Handmade products carry a unique appeal that makes them stand out among other goods. Buyers typically appreciate the human touch and creativity involved in making these products. Today, artisans and organizations that intend to sell their handmade creations can choose from many online platforms that allow them to list, market, and deliver such products. When trying to pick the right website, one must explore all options and assess their features to make an informed decision.
Top sites for selling handmade products
1. Big Cartel
For sellers who want to start simple, Big Cartel can be a suitable option. This user-friendly e-commerce platform is meant for artists and small businesses trying to sell handmade items online, primarily original artworks and handmade crafts. This website is great for sellers trying to quickly launch their e-commerce store. Another advantage of using Big Cartel is that it offers users a choice of three plans, one of which is entirely free. However, this plan comes with limited perks. So, if trying to stock a larger inventory to grow a business, one must opt for the paid plans.
2. Etsy
For a long time now, Etsy has often been the first platform that comes to mind when one thinks of the top website for selling handmade goods. The platform was developed to preserve the beauty and allure of handmade/human-made creations among the sea of manufactured products created with automation. Based on this principle, Etsy makes it easy for sellers to set up stores on the website for a one-time fee. However, sellers will be charged a nominal fee for every new product they list. The platform also makes money from the commission fee it gets from buyers. That said, Etsy is still considered reliable and the go-to place for finding handmade and custom-made decor, gifts, clothes, and jewelry.
3. iCraft
This platform is designed for artists who want to sell their handmade goods to international buyers. The platform does not entertain sellers dealing in redistribution and mass-produced goods, making it an authentic handmade craft marketplace. Here, one can buy and sell unique handmade crafts, clothing, accessories, and jewelry, among other things. To begin selling handmade goods on this website, one will have to pay a registration fee of $25. After that, one will only incur a monthly charge of either $10, $12, or $15 per month, depending on the package they choose.
4. IndieCart
This site solely deals in handcrafted goods, which can be anything—from facemasks to pottery goods and jewelry. IndieCart charges sellers $7.50 per month for using the platform to list products and reach its user base of over 10,000. However, sellers only need to pay if they actively list their products or stock up. Additionally, the website caters to independent sellers who employ a tiny number of people, if any. So, big sellers and those dealing in vintage goods cannot sell and compete with independent artisans on the website.
5. Depop
This social shopping platform, primarily known for selling clothes and accessories, is also emerging as a place for creators and handmade artisans. It allows sellers to list handmade clothing, crafts, and jewelry by setting up their accounts and listing items. They can set their prices and make the most of the detailed listing and selling guides the platform offers. Depop does not charge sellers to get started on the platform. However, it does charge a transaction fee on all sales. Sellers must also be prepared to ship their products once orders have been placed.
6. Cratejoy
This platform allows users to subscribe to the Cratejoy website and regularly receive boxes containing things they enjoy. Small businesses and artisans can sell their handmade creations on the website by paying a monthly base fee of $25. To get started, sellers can opt for a paid plan, set up and customize their store, list their products, and then wait to get subscribers who want these goods delivered regularly.
Tips for selling handmade products online
While many platforms today make it easy to set up a store and begin selling handmade goods, a few tips can make this process even easier and help one avoid common mistakes.
1. Conduct basic product research
If wondering how to start selling handmade crafts online, one must first do their research. For instance, one must begin by checking if the product one enjoys creating is popular and sells well. If yes, one must then evaluate the costs involved in making the product, assess competition, and look up the legalities of creating and selling the item.
2. Determine the target audience
A key part of the preliminary research is identifying the target audience. This is because all the sales-related aspects, including branding, logo designing, packaging, materials, and messaging, will be based on the tastes and needs of the target audience.
3. Build a brand
Even if one intends to use a marketplace to sell their goods instead of setting up their own site, one must work on building their brand. This move will define how the seller is seen by the target audience and help attract buyers.
4. Choose the right platform
A crucial step in the process is choosing the right online platform to sell handmade crafts and creations. One must carefully compare multiple platforms and check their features to choose an option that makes selling handmade goods as simple and profitable as possible.