Best Online Selling Sites for Handmade Items

Handmade Items

In 2024, selling handmade items online has become more popular than ever. Whether you create handcrafted jewelry, personalized gifts, or custom art, there’s a platform out there for you to showcase and sell your unique creations. But with so many platforms available, how do you choose the best one? In this article, we’ll break down the top online marketplaces for handmade items, helping you find the perfect platform to grow your creative business.

What Is the Best Platform to Sell Handmade Items Online?

There are numerous platforms to sell handmade items online, but each has its unique features and audiences. When choosing the right platform, it’s essential to consider factors such as fees, audience size, and the ease of use. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best platforms for selling handmade goods in 2024.

1. Etsy

Etsy continues to be one of the most popular platforms for selling handmade items. Known for its creative community and vast marketplace, Etsy is home to millions of buyers looking for unique, handmade, and vintage items. It’s a well-established platform with excellent visibility and a trusted name among crafters and consumers alike.

Key Features:

Large audience: Millions of visitors worldwide.
Easy setup: Simple process to create your shop and list items.
Tools for sellers: Built-in marketing tools, analytics, and integrations with social media.

Fees:

Listing fee: $0.20 per item.
Transaction fee: 6.5% on the sale price, including shipping.

Why choose Etsy?
Etsy is ideal for sellers looking for a large audience with a focus on handmade, vintage, and craft supplies. If you’re just starting, Etsy’s user-friendly interface and established buyer base make it a great option.

2. Shopify

Shopify is a powerful e-commerce platform that allows you to create your own online store. Unlike marketplaces like Etsy, Shopify gives you full control over branding, design, and pricing. It’s perfect for sellers who want to build a more personalized shopping experience.

Key Features:

Customizable store: Full control over your store’s design and layout.
Multiple sales channels: Sell via social media, your website, and online marketplaces.
Integrated tools: Inventory management, marketing tools, and analytics.

Fees:

Monthly fee: Starting at $29 per month.
Transaction fee: 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction (lower rates available with higher plans).

Why choose Shopify?
Shopify is an excellent choice for artisans who want to grow their brand and expand beyond marketplaces. If you plan to scale your business, Shopify’s customization and growth tools make it the right fit.

3. Amazon Handmade

Amazon Handmade is Amazon’s specialized platform for handmade items. Although it’s not as widely known as Etsy in the handmade space, the sheer volume of Amazon customers makes this platform worth considering.

Key Features:

Massive reach: Access to Amazon’s global customer base.
Trusted brand: Benefit from Amazon’s reliability and customer trust.
Prime eligibility: Some items can be included in Amazon Prime, offering fast shipping.

Fees:

Monthly fee: $39.99 (waived for Handmade sellers).
Referral fee: 15% per sale.

Why choose Amazon Handmade?
If you’re looking to reach a massive audience and leverage Amazon’s logistics and customer service, Amazon Handmade can be a great choice. However, the competition can be stiff, and the fees are higher than other platforms.

4. Zibbet

Zibbet allows you to sell handmade goods across multiple channels, including Etsy, eBay, and Instagram, from one platform. It’s an excellent option for sellers looking to manage multiple storefronts easily.

Key Features:

Multi-channel sales: Manage multiple sales channels from one platform.
Customizable storefront: Create your own website with Zibbet’s tools.
Easy integration: Sync inventory across platforms to avoid overselling.

Fees:

Monthly fee: $5 per sales channel (no transaction fees).

Why choose Zibbet?
Zibbet is perfect for sellers who want to expand their reach without managing each platform separately. Its easy integration makes it ideal for those looking to sell across several channels efficiently.

5. Big Cartel

Big Cartel is a platform designed for independent artists and creators. It’s more minimalist than Shopify but offers enough customization to set up a professional-looking store. The platform is especially popular among artists, musicians, and creatives.

Key Features:

Affordable pricing: Free plan available for up to 5 products.
Customizable store: Basic customization options for design.
No transaction fees: You keep more of your profits.

Fees:

Free plan: For up to 5 products.
Paid plans: Starting at $9.99 per month (no transaction fees).

Why choose Big Cartel?
If you’re an independent artist or creator looking for a simple, affordable way to sell your products, Big Cartel is a solid option. It’s not as feature-rich as Shopify, but it’s easy to use and budget-friendly.

How to Sell Handmade Crafts Online

Selling handmade crafts online requires more than just listing your products. You need a strategy that includes effective pricing, marketing, and customer engagement. Here are some key steps to follow when selling your handmade items.

1. Create High-Quality Products

The most important part of selling handmade goods is ensuring the quality of your products. Buyers are looking for unique, high-quality items, so make sure your craftsmanship is top-notch.

2. Take Professional Photos

Good product photography is crucial for selling online. Invest in a decent camera or hire a photographer to showcase your products in the best light. Clear, well-lit images help build trust with potential buyers.

3. Write Compelling Descriptions

Your product descriptions should be informative and engaging. Include important details like size, materials used, and any customization options. Be sure to use SEO-friendly keywords in your descriptions to improve your product’s visibility in search engines.

Social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are excellent for promoting handmade products. Regularly share behind-the-scenes content, product updates, and customer testimonials to engage with your audience.

5. Offer Excellent Customer Service

Great customer service can set you apart from competitors. Be responsive to customer inquiries, offer clear return policies, and make sure your shipping is timely. Happy customers are more likely to leave positive reviews and recommend your shop to others.

Where to Sell Handmade Items Besides Etsy?

While Etsy is a popular choice, there are other marketplaces where you can sell handmade items. Here are some alternatives:

1. ArtFire

ArtFire is a smaller marketplace that focuses on handmade, vintage, and craft supplies. It offers a niche community and is an excellent option for those looking to diversify beyond Etsy.

2. Folksy

Folksy is a UK-based marketplace specifically for handmade goods. It’s a great option for sellers in the UK and Europe looking to tap into a local market.

3. IndieMade

IndieMade offers a platform where you can create your own website to sell handmade goods. It’s more customizable than Etsy and is ideal for sellers who want more control over their branding.

Where to Sell Handmade Items in Europe?

If you’re based in Europe, there are several excellent platforms where you can sell handmade items.

1. Dawanda (Germany)

Although Dawanda shut down its marketplace in 2018, many former Dawanda sellers migrated to platforms like Etsy and Folksy. Germany-based creators can still find success on these platforms, especially Etsy, which has a large European audience.

2. ALM (Artisan Lane Market)

Artisan Lane Market is an emerging marketplace specifically focused on European artisans. It’s growing in popularity and offers a localized option for selling handmade goods.

3. Tictail (Sweden)

Tictail was a Swedish platform that helped European artisans sell their goods globally. However, since Tictail merged with Shopify, sellers have moved to platforms like Etsy and Amazon Handmade to continue their sales.

Conclusion

In 2024, selling handmade items online has become more accessible and lucrative than ever. Platforms like Etsy, Shopify, Amazon Handmade, and more offer diverse options to showcase your unique products to a global audience. By choosing the right platform and following best practices for product listings, photos, and customer engagement, you can grow a successful online handmade business. Whether you’re just starting or looking to expand, there’s a marketplace that fits your needs and helps you reach your creative potential.

Table: Comparison of Top Platforms for Selling Handmade Items in 2024

Platform	Best For	Fees	Key Features
Etsy	Handmade and vintage items	$0.20 listing + 6.5% fee	Large audience, user-friendly, built-in tools
Shopify	Custom branding	$29/month + transaction fee	Customizable, multi-channel sales, growth potential
Amazon Handmade	Global reach	15% referral fee	Access to Amazon’s customer base, Prime eligibility
Zibbet	Multi-channel sales	$5/month per channel	Sell across multiple platforms, sync inventory
Big Cartel	Independent artists	Free for up to 5 products	Simple, no transaction fees, affordable plans

You can also read: How to Make Money on We Work Remotely in 2024?

What Are the Best Online Selling Sites for Handmade Items in 2024?