The Best Platforms to Sell Your Handmade Products

Selling handmade items has become more accessible than ever, thanks to a variety of online platforms tailored specifically for artisans and makers. Whether you’re just beginning or looking to grow your business, choosing the right platform can expand your reach and enhance your brand. This article covers the best platforms to sell handmade products, focusing on factors like user base, fees, ease of use, and the types of products they specialize in.

1. Etsy
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Why It’s Popular: Etsy is one of the most recognized and widely used 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: Setting up a shop and listing products is simple, even for beginners.
• Built-in audience: Etsy is home to buyers specifically looking for handmade and vintage items.
• Search visibility: Etsy’s search function and SEO features help optimize listings for greater discoverability.
  Fees: Etsy charges a small listing fee ($0.20 per item) and a 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
Keywords: Shopify for handmade, eCommerce for artisans, building a shop on Shopify, sell handmade online
Why It’s Popular: Shopify allows you to create a fully customizable online store, giving you control over your branding and customer experience. It’s ideal for artisans looking to establish 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: Shopify integrates with social media platforms, Amazon, and eBay.
• Scalability: Shopify offers plans to accommodate businesses of any size.
  Fees: Monthly subscription fees start at $29, plus transaction fees for third-party payment processors.
  Ideal For: Artisans who want to build a dedicated online shop with complete control over design and growth.

3. Amazon Handmade
Keywords: Amazon Handmade, selling handmade on Amazon, handmade crafts on Amazon, Amazon for artisans
Why It’s Popular: Amazon Handmade connects artisans to a vast global audience, offering access to Amazon’s fulfillment services, including fast shipping and Prime eligibility.
Key Features:

• Global reach: Millions of customers worldwide.
• Prime eligibility: Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) allows you to offer Prime shipping.
• Trusted platform: Amazon’s reputation for customer service ensures buyer confidence.
  Fees: No listing fees, but Amazon takes a 15% referral fee and a $39.99 monthly subscription fee for professional sellers (waived for Handmade sellers).
  Ideal For: Artisans looking for exposure on a large scale with access to Amazon’s global network.

4. Big Cartel
Keywords: Big Cartel for handmade, affordable eCommerce, independent artists platform, Big Cartel features
Why It’s Popular: Big Cartel is perfect for small-scale artisans who need an affordable, easy-to-use platform to maintain a minimalist online shop.
Key Features:

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

5. Folksy
Keywords: Folksy UK handmade, British handmade marketplace, sell crafts on Folksy, UK artisans
Why It’s Popular: Folksy is a UK-based marketplace for handmade goods, catering to British artisans and local buyers. It provides a community-driven space for independent makers.
Key Features:

• Niche audience: Focused on UK-based buyers and sellers.
• Support for makers: Promotes the value of handmade products.
• Simple to use: An easy-to-navigate interface for new sellers.
  Fees: £0.15 listing fee, 6% commission on sales, and payment processing fees.
  Ideal For: UK-based artisans wanting to sell to a local audience within 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 place, integrating with platforms like Etsy and eBay for broader reach.
Key Features:

• Multi-channel management: Sync your listings to multiple platforms from one dashboard.
• 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 who want to sell across multiple platforms and streamline their operations.

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, 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 wanting to reach a local market.

Conclusion
Choosing the right platform depends on your goals, audience, and the level of control you desire. Whether you opt for a large marketplace like Etsy or Amazon Handmade or a customizable eCommerce solution like Shopify, there is a platform to suit every artisan’s needs. By aligning your choice with your business objectives, you can maximize your reach and turn your handmade products into a successful online venture.