The Best Online Marketplaces to Sell Handmade Products
In recent years, the demand for handmade and artisanal products has surged as consumers increasingly seek unique, high-quality, and personalized items. Whether you’re a seasoned artisan or just starting out, selling your handmade creations online can be a lucrative way to reach a global audience. However, with so many online marketplaces available, it can be challenging to determine which platform is best suited for your business.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top online marketplaces for selling handmade products, highlighting their features, benefits, and potential drawbacks. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of where to list your products to maximize exposure and sales.
1. Etsy: The Go-To Marketplace for Handmade Goods
Overview
Etsy is arguably the most popular online marketplace for handmade products. Founded in 2005, Etsy specializes in unique, vintage, and custom-made items, making it an ideal platform for artisans, crafters, and small businesses.
Key Features
- Niche Focus : Etsy caters specifically to handmade, vintage, and craft supplies, ensuring that your products are seen by buyers looking for one-of-a-kind items.
- Global Reach : With millions of active users worldwide, Etsy offers access to a vast international customer base.
- Easy Setup : Creating a shop on Etsy is straightforward, even for beginners. You can upload product photos, write descriptions, and set prices within minutes.
- Built-In Tools : Etsy provides tools for managing inventory, processing payments, and tracking sales, all within its platform.
Pros
- Large, established community of buyers interested in handmade goods.
- Low startup costs (listing fees are minimal).
- Mobile app for easy management of your shop on the go.
Cons
- High competition due to the sheer number of sellers.
- Etsy charges transaction fees (currently 6.5% per sale) and payment processing fees.
- Limited customization options for shop design.
Best For
Artisans who want a simple, user-friendly platform with a built-in audience of buyers seeking handmade and unique products.
2. Amazon Handmade: A Premium Option for Artisans
Overview
Amazon Handmade is a curated section of Amazon dedicated exclusively to handmade products. Launched in 2015, it offers artisans a chance to sell their goods on one of the largest e-commerce platforms in the world.
Key Features
- Curated Selection : Sellers must apply and be approved to join Amazon Handmade, ensuring a higher level of quality control.
- Prime Benefits : Many Amazon Handmade products are eligible for Prime shipping, which can increase visibility and trust among buyers.
- Wide Audience : As part of Amazon, you gain access to millions of shoppers who may not be actively searching for handmade goods but could discover your products through Amazon’s algorithms.
Pros
- Access to Amazon’s massive customer base.
- Integration with Amazon Prime, which can boost sales.
- No listing fees; you only pay a referral fee (currently 15%) on each sale.
Cons
- Application process can be competitive and time-consuming.
- Higher referral fees compared to some other platforms.
- Less focus on storytelling and brand identity compared to Etsy.
Best For
Artisans who want to leverage Amazon’s vast reach and are comfortable with a more streamlined, less personalized shopping experience.
3. ArtFire: A Community-Driven Marketplace
Overview
ArtFire is a smaller, community-driven marketplace that focuses on handmade goods, art, and craft supplies. It’s designed to support independent artists and creators, offering a more intimate shopping experience than larger platforms like Etsy or Amazon.
Key Features
- Diverse Categories : ArtFire allows sellers to list handmade products, fine art, vintage items, and craft supplies.
- Customizable Shops : Unlike Etsy, ArtFire gives sellers more control over the look and feel of their shops, allowing for greater personalization.
- No Listing Fees : ArtFire does not charge per-listing fees, which can be appealing for sellers with large inventories.
Pros
- Lower competition compared to Etsy.
- More customization options for shop design.
- Active community forums for networking with other sellers.
Cons
- Smaller customer base, meaning fewer potential buyers.
- Monthly subscription fee (starting at $12.95/month).
- Less brand recognition than Etsy or Amazon.
Best For
Artisans who value creative freedom and want a more personalized shopping experience for their customers.
4. Zibbet: A Multi-Channel Selling Platform
Overview
Zibbet is a lesser-known but growing marketplace that allows artisans to sell handmade products across multiple channels, including their own website, social media, and third-party platforms like eBay and Amazon.
Key Features
- Multi-Channel Selling : Zibbet integrates with various sales channels, giving you the flexibility to manage all your listings from one dashboard.
- No Transaction Fees : Unlike Etsy or Amazon, Zibbet does not charge transaction fees, only a flat monthly subscription fee.
- Customizable Stores : Zibbet offers more control over the design and layout of your store, allowing you to create a unique brand identity.
Pros
- No transaction fees, which can save money in the long run.
- Ability to sell across multiple platforms without additional effort.
- Strong focus on supporting independent artists and small businesses.
Cons
- Smaller customer base compared to Etsy or Amazon.
- Requires more technical knowledge to set up and manage multi-channel sales.
- Limited marketing tools compared to larger platforms.
Best For
Artisans who want to expand their reach across multiple sales channels and prefer a platform with no transaction fees.
5. Society6: Print-on-Demand for Artists
Overview
Society6 is a print-on-demand marketplace that allows artists to upload their designs and sell them on a variety of products, including prints, phone cases, mugs, and apparel. It’s an excellent option for visual artists and designers who want to monetize their artwork without handling production or shipping.
Key Features
- Print-on-Demand Model : Society6 handles production, fulfillment, and shipping, allowing you to focus solely on creating designs.
- Wide Product Range : Your artwork can be applied to hundreds of products, increasing your earning potential.
- Passive Income : Once your designs are uploaded, they can generate revenue indefinitely with minimal ongoing effort.
Pros
- No upfront costs or inventory management.
- Wide range of products to showcase your designs.
- Global reach with a built-in audience of art lovers.
Cons
- Lower profit margins compared to selling directly to customers.
- Limited control over pricing and product selection.
- Highly competitive, especially in popular categories like wall art.
Best For
Visual artists and designers who want to monetize their artwork without worrying about production or shipping logistics.
6. Shopify: Build Your Own E-Commerce Store
Overview
While not a traditional marketplace, Shopify is a powerful e-commerce platform that allows you to build your own online store from scratch. It’s an excellent option for artisans who want complete control over their brand and customer experience.
Key Features
- Full Customization : Shopify offers extensive design options, allowing you to create a unique and professional-looking store.
- Integrated Marketing Tools : Shopify includes SEO, email marketing, and social media integration to help drive traffic to your store.
- Third-Party Integrations : You can connect your Shopify store to other platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for additional sales channels.
Pros
- Complete control over branding, pricing, and customer experience.
- No transaction fees if you use Shopify Payments.
- Scalable platform that grows with your business.
Cons
- Monthly subscription fees (starting at $29/month).
- Requires more time and effort to drive traffic compared to established marketplaces.
- You’re responsible for marketing, customer service, and fulfillment.
Best For
Artisans who want full control over their brand and are willing to invest time in building and promoting their own online store.
7. Big Cartel: Simple and Affordable for Artists
Overview
Big Cartel is a lightweight e-commerce platform designed specifically for artists and makers. It’s a great option for those who want to sell directly to customers without the complexity of larger platforms like Shopify.
Key Features
- Simple Design : Big Cartel offers clean, minimalist templates that are easy to customize.
- Affordable Pricing : Plans start at just $9.99/month for up to 5 products, making it accessible for small-scale artisans.
- Direct Sales : Unlike marketplaces, Big Cartel allows you to sell directly to customers without sharing revenue with a third party.
Pros
- Low-cost plans for small businesses.
- Easy-to-use interface with minimal setup required.
- No transaction fees on lower-tier plans.
Cons
- Limited scalability for larger businesses.
- Fewer marketing and integrations compared to Shopify.
- Smaller feature set overall.
Best For
Small-scale artisans and artists who want an affordable, straightforward platform to sell their handmade goods.
8. Folksy: A UK-Based Marketplace for Handmade Goods
Overview
Folksy is a UK-based marketplace that focuses exclusively on handmade and crafted items. It’s similar to Etsy but caters primarily to a British audience, making it a great option for artisans based in the UK or those targeting European customers.
Key Features
- Local Focus : Folksy connects UK-based buyers with local artisans, fostering a sense of community.
- Low Fees : Folksy charges a flat listing fee of 20p per item and a 5% commission on sales.
- Support for Small Businesses : The platform emphasizes supporting independent makers and small businesses.
Pros
- Strong community of UK-based buyers and sellers.
- Lower fees compared to Etsy.
- Easy-to-use platform with a focus on handmade goods.
Cons
- Smaller customer base compared to global platforms like Etsy.
- Limited international reach.
- Less brand recognition outside the UK.
Best For
UK-based artisans who want to sell to a local audience and benefit from lower fees.
