5 Best Places to Sell Handmade Crafts
As a Crafty Mompreneur, choosing the right place to showcase and sell handmade crafts is a crucial decision. The digital age offers numerous options, each with its own set of advantages. Let’s explore some of the best platforms that can help you reach a wider audience and boost your craft business.
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Sell Handmade Crafts on Etsy
Etsy is a household name in the world of handmade and artisanal crafts. It’s a fantastic platform for crafters, offering a vast marketplace where you can set up your shop, list products, and connect with a global community of buyers interested in unique, handcrafted items.
The platform’s robust features, including built-in payment processing and shipping options, simplify the selling process. Moreover, Etsy’s search and discovery tools help potential customers find your products more easily. Its sense of community and support networks create an environment where sellers can connect with like-minded individuals.
I personally have been using Etsy for over 15 years and love it. Stay tuned for a much longer blog post on using Etsy for your handmade business.
Overall, Etsy’s blend of accessibility, exposure, and support makes it an ideal choice for Crafty Mompreneurs looking to turn their creative passion into a thriving business.”
The Power of Shopify to Sell Handmade Products
For those who desire more control over their e-commerce website, Shopify is an excellent choice. It provides customizable templates and tools for setting up a professional online store, allowing you to showcase your crafts in a way that reflects your brand’s identity.
Shopify also provides a seamless e-commerce experience for customers, offering secure payment options and a user-friendly checkout process. Additionally, its powerful inventory management and order processing features streamline the backend of your business, making it easier to track and fulfill orders efficiently.
Shopify’s built-in SEO tools and marketing features help you reach a broader audience, and its ability to integrate with various third-party apps can further enhance your online store. Whether you’re just starting your crafting business or looking to expand, Shopify offers the flexibility and support you need to succeed.
I have limited experience using Shopify. We used it for about a year when we started a small gift boutique.
Big Cartel: A Hidden Gem to Sell Crafts
Big Cartel might be a platform for selling crafts you haven’t heard much about. I believe it to be a hidden gem and am currently using it to sell plushies I crochet until we get a shop set up here on our website.
What sets Big Cartel apart is its simplicity and affordability. It’s designed with artists and independent makers in mind, offering an easy-to-navigate interface that allows you to quickly set up your own online store without the need for extensive technical skills.
Additionally, Big Cartel provides various customizable themes, allowing you to showcase your unique craft items in a visually appealing manner. This platform is also budget-friendly, with a free plan available for small businesses. It’s an ideal choice for those just starting their crafting venture, offering a straightforward way to reach a global audience.
Big Cartel’s emphasis on simplicity and affordability can be a significant advantage for Crafty Mompreneurs who are looking to take their first steps in the online marketplace.”
Big Cartel’s emphasis on simplicity and affordability can be a significant advantage for Crafty Mompreneurs who are looking to take their first steps in the online marketplace.
Selling Crafts at Local Markets
Don’t underestimate the value of in-person sales. Participating in local craft fairs and markets can allow you to connect with your community and make immediate sales.
These events provide a unique opportunity for direct customer interaction, allowing you to receive immediate feedback, build personal connections, and gain insight into what your target audience truly appreciates.
Additionally, craft fairs and markets offer a platform to test new products, experiment with pricing strategies, and refine your display and marketing techniques in a real-world setting.
The face-to-face nature of these events also helps in brand building, as customers can associate a person and a story with your crafts. Furthermore, participating in local events fosters a sense of community and support among fellow crafters, creating opportunities for collaboration and shared experiences.
All in all, selling your handmade crafts at local craft fairs and markets not only provides valuable sales opportunities but also contributes to the growth and development of your craft business.
While they can be a lot of work to set up and to prep for, local markets is one of my favorite ways to sell handmade items. I’ve been enjoying the time I’ve spent with my teenagers at our weekly markets the past couple years. Its been a great change of pace on my mompreneur journey. This photo was from one of our markets a few years ago.
The Rise of Social Media Shops
Utilizing social media shops like TikTok Shop or Instagram Stores presents Crafty Mompreneurs with a compelling opportunity to reach a vast and engaged audience to sell handmade crafts.
These platforms offer a visually rich and interactive environment that enables you to showcase your handmade products in a creative and engaging manner. The user-friendly interfaces make it easy for potential customers to browse, inquire, and make purchases directly within the app.
Moreover, the interactive nature of these platforms allows you to connect with your audience through live streams, stories, and engaging content, building a sense of community and trust.
Leveraging the power of social media shops can significantly expand your reach, enhance your brand presence, and drive sales while tapping into a younger and more tech-savvy demographic.
Options galore...do your research
This is just a sampling of ways to sell your handmade crafts. But there are so many more options. Amazon Handmade, Makerplace by Michaels, Artfire, Ebay, Your own Website and more!
When choosing a platform, consider factors such as fees, ease of use, the size of the audience, and the platform’s policies. It’s often a good strategy to diversify your presence by using multiple platforms to reach different customer segments. This approach can help you grow your craft business and maximize your sales potential.
I’ll be diving deeper into these different platforms in the future so be sure to subscribe to my newsletter to stay up to date with all things Crafty Mompreneur.
