where to sell handmade items
Where to sell handmade items
For handmade items, the best places are usually Etsy, Folksy, your own website, local craft fairs, and social platforms with shopping features. Etsy is the biggest general marketplace for handmade goods, while Folksy is especially strong for UK makers and small- batch craft sellers.Quick Scoop
A practical approach is to use **two channels** : one marketplace for discovery and one place you control, like your own store or Instagram/TikTok-linked shop. That gives you both traffic and flexibility, instead of relying on a single platform’s rules and fees.Best places online
- Etsy: Best for broad reach and buyers already looking for handmade items.
- Folksy: Strong option for UK-based handmade sellers and craft-focused shoppers.
- eBay: Useful if your items can compete on price or have a collectible angle.
- Depop: Better for trend-led or youth-oriented handmade pieces, especially fashion and accessories.
- Amazon Handmade: Worth considering if you want access to a huge marketplace, but it is usually more competitive.
- Your own website: Best for building your brand and keeping more control over pricing, design, and repeat customers.
Best places offline
- Craft fairs and local markets: Good for face-to-face selling and immediate feedback.
- Independent gift shops or boutiques: Works well if your products fit a local retail style.
- Pop-up stalls and seasonal events: Useful around holidays, weddings, and tourist seasons.
How to choose
Pick the platform based on what you sell. Jewelry, art, ceramics, and decor often do well on Etsy or Folksy, while clothing, trendy accessories, and giftable items may fit better on Depop or local markets.A simple rule: if people search for your item, use a marketplace; if people buy because they follow your brand, use your own store plus social media. Sellers in forum discussions often say Etsy is best for search-driven sales, while Shopify or a personal site works better when your traffic comes from your own marketing.
Fees and trade-offs
Marketplaces can bring customers, but they also take fees and limit how much you control the customer relationship. Folksy, Etsy, eBay, and other platforms each have different listing and commission structures, so pricing has to account for fees before you launch.Simple starter plan
- List 5–10 items on Etsy or Folksy.
- Share the same products on Instagram, Pinterest, or TikTok.
- Test one local market or fair.
- Move repeat buyers to your own site over time.
- Track which channel gives the best profit, not just the most orders.
If you want the fastest path, start with Etsy; if you want a UK craft community, start with Folksy; if you want long-term control, build your own store alongside one marketplace.
