Discover the charm and uniqueness of handmade products with our guide to the best handmade selling sites. Whether you’re searching for one-of-a-kind gifts, supporting independent artisans, or adding a personal touch to your space, these platforms offer endless inspiration. Dive in to explore creative marketplaces where every purchase makes a difference and connects you directly with talented creators worldwide.

Handmade Selling Sites: Comparison Table

Site Name	Focus	Fees/Commissions	Marketplace Size	Application Required	Unique Features	Best For
Etsy	Handmade, vintage, craft	$0.20/listing, 6.5% + payment processing	Very large	No – open to all	Strong community, international presence	All types of makers
Amazon Handmade	Handmade only	15% referral fee, no monthly fee for makers	Huge (Amazon-wide)	Yes	Fulfillment by Amazon, artisan vetting	Serious business scale
Bonanza	General + handmade	3.5–4% on sales; additional paid options	Medium	No	Cross-listing on platforms, negotiation	Sellers branching out
eBay	General + handmade	Insertion fee; final value fee	Very large	No	Auction/listing variety, global reach	Anything from crafts to supplies
Goimagine	Handmade only, US	Monthly fee ($2.50+), no commission	Small-Growing	Yes	Charitable giving, vendor-first focus	US-based, community-minded sellers
Aftcra	Handmade, US only	7% per sale, no listing fee	Small-Growing	Yes	US-made exclusivity, curated	American artisans & brands
ArtFire	Handmade, artisan, vintage	Plans start at $4.95/mo + listings/commissions	Medium	No	Custom shop, marketing resources	Sellers with varied categories
iCraft	Handmade only	Monthly plans (from $10), no commission	Small	Yes	Shop collections, no resellers	Artists, crafters, gift sellers
Facebook Marketplace	Anything incl. handmade	5% per shipment (or $0.40 for low value)	Very large, local	No	Local focus, easy social marketing	Casual/local selling, beginners
Cratejoy	Subscription boxes	Plans $0+, referral fee (varies)	Growing	Yes	Subscription-only business model	Monthly recurring crafts
Society6, Redbubble	Print-on-demand art	Royalty-based (varies); no upfront cost	Large, global	No	Art on products, passive income	Artists/designers
Folksy, Madeit	Region-focused handmade	Variable: listing/subscription + commission	Medium-small	Yes	Local makers, curated products	UK/Aus/NZ-based makers
Shopify, IndieMade	Standalone store builder	Monthly fee for web hosting	N/A (self-managed)	No	Full shop control, branding	Brands wanting independence

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Everyday Usage of Handmade Selling Sites

Handmade selling sites connect makers of unique, handcrafted goods with buyers around the world. You can use these platforms to:

• List individual items with detailed descriptions, pricing, and photos.
• Customize your own shop page with banners and branding.
• Communicate directly with buyers about orders, preferences, or customizations.
• Handle payments securely, usually via integrated payment gateways.
• Manage and track orders, shipping, and customer feedback.
• Access tools for marketing, analytics, inventory management, and even advertising.

Some platforms offer strict handmade-only policies (like Amazon Handmade, Goimagine, Aftcra), while others allow a mix of vintage, craft supplies, and even print-on-demand art (Etsy, Society6, Redbubble).

The choice of platform can affect your visibility, brand image, and even how much time you need to invest in marketing and customer service. Some sites offer niche communities or regional focus, while others provide potential access to millions of global shoppers.

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Benefits of Using Handmade Selling Sites

1. Expanded Reach

You are instantly exposed to a larger audience, often global, without having to build your own website from scratch or invest heavily in advertising.

2. Low Entry Barriers

Most handmade selling marketplaces are quick and easy to join, with minimal setup costs. This enables you to launch your business with limited capital.

3. Built-In Trust

Reputable platforms offer secure payment processing, customer protection, and seller vetting, building buyer confidence in your shop.

4. Business Tools and Analytics

Access to tools for inventory, order management, taxes, and analytics helps streamline your operations and provides valuable insights for growth.

5. Community and Support

Engage in seller forums, access educational content, and get support from both the platform and fellow makers.

6. Flexible Working

Run your business from home or anywhere, set your own hours, and control your production schedule to balance with other responsibilities.

7. Marketing Power

Benefit from the site’s marketing outreach, SEO, and promotional tools. Some allow integration with social media or partner advertising.

8. Scalability

Start small and grow over time—add more products, test new lines, and expand to multiple marketplaces as your skills and capacity increase.

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How to Choose the Best Handmade Selling Site

The right platform for you depends on several factors. Here are the most important considerations:

1. Type of Product

• Handmade vs Print-on-Demand: Some platforms accept only true handmade goods, while print-on-demand art, crafts supplies, or vintage items may not be eligible.
• Niche Fit: If you sell eco-friendly, alternative, or regionally themed items, specialized sites might yield better results.

2. Fee Structure

• Listing Fees: Some charge per item listed; others allow unlimited listings for a monthly fee.
• Sales Commissions: Factor in both platform and payment processing fees.
• Subscription Models: Sites like iCraft or ArtFire offer subscription plans with different benefits.

3. Marketplace Size & Audience

• Global vs Local: Worldwide sites mean more potential customers but stiffer competition. Local or regional sites may have more targeted audiences.
• Specific Demographics: Some sites are known for attracting gift buyers, art collectors, or specific age/interests.

4. Seller Controls and Tools

• Shop Customization: Do you want a fully branded store, or is a marketplace listing sufficient?
• Analytics and Marketing: Consider what’s available for tracking visitors, optimizing listings, and running promotions.

5. Application and Vetting

• Open vs Curated: Large, open marketplaces accept anyone, while curated, invite-only, or juried sites filter for quality and authenticity.
• Approval Time: Some platforms (e.g., Amazon Handmade, Goimagine) require application approval, which may take time.

6. Region or Legal Restrictions

• Country of Origin: Some sites limit sellers by country (e.g., Aftcra in the US, Folksy in the UK).
• Shipping Policies: Consider where you can or want to ship your items.

7. Support and Community

• Customer Service: Responsive support can be invaluable for resolving issues.
• Networking: Are there forums, chat groups, or educational resources available?

8. Business Model Fit

• Subscription/Wholesale: Platforms such as Cratejoy are built for recurring orders. Wholesale platforms exist for bulk sales to retailers.

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User Tips for Success on Handmade Selling Sites

1. Optimize Your Listings

• Use professional photos—clear, bright images build trust.
• Write compelling, detailed descriptions with keywords buyers search for.
• Keep your shop policies (shipping, returns, custom orders) clear and fair.

2. Know Your Competition

• Research similar shops and products. Price competitively but sustainably.
• See which categories or designs are trending.

3. Stay Active

• Consistently add new products to remain visible in search.
• Respond quickly to buyer questions or requests. High responsiveness can boost ratings and repeat business.

4. Build Your Brand

• Use consistent imagery, shop banners, and product packaging.
• Collect positive reviews and showcase customer testimonials.
• If the platform allows, grow an email list for future promotions.

5. Utilize Marketing Tools

• Run sales, offer coupons, or create bundles to entice buyers.
• Participate in the site’s advertising, if offered, to boost visibility.
• Share your shop/products on social media.

6. Track Analytics

• Monitor your top-performing items.
• Use site analytics to adjust pricing, descriptions, and photos for better sales.

7. Diversify

• Sell on more than one platform to reach new audiences and reduce reliance on any single site.
• Test different sites with a few products before fully committing.

8. Understand Fees

• Read the fine print about fees—some may not be obvious at first.
• Calculate your true profit margin after all sales, shipping, and payment fees.

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Handmade Selling Sites: Key Features Comparison Table

Attribute	Etsy	Amazon Handmade	Bonanza	eBay	Goimagine	Aftcra	iCraft	Society6/Redbubble	Shopify
Product Type	Handmade, vintage, supplies	Handmade only	Everything	Everything	Handmade	Handmade	Handmade	POD Art	All types
Listing Fee	$0.20	No	No	Up to 250 free	None	None	None	None	N/A
Commission on Sale	6.5%+	15%	3.5–4%+	~10%+	None	7%	None	~10–15%, varies	None
Subscription Fee	None (shop extras available)	None	Optional	Store options	$2.50+	None	$10+/mo	None	$29+/mo
Approval Process	Open	Application	Open	Open	Application	Application	Application	Open	Open
Custom Shop URL	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Shop Customization	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	Minimal	Moderate	Branded portfolio	Full
Marketing Tools	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	Advanced
Payments	Etsy Payments	Amazon Payments	PayPal/etc	Various	Stripe	PayPal	PayPal/E-transfer	Platform collects	Many options
Audience Size	Massive	Massive	Medium	Massive	Small	Small	Small	Large	Own growth
International Selling	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	US only	US only	Yes	Yes	Yes
Notable Restrictions/Perks	High competition	Strict vetting/handmade only	Best for cross-listing	Vintage + general products	Charitable, US only	US only	No resellers, handmade only	Art/designs only	Fully self-managed

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Best Practices and Advice for Choosing and Using Handmade Selling Sites

1. Start with One Site You Know
   If new to online selling, choose a well-known platform with robust resources, like Etsy. Once you understand the basics, expand to others.

2. Read Seller Policies Carefully
   Ensure your products meet the platform’s definition of “handmade” (some sites exclude assembled-from-kits, resold, or upcycled goods).

3. Calculate True Earnings
   Add up all platform fees, payment processing, shipping, and even packaging costs before setting final prices.

4. Protect Your Brand and Work
   Use watermarks or creative angles for photos if intellectual property is a concern. Regularly monitor for copycats.

5. Consider Your Audience Reach
   Bigger marketplaces = more shoppers, but also increased competition. Niche or regional sites may provide more loyal followings.

6. Engage with the Community
   Participate in any seller forums—troubleshooting, advice, and encouragement can be invaluable.

7. Leverage Social Media
   Cross-promote your shop on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook—most handmade buyers are avid social media users.

8. Be Customer Service-Oriented
   Resolve issues quickly and professionally. Good reviews drive future sales.

9. Track What Works
   Analyze best-sellers and slow movers to refine your product line and marketing focus.

10. Be Prepared for Growth
    As sales grow, you may need to upgrade from side hustle to full business (consider tax implications, inventory management, and scaling up production).

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Conclusion

Handmade selling sites offer an incredible opportunity for artisans, hobbyists, and creative entrepreneurs to connect with customers searching for unique, quality products. Each platform comes with its own audience, strengths, drawbacks, and fee structures, so research and experimentation are key. Whether you are looking to turn your passion into a sustainable business, earn extra income, or build a loyal brand following, the right platform is out there for you. Take the time to compare your options, optimize your shop, and leverage the built-in tools to maximize your success. Remember: the most successful handmade sellers often use multiple channels, focus on stellar product presentation and customer service, and keep learning as they grow.

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FAQ

1. What qualifies as “handmade” on most selling sites?
   Generally, “handmade” means an item is made or designed by the person selling it, not mass-produced or factory-assembled. Some platforms are stricter (requiring crafted origin), while others allow designed-by-you but manufactured by someone else (especially in print-on-demand).

2. Do I need a business license to sell on these platforms?
   Most sites don’t require it at signup, but once you reach certain sales volume, check local regulations about tax collection and business licensing.

3. Can I sell internationally?
   Many marketplaces support global buyers, but shipping rates, regulations, and platform policies may affect what and where you can sell. Sites like Etsy, eBay, and Amazon make international selling relatively seamless, while others may have regional restrictions.

4. How quickly can I start selling after signing up?
   On open marketplaces, you can often launch within a day. Platforms requiring application or vetting (Amazon Handmade, Goimagine) may take days to weeks for approval.

5. How do payments and taxes work?
   Payments are handled by the platform’s gateway and deposited into your account, minus fees. You’re responsible for reporting and remitting taxes—check the platform’s reporting features and consult a tax professional for your area.

6. Can I sell on more than one site at the same time?
   Yes, many successful sellers use multiple platforms to increase reach and reduce risk. Just keep inventory synced to avoid double-selling.

7. What are the risks of using big marketplaces?
   Major sites can sometimes change rules, increase fees, or suspend shops unexpectedly. High competition can also make it hard to stand out. Diversifying across platforms can help manage those risks.

8. Are there alternatives to marketplaces, like building my own site?
   Absolutely. Ecommerce builders (Shopify, WooCommerce, IndieMade) let you own your shop, but require more work to attract buyers and manage the business side. Many successful sellers use both their own website and marketplaces together.

9. How can I get my first sales?
   Focus on high-quality photos, clear descriptions, competitive pricing, and prompt customer service. Promote your shop through social media, friends/family, and consider running small advertisements if the platform supports it.

10. What should I do if my products don’t sell well?
    Reevaluate listing quality (photos/descriptions), research competitors, test different price points or product types, ask for feedback, and consider adjusting your target audience or trying a different platform better suited to your niche.

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