Where To Sell Handmade Items In 2024

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When exploring where to sell handmade items, it’s important to consider both online and local options to maximize your reach and sales potential.

Starting an online craft store opens doors to a vast digital marketplace, where unique items meet a global audience. This virtual high street is more than just a showcase for handcrafted goods; it’s a dynamic space where independent artists connect with niche markets.

However, your journey as a handmade seller shouldn’t be confined to the digital realm.

Local venues like craft shows, flea markets, and consignment shops offer valuable opportunities to sell your creations. Local markets create personal interactions with customers and can help you build a loyal local audience.

They’re also a good way to get feedback on your products and understand your target market better.

In this post I am going to cover a few of the best places to sell your handmade crafts.

I started selling, and a lot of people start scouting for buyers and potential buyers in Facebook Groups as well as Facebook marketplace.

I know it can be a bit overwhelming, but there are some great choices out there.

Best Place To Sell Your Handmade Products Online?

Thanks to the internet and social media, it is easier than ever to sell your crafts online!

More and more shoppers are turning to crafters for their home decor, gifts, and so on instead of going to retail stores. This is because everything just ends up looking the same.

There has never been a better time to start a craft business!

Platform	Ease Of Use	Customization?	Monthly Fee	Listing Fees	Transaction Fees
Facebook Marketplace	Very easy	No	Free	None	Varies
TikTok Shop	Moderate	Limited	Varies	None	Varies (through Shopify)
Etsy	Easy	Limited	Free	$0.20 per item	6.5% per sale
eBay	Easy	Limited	Free (optional subscriptions available)	Varies	Varies (often around 10%)
Instagram	Easy	Yes	Free	None	Varies (through Instagram Shopping)
Amazon Handmade	Moderate	Limited	None	None	15% referral fee
Shopify	Easy	Yes	$29 to $299	None	Payment processing fees

Etsy Store

Etsy is probably the most known as far as where to sell your handmade crafts. People love Etsy because:

• it is already known, loved, and trusted by shoppers;
• the setup is incredibly easy, although limited for some;
• and, it comes with its own customer base, kind of.

If you can get your listing title and product description right you will be in the money!

However, I have seen a ton of crafters move away from using Etsy. Here are some of the top reasons I have heard from people who no longer use Etsy.

1. The cost of listing fees.
2. The cost of transaction fees.
3. Baseless takedown notices. (This is when they just remove your listing without warning.)
4. Bad reviews that are 100% unwarranted.

Etsy sellers have said that they don’t feel like Etsy takes good care of their sellers. And this hurts my heart, because if it wasn’t for the sellers, Etsy wouldn’t make any money!

And this is why lots of people are moving towards running their own online stores.

I, myself have both an Etsy Shop and a Shopify, only because I am still building my Shopify. So, until I am comfortable letting it go, I will keep it.

Etsy’s Ease Of Use

Etsy is one of the easist to use.

However, there are not a lot of customization options available. If you are looking for more customization, you may not like Etsy as much as some of the other options.

Etsy’s Costs

One of the biggest cons for using Etsy is the costs. I am not going to lie, they are not the cheapest option.

While there are no monthly fees, which is great, you do have to pay $0.20 for each listing you post on Etsy.

In addition to the listing fee, you also have to pay 6.5% on every sale you make. And this can add up quickly!

Where To Sell Handmade Items Besides Etsy

While Etsy can feel like the only option since so many people use it, I am happy to say that there are MANY Etsy alternatives. And I know many successful handmade business owners that are using other platforms to run their businesses.

Let’s look at some other options where you can sell your handmade items!

Shopify

I have used many platforms over the years, but Shopify has been my favorite! This is for a few different reasons.

• It integrates well with so many other platforms.
• It is the most well know e-commerce platform, so shoppers know they can trust using it.
• The processing fees are much lower, especially when compared to Etsy.
• It’s also great for small business owners.

I like the fact that I can fully set this platform up to align with my brand. Everything from colors to the way my products are set up on my page. You can change the look and feel which I love.

The other thing I love about Shopify, is that you can embed the listings in a blog post like how I have it here in this Sunflower SVG Free Cricut Cut File. This is great if you already have your own website.

Shopify’s Ease Of Use

Shopify isn’t the easiest platform on this list, however, it’s still simple enough that I am confident you won’t have any problems!

If you ever get stuck, you can find tutorials on Shopify’s website as well as YouTube. These can help you get your shop set up even faster.

Shopify’s Costs

Shopify does have a monthly fee of $29. However, there is no cost to list your items for sale which is nice if you are going to be listing several things for sale.

Plus, the transaction fees with Shopify are only 2.9%. If you have a large number of monthly transactions, this can save you so much more than the $29 monthly fee.

eBay

eBay has been around for ages. And that is how long it has been since I sold with them. When I think eBay I think auction and personally I don’t care to have my products associated with an auction format, but that’s just me.

You however may sell handmade jewelry, vintage items, or artisan items that may be a great fit for using eBay.

Everything boils down to personal preference and where your ideal customers do their shopping. And that is a choice you will have to make yourself.

eBay’s Ease Of Use

eBay is very easy to use. However, there are not many ways to customize your shop page or product listings. This can make it hard to get your listings or your brand to stand out from others on the platform.

eBay’s Costs

eBay does not have a monthly fee which is nice and easy. When it comes to listing products, you may or may not have to pay a listing fee. It varies depending on the type of product or the category it falls under.

Where eBay gets really expensive is the transaction fees. They are a whopping 12.9%! So, if you are going to have a high number of monthly transactions, I would recommend doing some math to find out how much this will cost you.

Amazon Handmade

Another common online platform that more handmade crafters are using to sell their products is Amazon Handmade.

Now, I do want to be honest and say I don’t know much about this platform as I have never personally used it. But here are some things I have heard from other handmade crafters who do use it.

You have to apply to sell on this platform, and the process can be a bit overwhelming. But once you’ve applied and get approved, it’s easy!

You cannot sell mass-produced products or anything made by another artist. Everything has to be handmade by you.

Since order fulfillment is taken care of by Amazon, you have to be able to make the products in advance to send to Amazon. This means you will have inventory that you can’t sell on other platforms. This can be a pro or a con, depending which way you look at it.

Click here if you want to learn more about Amazon Handmade.

Amazon Handmade’s Ease Of Use

Like I said above, many sellers on Amazon Handmade talk about how annoying the application process was. This has turned a lot of crafters away from using it.

But once you are accepted to the program, it is very easy to use. They also provide walk-through demo’s to help you list your first item.

One downside is the lack of customization options. Since this will be listed for sale on Amazon, it will look like every other Amazon product listing. This can make it hard to stand out from the competition.

Amazon Handmade’s Costs

Unfortunately, it is costly to the seller to use Amazon Handmade. First of all, there is a $39.99 monthly fee you have to pay.

And as if that weren’t bad enough, you also have to pay an additional 12% for each transaction. This will cut into your profit margins significantly.

So, unless you think your products will sell very well on Amazon, I wouldn’t personally recommend this platform. However, for some sellers, it can work great.

TikTok Shop

TikTok Shop is an emerging platform that has caught the attention of many crafters and handmade artists. It’s a relatively new option, but it’s quickly gaining popularity, especially among the younger demographic.

Now, I haven’t personally used TikTok Shop, but based on what I’ve gathered from others who have, it seems like a platform with a lot of potentials. TikTok is known for its highly engaging and visual content, which can be a huge plus for showcasing handmade items.

One thing to note is that TikTok Shop integrates with Shopify for selling products. This means that while you’re leveraging TikTok’s vast audience, you’re also using Shopify’s robust e-commerce system. However, you need to have a Shopify account, which could add to your costs.

Selling on TikTok Shop requires a bit of tech-savviness and an understanding of TikTok’s unique content style. The platform is very visually driven, so high-quality, engaging videos of your products are essential.

TikTok Shop’s Ease of Use

From what I’ve heard, getting set up on TikTok Shop can be straightforward, especially if you’re already familiar with TikTok. The key is to create engaging content that can go viral, thus driving sales.

However, since it relies on Shopify for the actual transaction, you’ll need to be comfortable with Shopify’s system as well. This dual-platform approach can be a bit more complex compared to using a single platform.

TikTok Shop’s Costs

The costs for using TikTok Shop can vary. Since it integrates with Shopify, you’ll have to consider Shopify’s monthly fees, which range from $29 to $299. There might be additional costs associated with TikTok itself, especially if you decide to use paid promotions to boost your content.

TikTok Shop could be a great option if you’re targeting a younger audience and are adept at creating engaging video content.

For more detailed information and to explore TikTok Shop further, you can visit TikTok’s official site or Shopify’s page about their integration with TikTok.

Instagram Shop

Instagram is a visually driven platform that’s perfect for artists and crafters to showcase their handmade products. It’s incredibly popular among a wide range of demographics, making it a versatile choice for reaching potential customers.

My experience with Instagram has been mostly positive, though I know it can be a bit challenging for some. The key to success on Instagram is high-quality, visually appealing images and engaging content. Since Instagram is all about visuals, your product photos need to be top-notch.

Instagram now offers Instagram Shopping, which allows businesses to integrate their product catalog with their Instagram profile and sell directly through the platform. This feature is a game-changer for crafters looking to sell their products.

Instagram’s Ease of Use

Setting up a business account on Instagram is straightforward. However, creating content that stands out takes effort and creativity. Once you set up Instagram Shopping, users can purchase your products directly from your posts, which is incredibly convenient.

Instagram’s Costs

There’s no monthly fee for using Instagram or setting up Instagram Shopping. However, you should consider the costs associated with creating high-quality content, such as professional photography or investing in good lighting and equipment. Additionally, if you choose to run ads on Instagram, there will be advertising costs.

Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is a free-to-use platform that’s great for local selling. It allows you to reach a broad audience in your local area, which can be ideal for handmade crafters looking to avoid shipping hassles.

I’ve noticed that Facebook Marketplace is more suited for certain types of products, like unique crafts, custom items, or larger pieces that are difficult to ship. It’s a great way to connect with local buyers who are interested in handmade goods.

Facebook Marketplace’s Ease of Use

It’s quite easy to list products on Facebook Marketplace. You can set up listings quickly with just a few clicks. The platform is user-friendly, and since many people are already familiar with Facebook, navigating it is straightforward.

Facebook Marketplace’s Costs

There are no listing fees or monthly fees for selling on Facebook Marketplace, making it an affordable option. However, keep in mind that if you choose to promote your listings through Facebook ads, that will incur additional costs.

Local Market

Local selling, such as at craft shows, farmers and flea markets, or local boutiques, is a traditional but effective way to sell your handcrafted goods. This method can be very rewarding, as it allows for personal interaction with your customers and a chance to build a local customer base.

Local Selling’s Ease of Use

Selling locally can vary in ease. If you’re participating in events like craft fairs or markets, there’s often a bit of legwork involved in setting up a booth and displaying your products. However, these events can also be very enjoyable and offer a great community feel.

Local Selling’s Costs

Costs for local selling can include booth fees at fairs or markets, transportation costs, and the cost of creating displays for your products. The fees can vary greatly depending on the event and location.

Overall, each platform and method of selling has its own set of advantages and challenges.

Instagram and Facebook Marketplace are great for their wide reach and visual appeal, especially if you’re good with photography and social media marketing.

Local markets, on the other hand, offers a more personal touch and direct customer interaction. The best choice depends on your products, your target audience, and your own strengths and preferences as a seller.

When just starting out, I would choose a specific niche, don’t be too broad. This can help you build brand awareness. For instance focus on accessories or t-shirts instead of all clothes.

You don’t want to forget 1 of the most important pieces of selling your crafts. And thats pricing your products. There are special formulas that will help you price more effectively and for profit.

Remember, selling handmade items successfully requires hard work and a smart strategy, both online and locally. Utilizing social media platforms and maintaining an active Facebook page can boost your visibility.

Free listings on local online sales channels, participation in craft supplies fairs, and engagement with small businesses in your community are all different ways to increase your presence and sales.

In summary, the best approach often involves a mix of online and local strategies. From popular online marketplaces to local craft fairs and shops, each avenue offers unique benefits. By using a combination of these channels, you can reach a wider audience.

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