Best Platform to Sell Handmade Crafts Online

Selling your handmade crafts online has never been easier, but choosing the right platform can make or break your business. Whether you're knitting scarves, making jewelry, or crafting wooden furniture, the platform you choose affects your visibility, fees, and overall success.

The craft industry is booming, with more people shopping online for unique, handmade items. Finding the best platform to sell handmade crafts online means looking at fees, traffic, ease of use, and how well it fits your specific products.

Top Platforms to Sell Your Handmade Crafts

Etsy: The Go-To Marketplace for Handmade Items

Etsy remains the most popular choice for craft sellers worldwide. With over 90 million active buyers specifically looking for handmade and vintage items, you're tapping into a ready-made audience.

Pros:

• Built-in audience searching for handmade goods

• Easy to set up, even for beginners

• Strong community support and seller resources

• Mobile app for managing your shop on the go

Cons:

• High competition with millions of sellers

• Fees add up (listing fees, transaction fees, payment processing)

• Less control over branding and customer experience

Cost: $0.20 per listing, 6.5% transaction fee, plus payment processing fees (3% + $0.25)

Shopify: Build Your Own Craft Store

Shopify gives you complete control over your online store. You own your brand, customer data, and can customize everything to match your style.

Pros:

• Full control over branding and design

• Own your customer relationships

• No competition from other sellers on your site

• Integrates with social media and other sales channels

Cons:

• Requires more marketing effort to drive traffic

• Monthly subscription costs

• Steeper learning curve than marketplaces

Cost: Plans start at $39/month, plus payment processing fees

Amazon Handmade: Reach Millions of Shoppers

Amazon Handmade connects you with Amazon's massive customer base. If you want access to Prime members and Amazon's trust factor, this platform delivers.

Pros:

• Huge customer base with high purchasing power

• Prime shipping options boost sales

• Amazon's reputation builds trust

• Strong search and recommendation algorithms

Cons:

• Strict application process

• 15% referral fee on sales

• Less "handmade" feel than Etsy

• Strict policies and potential account issues

Cost: No monthly fees, but 15% referral fee per sale

Choosing the Best Platform for Your Handmade Crafts

Consider Your Product Type

Different platforms work better for different crafts. Etsy excels for jewelry, art prints, and home decor. Shopify works well for higher-priced items and niche crafts. Amazon Handmade suits crafts that appeal to mainstream buyers.

Think about your product's price point too. Higher-priced items justify Shopify's monthly fees better than low-cost items that sell in smaller quantities.

Evaluate Your Marketing Skills

Be honest about your marketing abilities. If you're great at social media and content marketing, Shopify lets you leverage those skills. If you prefer tapping into existing traffic, marketplaces like Etsy or Amazon Handmade make more sense.

If marketing feels overwhelming or you don't have time to handle it yourself, working with professionals can make a huge difference. PegCity Digital Marketing Company specializes in helping small businesses and online sellers grow their presence through targeted digital marketing strategies. They can help with SEO, social media management, paid advertising, and email marketing, so you can focus on creating beautiful crafts while they bring customers to your store.

Calculate Your Costs

Run the numbers for each platform based on your expected sales volume. Factor in listing fees, transaction fees, monthly subscriptions, and payment processing. Sometimes, a platform with higher fees but more sales makes more money than a cheaper option with less traffic.

Other Platforms Worth Considering

Facebook Marketplace and Instagram Shopping

Social media platforms let you sell directly where your audience already hangs out. Facebook Marketplace works great for local sales and building community, while Instagram Shopping integrates seamlessly with your content.

Best for: Crafters with strong social media presence and engaged followers

Faire: Wholesale Craft Platform

Faire connects makers with retail stores looking for wholesale products. If you can produce crafts in larger quantities, this platform opens doors to brick-and-mortar retail.

Best for: Crafters ready to scale production and sell wholesale

Handmade at Not on the High Street

Popular in the UK, this platform focuses on unique, creative products from independent makers. It offers good visibility but charges membership fees.

Best for: UK-based crafters seeking a curated marketplace

Tips to Succeed in Selling Handmade Crafts Online

Optimize Your Product Listings

Use clear, descriptive titles with relevant keywords people actually search for. Include dimensions, materials, colors, and uses. High-quality photos from multiple angles help buyers visualize your products.

Write compelling descriptions that tell your craft's story while including search terms naturally. Explain what makes your items special and how they're made.

Price Your Crafts Properly

Calculate material costs, labor time, platform fees, and shipping to set profitable prices. Don't undervalue your work just to compete on price. Many buyers choose handmade specifically because they value craftsmanship and uniqueness.

Research similar items to understand market rates, but don't be afraid to charge what your work is worth.

Provide Excellent Customer Service

Quick responses, clear policies, and going the extra mile build repeat customers and positive reviews. Answer questions promptly, ship on time, and package items beautifully.

Reviews and ratings heavily influence buying decisions on all platforms. Make every customer interaction count.

Use Multiple Platforms

You don't have to choose just one platform. Many successful craft sellers use Etsy for volume sales, Shopify for their branded store, and Instagram for engagement. This multi-channel approach reduces risk and maximizes exposure.

Just make sure you can manage inventory and orders across platforms without getting overwhelmed.

FAQ's

What is the cheapest platform to sell handmade crafts?

Facebook Marketplace and Instagram are free to use, making them the cheapest options. However, Etsy's $0.20 listing fee is affordable for testing products. The "cheapest" platform depends on your sales volume, as percentage-based fees can add up quickly with higher sales.

Can you make money selling handmade crafts online?

Yes, many crafters earn full-time incomes selling online. Success requires quality products, good photography, competitive pricing, and consistent marketing. Most sellers start part-time and grow gradually. Profit margins vary by craft type, but handmade items often command premium prices compared to mass-produced goods.

Which platform is better for beginners, Etsy or Shopify?

Etsy is better for beginners because it provides immediate access to buyers actively searching for handmade items. The setup is simple, and you don't need marketing expertise. Shopify requires more technical skills and marketing effort but offers more control and no seller competition once you're established.

How do I choose between selling on a marketplace or my own website?

Choose a marketplace like Etsy or Amazon if you want instant traffic and an easier setup. Build your own website with Shopify if you want brand control, customer data ownership, and long-term business growth. Many sellers use both strategies-marketplaces for volume and their own site for loyal customers.

What fees should I expect when selling handmade crafts online?

Etsy charges $0.20 per listing, 6.5% transaction fees, and payment processing (around 3%). Amazon Handmade takes 15% per sale. Shopify costs $39+ monthly plus payment processing. Always calculate total fees, including shipping, to understand your actual profit margins per sale.

Do I need a business license to sell handmade crafts online?

Requirements vary by location, but most areas require a business license for regular sales. Check your local regulations regarding home-based businesses, sales tax collection, and any craft-specific permits. Starting as a hobby seller is fine, but transitioning to proper business registration protects you legally as you grow.