Selling Handmade Products Online: Top Websites and Tips

Whether you’re looking for places to sell your handmade goods or to branch into other marketplaces, there are several great ecommerce sites to help gain you exposure. From big-name sites like Etsy and Handmade at Amazon to smaller, niche-focused platforms, this article will cover the top websites and expert tips to help boost your sales of handmade products.

The goal is to provide a comprehensive guide to the best websites and expert strategies to help you sell your crafts and handmade products online effectively. We’ll explore popular marketplaces, niche-specific platforms, wholesale options, and social media integration to ensure you reach the right audience and maximize your sales potential.

Popular Marketplaces to Sell Handmade Products Online

For artisans and makers looking to sell their handmade products online, there are several popular marketplaces to consider. Two of the most prominent options are Etsy, the global Etsy handmade marketplace, and Amazon Handmade, a specialized section within the Amazon platform.

Etsy: The Global Handmade Marketplace

Etsy is the number one online Etsy handmade marketplace, with over 7 million active sellers and 96 million active buyers (2022). As the best-known global platform for unique and creative goods, from handmade products to vintage treasures, Etsy is an excellent choice for artisans who may not have their website or prefer to control their sales volume. The platform allows sellers to use “vacation mode” to manage when and how often customers can purchase from their store.

Amazon Handmade: Reach Millions of Customers

Amazon Handmade is a specialized store area within the main Amazon website, where invited artisans can sell their one-of-a-kind, handcrafted goods, home decor, jewelry, stationery, fashion accessories, and more. While Amazon Handmade takes a 15% referral fee for each sale, it provides sellers with the ability to reach Amazon’s hundreds of millions of customers worldwide. This platform is particularly appealing for artists who already sell on Amazon or are looking to expand to a new, high-traffic online marketplace.

Niche Handmade Marketplaces

Beyond the well-known global platforms like Etsy, there are niche marketplaces that cater to specific segments of the handmade product industry. These specialized platforms offer creators unique opportunities to reach their target audiences and build recurring revenue streams.

Cratejoy: Subscription Box Marketplace

Cratejoy is a marketplace specifically designed for subscription box businesses. This platform helps makers and artisans find subscribers in their niche, with over 500,000 monthly visitors. Cratejoy provides a way for sellers to build a community around their patrons through a monthly subscription box, tapping into the growing popularity of recurring revenue models.

Folksy: UK-Based Handmade Marketplace

Folksy is a handmade marketplace that caters to artists and makers from the United Kingdom. If you’re a seller from England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, Folksy may be a more targeted platform to showcase your handcrafted goods to a regional audience. The site promotes one-of-a-kind, handcrafted items from over 50,000 independent creatives in the UK.

Sell Handmade Products Online, Best Websites to Sell Handmade Products

As an artisan or crafter looking to sell your handmade goods online, the options are plentiful. Two platforms that offer unique benefits for independent sellers are Zibbet and Hyena Cart.

Zibbet: No Listing or Sales Fees

Zibbet is an online handmade marketplace that attracts makers with its “no listing fees, no sales fees, and a free account” approach. This low-risk platform may be a great option for artists and crafters who are just starting to sell their handmade products online. Home to more than 50,000 independent creatives, Zibbet offers a way for sellers to list their one-of-a-kind items alongside a community of like-minded makers.

Hyena Cart: Eco-Friendly Handmade Goods

Hyena Cart is a handmade marketplace that specifically caters to eco-friendly and sustainable products. If your crafts and handmade goods are made to be green or environmentally-conscious, this nature-focused platform may be a perfect fit. While Hyena Cart skews towards baby and children’s items, it provides a dedicated space for artisans creating handmade, earth-friendly goods.

Selling Handmade Crafts: Category-Specific Platforms

In the world of handmade goods, there are specialized platforms that cater to specific crafts and creative niches. One such platform is Ravelry, a thriving online community and marketplace for knitters, crocheters, and fiber artists. On Ravelry, makers who create knitting or crochet patterns, spin or dye yarn can list their handmade products and connect with a dedicated community of enthusiasts.

Ravelry: Knitting and Crochet Patterns

Ravelry offers a unique space for knitting and crochet enthusiasts to showcase their handmade patterns and connect with like-minded individuals. This niche platform provides an opportunity for fiber-focused artisans to reach a targeted audience of craft lovers and sell their handcrafted goods.

In addition to Ravelry, several online platforms allow artists and designers to showcase and sell their handmade artwork and creations. Sites like Cafepress, Society6, Zazzle, Redbubble, and DeviantArt enable makers to upload their designs and apply them to a variety of products, from prints and apparel to home goods and more. These category-specific online galleries offer a dedicated space for design portfolios and allow artists to reach customers interested in unique, handmade art and design.

Wholesale Handmade Marketplaces

Beyond the popular retail-focused platforms, there are several online wholesale handmade marketplaces where makers can connect with buyers and retailers. Sites like Amazon Business, Stockabl, Faire, IndieMe, and Brandboom allow handmade sellers to list their products for wholesale purchase. These b2b marketplaces provide an opportunity for artisanal brands to expand their reach and get their unique goods in front of wholesale buyers and small businesses seeking distinctive, handcrafted items.

For those looking to scale their handmade business, these online wholesale platforms offer a valuable avenue to connect with a new customer base. By listing on these specialized B2B marketplaces, makers can showcase their products to a wider audience of wholesale buyers, retailers, and small businesses in search of high-quality, wholesale handmade goods.

Social Media and Website Integration

In the world of online selling, savvy handmade sellers are leveraging the power of social media platforms to market and sell their products. Tools like Facebook and Instagram Shopping allow makers to create shoppable posts and seamlessly integrate their product catalogs directly on these social channels. This provides customers with a seamless shopping experience, where they can discover and purchase handmade goods without ever leaving the comfort of their preferred social media app.

While online marketplaces like Etsy and Amazon Handmade offer a convenient way to list and sell handmade products, some artisans may opt to create their standalone website or online store. This approach provides makers with more control over their branding, customer relationships, and the overall shopping experience. Platforms such as Shopify, Squarespace, and WooCommerce enable crafters to build custom, ecommerce-enabled websites, allowing them to sell directly to consumers and cultivate their own brand identity beyond the constraints of a marketplace setting.

Facebook and Instagram Shopping

By utilizing the social media selling features on Facebook and Instagram, handmade sellers can create shoppable posts and seamlessly integrate their online store product catalogs. This provides a convenient and immersive shopping experience for customers, who can discover and purchase handmade goods without ever leaving their favorite social media platforms.

Standalone Website or Online Store

While online marketplaces offer a turnkey solution for selling handmade products, some makers may choose to build their standalone website or online store. This approach allows for greater control over branding, customer relationships, and the overall ecommerce experience. Platforms like Shopify, Squarespace, and WooCommerce empower artisans to create custom, ecommerce-enabled websites, enabling them to sell directly to consumers and cultivate their own unique brand identity.

Marketing Tips for Handmade Sellers

Effective marketing is essential for handmade sellers looking to stand out in the crowded online marketplace. Investing in high-quality product photography and developing a cohesive brand identity can significantly improve your online presence and sales. Product photography and branding are crucial elements of successful handmade marketing.

Product Photography and Branding

Showcasing your handmade products with professional-level product photography can make a significant difference in attracting customers. Invest in a simple, well-lit setup to capture the intricate details and artisanal nature of your creations. Develop a recognizable brand aesthetic that aligns with the uniqueness of your handmade goods, ensuring a cohesive visual identity across all your marketing channels.

Social Media Marketing and Influencer Outreach

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok provide powerful marketing channels for handmade sellers. Engage with an active social media presence, leveraging targeted advertising and partnering with relevant influencers to drive traffic and sales for your online handmade business. Strategically using social media to build brand awareness and connect with potential customers is a crucial component of successful handmade promotion.

Selling Handmade Products Online Conclusion

Selling handmade products online offers a wealth of opportunities for makers and artisans to grow their businesses and reach new customers. By leveraging the right online marketplaces, such as Etsy, Amazon Handmade, and Flippium.com, as well as utilizing social media platforms and standalone websites, handmade sellers can maximize their success in the thriving world of ecommerce.

This comprehensive guide has covered the top websites, platforms, and tips to help you sell your handcrafted goods online and take your craft business to new heights. Whether you’re a seasoned artisan or just starting, the strategies and insights shared in this article can assist you in navigating the competitive landscape of handmade selling online.

By focusing on effective marketing techniques, such as high-quality product photography, branding, and social media outreach, you can stand out in the crowded online marketplace and build a loyal customer base for your handmade products. Additionally, staying attuned to the evolving consumer preferences and trends in the handmade industry can help you adapt your business strategy and cater to the growing demand for unique, personalized, and sustainable handcrafted items.