The Best Marketplaces to Sell Handmade Goods Online (And How to Choose the Right One)
When it comes to selling handmade goods online, the digital space is packed with options—and that’s both a blessing and a headache. Every marketplace has its own vibe, its own rules, and its own type of buyer. Finding the right one isn’t about chasing the biggest name. It’s about finding the platform that actually fits you and the kind of work you create.
Whether you’re crafting one-of-a-kind jewelry, weaving custom textiles, or building unique home décor, understanding how these platforms work is the first real step toward selling with confidence instead of frustration.
Handmade isn’t a trend anymore—it’s a movement.
Why Handmade Products Are in Demand Right Now
Shoppers are tired of mass-produced everything. Same designs. Same factories. Same forgettable products. What they’re craving now is authenticity—items with a story behind them and a real person on the other end.
That shift is exactly why handmade sellers are thriving online.
People don’t just want stuff anymore. They want:
- Products with personality
- Pieces that feel intentional
- A connection to the maker
If you create handmade goods, you’re not competing with big brands. You’re offering something they can’t—and that’s a huge advantage when you’re on the right platform.
Things to Think About Before Choosing a Marketplace
Before jumping onto the first platform that sounds popular, it’s worth slowing down and thinking strategically. The wrong marketplace can make selling feel like a grind, even when your products are solid.
Ask yourself:
- What kind of products do I make?
- Who am I trying to sell to?
- Do I want built-in traffic or full control?
- How much time do I want to spend managing listings?
- Do I want community support or independence?
There’s no universal “best” marketplace. There’s only the one that makes the most sense for your goals.
What Makes a Marketplace Easy (or Frustrating) to Use
User experience matters more than people admit.
Buyers want fast-loading pages, clean layouts, and easy checkout. If a platform feels clunky, they leave—simple as that.
Sellers care about different things:
- Transparent fees
- Reliable payments
- Useful analytics
- Seller support and community
When a marketplace balances both sides well, it’s a lot easier to grow without burning out.
The Top 5 Marketplaces to Sell Handmade Goods Online
1. Etsy – The Handmade Powerhouse
Etsy is usually the first platform people think of when it comes to handmade goods, and there’s a reason for that. It has a massive, global audience that’s already searching specifically for unique, handcrafted items.
Etsy makes it easy to get started. The platform is beginner-friendly, trusted by buyers, and built around discovery. If you want access to ready-made traffic, Etsy delivers.
The downside? Competition is fierce, and fees can add up fast. Success on Etsy requires real effort—strong photos, solid SEO, and consistent optimization.
Best for: Sellers who want exposure quickly and are willing to compete.
2. Amazon Handmade – Huge Reach, Tight Rules
Amazon Handmade offers something no other platform can match: sheer scale. You get access to Amazon’s enormous customer base and its well-oiled logistics system.
That reach comes with trade-offs. Amazon has strict guidelines for handmade sellers, and branding flexibility is limited. The environment feels more corporate than creative.
Still, for sellers whose products appeal to a broader audience, Amazon Handmade can open doors that smaller platforms simply can’t.
Best for: Sellers who want volume and global reach and don’t mind structure.
3. Zibbet – Sell Everywhere from One Dashboard
Zibbet isn’t just a marketplace—it’s a management tool. It lets you sync products across multiple platforms like Etsy, social media, and your own website, all from one place.
This setup is powerful for sellers who want diversification without managing multiple inventories manually. Once configured, it can save a lot of time.
The learning curve is steeper, though, especially if you’re brand new to online selling.
Best for: Sellers ready to expand beyond one marketplace.
4. Big Cartel – Simple, Indie, Brand-First
Big Cartel is perfect if you want control. It’s minimalist, affordable, and designed for independent creators who want their brand front and center.
You won’t get built-in traffic like Etsy, but you gain flexibility and ownership. Your shop feels like your space—not a rented booth in a crowded mall.
Marketing is on you, but for many sellers, that freedom is worth it.
Best for: Artists and makers who care about branding and independence.
5. ArtFire – Community Over Competition
ArtFire leans heavily into community. Sellers often talk about the supportive environment and collaborative feel, which can be refreshing compared to cutthroat platforms.
The trade-off is traffic. Fewer buyers mean slower growth, but also less competition.
If you value relationships and a calmer selling environment, ArtFire can be a solid home.
Best for: Sellers who want support and connection over scale.
How to Increase Sales on Any Handmade Marketplace
No platform does the work for you. These fundamentals matter everywhere.
Write Descriptions That Feel Human
Your descriptions should tell a story, not just list specs. Talk about materials, process, inspiration, and what makes your work different. Let buyers feel your passion.
Use Photos That Do the Selling
Good lighting, clean backgrounds, and multiple angles make a huge difference. Online, your photos are your product.
Bring in Traffic with Social Media
Instagram and Pinterest are gold for handmade sellers. Share behind-the-scenes moments, finished pieces in real-life settings, and customer feedback to build trust and interest.
Build Trust Through Communication
Clear policies, honest timelines, and fast responses turn buyers into repeat customers—and brand advocates.
Think in Terms of Brand, Not Just Listings
Consistency in tone, visuals, and customer experience creates recognition. When people recognize your work, they come back for more.
Choosing the Marketplace That Actually Works for You
At the end of the day, selling handmade goods online isn’t about being everywhere. It’s about being intentional.
Some sellers thrive on Etsy’s energy. Others prefer Big Cartel’s independence. Some scale with Amazon Handmade. Others build meaningful connections on ArtFire.
The right marketplace is the one that supports:
- Your products
- Your personality
- Your long-term vision
When you find that fit and show up consistently, selling handmade stops feeling like a struggle—and starts feeling like a real business.
Hi there, and thanks for stopping by! My name is Larry, and I’m the voice behind 6fig.com. I search the Internet to try to find money-making opportunities to share. Thanks for stopping by. Feel free to subscribe and comment. Thank You!
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