Sep
Selling handmade products has never been easier, thanks to a variety of online platforms designed specifically for artisans and makers. Whether you are just starting or looking to expand your business, choosing the right platform can help you reach a wider audience and grow your brand. Below are some of the best platforms for selling handmade products, evaluated based on user base, fees, ease of use, and the types of products they cater to.
1. Etsy
Why it’s popular: Etsy is one of the most well-known platforms for handmade goods, attracting millions of buyers looking for unique, vintage, and artisan products.
Key features:
- Easy to set up and list products, even for beginners.
- A large built-in audience specifically searching for handmade and vintage items.
- Strong search visibility, with SEO tools to optimize product listings.
Fees: Etsy charges a listing fee of $0.20 per item, a transaction fee of 6.5% per sale, and a payment processing fee.
Best for: Sellers of handmade jewelry, clothing, home décor, art, and gifts who want access to an established marketplace.
2. Shopify
Why it’s popular: Shopify is a fully customizable eCommerce platform that allows you to create your own online store with full control over branding, design, and customer experience.
Key features:
- Complete control over store design with customizable themes and plugins.
- Multiple sales channels, integrating with social media, Amazon, and eBay.
- Scalable solutions, making it ideal for businesses at any stage of growth.
Fees: Shopify has a monthly subscription fee starting at $29, plus transaction fees if using third-party payment processors.
Best for: Artisans who want to build a dedicated online store with full control over branding and long-term growth.
3. Amazon Handmade
Why it’s popular: Amazon Handmade gives artisans access to Amazon’s massive global customer base while providing fulfillment options through Amazon Prime.
Key features:
- Global reach, with millions of potential customers.
- Eligibility for Prime shipping when using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA).
- A trusted marketplace known for reliable service and shipping.
Fees: No listing fees, but Amazon Handmade takes a 15% referral fee per sale. The $39.99 monthly professional seller fee may be waived for Handmade sellers.
Best for: Artisans looking for large-scale exposure and those who want to leverage Amazon’s fulfillment services.
4. Big Cartel
Why it’s popular: Big Cartel is a simple and affordable platform designed for artists and makers who want a minimalist online shop without the complexity of larger platforms.
Key features:
- Free plan available for up to five products.
- User-friendly interface, ideal for sellers with no prior eCommerce experience.
- Customizable themes to create a unique store appearance.
Fees: Free plan allows up to five products, with paid plans starting at $9.99 per month. No additional transaction fees beyond standard payment processing fees.
Best for: Small-scale artisans and independent artists looking for a simple, affordable online store.
5. Folksy
Why it’s popular: Folksy is a UK-based marketplace dedicated to handmade goods, making it a great option for British artisans looking to sell locally.
Key features:
- A niche audience focused on UK-based buyers and sellers.
- Strong community support for independent makers.
- A straightforward setup process, making it easy for new sellers.
Fees: Listing fee of £0.15 and a 6% commission on sales, plus payment processing fees. A “Folksy Plus” subscription for unlimited listings costs £5 per month.
Best for: UK-based artisans selling within a niche handmade marketplace.
6. Zibbet
Why it’s popular: Zibbet allows sellers to manage multiple storefronts from one dashboard, syncing listings across platforms like Etsy and eBay.
Key features:
- Multi-channel selling, integrating with platforms like Etsy and eBay.
- No listing or transaction fees on its own marketplace.
- A simple, customizable store layout.
Fees: A flat fee of $5 per month per sales channel used (e.g., Etsy, eBay, Zibbet Marketplace).
Best for: Artisans who want to expand across multiple platforms while managing everything from one place.
7. Madeit
Why it’s popular: Madeit is Australia’s largest handmade marketplace, dedicated to local artisans looking to sell within the Australian market.
Key features:
- A platform focused on Australian buyers and sellers.
- Support for independent makers with tools to grow their business.
- A curated marketplace emphasizing quality handmade products.
Fees: Monthly subscription starting at AUD $5 and a 4% commission on sales.
Best for: Australian artisans seeking a marketplace tailored to local handmade goods.
Choosing the Right Platform for Your Handmade Business
The best platform depends on your business goals, target audience, and the level of control you want over your store.
- If you want immediate access to a large customer base: Etsy, Amazon Handmade
- If you want full control over branding and store design: Shopify, Big Cartel
- If you are selling in a specific country: Folksy (UK), Madeit (Australia)
- If you want to manage multiple platforms from one dashboard: Zibbet
By selecting the right platform, you can maximize your reach, establish your brand, and turn your handmade business into a thriving online store.
