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Infinity Media
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The 7 Best Platforms To Sell Handmade Products
Handmade products hold a unique charm. Each piece tells a story, carries the creator's passion, and offers something truly special to buyers. For artisans and creators, finding the right platform to showcase and sell these products is crucial. The right marketplace helps artisans reach the right audience, set fair prices, and create a brand that resonates with customers. Here's a look at seven of the best platforms for selling handmade products, each with its unique features and audience.
1. Etsy
Overview: Etsy has become synonymous with handmade and vintage items. Founded in 2005, the platform has established itself as the go-to marketplace for artisans, crafters, and vintage sellers. With over 90 million active buyers, Etsy provides a large and engaged audience that’s looking for unique and customized items.
Why Choose Etsy?
- Audience: Etsy is well-known among shoppers seeking handmade, unique, and vintage goods, meaning you’re already targeting people likely interested in your products.
- Ease of Use: Setting up a store on Etsy is relatively easy. You can upload listings, add photos, and describe your products without a complicated setup.
- Community Support: Etsy has a thriving community and offers resources to help sellers succeed. You’ll find forums, tips, and support articles to guide you.
Downsides:
- Fees: Etsy charges a listing fee, transaction fee, and payment processing fee, which can add up.
- Competition: With millions of sellers, standing out can be challenging. Optimizing your listings and branding becomes essential.
2. Shopify
Overview: Shopify is one of the most versatile eCommerce platforms, and it’s perfect for artists and artisans looking to build a brand. Unlike marketplace sites, Shopify allows sellers to create their own online store with complete control over its appearance and functionality.
Why Choose Shopify?
- Customization: Shopify gives you complete control over the look and feel of your website, which is ideal for building a brand.
- Marketing Tools: Shopify provides integrated tools for email marketing, social media selling, and SEO, making it easier to attract buyers.
- Secure Payment Options: Shopify offers secure payment gateways, giving both sellers and buyers confidence in transactions.
Downsides:
- Cost: Shopify’s monthly plans start around $29, plus transaction fees, which can add up if you’re just starting out.
- Traffic: Unlike Etsy or Amazon Handmade, you’ll need to work on driving your own traffic, as Shopify doesn’t come with a built-in audience.
3. Amazon Handmade
Overview: Amazon Handmade is Amazon’s dedicated marketplace for artisans and craftsmen. Since Amazon is the world’s largest online retailer, selling on Amazon Handmade gives artisans access to an extensive, global audience.
Why Choose Amazon Handmade?
- Trust Factor: Amazon is a trusted brand, which can make customers feel more comfortable buying from new sellers.
- Reach: Amazon has a massive global customer base, allowing sellers to reach buyers far beyond their local markets.
- No Listing Fees: Unlike other platforms, Amazon Handmade doesn’t charge a listing fee, making it a cost-effective option.
Downsides:
- High Fees: While there’s no listing fee, Amazon charges a 15% referral fee on each sale, which can cut into your profit margins.
- Approval Process: Amazon Handmade requires an application process, which can be more time-consuming than simply setting up an Etsy or Shopify store.
4. Facebook Marketplace and Facebook Shops
Overview: Facebook Marketplace and Facebook Shops offer an easy way to sell handmade items directly through social media. With over 2.8 billion active users, Facebook provides an incredible audience reach. Setting up a Facebook Shop lets you create a catalog of products directly on your Facebook and Instagram profiles, making it easier for people to discover your products.
Why Choose Facebook?
- Audience Reach: With billions of users, Facebook offers exposure to a vast audience. Facebook Shops also integrate with Instagram, adding another layer of visibility.
- Cost-Effective: Facebook Shops is free to set up. While Facebook takes a small percentage for each transaction, the fees are generally lower than other platforms.
- Ease of Interaction: Facebook allows you to engage directly with customers through comments, messages, and social media posts, fostering a stronger connection with your audience.
Downsides:
- Limited Brand Control: Since you’re selling within Facebook’s ecosystem, there are limitations on customization compared to standalone websites.
- Complex Policies: Facebook has strict policies, especially regarding handmade and vintage items, so it’s essential to read the terms to avoid any issues.
5. Big Cartel
Overview: Big Cartel is a platform specifically designed for artists, makers, and small brands. It’s a straightforward, no-frills platform that allows you to create a small online shop without a lot of overhead or fees.
Why Choose Big Cartel?
- Affordable Plans: Big Cartel offers a free plan that lets you list up to five products, making it a great choice for new sellers.
- Easy to Use: The platform’s simplicity makes it easy to get your store up and running quickly.
- Customizable: Big Cartel offers some customization options, allowing you to brand your store according to your style.
Downsides:
- Limited Features: Big Cartel lacks some of the advanced marketing and analytics tools that Shopify or Etsy offer.
- Small Catalog: The free and lower-tier plans limit the number of products you can list, which may not work for sellers with a larger inventory.
6. Folksy (for UK Sellers)
Overview: Folksy is a UK-based platform specifically for handmade goods. It’s a small but passionate community of buyers and sellers, offering a space to sell everything from art to home decor.
Why Choose Folksy?
- Niche Audience: Folksy attracts buyers specifically interested in handmade goods, particularly those with a British flair.
- Community-Oriented: Folksy is more community-focused, offering resources for sellers to connect and grow.
- Local Focus: As a UK-based platform, Folksy is ideal for UK artisans who want to reach a more local audience without competing globally.
Downsides:
- Limited Reach: Folksy doesn’t have the same reach as larger platforms like Etsy or Amazon, so sales may be slower.
- Fees: Folksy charges both listing fees and a commission on sales, which can cut into profits.
7. ArtFire
Overview: ArtFire is another online marketplace for handmade goods, with a smaller but dedicated audience. It’s often considered a viable alternative to Etsy for artists and craftspeople looking for a less crowded platform.
Why Choose ArtFire?
- Smaller Community: ArtFire’s smaller community can be a benefit, as there’s less competition among sellers.
- Customizable Shops: ArtFire allows for shop customization, giving you some control over your branding and presentation.
- Affordable Fees: ArtFire has monthly subscription plans with varying fees based on the number of items listed.
Downsides:
- Less Traffic: ArtFire doesn’t have the same brand recognition or audience size as Etsy, so traffic may be lower.
- Limited Support and Resources: ArtFire lacks the extensive seller resources and tools that other platforms offer.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Platform
Choosing the right platform to sell your handmade products depends on your goals, budget, and target audience. Each of these platforms offers unique benefits and challenges:
- If you want a large, established marketplace, Etsy or Amazon Handmade are great choices.
- For those wanting control over branding and design, Shopify and Big Cartel offer customization options.
- If you’re looking to engage with customers on social media, Facebook Shops can be an effective way to integrate social media marketing with eCommerce.
It’s also worth considering starting on multiple platforms, especially if you’re new to online selling. This way, you can test which platform brings in the most sales, fits your brand, and works well with your marketing efforts. Remember, finding success in online selling takes time and consistency, but with the right platform, your handmade products can reach a world of buyers looking for something unique and special.
