Which Online Platforms Allow For Selling Handmade Crafts?

Are you an artist or craftsman looking to showcase and sell your unique creations online? If so, you may be wondering which online platforms are the best for selling handmade crafts. Look no further! In this article, we will explore some of the top online platforms that are specifically designed to cater to artisans like you. From popular marketplaces to specialized craft-focused websites, we will provide a comprehensive overview of where you can showcase and sell your handmade crafts to a wide audience.

Etsy

Overview

Etsy is a popular online marketplace that focuses on handmade and vintage items. It provides a platform for artists, crafters, and small businesses to showcase and sell their unique creations to a global audience. With millions of buyers and sellers worldwide, Etsy has become a go-to destination for handmade crafts enthusiasts.

Features and Benefits

One of the key features of Etsy is its user-friendly interface, which allows sellers to easily set up their own online shops. The platform also provides various tools and resources to help sellers market and promote their products effectively. Etsy’s search algorithm is designed to showcase relevant and unique items, increasing the visibility of handmade crafts to potential buyers.

In addition, Etsy offers customizable shop policies and product listings, allowing sellers to showcase their brand and connect with their customers on a personal level. It also provides secure payment options and buyer protection, ensuring a safe and trustworthy platform for transactions.

How to Sell on Etsy

To start selling on Etsy, you first need to create an account. Once registered, you can set up your shop by adding a profile picture, creating a shop name, and providing a description of your handmade crafts. Next, you can start listing your products by uploading high-quality photos, writing compelling descriptions, and setting competitive prices.

Etsy provides various tools to optimize your shop’s visibility, such as adding relevant tags and categories to your listings. You can also utilize promotional tools like discounts or free shipping offers to attract more buyers. Engaging with the Etsy community through forums and social media can also help increase exposure and gain loyal customers.

Fees and Charges

Etsy charges several fees for sellers. There is a listing fee of $0.20 per item, which lasts for four months or until the item is sold. Additionally, Etsy applies a 5% transaction fee on the sale price, including shipping costs. Sellers are also responsible for payment processing fees, which vary depending on the payment method.

Amazon Handmade

Overview

Amazon Handmade is a specialized section within the larger Amazon marketplace that focuses on artisanal and handmade products. It provides a platform for artisans and small businesses to reach a wider audience and tap into the vast customer base of Amazon. With its name recognition and extensive reach, Amazon Handmade offers great potential for selling handmade crafts.

Features and Benefits

One of the main advantages of selling on Amazon Handmade is the exposure to millions of active Amazon customers. By leveraging the reputation and trust of the Amazon brand, sellers can quickly gain visibility and attract buyers to their unique handmade crafts. Amazon also provides a streamlined selling process, easy inventory management, and robust shipping solutions.

Moreover, Amazon Handmade offers a comprehensive seller support system, including personalized assistance, educational resources, and access to a dedicated community. This allows sellers to continuously improve their craft, enhance their businesses, and stay up-to-date with market trends and best practices.

How to Sell on Amazon Handmade

To start selling on Amazon Handmade, you need to apply to become an Artisan and meet the eligibility criteria. This includes creating your own products, ensuring they adhere to Amazon’s guidelines for handmade goods, and being able to fulfill orders yourself or through a third-party fulfillment service.

Once approved, you can set up your Artisan profile and create product listings. It is crucial to optimize your listings with high-quality images, detailed descriptions, and relevant keywords. Amazon’s search algorithm takes into account these factors, contributing to the visibility of your handmade crafts.

Fees and Charges

Amazon Handmade charges a referral fee for each sale made. The fee structure varies depending on the category of your product, ranging from 6% to 20% of the product’s price. Sellers also need to take into account payment processing fees, which vary depending on the chosen payment method. It is advisable to carefully review Amazon’s fee structure to ensure profitability when selling on the platform.

eBay

Overview

eBay is a well-established online marketplace that offers a wide range of products, including handmade crafts. It provides a platform for sellers to reach a global customer base and run their own online stores. eBay’s immense popularity and user-friendly interface make it an attractive option for selling handmade crafts.

Features and Benefits

One of the notable features of eBay is its auction-style listings, which can create excitement and competition among buyers. This can be advantageous for sellers looking to maximize profits or test the market value of their handmade crafts. eBay also offers various listing formats, including fixed-price listings and classified ads, providing flexibility for sellers.

In addition, eBay provides tools to help sellers manage their businesses efficiently. This includes inventory management systems, promotional tools, and customer communication channels. eBay’s global shipping program also simplifies international shipping for sellers, expanding their potential customer base.

How to Sell on eBay

To start selling on eBay, you need to create an account and set up your seller profile. This involves choosing a username, providing contact information, and linking a payment method. Once your profile is set up, you can start listing your handmade crafts by adding photos, writing descriptions, and setting prices.

eBay offers various selling formats, allowing you to choose between auction-style listings or fixed-price listings. It is important to research the market value of your handmade crafts and set competitive prices to attract buyers. You can also utilize eBay’s promotional tools, such as discounts and coupons, to incentivize purchases.

Fees and Charges

eBay charges several fees for sellers, including insertion fees for listing items and final value fees on the total amount of the sale. The exact fee structure depends on several factors, such as the listing format, category, and optional listing upgrades. It is recommended to familiarize yourself with eBay’s fee schedule to ensure profitability when selling handmade crafts on the platform.

Shopify

Overview

Shopify is an e-commerce platform that allows individuals and businesses to create their own online stores. It provides a user-friendly interface and powerful tools to help sellers design, launch, and manage their own e-commerce websites. With customizable themes, seamless integration with various payment gateways, and extensive marketing features, Shopify is a popular choice for selling handmade crafts.

Features and Benefits

One of the main advantages of using Shopify is the ability to fully customize your online store. With Shopify’s drag-and-drop editor, you can easily create a visually appealing and professional-looking website that matches your brand. The platform also offers a wide range of themes and templates, allowing you to showcase your handmade crafts in a compelling way.

Furthermore, Shopify provides a robust set of tools to manage your online store efficiently. This includes inventory management, order fulfillment, analytics, and customer relationship management. It also offers comprehensive marketing features, such as SEO optimization, email marketing, and social media integration, to help drive traffic and increase sales.

How to Sell on Shopify

To start selling on Shopify, you need to sign up for an account and choose a subscription plan that suits your needs. Once registered, you can customize your store by selecting a theme, uploading your branding assets, and adding your product listings. Shopify’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate and customize your store to reflect your unique style.

When adding product listings, be sure to provide detailed descriptions, high-quality images, and accurate pricing information. Shopify also allows you to categorize your products, add tags for easy searching, and manage inventory levels. You can also utilize Shopify’s built-in marketing tools to drive traffic to your store and convert visitors into buyers.

Fees and Charges

Shopify offers various subscription plans, ranging from basic to advanced, with different features and pricing levels. The cost of your subscription depends on the plan you choose and can be subject to additional transaction fees if you use external payment gateways. It is advisable to consider your budget, expected sales volume, and desired features when selecting a Shopify plan.

ArtFire

Overview

ArtFire is an online marketplace specifically designed for handmade crafts, vintage items, and artisanal products. It provides a platform for artists, crafters, and small businesses to create their own shops and sell their handmade creations. With a focus on unique and handcrafted products, ArtFire offers a niche marketplace to showcase and sell your handmade crafts.

Features and Benefits

ArtFire offers a range of features to help you establish and grow your handmade crafts business. The platform provides customizable shop pages, allowing you to showcase your brand and connect with your target audience. ArtFire also offers a community forum, where sellers can interact, seek advice, and share their experiences.

Moreover, ArtFire provides tools to optimize your product listings and increase visibility. These include adding detailed descriptions, high-quality images, and relevant tags. The platform also offers built-in social media sharing options, allowing you to promote your handmade crafts on various platforms and drive traffic to your shop.

How to Sell on ArtFire

To start selling on ArtFire, you need to sign up for an account and create your shop. This involves providing basic information about your business, uploading a profile picture, and setting up your shop policies. Once your shop is set up, you can start listing your handmade crafts by adding descriptions, images, and pricing information.

ArtFire’s listing process allows you to add multiple variations and options for each product, making it easy to offer customization and personalization. You can also utilize the platform’s SEO tools to optimize your product listings and improve your visibility in search results. Engaging with the ArtFire community and participating in promotions can also help increase your shop’s exposure.

Fees and Charges

ArtFire offers a tiered pricing structure, allowing sellers to choose between different membership levels. The cost of each level varies and depends on the features and benefits included. ArtFire charges a monthly fee for each membership level, and there are no additional fees per listing. However, sellers may incur fees for optional upgrades, such as additional image space or advertising.

Handmade at Amazon

Overview

Handmade at Amazon is a dedicated section within the Amazon marketplace that focuses on artisanal and handmade products. It provides a platform for artisans and small businesses to reach a broader audience and tap into Amazon’s vast customer base. With its trusted reputation and extensive reach, Handmade at Amazon offers exciting opportunities for selling handmade crafts.

Features and Benefits

One of the main benefits of selling on Handmade at Amazon is the exposure to millions of active Amazon customers. Handmade products are showcased in a distinct section, allowing buyers specifically interested in unique and handmade crafts to easily discover and browse through your offerings. Amazon’s infrastructure and logistics also provide efficient order processing and fulfillment.

Handmade at Amazon offers various tools and resources to help sellers succeed, including a dedicated artisan support team, educational resources, and a community forum. This enables sellers to stay informed about best practices, industry trends, and marketing strategies specific to handmade crafts. Moreover, Handmade at Amazon provides a streamlined listing process, making it easy to showcase and sell your handmade products.

How to Sell on Handmade at Amazon

To start selling on Handmade at Amazon, you need to apply to become an Artisan and meet the eligibility criteria. This includes creating your products yourself or with the help of a small team, ensuring they meet Amazon’s guidelines for handmade items, and having professional images showcasing your crafts.

Once approved, you can set up your Artisan profile, create product listings, and manage your inventory. It is crucial to provide compelling product descriptions, accurate pricing information, and high-quality images to attract potential buyers. Handmade at Amazon also offers the option to participate in promotions, such as limited-time discounts, to increase visibility and sales.

Fees and Charges

Handmade at Amazon charges a referral fee for each sale made, which varies depending on the category of your product. The fee structure ranges from 15% to 20% of the product’s price, with a minimum fee of $1.00. In addition to the referral fee, sellers also need to consider payment processing fees, which vary depending on the chosen payment method.

Zibbet

Overview

Zibbet is an online marketplace designed for artists, crafters, and vintage collectors. It provides a platform to showcase and sell handmade crafts, art, and other unique creations. With its focus on promoting independent makers and artists, Zibbet offers a supportive community and an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals.

Features and Benefits

One of the main features of Zibbet is its multi-channel selling capability. With a single listing, you can showcase and sell your handmade crafts on Zibbet, as well as other platforms such as Etsy and Shopify. This allows you to reach a wider audience and increase the chances of making sales.

Zibbet also provides various tools to help you manage your handmade crafts business effectively. These include inventory management, order tracking, and shipping integration. Additionally, Zibbet offers a customizable storefront, allowing you to showcase your brand and create a unique shopping experience for your customers.

How to Sell on Zibbet

To start selling on Zibbet, you need to create an account and set up your storefront. This involves choosing a shop name, providing a description of your business, and adding your handmade crafts listings. Zibbet provides a user-friendly interface for creating and managing your listings, allowing you to upload images, write descriptions, and set prices.

The platform also offers various customization options, such as choosing a theme, configuring your shop policies, and adding branding elements. Zibbet supports integration with external payment gateways, making it easy to receive secure payments from your customers. Promoting your Zibbet shop through social media and engaging with the Zibbet community can also help increase exposure and attract potential buyers.

Fees and Charges

Zibbet offers different subscription plans for sellers, with features and pricing varying at each level. The cost of your subscription depends on the number of listings you have and the duration you choose. Unlike many other platforms, Zibbet does not charge transaction fees, allowing you to keep more of your profits. It is important to consider your budget and sales volume when selecting a subscription plan on Zibbet.

Bonanza

Overview

Bonanza is an online marketplace that prides itself on being a seller-centric platform. It offers a wide range of products, including handmade crafts, and provides a platform where sellers can easily set up their own online stores. With its focus on simplicity and personalized support, Bonanza offers an attractive option for selling handmade crafts.

Features and Benefits

One of the main features of Bonanza is its user-friendly interface and streamlined listing process. Creating a shop and listing products is quick and straightforward, allowing you to start selling your handmade crafts in no time. Bonanza also offers various tools for customization, enabling you to personalize your shop and brand.

Bonanza’s advertising features are noteworthy, as they provide sellers with opportunities to increase visibility and reach potential buyers. The platform offers advertising options, such as Google Shopping campaigns and affiliate marketing, to drive targeted traffic to your handmade crafts listings. This can help increase sales and expand your customer base.

How to Sell on Bonanza

To start selling on Bonanza, you need to create an account and set up your shop. This involves filling out a basic profile, choosing a unique booth name, and customizing your shop appearance. Once your shop is set up, you can start listing your handmade crafts by adding images, descriptions, and pricing information.

Bonanza provides tools to help you optimize your listings, including bulk editing options for saving time. It is important to write detailed and accurate descriptions, as well as upload high-quality images to attract potential buyers. Bonanza also offers integrations with popular social media platforms, allowing you to share your listings and drive traffic to your shop.

Fees and Charges

Bonanza charges fees based on a flexible commission structure. The commission is calculated based on the final value of each sale, including shipping fees, with different rates depending on the total sales volume. Bonanza also offers optional advertising opportunities, such as Google Shopping and affiliate marketing, which have separate fees. It is recommended to review Bonanza’s fee structure to understand the potential costs associated with selling handmade crafts on the platform.

Ruby Lane

Overview

Ruby Lane is an online marketplace that specializes in vintage and antique items, including handmade crafts. It provides a platform for sellers to showcase and sell unique, one-of-a-kind creations to a targeted audience. With its focus on vintage aesthetics and high-quality craftsmanship, Ruby Lane offers a distinctive marketplace for selling handmade crafts.

Features and Benefits

One of the key benefits of selling on Ruby Lane is the platform’s curated atmosphere. The marketplace focuses on vintage and specialty goods, attracting buyers with a specific interest in unique and handmade items. This can help your handmade crafts stand out among a targeted audience and increase the chances of finding passionate buyers.

Ruby Lane also offers a seamless and personalized selling experience. The platform provides customizable shop options and allows sellers to add branding elements. It also offers various marketing tools, including newsletters and promotions, to help sellers reach potential buyers and increase sales.

How to Sell on Ruby Lane

To start selling on Ruby Lane, you need to create an account and apply to become a shop owner. This involves providing information about your business, as well as images and descriptions of your handmade crafts. Ruby Lane carefully reviews applications to ensure the quality and authenticity of the items being sold on the marketplace.

Once approved, you can set up your shop and upload your handmade crafts listings. Ruby Lane offers customization options, allowing you to create a shop that reflects your brand and style. It is crucial to provide detailed descriptions, accurate pricing, and high-quality images to attract buyers who appreciate unique and handmade creations.

Fees and Charges

Ruby Lane charges a monthly maintenance fee for shop owners, which covers the cost of maintaining and promoting the marketplace. The fee varies depending on the level of service selected. Additionally, Ruby Lane charges a small transaction fee on each sale made, which is based on the purchase price of the item. It is important to consider these fees when pricing your handmade crafts on Ruby Lane.

Aftcra

Overview

Aftcra is an online marketplace that focuses exclusively on handmade goods made in the United States. It provides a platform for independent artists and crafters to showcase and sell their unique creations. With its emphasis on supporting local artisans, Aftcra offers a community-driven marketplace for selling handmade crafts.

Features and Benefits

One of the main features of Aftcra is its commitment to supporting small business owners and local artisans. The platform exclusively features handmade goods made in the United States, allowing sellers to tap into a market focused on supporting local economies and artisans. This can help your handmade crafts find an audience that appreciates and values unique craftsmanship.

Aftcra also offers a straightforward and user-friendly interface. Setting up your shop and listing your handmade crafts is quick and easy, making it accessible for sellers new to online marketplaces. Aftcra also provides promotional tools, such as social media sharing and built-in marketing features, to help sellers increase their visibility and attract potential buyers.

How to Sell on Aftcra

To start selling on Aftcra, you need to create an account and set up your shop. This involves providing basic information about your business, including your location and contact details. Once your shop is created, you can start listing your handmade crafts by adding descriptions, images, and pricing information.

Aftcra allows sellers to showcase their unique style and craft by offering customization options for their shop appearance. This allows you to personalize your shop and create a cohesive brand experience for buyers. It is important to write detailed descriptions, accurately price your handmade crafts, and upload high-quality images to attract potential customers.

Fees and Charges

Aftcra charges a flat fee for each listing, regardless of the listing duration. The fee is affordable and allows your listing to remain active until sold. Aftcra does not charge any additional transaction fees or commission on sales, allowing you to keep more of your profits. It is recommended to review Aftcra’s pricing structure to understand the fees associated with selling handmade crafts on the platform.

In conclusion, there are various online platforms available for selling handmade crafts, each with its own unique features, benefits, and fees. Platforms like Etsy, Amazon Handmade, eBay, Shopify, ArtFire, Handmade at Amazon, Zibbet, Bonanza, Ruby Lane, and Aftcra offer opportunities to showcase and sell your handmade creations to a global or niche audience. Whether you prefer the larger marketplaces with established customer bases or the platforms focused on supporting independent artisans, there is a suitable option for every seller. Consider the specific features, benefits, and fees associated with each platform to make an informed decision and maximize your success in selling your unique handmade crafts online.