Online Venues for Selling Crafts and Handmade Goods
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Even before the current economic downturn, many Craftsters were looking for ways to sell their creations. Now more than ever, whether you need the extra income, an excuse to make more projects, or are just feeling entrepreneurial, it’s a good time to investigate options for selling. |
Local and regional craft shows like Renegade, Bumbershoot, Maker Faire, Bazaar Bizarre, and others are one way to sell your goods in person. Some local boutiques, like Magpie in Boston (founded by our own Leah Kramer), also sell handmade goods from local or national artists.
Each store approaches the consignment terms differently. Some will pay crafters up front for their goods, some will offer your items up for consignment. A typical consignment ratio is 40% of the cost of the item going to the store and 60% going to the seller. Make sure you sign a contract with all the details so there are no surprises!
One of the most popular ways to promote and sell your creations is the internet. There are many ways to do this, but here I will focus on a few of the more popular sites for selling handmade goods (and also vintage and supplies).
1. 
Etsy is probably the largest and most popular of the virtual markets. It opened in 2005 and has over 100,000 sellers. The challenge with a huge site like Etsy is to find ways to stand out in the crowd. On the positive side, however, there is already traffic built in, so you aren’t “lost in cyber-space” in the same way you could be if you ran your own site. Setting up shop on Etsy is easy, you just have to personalize your space, but marketing is still up to the individual seller, although there are lots of tools and forums where you can get help and ideas. Etsy only allows handmade items, craft supplies, and vintage (over 20 years old) items.
2. 
Silk Fair opened in February 2008. It uses a similar model to Etsy, in fact they have a feature that allows you to upload your Etsy items into a Silk Fair shop. Unlike Etsy, they allow sales of items outside of the craft/supplies/vintage arena.
3.
Artfire is a newer site, still in beta, but available now. It also uses this same business model, and includes sections for Handmade/Fine Art, Design/Media, and Supplies/Vintage. Both Etsy and Artfire have a section to request custom made items (on Etsy it’s called Alchemy, and on Artfire it’s called The Forge). Unlike Etsy, they charge a monthly fee ($7 for a limited number of users, will be $20 when those are taken), rather than a per-item listing fee and percentage.
4. 
Made It Myself is another new site strictly for handmade only. They are also still in beta, however, unlike Artfire, they are completely free for the duration of it. In the future, they will have a traditional pricing structure (similar to Etsy or Silkfair, with a small listing and sales fee), as well as a few new and unique pricing structures that we won’t see until beta is over. They’ll be beginning work on their second, and final, development phase, within the next couple months, and recommend that crafters take advantage of the free service.
5. 
DaWanda is based in Europe and has a more European focus, but like the rest can be used by anyone. It is more popular with European sellers, as listings are in Euros. At this time there is no listing fee, but a 5% commission is taken on sales. They plan to introduce listing fees at an unspecified future time.
6. 
Pinkdoodle is another European site, based in London. It allows for listing in multiple currencies. Pinkdoodle is also rather new, and uses it’s own system of credit points for listing fees, plus a 4% commission.
7.
Lov.li is based in the US, but also has users worldwide. They do not charge listing fees, but do charge a 3.5% commission. They only allow sales of handmade items.
8. 
Wink Elf started in 2006 and is also US based. There is no listing fee, and a 2.5% commission.
| Site | Craft focus? | Listing fee | Commission | Vintage/Supplies | International Sales/Home Location |
| Etsy | yes | .20 USD | 3.5% | y/y | Yes/US |
| Silk Fair | no | Free | 3% | y/y, as well as non-crafty goods | Yes/US |
| Artfire | yes | Free | $7/month special, $20/month normal USD | y/y | Yes/US |
| MadeItMyself | yes | free special, .5 and up USD after special | 3% (free special for limited time) | n/y | Yes/US |
| Dawanda | yes | free | 5% | n/y | Yes/Europe |
| PinkDoodle | yes | Uses own credit system | 4% | n/y | Yes/UK |
| Lov.li | yes | free | 3.5% | n/n | Yes/US |
| Wink Elf | yes | free | 2.5% | n/n | Yes/US |
I really love that this list was created. I had only ever heard of 2 of the 8. The chart is such a great addition too. Thanks so, so, so, so much for posting this! This will be incredibly helpful, for those of us crafters struggling to keep it a hobby, and needing to make it a living. Wonderful.
Thanks for this, it’s really useful. I have never sold anything of mine on line but I like to see what others are making and selling. Didn’t know so many places existed, so I may well put some stuff on 1 or 2 of these.
Thanks again.
I’m lovin’ this list - nice to know there’s other options!
I’m trying to pull together a list of all the brick-and-mortar craft sales in just my area, if anyone can help contribute info…
i love this, and i love the chart that shows if they sell supplies, now i have more places to go search looking for the elusive out of print fabric i want so badly!
Thanks for the overwiev! Unfortunately it contains a small mistake, since DaWanda recently started to take a listing fee
Here’s what Dawanda’s website says about listing fees: “Listing Fees
There are no listing fees on the EN platform, but we plan to launch them at some point this year. We will make sure that you are notified well in advance.”
(http://en.dawanda.com/info/page/service_fees)
Keep us posted if you use DaWanda, and I will update!
Great info! Really useful, thanks for posting it.
My wallet does not thank you for this list… but I sure do.
Thanks for introducing me to all sorts of new places to buy awesome handmade things.
Great list and description, but you omitted 1000Markets. Once 1000Markets officially launches, it will be THE site for quality handcrafted work.
There’s also Folksy and Coriandr - both are UK-based (although Folksy will open for international sales shortly, if it hasn’t already).
This is a really great place to get started when you’re looking for a place to sell your items. Thanks for doing the research and sharing.
this article is awesome! the chart is perfect! THANK YOU!!!!
I’ve been looking for a list like this of places that were “safe” for selling or buying. (I know there is always a risk) Some companies I haven’t heard of, but I can’t wait to check them out.
Awesome! I have only heard of Etsy. I really like the WinkElf site. Thanks for making a list.
Thank you for the great article. It is so handy to see the comparison chart with all the vitals right up front.
You’ve not mentioned Folksy, which is also a UK based site.
http://www.folksy.co.uk
Rather quirky, a little like us Brits! *lol*
Lollishops is another place to sell handmade goods, although they are strongly geered toward romantic, victorian, frilly artists/buyers.
Hi! Funky Finds now has an online venue, The Shops @ Funky Finds. If anyone reading this would like to try it out, mention this post and you will receive the 2nd month free…Buy One, Get One.
Jessica Dougherty
http://funkyfinds.us/theshops
I love the chart. I’ve been thinking of selling online, but wasn’t sure what all was out there besides Etsy, and Art Fire. I’ll have to look into these further. Thank you!
I love Winkelf! They have the best tools with unbranded stores, shopping cart widgets for your blog and seller discount coupons. There’s the free store package and there’s an all inclusive package for just $5.00 a month.
By the way, they do allow vintage and craft supplies. You can even list brand name stuff… but it in your store only.
This is a great post. So true, there has never been a more fitting time to turn an expression of creativity into an entrepreneurial venture. The options are varied, and the comparison of the sites, side by side, is great. Silkfair is perfect for those people seeking a refreshing approach to doing business. They provide the innovative tools allowing for sellers to really take control of their business, at such a minimal fee. Additionally, the community there has been so helpful, warm and inviting. My experience has been wonderfully fulfilling.
In the end, I prefer to be listed on a site that is about building a great community and helping us along the way. Whether that site focuses purely on crafts or handmade is not as important as how I am treated, the connections I make and the price. Silkfair is just such a site.
I’m on 4 of the 8 listed! So far, I’m on etsy the longest and it is the best although business is down…..the economy I guess but I still shop!
Awesome job, batgirl! I wasn’t aware of some of these sites either. That’s great. Thank you!
Awesome! Thanks for selecting us for the list.
Our community’s incredibly close-knit too… catch us at twitter.com/silkfair , silkfair.wordpress.com and on facebook (find us out :))
Looking forward to connecting with you!
This is great! I’m currently on Etsy and am wondering if I should change sites because Etsy is so big. They’ve been pretty great so far but I think I may do better at some in person craft shows.
elevator.etsy.com
There is another Shop Handmade.com Check it out!
There is also an etsy like site in New Zealand at felt.co.nz with a handmade focus.
Another great site is http://www.misi.me.uk
Relatively new, but growing all the time.UK based
Thanks for the compilation of useful information *smiles* Much appreciated!!! Kelly
I don’t see Handmade Fusion up there on the list. It’s a really great site with wonderful admin. http://www.handmadefusion.com
That looks like a great list. Thank you for putting it together.
I love the comparison chart. You should definitely add 1000markets.com. Also Ecrater, Big Cartel, ICraft, WWCrafts.
I’m on Dawanda but will be leaving once they start charging listing fees. The English side gets very little traffic, the Germans don’t use PayPal, only bank transfers, and it’s hard keeping up with the Euro. I like Etsy and Artfire and 1000markets better
Just discovered a new one:
artgaragesale.com
Many thanks for very good details. I have really been wanting to sell my handicrafts on intenet and now I have got the details. Once again many thanks and all the best.
Best Regards - Jenny
Thanks so much for gathering all this info in one spot. I have been looking for some other online venues, this makes it so much easier.
There’s a new one: 1000 Markets
Hey you guys left out a fantastic free website you can go to for a plethora of crafters.
It really is a great website where you can explore an abundance of talented artists who create so much. Its also a community where one can share ideas and post upcoming events.
please check it out!!!
Thank you for mentioning Pinkdoodle.com to your list! We are dedicated in making constant improvements throughout the site, so be sure to drop us a visit from time to time.
All the best,
The Pinkdoodle Team
Bigcartel doesn’t work quite like these gateway sites, but I have to say I’ve found it to be an awesome and amazing tool. I think it needs to be included in any discussion of online indie venues - I’m in no way affiliated just really really happy.
Thanks for this valuable list. I have a blog and etsy site, and looking for more places to sell my soy candles and natural soap.
There is also madeit.com.au - aussie site but most people ship worldwide. prices in AU$. great article.
Eshchyo one a blog
Cool! really cool! Not only that a post you read on one breath - so grasps and it is interesting, but also besides also in a head something remains. Usually posts you forget, as soon as you leave an Internet, and here is over what to think. I continue to reflect over this information.
I’m so so glad such a useful list like this has been compiled! Thank you so much for making things clearer.
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Thank you so much for this list. I knew there had to be other sites besides the standard, ie Etsy and Artfire. I’ll be checking some of these out.
Here’s another to add to the list, but it’s strictly for American made products. Http://www.handmadebyu.com The site is in Beta and you can list your items for Free until your $20 credit runs out. It’s sort of like Craigslist, and Ebay combined, but they also offer video advertising in your online stores. If you have a small video of your product, or a commercial, you can embed it in your Ad. Check out their video demo ad here: http://www.handmadebyu.com/product_desc.php?id=131
You keep your money from the sale of all your products and they never charge you any commission, just a small listing fee.
They’re looking for a bunch of crafters, artists, and more to start listing on their site for FREE. It’s risk free and no commitment is required. Just list, and see if it sells. You have to have a PayPal account though, but it’s worth it to avoid those commission fees from the other sites.
Thanks a bunch for the information. I was looking for some new ways to get my product out into the big world. Visit me sometime on etsy. http://www.susanscraftcorner.etsy.com
Thanks again!
Is pinkdoodle still available? Just when I click the link the page don’t show up and I can’t find it on google anywhere
We are another online craft website. We are an all in one shop; Make it! Buy it! Sell it! All in one place. Our boutique sells all handmade from the artist. We only charge listing fees for unlimited items - NO commission charge. Check out our Sell it! program. http://tigerandlilyboutique.com/sell_it
Thanks so much for this list! I really appreciate the legwork you’ve done….and the info is short and to the point. Yay!
Thanks for pointers, i just opened my ebay store hopefully if takes off i can get my on online shop. Goner give Esty a go now though, my ebay stores @ http://www.iloveprettyhings.co.uk take a look if like
Thanks
Thanks for this article!
you’re missing Big Cartel, which must be the second best/biggest one behind etsy!
i love this list, tho’. 
thanks for doing it!