7 Best Platforms for Selling Your Handmade Crafts: Turn Your Hobby into Cash

Are you looking for a way to turn your creative hobby into extra cash? Selling handmade crafts online can be a fun and rewarding side hustle.

With so many platforms available, it’s easier than ever to share your unique creations with customers around the world.

Finding the right place to sell your handmade items can make a big difference in your success. Each platform has its own features, fees, and audience.

By choosing the best fit for your crafts, you can boost your sales and grow your small business.

Let’s explore some top options for selling your handmade goods online.

1) Etsy

Etsy is a go-to platform for selling handmade crafts as a side hustle.

You can easily set up shop and start selling your unique creations to a global audience.

The site is known for its focus on handmade, vintage, and unique items.

This makes it perfect if you’re crafting jewelry, home decor, or other artisanal goods.

Setting up your Etsy shop is pretty straightforward.

You’ll need to create an account, pick a shop name, and start listing your items.

Each listing comes with a small fee, but it’s manageable for most sellers.

One of the best things about Etsy is its built-in customer base.

Millions of people browse the site looking for one-of-a-kind items.

This means you don’t have to work as hard to find customers.

Etsy also provides tools to help you manage your shop.

You can track orders, communicate with customers, and even get insights into your sales performance.

Keep in mind that Etsy does take a cut of your sales.

They charge transaction and payment processing fees, so factor that into your pricing.

Competition can be tough on Etsy, given its popularity.

You’ll need to make your listings stand out with great photos and descriptions.

Despite the competition, many creators find success on Etsy.

It’s a solid choice for turning your craft hobby into a profitable side gig.

2) Shopify

Want to sell your handmade items with total control? Shopify might be your best bet.

It’s not just for big businesses – crafters like you can use it too.

Shopify lets you set up your own online store to showcase your crafts.

You can pick a cool theme and make it look just how you want.

Adding your products is easy.

You can make a page for each of your handmade items.

Don’t forget to take some nice photos and write good descriptions.

One great thing about Shopify is you can sell anywhere.

Your online store, social media, even in person at markets.

It all links up.

Shopify has tools to help you grow your craft business.

You can track your sales, manage your inventory, and even handle shipping.

It’s not free like some other platforms, but you get a lot for your money.

Plus, as your side hustle grows, Shopify grows with you.

Remember, Shopify isn’t just for selling.

It can help you build your brand too.

That’s super important when you’re selling handmade stuff.

So if you’re serious about turning your craft hobby into a real side hustle, Shopify could be a great choice.

3) Big Cartel

Big Cartel is a cool platform for selling your handmade crafts as a side hustle.

It’s designed with artists and makers in mind, so you’ll feel right at home.

You can set up your own online store without breaking the bank.

Big Cartel offers free plans for those just starting out, which is great if you’re testing the waters.

The platform is super easy to use.

You don’t need to be a tech whiz to get your store up and running.

Big Cartel provides simple tools to customize your shop and showcase your unique creations.

One of the best things about Big Cartel is that you keep all your profits.

Unlike some other platforms, they don’t take a cut of your sales.

This means more money in your pocket for your hard work.

You can sell up to 5 products with the free plan.

If your side hustle takes off, you can upgrade to paid plans with more features and product listings.

Big Cartel integrates with popular payment processors, making it easy for your customers to buy your crafts.

You can also connect your store to social media to reach more potential buyers.

Remember, Big Cartel is all about promoting independent artists.

Your store will be part of a community that values creativity and originality.

This can be a great way to connect with like-minded crafters and grow your side hustle.

4) Folksy

Folksy is a great option if you’re looking to sell your handmade items in the UK.

It’s like a British version of Etsy, focused on handmade goods and craft supplies.

Setting up shop on Folksy is easy.

You can create your own little corner of the internet to showcase your crafts.

It’s perfect for turning your hobby into a side hustle.

Folksy has two types of shops.

The basic one is free, but you pay a fee for each item you list.

If you’re serious about selling, you might want to go for the Plus shop.

It costs a bit upfront but lets you list as many items as you want.

When you sell something on Folksy, they take a small cut.

It’s 6% of the item cost plus VAT.

This is pretty reasonable compared to some other platforms.

One cool thing about Folksy is its community feel.

Buyers on the site are often looking for unique, handmade items.

This means your crafts could find the right audience.

Folksy also runs regular features and promotions.

These can help get your products in front of more potential customers.

It’s a nice boost for your side business.

Remember, Folksy is UK-based.

If you’re not in the UK, you might want to consider other options.

But if you are, it’s definitely worth checking out for your handmade creations.

5) ArtFire

ArtFire is a cool spot to sell your handmade goodies.

It’s been around since 2008 and focuses on craft creators like you.

You can sell all sorts of handmade items here.

Think jewelry, art, vintage stuff, and even craft supplies.

It’s a great place to start your side hustle.

ArtFire gives you your own shop to customize.

You can make it look just how you want.

This helps you stand out from other sellers.

The platform offers some handy tools too.

You get live customer service chat to help your buyers.

There are also marketing tools to boost your sales.

One nice thing about ArtFire is the community.

You’ll find other crafters and artists to connect with.

This can be great for getting tips and support.

Remember, you’ll need to pay to use ArtFire.

They have different plans to choose from.

Pick the one that fits your needs and budget best.

ArtFire might not be as big as some other platforms.

But it could be perfect if you want a more focused audience for your crafts.

6) Zibbet

Zibbet is a cool platform for selling your handmade goodies online.

It’s a great option if you’re looking to turn your crafty skills into a side hustle.

With Zibbet, you can set up your own online shop in no time.

The best part? You don’t need to be a tech whiz to get started.

Their user-friendly interface makes it easy to showcase your crafts.

One neat feature of Zibbet is that it lets you sell on multiple channels.

This means you can reach more customers without extra work.

You can manage your Etsy, Shopify, and other online stores all from one place.

Pricing on Zibbet is straightforward.

They offer different plans based on your needs.

You can start small and grow as your side hustle takes off.

Zibbet also provides handy tools to help you succeed.

You’ll find resources on marketing, pricing, and more.

These can be super helpful when you’re just starting out.

Remember, selling crafts online takes time and effort.

But with Zibbet, you’ve got a solid platform to build your side hustle.

Give it a try and see how your handmade creations can turn into extra cash!

7) Handmade at Amazon

Want to turn your crafting hobby into a side hustle? Handmade at Amazon might be the perfect platform for you.

It’s a special section on Amazon just for artisans and makers.

Getting started is easy.

You can join for free and set up your own shop.

You’ll need to apply and show that your products are truly handmade.

Once approved, you can list your crafts and reach Amazon’s huge customer base.

It’s a great way to get your creations in front of lots of potential buyers.

Pricing is simple too.

Amazon takes a 15% cut when you make a sale.

That’s it – no monthly fees or listing charges.

You can sell all sorts of handmade items.

Think jewelry, home decor, clothing, and more. Amazon defines handmade as things you’ve crafted, altered, or customized yourself.

The platform gives you tools to manage your shop and grow your business.

You can even offer custom orders to your customers.

One cool perk? Your items get the “Handmade” badge.

This helps them stand out from mass-produced products on Amazon.

Remember, you’re competing with other sellers.

Make sure your photos and descriptions are top-notch to catch buyers’ eyes.

Why Choose The Right Platform

Picking the right place to sell your handmade goods can make or break your side hustle.

It’s all about getting your stuff in front of the right people and making your brand stand out.

Reaching Your Target Audience

The platform you pick can help you find buyers who love what you make.

Different sites attract different shoppers. Etsy draws folks looking for unique, handmade items. eBay might be better if you’re selling vintage-inspired crafts.

Think about who’d want your stuff.

Are they young and hip? Older and traditional? This helps you choose where to set up shop.

Some platforms let you zero in on specific groups.

You can tag your items or join special categories.

This makes it easier for the right people to find you.

Don’t forget about social media.

Many platforms let you link your shop to Facebook or Instagram.

This helps you reach even more potential customers.

Building Your Brand

Your chosen platform can help you create a strong brand identity.

This sets you apart from other sellers and helps customers remember you.

Most sites let you customize your shop page.

Add your logo, pick your colors, and write a catchy description.

This makes your brand feel cohesive and professional.

Some platforms offer tools to help you engage with customers.

You might be able to send follow-up emails or offer special deals.

This builds loyalty and keeps people coming back.

Selling on your own website gives you the most control over your brand.

But it also takes more work.

Popular platforms already have built-in trust with shoppers.

Remember, consistency is key.

Use the same name, logo, and style across all your selling channels.

This helps people recognize your brand no matter where they find you.

Marketing And Promotion

Getting the word out about your handmade crafts is key to boosting sales.

Smart marketing can help you reach more potential customers and turn your side hustle into a thriving business.

Leveraging Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool for craft sellers.

Pick 1-2 platforms where your target customers hang out.

Instagram and Pinterest work great for visual crafts.

Post high-quality photos of your items regularly.

Use relevant hashtags to increase visibility.

Engage with followers by responding to comments and messages promptly.

Share behind-the-scenes content of your creative process.

This builds a connection with potential buyers.

Consider running contests or giveaways to grow your audience.

You can also set up shops on social platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

This lets people buy directly through your social profiles.

Email Marketing Tips

Don’t overlook email marketing for your craft business.

It’s a great way to keep in touch with past customers and leads.

Start by building an email list.

Add a signup form to your website and social media profiles.

Send a welcome email to new subscribers with a special offer.

This encourages first-time purchases.

Create a regular newsletter with new product announcements, upcoming craft fairs, and special promotions.

Personalize emails when possible.

Use the subscriber’s name and recommend products based on past purchases.

Keep your emails visually appealing with photos of your crafts.

Always include clear calls-to-action that lead to your online shop.

Optimizing Your Listings

Getting your handmade crafts noticed online is key to making sales.

You’ll need to focus on two main areas: writing great descriptions and using eye-catching photos.

Writing Compelling Descriptions

Your item descriptions can make or break a sale.

Start with a catchy title that includes key details like color, size, or material.

Keep it short but descriptive.

In the main description, highlight what makes your item special.

Is it one-of-a-kind? Made with premium materials? Perfect for a specific occasion? Mention these selling points.

Use simple language and short sentences.

Avoid jargon that might confuse buyers.

Include all important details:

• Dimensions
• Materials used
• Care instructions
• Shipping info

Think about what questions a buyer might have and answer them in your description.

This can help reduce returns and boost customer satisfaction.

Using High-Quality Images

Good photos can make your crafts stand out in a crowded online marketplace.

You don’t need fancy equipment – a smartphone can work well.

Aim for bright, clear shots that show your item from multiple angles.

Natural light often works best.

Avoid dark or blurry images.

Include close-ups to show textures and details.

This helps buyers see the quality of your work.

Add a photo with something for scale, like a coin or ruler.

This gives shoppers a better idea of the item’s size.

If your craft comes in different colors or styles, show all options.

This can encourage more sales.

Remember to edit your photos.

Crop out distracting backgrounds and adjust brightness if needed.

But don’t over-edit – your photos should still look realistic.