool Link: Amazon Handmade
Smaller Handmade Marketplaces
3. IndieCart
IndieCart supports independent artists selling handmade goods. It is perfect for makers looking for a smaller, community-focused platform.
Tool Link: IndieCart
4. Folksy (UK)
Folksy is a UK-based platform that markets itself as the largest online craft fair for British artists and makers.
Tool Link: Folksy
5. Madeit (Australia)
Madeit exclusively supports Australian handmade businesses, ensuring all products are locally made.
Tool Link: Madeit
6. Felt (New Zealand)
Felt focuses on New Zealand-based artists and crafters, offering a local marketplace for handmade goods.
Tool Link: Felt Marketplace
Niche-Specific Platforms for Handmade Products
Some marketplaces cater to specific types of handmade goods or target audiences. If your products fit within these niches, they can be a great fit:
1. Uncommon Goods
Uncommon Goods showcases unique, creative products that stand out for their design or purpose. Sellers need to submit their products for approval before they can sell.
Tool Link: Uncommon Goods
2. Society6
Society6 is ideal for artists and graphic designers. Upload your designs, and customers can buy them as prints, phone cases, T-shirts, mugs, and more.
Tool Link: Society6
3. Creative Market
Creative Market focuses on digital products, making it perfect for designers who sell templates, fonts, illustrations, and patterns.
Tool Link: Creative Market
Wholesale Marketplaces for Handmade Products
If you prefer selling your products in bulk to retailers, wholesale marketplaces offer an excellent opportunity:
1. Faire
Faire is a global wholesale marketplace where handmade sellers can connect with retailers.
Tool Link: Faire Wholesale
2. Global Crafts
Global Crafts specializes in fair trade handmade products, connecting artisans with retailers globally.
Tool Link: Global Crafts
Create Your Own Handmade Store Website
Creating your own website gives you full control over branding, marketing, and pricing. While it requires a bit more effort, it can be highly rewarding in the long term.
1. Shopify
Shopify is the leading platform for e-commerce businesses. It offers customizable themes, built-in payment options, and integrations with POD services and marketplaces.
Tool Link: Shopify
2. WordPress with WooCommerce
WordPress combined with WooCommerce allows for advanced customization, making it ideal for experienced sellers.
Tool Link: WooCommerce
Social Media Platforms for Handmade Sellers
Social media platforms can serve as an additional sales channel for handmade products:
- Facebook Marketplace: Local selling opportunities.
- Instagram: Showcase products and use Instagram Shopping for direct sales.
- Facebook Groups: Build a community around your handmade niche.
Pro Tip:
Use social media to direct traffic to your primary marketplace or website instead of relying solely on it for sales.
Key Tips for Selling Handmade Products Online
- Choose the Right Platform:
- Start with one or two platforms that align with your target audience and product type.
- Optimize Product Listings:
- Use high-quality images and write clear, descriptive product titles and descriptions.
- Price Your Products Strategically:
- Factor in material costs, labor, shipping, and marketplace fees.
- Build Your Brand:
- Focus on creating a cohesive brand identity to build trust with customers.
- Leverage Social Media Marketing:
- Use platforms like Instagram and Facebook to drive traffic to your store.
- Provide Excellent Customer Service:
- Prompt responses and smooth order handling will lead to repeat customers.
Conclusion
Selling handmade products online offers limitless opportunities for creative entrepreneurs. Whether you choose large marketplaces like Etsy and Amazon Handmade, smaller niche platforms like Uncommon Goods and Society6, or decide to build your own website with Shopify, there is an option that fits your business goals.
Focus on creating high-quality products, optimizing your listings, and marketing effectively to reach the right audience. With dedication and the right strategy, your handmade business can thrive in the online marketplace.
