Crafting handmade items is a viable way to earn a living in the twenty-first century. The global market for handmade items is a multi-billion industry, and taking your fair share is quite possible. Online sales of crafts are projected to run into billions before 2030.
You will agree that selling crafts online is an effecitve way of starting a craft business. Online craft sales come with an unlimited market for your handmade items. Selling online will help you launch a profitable craft business right from the comfort of your home.
In This Article
- Best Websites for Selling Handmade Items
- What Crafts to Sell Online?
- FAQs of Websites for Selling Crafts Online
- Conclusion
Best Websites for Selling Handmade Items
Here are the best websites to sell handmade items.
1. Etsy
Etsy is one of the best websites for crafters who are looking to sell their handmade items online. It has a community of over 33 million buyers across the globe. The website averages billions of dollars in annual sales. It's the best fit for crafters who are looking to sell handmade items.
Creating accounts on the platform is free — and you get to pay $0.20 for each published listing. For each item sold, the seller will have to pay 6.5% in fees.
2. Amazon Handmade
Amazon Handmade allows you to expose your handmade items to over 250 million buyers across the globe. After the application process, potential sellers will have to wait for approval — and the approval could take up to 48 hours!
Creating the Amazon Handmade shop is free. But there's a 15% referral fee for each sale. Transitioning is easy for those who have an Amazon account. Those without an account are also welcome to apply.
3. Google Shopping
As a crafter, you can expand your business reach by listing your handmade items on Google Shopping. It's a viable way of attracting both local and international customers. With Google Shopping, your handmade items are displayed for the millions who use Google search engines every day.
Google Shopping attracts no fees! Listing your items on Google Shopping is free. And it could serve as an extension of both your offline and online stores.
4. Facebook Marketplace
Anything can be sold on the Facebook Marketplace — and that includes handmade items. Facebook Marketplace gives you exposure to the over 2.9 billion active monthly users on the platform. It's arguably the largest reach your business can get from a single platform.
Using the Facebook Marketplace is entirely free for everyone with a Facebook account. However, there's a selling fee of 5% per shipment (or $0.40 for $8 shipments or less).
5. eBay
eBay is an auction website where all kinds of products are sold, and that includes handmade items. As a crafter, you can list your items for direct sales. However, if you prefer auctioning them, there's an option to help do just that.
Creating an eBay account is free. After creating your account, you'll be able to list your first 250 products on the platform. If you list more than 250 products, each extra listing will attract a charge of $0.35. Fees are charged for each sale made on eBay.
6. Your website
To eliminate the fees, registration process, and other rules found on third-party websites, you can opt to create your own website. Creating your website as a crafter gives you all the flexibility you need. If you don’t have technical skills, you can try using an e-commerce website builder like Shopify or opt for the services of a professional web designer.
7. Shopify
Shopify gives you the avenue of creating an online store. With Shopify, you will have control over elements like your business branding and product pricing. However, you will have to put in the time and effort needed to properly market your online shop.
One benefit of using Shopify is its drag-and-drop model. You don't need to have advanced tech (or coding) skills before using the platform to build an online craft store.
8. Big Cartel
Big Cartel is an affordable platform in the e-commerce industry that specializes in artists and makers looking to run a creative business. It also has a simplistic look — and is the best fit for crafters who desire a streamlined business experience. The only downside to the platform is that it is not widely known in the industry.
9. Made by Hand Online
Made by Hand Online is a website designed for premium crafts made by artisans and crafters in the United Kingdom. The website promotes crafts made by top-tier crafters and designer-makers.
Made by Hand Online is a community of a few select crafters in the United Kingdom, and the works of these crafters are usually celebrated by the platform.
The platform also offers valuable resources to crafters who are looking to improve their skills. If accepted into the Made by Hand Online community, you will be required to pay an annual membership fee. There's also a commission attached to all sales made on the platform.
10. Handmade Artists Shop
Handmade Artists Shop was previously seen as a mere artistic community where artists and crafters could interact and build a close network. However, the platform has evolved over the years — and customers can browse through various items listed there. Sales are made directly on the website.
Handmade Artists Shop is only accessible to subscribers. The subscription fee is $5 per month and an annual fee of about $50 per year.
11. Craft Is Art
Craft Is Art gives crafters all the necessary tools needed for the creation of a sleek online store. It's the best fit for crafters and artisans who are looking to launch an online store for handmade items, fine art, vintage items, and lots of other similar items.
There's a free plan and a premium plan. With the free plan, crafters can list up to 100 items. $0.15 is attached to additional listings. The sales commission is 5.5%. The premium plan goes for $79.99 per annum ($7.99 per month) with no extra fees.
12. Cratejoy
Prolific crafters who are keen on creating multiple items on the go should opt for a monthly subscription box business model like Cratejoy. With Cratejoy, crafters get all the necessary tools needed to start a monthly subscription business — and that includes a good web builder.
The platform boosts over 500k monthly subscribers, and it's an ideal platform for crafters who are looking to establish a recurring revenue stream.
13. Aftcra
Aftcra is solely designed for crafters in the United States. It's a platform that only allows the sale of handmade items like canvas art, screen-printed fabrics, jewelry, and other handmade items. Setting up a store on Aftcra is free, but you will be charged a 7% fee for each item sold on the platform.
Aftcra does not permit the sale of mass-produced or vintage items. Before using the platform to resale items, such items should be modified.
14. eCrater
eCrater is an online marketplace that focuses on the sales of collectibles and technology. However, there's a significant number of handmade items sold on the platform. Setting up an online store on eCrater is free — but there's a 2.9% fee for each sold item.
The platform is similar to eBay and Etsy, and it generates about 2 million views per month. Yes, the traffic is relatively low but it's worth the try.
15. Folksy
Folksy is an online marketplace designed for crafters from the United Kingdom. Only handmade items are sold on Folksy — and the platform boosts 250k+ users per month. Some sellers on Folksy have been showcased in top publications like Elle Decoration and Guardian.
It comes with a charge of £.15 for three listings. You can opt for the plus plan which is about £7.50. Sellers also get to pay a 6% commission for each sold item.
16. SpoonFlower
SpoonFlower is a platform that caters to a niche market. Crafters who create patterns for gift wraps, wallpapers, and fabrics will get the most out of SpoonFlower. A 10% commission is paid to artists whose designs are on an item that's being sold on the platform.
If you specialize in creating handmade items or fabrics with your designs, then SpoonFlower is the right platform for you.
17. Golmagine
Golmagine is a good fit for crafters who are looking to make some money from their craft whilst donating to charity. With the platform, profit is directly paid to the crafters (or artists), and the residual fund is denoted to a charity organization. Golmagine is open to only crafters who are based in the United States, and items sold there are strictly handmade.
Golmagine comes with a starting plan of $2.50 per month and a transaction fee of 5% for each sold item.
18. Storenvy
Storenvy gives crafters the option of getting custom online storefronts. Aside from that, crafters who use the platform get the opportunity to list their items in a social marketplace as independent retailers.
10% is charged on each item sold on the marketplace. However, sellers with their custom online shop are not charged a commission fee. Setting up a custom online shop is free — but there are extra fees attached for upgrades and other options.
19. Indiecart
Previously known as Hyena Cart, Indiecart is an online marketplace designed for selling handcrafted cloth diapers. However, the platform has evolved over the years to accommodate a wide range of eco-friendly handmade items. Setting up an online store on Indiecart costs $7.50 per month, and there are no extra commissions or fees.
20. CustomMade
CustomMade is widely known for handmade jewelry displayed on the platform. However, the website has grown to accommodate a wide range of other custom, handmade items. Sellers display only ready-made items on the platform for sale. Customers can also request personalized designs.
During the application process, the crafter is expected to showcase some of their previous handmade items. Signing up is free — but a 10% commission fee is charged on each sold item. There's also a transaction fee payable during the sales process.
21. Bonanza
Bonanza is an online craft marketplace that allows crafters to upload their item listings from other platforms like Shopify, Etsy, Amazon, or eBay. Bonanza also gives crafters the option to simultaneously publish their handmade items on other major platforms like Google Shopping.
Publishing your listing on the Bonanza website is free, but it attracts a transaction fee of $0.25 and a commission fee of 3.5% for each sold item.
22. Society6
Society6 showcases handmade items and other artwork in various formats. Whether you have art/handmade items in the form of mugs, clocks, phone cases, or art prints, there's a place for you on the platform.
Society6 is primarily designed for designers and artists who are looking to market their products. A portion is taken for each item sold on the platform. Sellers have the flexibility of choosing the profit they'll want to make on each item.
23. Mercari
Mercari is popularly known as an online marketplace where goods are resold. However, crafters are allowed to sell their items on the platform. You must keep in mind that people who visit Mercari are looking for a bargain — and that has to be considered during your product pricing.
Listing items on the platform is free, but it comes with a commission of 10%. There's also a 2.9% transaction fee for all completed sales processes.
24. The Nooks
The Nooks is a website that boosts a plethora of handmade items and crafts. The brand also has multiple storefronts spread across Canada. It's a great fit for Canadian artisans who are looking for websites to sell handmade items.
Signing up on the platform gives you access to a support team, resources, and tools. All these help you have a seamless seller experience on the platform. The monthly subscription fee is $29, and there are no commissions or extra fees.
25. Renegade Craft
Renegade Craft is synonymous with in-person craft shows. However, the brand also has a handmade marketplace where crafters get to sell handmade items online. To get started, you have to apply and get accepted as a Renegade Craft vendor. The vetting process is tough as most crafters don't make the approval list.
The online craft marketplace attracts a commission of 40% on each sale. On the bright side, crafters who use the platform won't have to worry about marketing their items. Customer service and the marketing process are handled by the platform.
26. NOVICA
Novica is a global marketplace for crafters and artisans. Novica allows crafters to showcase their handmade items to a global customer base. The platform has generated over $125 million so far, and there's potential for more growth.
At the moment, Novica accepts crafters from South and Central America, Southeast Asia, West Africa, India, and Mexico.
27. iCraft
iCraft is a marketplace exclusively designed for selling handmade items. Mass-produced items cannot be sold on the platform, and the resale of goods is also frowned upon. Crafters who use the platform noted that they tend to generate more profit from the platform. On the flip side, fewer sales are usually recorded on the platform.
Subscription on the platform starts at $10 per month. Aside from the subscription fees, there are no commissions or extra fees.
28. Zibbet
Zibbet is a good fit for crafters, vintage collectors, and artists who are looking to gain global exposure.
Creating an account on the platform is free, and there are no sales fees or listing fees. If you're a newbie in the crafting industry, then Zibbet will be a good fit for you.
The platform has over 50,000 sellers so far and joining could be your first step to starting a craft business.
29. Craft Council Directory
Craft Council Directory is one of the best websites for selling handmade items in the United Kingdom. The primary objective of the website is to connect buyers across the United Kingdom to the right crafts and handmade items that fit their budget.
The website is beautifully designed with eye-catching images, and it comes with annual membership fees. If you produce premium handmade items, then the Craft Council Directory is for you.
30. Social Media
Nowadays, you can open an account on any social media platform for free. After that, upload eye-catching images of your handmade items with compelling descriptions. Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook should be your sure bet. However, if the younger generation like Gen Z are your target customers, then you're better off opening a TikTok account.
If done the right way, social media will expose your business to a global audience, and you can begin taking orders from across the globe.
What Crafts to Sell Online?
The demand for handmade items is increasing by the day. Luckily, there are a plethora of handcrafted items that can be sold. If you're unsure of what to sell, here are some handmade items you should start selling.
1. Handmade/Personalized Jewelry
handmade jewelry made with xTool laser machines
xTool F1 Laser Engraver for Craft Business
Selling personalized jewelry is easy. All you need to do is make your jewelry and list them on an online craft marketplace like Etsy.
Jewelry has deep meaning behind them, and they are a part of the wearer's identity. Some people wear expensive jewelry to showcase their class and social status. Others may prefer personalized jewelry that reminds them of an important event or milestone.
Common jewelry that can be sold on handmade marketplaces are necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
2. Home Decor
laser cut homde decor
xTool P2 Laser Cutter for Craft Business
The home decor industry in the United States is projected to reach over $200 billion in 2024. That's enough revenue and profit for crafters who dive right into it. Interestingly, the popularity of the industry is growing by the day, and it shows no signs of slowing down.
There is a wide range of home decor products to produce. You could try making wall art, holiday decor, throw pillows, picture frames, or coasters. The production material is largely dependent on what you want to create, and the quality of the item you're producing.
For starters, you should try producing affordable home decor using regular materials around you. You can also focus on making eco-friendly home decor.
3. Kitchen/Household Items
laser engraved kitchen items
Kitchen/household items like utensil holders, personalized tumblers, and cutting boards are must-haves in every home. Utensil holders are crafts that help in keeping the kitchen organized. They're usually made of wood, and you can produce them using regular materials from your local store.
You can take a step further by adding some unique designs to your items. And when everything is set, you can proceed to list them on online craft marketplaces. You can also offer exclusive crafting services for customers who desire personalized kitchen/household items that match their style and personality. Exclusive services come with higher pricing — and that translates to more revenue (or profit) at the end of the day.
4. Pet Accessories
Pet owners have a special bond with their companions, and they would love to create thrilling experiences for them. And that's the major driving force of the multi-billion-dollar pet accessory and supply market.
As a crafter, you can claim your fair share of this growing industry by creating pet accessories. You can focus on making various dog gifts and selling them on an online craft marketplace. Some pet accessories you could lay your hands on are tags, bowls, toys, or bags.
laser engraved pet tags
The initial business investment is dependent on the kind of products you'll be making. After making the pet accessories, the next step is to sell them online via handmade marketplaces. You can also market them on social media platforms.
5. Canvas Paintings
Canvas painting is one handmade item that can make a space more welcoming and inviting. Crafters who can make appealing canvas paintings are sure to rank in more sales from their online stores.
laser engraved canvas art
After the creation of your canvas painting, you should take high-quality pictures of these paintings and upload them onto online craft marketplaces. The more appealing your handmade photos and descriptions are, the greater your chances of making sales.
Top Tip: Check out these 20 profitable crafts to make and sell in 2024.
FAQs of Websites for Selling Crafts Online
The demand for handmade items is increasing by the day. Luckily, there are a plethora of handcrafted items that can be sold. If you're unsure of what to sell, here are some handmade items you should start selling.
Where to Sell Handmade Items Besides Etsy?
Other places to sell handmade items are Amazon Handmade, Shopify, Storenvy, and lots of other online craft marketplaces listed in this guide.
Where Can I Sell My Crafts Online for Free?
Google Shopping and lots of other platforms are places to sell your craft online for free. Before using a platform, study it to identify what's allowed and what's not allowed.
Can I Sell Handmade Items on Facebook Marketplace?
Yes, anyone with a Facebook account can sell handmade items on Facebook Marketplace.
Should I Sell Handmade Items on Multiple Online Crafts Marketplaces?
Yes, it's somewhat difficult to grow a business by merely relying on one online craft marketplace. To get the most out of your craft business, you need to sell handmade items on multiple online crafts marketplaces.
Conclusion
Selling craft online boils down to your strategy, and how you can take advantage of the market trends, and your competitor's weakness. You should also know who your target audience is, their age group, interests, and the kind of handmade crafts they're most interested in.
Furthermore, you need to analyze your production cost and net profit margins. What is the cost of your materials, labor, and other expenses? Answers to these questions will help you to properly price your handmade items. As a general rule, you should only target profitable items. Everything else should be off your radar!
Finally, you need to come up with a simple plan. All these should be in place before proceeding to list your handmade items in any of the 30 online craft marketplaces.
Now you know where to sell crafts online, what handmade item(s) will you be selling?
For more questions. Please join our Facebook group to get inspired!
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