How To Sell Handmade Items in 2026

Are you passionate about creating unique handmade items and ready to turn your hobby into a thriving business? 

With the growing demand for one-of-a-kind handmade products, there has never been a better time to enter the world of selling handcrafted items. 

Whether you’re a jewelry maker, artist, or craftsperson, understanding the steps involved in how to sell handmade items can set you up for success. In this blog, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know—from choosing your niche and pricing your products to marketing your business. 

Let’s get started on transforming your creativity.  

STEP 1: Deciding What to Sell

Let’s discuss how to decide the handmade products you want to sell.

Choose Your Niche

Having a niche makes it easier for ideal customers to identify with your brand and see you as an expert. 

Before finding a niche, let’s look at the best-selling items in the handmade category across Shopify, Etsy, Amazon Handmade, etc.

• Handmade Jewelry
• Home Decor
• Wedding Accessories
• Handmade Bath Goods
• Pet Fashion and Treats
• Digital Downloads

You can go ahead and choose one of these categories. 

Alternatively, here’s a process you can follow to identify your niche.

Steps to Finding Your Handmade Business Niche

• The Brain Dump: Start by jotting down every idea about what you’d like to create. Let your creativity flow without judgment, whether it’s a product, a theme, or a vague concept. 
• Niching Down: Product vs. Theme: You can finalize your niche in two ways.

• By Product: Think about a specific niche in handmade, like pottery, clay earrings, or fiber art. This approach reduces material costs and simplifies production, as you buy supplies for just one type of handmade product.
• By Theme: Offer various handmade products that share a cohesive theme. For example, a book-themed business might sell bookmarks, tote bags, tumblers, and stickers, all appealing to avid readers. This option allows for more creativity while maintaining a clear brand identity.
• Elimination: Once you have your list, evaluate each idea critically. Ask yourself:

• Can this idea be profitable? To determine whether a product is profitable, you can check the average profit margins of top sellers on various platforms.
• Am I passionate about it and knowledgeable enough to dive in?
• Could I see myself talking about or creating these handmade products for hours? 

Gradually eliminate ideas that don’t meet these criteria until you have a top three. 

• Compare and Contrast: Now, weigh your top three ideas for handmade items against each other. For each, brainstorm potential products, price points, and customer demographics. Which idea excites you the most? Which feels the most profitable? Choose the one that balances passion, practicality, and profit potential.
• Know Your Audience: The next important step is understanding your ideal customer. For this, research their interests, buying habits, and pain points. Use platforms like Etsy, Amazon, eBay, and Shopify to see trends and tailor your handmade products accordingly.

Once you’ve chosen your niche in the handmade category, start creating and selling. Pay attention to what sells best and what doesn’t. It’s okay to pivot based on customer feedback or market trends. 

Create High-Quality Products

After deciding upon the handmade products to sell, it’s time to start creating them.

1. Select the Right Materials

The quality of your materials plays a significant role in the durability and appeal of your handmade items. 

Choose materials that:

• Are durable and suited for the product’s intended use (e.g., high-grade jewelry metals, premium knitwear yarn).
• Match your brand’s aesthetic and target market preferences, such as eco-friendly or luxury materials.
• Are consistent in quality to maintain product uniformity and customer satisfaction.

Remember: Dedicate time to perfecting techniques and experimenting with new methods.Stay updated with industry trends and incorporate them into your designs without compromising originality.

2. Create Unique Designs

In a competitive market, originality is key to standing out. Focus on:

• Market Research: Identify gaps in the market and craft designs that address those needs or preferences.
• Your Signature Style: Develop a recognizable style that reflects your brand identity.
• Customization: Offer personalized options, such as engraving or custom colors, to make your products memorable for each customer.

3. Create your Rough Sketch

Once you’ve decided what to make, start sketching your ideas. These rough sketches will help you visualize the final product and plan the steps to bring your creation to life.

4. Develop a Prototype for Your Product

After finalizing your design or pattern, create a prototype as an experimental first version of your product. This initial piece isn’t for sale but helps you evaluate the feasibility of your idea and refine your process.

5. Seek Feedback and Refine Your Design

Share your prototype with friends or fellow crafters to gather constructive feedback. Honest critiques can help you identify areas for improvement before presenting your product to potential customers.

Now, let’s look at where to sell your handmade items.

STEP 2: Deciding Where to Sell Your Handmade Products

Understanding where to sell your handmade products is crucial. There are various platforms and ways to reach your ideal customers, but you must consider other factors, such as budget, store location, inventory costs, etc, to sell your handmade products. 

In this section, we have gathered all the platforms and places to sell your handmade items. Choose the ones that best suit your requirements. 

How to Sell Handmade Items on Amazon Handmade?

Amazon Handmade is a platform for artisans and craftsmen to sell their handmade and artisan-crafted products. It has a massive customer base and a shipping and fulfillment network for efficient order processing. 

It also comes with a few downsides. They are: unfriendly user interface, slow application process, limited options in categories – it only allows you to sell in 14 categories, delay in payment, etc. 

On the other hand, the platform only allows handmade, hand-altered, or hand-assembled items. Discover the pros and cons of selling on Amazon.

Let’s understand How to sell handmade items on amazon Handmade.

Steps to Join Amazon Handmade:

• You must apply to sell on Amazon Handmade.
• Get approved.
• List your products.
• Choose a fulfillment method: FBA or FBM.

Pricing

Amazon charges a greater 15% of the total price or a minimum of $1 per item. It also has additional costs like fulfillment (if you choose FBA) and other marketing costs.

Tips to get started on Amazon Handmade:

• Use keywords, optimize your listings, and be creative with your product descriptions to help you stand out from your competitors. Focus on your product’s Unique Selling Points (USPs) and what makes it unique.
• Consider Amazon’s Sponsored Products ads (CPC ads) that appear in relevant shopping results and product pages. 
• Sign up for Amazon’s FBA program, which lets sellers outsource their order fulfillment. Along with free shipping, you can also get access to Amazon Prime, free two-day Shipping, and access to Amazon’s customer service network.

If you’re already selling on Amazon, you might also explore: 25 Expert Tips for Amazon Sellers13 Tips on Amazon Listing OptimizationA Guide on Amazon Product Feed

How to Sell Handmade Items on Etsy?

Etsy is home to creative individuals who sell unique, handmade items. It has over 96 million active buyers. With its user-friendly interface, sellers can reach a wider audience, promote their Etsy shop using Etsy’s built-in marketing tools, and receive support from the Etsy community and forums.

Read Also: What sells best on Etsy.

The disadvantages include huge competition, limited brand control, market saturation, etc.

Here’s how to open a shop on Etsy:

• Create an Etsy account.
• Open your Etsy storefront.
• Upload products.
• Choose how you’ll get paid.
• Set up billing.
• Customize your Etsy storefront.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to set up an Etsy shop.

Pricing:

Etsy charges a listing fee of $0.20, transaction costs of 6.5%, payment processing fees of 3% + $0.25 (for US sellers), currency conversion fees of 2.5%, and a regulatory operating fee(based on country). These are the basic costs on Etsy; the fees might increase if you choose a subscription plan or promotions on Etsy.

Some specific tips to stand out on Etsy:

• Optimize listings for SEO, customize your storefront, upload excellent product photos, and offer great customer service.
• Promote new product listings on social media. You can create posts like new product listings, recent milestones, details on sales and coupons, reviews, favorited items, and shop updates.
• Send a thank you note after a customer purchases from your store. 
• Encourage customers to take photos of their purchases and post them on their social media accounts.

How to Sell Handmade Items on Facebook?

During the fourth quarter of 2023, the number of daily active users on Facebook reached 2.1 billion.  The platform presents sellers with various ways to reach customers and sell their products. These include the Facebook Marketplace, Facebook Shop, FB groups, Business pages, and Facebook Ads.

The main advantage of the Facebook marketplace is it does not charge its sellers to list items if they sell locally. A significant downside is the possibility of scams, with buyers and sellers susceptible to fraudulent activities. 

Steps to open an account on Facebook Marketplace:

• Log in to your Facebook account.
• Click the Marketplace icon in the left-hand column.
• Confirm your location if prompted.
• Click Continue.
• Review and agree to the Marketplace terms of service.
• Set up your profile by adding a profile picture, cover photo, and description.

Pricing: Facebook charges 5% of the sale price or a flat fee of $0.40 for shipments of $8.00 or less.

Tips to sell handmade items on Facebook

Facebook Business Page:

• Create a Facebook Business Page which is free, quick, and easy to use. Include business email. Fill out the About section with product information, benefits, and pricing details.
• Giveaways are a great way to introduce your handmade products to people. You can choose products for the giveaway and post them in the group along with some essential details about your FB page. This way, group members can explore and purchase all your products on the page.

Facebook Groups:

• Find groups based on your target audience and post relatable stuff that resonates with your audience.
  • For example, if your target audience is moms or parents, you can post ‘Back to School’ items and engage them.
• Focus on some holidays, such as Christmas and Halloween, and events like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, and post products on groups on these days. It’s the gifting season, and more people buy gifts for these occasions.

Facebook Marketplace:

• Before you start selling on the Facebook Marketplace, research and test the waters; do not go overboard and purchase all the supplies and materials simultaneously.
  • Instead, create the product, upload it to the FB marketplace, and see if it sells.
  • Analyze the demand, purchase all the required materials, and create bulk products.
• The next important thing is product photos. You can click some great images without a photographer or a fancy camera. Take inspiration from TikTok and Pinterest and capture photos using your smartphone. 

Pro Tip: Remember to shoot in the daytime for excellent lighting.

• Include relevant hashtags at the bottom of your listing. These hashtags must include the phrases people are searching for on Facebook.
• Understand the best times to post on Facebook.

Read Also:  8 tips to improve engagement on Facebook Best selling items on Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Ads:

Create a Facebook Business page, define your target audiences through detailed targeting options, and create custom and lookalike audiences.

Create engaging ads, choose formats like ad carousals, and monitor performance regularly. You can start with a budget of $1 to $5 daily and gradually increase it according to performance.

Leverage Facebook’s detailed targeting features to narrow down your audience based on specific interests related to your products, such as “handmade crafts,” “artisan jewelry,” or “DIY enthusiasts.

If you are a Shopify merchant, you can also use a Facebook Pixel app to retarget users who have previously interacted with your website or ads. This strategy keeps your products in front of interested potential customers, increasing the likelihood of conversion. 

NOTE: If you want to sell your handmade items without much investment, the Facebook marketplace is the best choice, as it doesn’t involve any listing fees. However, we have also discussed how to sell your handmade items for free in this article; click here to jump to the section.

How to Sell Handmade Items on Instagram?

With 2 billion monthly active users on Instagram, your target customers are already there, looking for a product like yours. Instagram is ideal for showcasing physical, unique, handmade items. Additionally, the platform offers you Instagram Shop and ads to sell your products.

Instagram has downsides: It is primarily a social media channel with limited e-commerce features. Secondly, it’s challenging to stand out with an unpredictable algorithm, and providing customer support is also a hassle on Instagram. 

That being said, you can still reach your ideal customers using Instagram Ads.

To open a Business account on Instagram, you can follow these steps:

NOTE: Ensure your business meets the eligibility requirements for Instagram Shopping, such as complying with Instagram’s merchant agreement and commerce policies and owning your eCommerce website.

• You must create a business account on Instagram.
• Next up, link your Facebook business page to your Instagram account.
• Then, set up your shop. Fill in all the necessary details.
• Submit your account for review.
• Activate Instagram shopping and start selling.

Some Advanced Tips to sell handmade items on Instagram:

• Share stories with your community through Instagram reels to stand out and stay memorable.
• Use a mix of lifestyle and mockup photos to showcase your product. Add some helpful information about the product that catches the scrollers’ attention.
• Time-lapse videos, work-in-progress videos, and live streams are a few more post forms that can immerse your customers in the product creation.
• Experiment with different ad formats like carousel ads, video ads, and story ads
• Tag your products in posts and stories to allow direct purchases.
• To maintain viewer attention, aim for videos that are 15 to 30 seconds lo to maintain viewer attention. Incorporate popular music tracks, sound, and visual effects to make your reels more engaging.
• Redirect Instagram users from the Link in Bio to a landing page. Create a landing page on your website with all the links to your products and let your potential buyer choose one. This option allows buyers to explore their interests rather than showing only a single product in your store.
  • In any other case, if you do not have a website, you can also use apps like linkin.bio, linktr.ee, milkshake.app, campsite.bio, etc., to create a landing page for your Etsy/Amazon stores.

Read Also: A Guide to Instagram Marketing

Pricing:

Selling on Instagram does not require a budget unless you want to run ads. With each sale, Instagram charges a 5% selling fee or a $0.40 flat fee for shipping orders of $8.00 or less. 

How to Sell Handmade Items on eBay?

eBay has 135 million active users and is the second most visited shopping site in the U.S. Setting up a store on eBay is simple and involves a few steps. eBay gives you access to a vast customer base, is easy to use, and provides a secure and encrypted platform for financial transactions. The downsides include its vast commissions and fees and shipping hurdles.

Pricing

eBay allows you to list up to 250 items for free per month. You must pay after you exceed the 250 limit. eBay charges the following fees: 

• Listing fees: free – $0.30 – $0.40 per listing
• Final value fees: 13.25% – 15% on average

Tips to sell handmade items on eBay:

• Provide detailed product descriptions, including materials used, dimensions, and unique features. 
• Upload high-quality photos from multiple angles to boost buyer interest.
• Research similar listings to set competitive prices. Consider using eBay’s “Buy It Now” option for immediate purchases or auctions to engage buyers in bidding.
• You can also auction handmade products on eBay; this selling format works well for handcrafted items.
• List your items in the most relevant categories, like handmade, to increase visibility.
• Incorporate relevant keywords in your titles and descriptions to improve searchability.
• Provide reasonable shipping rates and consider offering free shipping to attract more buyers. Ensure timely and secure delivery to maintain positive feedback. 

How to Sell Handmade Items on Shopify?

Shopify is an e-commerce platform that has dominated the industry since 2006. It is an all-in-one solution that allows sellers to reach a broader audience on multiple channels, including Facebook, Instagram, Google Shopping, etc.

Shopify has several benefits ranging from tools to track inventory, customer support, SEO, and analytics to boosting a user-friendly interface and various themes and customization options. The cons include hefty prices and limited customization options. 

Steps to open a Shopify store:

• Sign up for Shopify
• Choose a theme
• Add products
• Set up payment methods
• Configure shipping settings
• Open your store

Here’s a guide on how to create a Shopify store.

Pricing: Shopify offers three pricing plans.

• Shopify: $65/month.
• Advanced: $399/month.
• Shopify Plus: $2000/month.

Tips to sell handmade items on Shopify:

• Create bundles to offer multiple products from your collection. This technique allows you to offer them a slightly discounted price and increases perceived value.
• Shopify provides detailed analytics on your store’s performance, including sales data, customer behavior, and traffic sources. Monitor these metrics closely to understand which handmade products are selling and analyze where to invest your marketing efforts.
• You can access thousands of third-party apps like AdNabu. AdNabu is a product feed management tool designed for Shopify merchants to upload their products, optimize product listings, and sell on multiple marketplaces. It allows merchants to promote their products via Google Shopping and other marketplaces like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc.
• If you choose Shopify Plus, you can enjoy cutting-edge features such as advanced customization capabilities, a merchant success program, custom apps, nine expansion stores, and benefits like low transaction costs.

Read Also: How to get sales on Shopify.

How to Sell Handmade Items Locally?

Selling handmade items locally in your city offers several advantages, such as reduced marketing and shipping costs, the opportunity for direct customer interaction, and instant feedback on your products.

You can find out about local events through social media, groups on social media, local newspapers, networking with fellow artisans, etc. 

Choosing the Right Venue for Your Handmade Products: When deciding where to sell your items offline or in your local area, consider factors like audience size, type of event, accessibility, vendor fees, and overall suitability for your craft.

Let’s look at where you can sell handmade items offline and locally.

• Craft Shows and Fairs: Verify whether your art form is permitted before committing to craft shows or fairs. Once confirmed, strategize your pricing based on the event’s location and the target audience’s preferences.
  • Additionally, focus on presenting your handmade products attractively to make a strong impression.
• Pop-Up Events: Pop-up events often last a few hours or days, creating a sense of urgency and exclusivity that quickly draws many buyers.
  • Pop-up events are ideal if you have limited inventory. To find suitable events, you can research opportunities that align with your needs.
• Artisan Shops and Craft Boutiques: Selling through artisan shops or craft boutiques can help you reach high-paying customers. Find a shop that aligns well with your craft and prepare a unique product offering.
  • For these shops to accept your products, you must also be prepared with a convincing pitch, which is essential to gain acceptance. 
• Craft Consignment Stores and Gift Shops: If crafting is a side hustle rather than a primary income source, consider consignment stores or gift shops at zoos, museums, or tourist attractions.
  • The shop displays and sells your creations in a consignment arrangement, with revenue shared between you and the store. This opportunity eliminates marketing expenses and provides access to an existing customer base, though the profit margins may be lower. This selling method is highly recommended for beginners as it doesn’t involve much effort from the seller.
• Art Galleries: For artisans aiming to reach art enthusiasts, displaying work in galleries can be an excellent start. Build a strong portfolio that showcases your best pieces, and select a gallery aligned with your craft.
  • Once you’ve identified a gallery, follow their application and admission process, which typically involves contract agreements. To boost sales, attend gallery events, network with potential buyers and employees, and promote your work on social media and other platforms.

STEP 3: Pricing Your Handmade Items

When pricing handmade items and crafts, you must consider various costs that differ from mass-produced products. Here’s what you should know about coming up with prices for handcrafted items.

1. Calculate the True Cost of Making Your Handmade Item

• Materials:
  
  • List every material, including minor supplies like thread, glue, or beads. For example, if you create hand-knit scarves, calculate the cost of yarn, needles, and decorative tags.
  • For shared materials (e.g., a large spool of wire or a bulk purchase of clay), divide the cost per item created.
• Labor (Your Time):
  
  • Track the time it takes to make one item from start to finish, including designing, prototyping, and creating.
  • Set an hourly rate that reflects your skill and effort. For handmade artisans, rates often range from $15 to $50/hour, depending on complexity and expertise.
• Overhead:
  
  • Include costs like workspace utilities, craft fair booth fees, tools (e.g., a sewing machine or kiln), website hosting, and marketplace fees. 

For example: Let’s consider a hand-painted mug. Costs include:

• Materials: $5 (ceramic mug, paint, glaze)
• Labor: 2 hours × $20/hour = $40
• Overhead: $3
• Total Cost: $5 + $40 + $3 = $48

2. Evaluate Market Trends and Competitors

• Research the pricing of similar handmade items on platforms like Etsy, craft fairs, or local artisan markets.
• Identify:
  • Premium Features: Does your product use better materials (e.g., organic, eco-friendly), have unique designs, or offer customization options?
  • Target Market: Are your items for budget-conscious shoppers or collectors willing to pay more for exclusivity?

Pro Tip: Charge a premium for personalization, such as initials, custom colors, or made-to-order designs.

3. Account for Platform-Specific Costs

If selling through Shopify, Etsy, or similar platforms:

• Include listing fees, transaction fees, and payment processing fees.

If you’re selling on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.

• Include referral fees and other marketing costs like ads.

Pro Tip: Consider these platform-specific costs as part of overhead.

4. Factor in Time-Intensive Processes

Set higher prices for crafts with intricate designs or multiple steps to reflect the complexity and uniqueness of the process.

5. Plan for Bulk or Wholesale Orders

If offering handmade crafts for wholesale:

• Calculate a wholesale price that is 50%-60% of your retail price. Ensure it still covers your costs and labor.
• Example: A handmade candle that costs $8 to produce and retails for $25 might have a wholesale price of $12.50.

6. Adjust Pricing for Seasonal and Limited Editions

Handmade and craft items often sell well during holidays or special events:

• Create limited-edition items with premium pricing. For example, holiday-themed wreaths or personalized ornaments can command higher prices.

7. Add Profit Margin

Profit margin ensures you earn beyond covering costs and can reinvest in your business. It’s expressed as a percentage.

Decide on a percentage and add this to your total cost. 

For the hand-painted mug example, which is a basic item, let’s understand how you can price the item:

The total cost is $48. Therefore, add the profit percentage to $48, which will be your selling price.

This method applies only to basic items such as a coffee mug.

On the other hand, If you’re working on an intricate design or custom product, factor in additional costs plus the profit and then price the item accordingly. 

8. Test Pricing in Different Settings

• At craft fairs, customers might appreciate the personal touch and be willing to pay more than online shoppers.
• To increase the perceived value, offer “packages” or bundles (e.g., three candles for a discounted price).

STEP 4: Optimize Listings for Visibility

Here’s what you can do to optimize your listings.

Keyword Research

• Use keyword research tools to identify relevant keywords for your business.
• Explore competitor listings for valuable keyword insights.
• If you are selling on Etsy, explore the auto-suggestions by the Etsy search bar. These suggestions are what your potential buyers are searching for, so use them in your listings.

Optimize Titles and Descriptions

• The length of the product titles differs by platform. Hence, ensure that keywords are present at the beginning of the description. For example, the maximum character length for a product title on Amazon is 200; on Etsy, it is 140; and on Google, it is 150.
• Additionally, remember that character length varies based on the platform. Hence, create descriptions accordingly.
• Use bullet points, bold text, and concise language in product descriptions.

Product Descriptions

• In the description, mention all the essential details relevant to your product, such as the materials used, available colors and variations, sizes, dimensions, measurements, and especially the benefits of using your product.

Optimize Images

• Optimize your images for smaller screens.
• Allow customers to zoom in or rotate images for a better shopping experience.
• Use rich media like 360° photography and short videos based on the product you’re selling.

Use videos

• You can create three types of videos to reach your target audience: demonstrative, tutorial, and testimonial.

Display Customer Reviews

• If you are on Shopify, you can display star ratings and positive reviews on product pages for easy access and informed decisions. Please note that you must use third-party apps to integrate the ratings on your store. You will get these apps from the Shopify app store.
• Respond to the negative reviews and resolve them promptly.

Provide Size Charts and Guides

• Make the size chart easily accessible on the product page.
• If you are selling clothes, include measurements for body parts relevant to your product, such as chest, waist, and hips. Provide clear instructions on how the customer can measure themselves accurately.
• If you’re selling items like home decor, handmade mugs, etc, incorporate visual aids like diagrams or illustrations for clarity.
• Regularly update the size or dimensions chart to reflect any changes or additions to product offerings.

STEP 5: Market Your Handmade Items

Here are a few strategies for selling handmade items to achieve the desired results.

Social Media Platforms

Create Engaging Posts: Research your chosen social media channels, such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, etc. Understand your target audience’s preferences. Then, create content that resonates with your audience.

You can also use ChatGPT to generate content for your captions and descriptions. This method helps you to create copies for various posts in less time.

Make Videos: A report from Emplifi reveals that reels have outperformed all other post types since the start of 2022, with a 35% higher median interaction rate than other content formats.

Short videos are a great way to make shoppers stop and look at your products. Whether you’re selling physical or digital products, focus on creating high-quality, short, and informational videos that convey everything about your product. 

Brands have leveraged TikTok’s live shopping features to host events that showcase and sell products in real time. For instance, beauty brand P Louise conducted a 12-hour live stream, generating over $2 million in sales.

You can also start by making reels on Instagram/TikTok, adding behind-the-scenes videos, raw footage of in-process videos, etc. Gradually, you can invest in good video editing software or hire a video editor to produce video content.

Run Paid Ads: Growing a business using organic methods alone is time-consuming. While you want to attract the right audience through organic methods, you must also invest in paid ads. You can start with $1/day on platforms like Etsy and increase as per the sales numbers. You can also choose other platforms like Facebook and Instagram to run ads and boost your sales. 

But if you’re a beginner, avoid investing in ads immediately. You would incur costs to set up your store, purchase essential tools, or subscribe to paid plans. Hence, focus on bringing traffic through organic approaches like SEO. 

If you’re keen on understanding advertisements for various marketplaces, here are our comprehensive guides on: Facebook Ads: Meta Advantage + Catalog Ads & Google Shopping Vs. Facebook Ads Etsy Ads Amazon Ads Costs

Run Local Inventory Ads

Local Inventory Ads is a feature in Google Ads. These ads help you showcase your physical store’s products to shoppers in nearby localities when they perform a Google search.

These types of ads help you attract potential customers to your local store. Please note that you must have a physical store to run local inventory ads. Additionally, you must follow a few rules to implement local inventory ads. Read more about local inventory ads through our comprehensive guide.

Partner with Local Influencers to Promote your Products

Research and identify popular influencers in your location to spread awareness about your product. Set a goal before reaching out to these influencers, and clearly state your partnership’s expected outcome. Choose the influencers based on your marketing budget. 

You can 

You can either pay these influencers a fee or offer free products in exchange for posting about your business on their social channels.

Apart from these techniques, you can also build an email list, nurture them, and ultimately promote your products.

We have covered everything about selling your handmade items, including choosing the product, creating it, selecting a platform to sell on, pricing it, and promoting it to increase sales.

However, we have omitted the most crucial part of selling handmade items—having a website. A website is a different game and crucial if you want to stay in the market longer. 

It acts as a permanent address to host your craft and helps you build a brand identity and long-lasting relationships with your customers.

How to Make a Website to Sell Handmade Items?

This section will explore how to use a website to sell handmade products. To create a website, you must follow a few steps. Firstly, decide the item you want to sell, determine your target audience, and develop your brand. Now let’s discuss: 

• Choosing your eCommerce platform or website builder to create a website &
• How to sell your products on your website

STEP 1: Choosing a Platform

Let’s look at store website builders that are handmade-centric. These platforms enable you to build a store ideal for selling handmade items. They are:

Indiemade: Indiemade enables handmade artists to create an artistic website with a store, blog, galleries, etc.

Pattern: The pattern is linked to Etsy. Hence, you must have an Etsy shop to use Pattern as a website builder. You can sell your products on the Etsy marketplace and your website. 

Storenvy: Storenvy is both a marketplace and a website builder. It is also handmade-centric and easy to use, even if you don’t have experience building websites.

Other non-handmade specific website builders are Shopify, WordPress, GoDaddy, etc. These platforms allow you to have complete control over your website.

STEP 2: How to Sell Handmade Items on your Website

After choosing the platform, focus on setting up your store, uploading products, and complying with tax and legal requirements. 

To start selling successfully on the website, follow these steps:

• Personalized Products: Allow customers to request customizations, enhancing the appeal of your handmade goods.
• Content Marketing: Share stories or blog posts about your crafting process, which can improve SEO and build a connection with customers who value handmade artistry.
• Relevant Keywords: To attract niche audiences, incorporate terms that reflect the handmade nature of your products, such as “handcrafted,” “artisan,” “bespoke,” or “custom-made. “
• High-Quality Visuals: Invest in professional photography to highlight the uniqueness and quality of your handmade items. Detailed images can convey the craftsmanship and attract discerning customers.
• Detailed Descriptions: Provide complete information about the materials, creation process, and care instructions to educate and engage potential buyers.
• Social Media Platforms and Marketplaces: In addition to the website, expand your reach by selling on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram and marketplaces like Etsy and Facebook.
• Craft Fairs and Workshops: Promote your website at local craft fairs or workshops to drive traffic and build a loyal customer base.
• Eco-Friendly Materials: If you make eco-friendly products, highlight sustainable or ethically sourced materials to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
• User-Generated Content: Feature photos or stories from customers using your products to create a sense of community and authenticity.
  

Also read: 70+ Best Digital Products to Sell Online in 2025

How to Sell Crafts Legally?

Selling handmade items requires adherence to various legal and regulatory standards to ensure compliance and build customer trust. You will find the essential rules and regulations in this section. But before that, you must know that most sellers register as sole proprietorships. Unlike LLCs, sole proprietorships don’t require registration, making them easy and affordable to set up. 

While the downside of registering as a sole proprietor is personal liability for debts or lawsuits, private insurance can mitigate risks. Sole proprietorships also have benefits like lower taxes, less paperwork, and complete control of your business.

Steps to register your business as a sole proprietorship

1. Register Your Business Name:
   
   • Your legal business name is automatically your full name. If you want to use a different name (like a brand name), you must register a DBA (Doing Business As). Check name availability on the United States Patent and Trademark Office website, and file a DBA through your local agency for a small fee (around $20). 

NOTE: Registering your business name is different from registering for a trademark. The registration procedure is different, and you might incur additional costs.

2. Get Business Permits and Licenses:
   
   • You must check with your city or county clerk’s office to determine whether home businesses require a business license or permit. Filing typically involves a simple form and a small fee (around $50–$100). Specific companies, like food-related ventures, may require additional permits.
3. Get an EIN Number:
   
   • While sole proprietors can use their Social Security Number for taxes, you’ll need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) if you hire employees, work with contractors, or plan retirement benefits. It’s free and can be obtained on the IRS website.
4. Set Up a Business Bank Account:
   
   • Though not legally required, opening a separate bank account for your business helps keep your personal and business finances distinct. It also simplifies tracking profits and losses and filing taxes.
5. Get Business Insurance:
   
   • Get general liability insurance tailored for artisans and crafters to reduce personal liability risks.

Suppose you’re registering as an LLC, corporation, etc. Below are the rules and regulations you must adhere to. Visit this link for additional information. And please be aware that you must follow the rules and regulations based on your city and country. 

Steps to Register Your Business as an LLC, Corporation

1. Business Licensing and Registration

• Business License: Seller must verify the requirements and understand the application process based on the city and country.
  
• Business Structure: Decide on a legal structure for your business, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation. Each structure has different implications for liability and taxes.
  

2. Tax Obligations

• Sales Tax: Determine if you need to collect sales tax on your products, which varies by state and locality. Register with your state’s Department of Revenue if required.
  
• Income Tax: Report all business income on your federal and state tax returns. Keeping detailed financial records is essential for accurate reporting.
  

3. Product Safety and Compliance

• Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC): Ensure your products comply with safety standards set by the CPSC, especially if you’re making items for children. This includes regulations on lead content, flammability, and small parts.
  
• General Certificate of Conformity (GCC): You must issue a GCC certifying compliance with applicable standards for non-children’s products subject to safety rules.
  

4. Labeling Requirements

• Textile and Apparel Labeling: If you’re selling clothing or accessories, ensure labels include fiber content, country of origin, and care instructions, as mandated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
  
• Cosmetic Products: Handmade cosmetics must comply with FDA labeling regulations, including ingredient lists and manufacturer information. 

This article discusses the common legal mistakes made by sellers.

5. Health and Safety Regulations

• Handmade Cosmetics: The FDA regulates cosmetics under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Ensure your products are safe for consumers and properly labeled.
  
• Children’s Products: Products intended for children must meet stringent safety standards, including testing for lead and phthalates, and comply with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA).
  

6. Intellectual Property

• Trademark Protection: Register your business name and logo to protect your brand identity and prevent unauthorized use.
  
• Avoid Infringement: Ensure your products and designs do not infringe on existing trademarks or copyrights.
  

7. Online Sales Compliance

• Platform Policies: If selling on platforms like Etsy or Amazon Handmade, adhere to their specific seller policies and guidelines.
  
• Data Privacy: Comply with data protection laws when collecting customer information, including adherence to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) if selling to European customers.
  

8. Insurance and Liability

• Product Liability Insurance: Consider obtaining insurance to protect against product defects or injury claims.
  
• Homeowner’s Insurance: Verify whether your policy covers business activities if operating from home; additional coverage may be necessary.
  

By following these regulations, you can operate your handmade business legally and successfully in the U.S., but the procedure might slightly differ for other countries. It’s advisable to consult with legal professionals or relevant authorities to ensure full compliance with all applicable laws.

How to Sell Handmade Items Online for Free?

Yes, you can sell handmade items online for free, and here are a few ways to do so. Please note that most of these platforms mentioned are for US sellers only.

1. Leverage Free Online Marketplaces

Some platforms are free to list and are popular in the United States:

• Facebook Marketplace: Perfect for selling locally and nationally with no listing fees.
• eBay: You can sell on eBay for free for up to 250 listings per month.
• Craigslist: Craigslist allows sellers to promote their products for free with some restrictions on location, industry, and type of products.
• OfferUp: Offerup is a free app that allows sellers to promote their products locally.
• Nextdoor: Nextdoor is a great option for reaching buyers in your neighborhood.

2. Free Product PhotoShoot

Create stunning product photos with your smartphone:

• Use natural light and simple backgrounds.
• Edit using free tools like Canva.

3. Set Up a Free Online Store

You can also open a new store and promote your products on marketplaces. 

• Square Online: Square Online offers free eCommerce features for small businesses.
• Big Cartel: Big Cartel also offers a free plan for up to 5 products.
• Ecwid: Ecwid has a free plan that is free forever.

4. Utilize Social Media Platforms

• Selling your products is chargeable on social media platforms. For example, setting up a shop and listing is free on TikTok; however, you will incur a referral fee when you make a sale, i.e., 8%+ $0.30 per order. Likewise, setting up a shop on Facebook and Instagram is also free, but there’s a processing fee associated with these platforms.
• Instead, you can create a business page and promote your products for free. Utilize platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and Facebook. 
• You can also join Facebook Groups for crafters or handmade items to market your products.

5. Take Advantage of Free Advertising Options

• Google My Business: Free if you have a physical location or local service area.
• Google Shopping: Utilize free product listings on Google Shopping to sell your handmade items.

6. Attend Online Craft Fairs

Many online craft fairs are free or have minimal costs. Look for U.S.-based events that promote handmade products.

7. Promote Using SEO

• Focus on attracting an audience organically. Use free Etsy SEO tools to identify keywords.
• Use keywords in titles, descriptions, tags, etc.

8. Build an Email List

• Use free tools like Mailchimp or ConvertKit to design signup forms and collect emails from your potential customers.
• Offer downloadable freebies in signup forms to grow your list. 

9. Take Advantage of Online Communities

• Join platforms like BuyNothing to test your products and build a local following.
• Use forums like Reddit (e.g., r/EtsySellers, r/Handmade) to showcase your items and get advice.

BONUS SECTION

Additional Marketplaces to Sell Your Handmade Items

If you’re keen on exploring other marketplaces apart from Amazon, Etsy, Shopify, and eBay, here are a few:

Society6: Society6 is a marketplace for artists and designers. Artists upload their designs,

which then can be purchased in a variety of formats, such as, you know, prints, phone cases, mugs, and clothing.

Creative Market: If you’re a graphic designer, you’ll want to check out Creative Market to sell your illustrations, patterns, graphic design templates, invitations, fonts,

or anything in between.

Ravelry: Ravelry is focused on fiber arts, crocheters, knitters, etc.,

Craftsy: Craftsy is for patterns of any kind and offers how-to classes. 

The Little Market: The Little Market is a handmade marketplace for home goods that focuses on nonprofits, fair trade goods, and empowering women artisans. 

Read Also: 9 Etsy Competitors to sell your craft.

Conclusion

Selling handmade items is a way to share your creativity with the world and a fantastic opportunity to build a business that reflects your passion. By understanding how to sell handmade items effectively, you can confidently navigate the challenges of pricing, marketing, and customer engagement. 

Remember, success in this space comes from consistent effort, high-quality products, and a genuine connection with your audience. So, take the leap, showcase your unique creations, and watch your handmade business grow!

FAQs

What do I need to sell handmade items? 

To sell handmade items, you must register your business, obtain necessary licenses and permits, understand tax obligations, ensure product compliance, and consider business insurance. You must also decide if you will register your business as a sole proprietorship or LLC. After you decide on the niche, you must also procure the materials required, find a workstation, and hire employees if needed to create the product.

How do you sell handmade items online? 

There are various ways to sell handmade items online. These include creating a website on Shopify, setting up a store on Amazon Handmade, or opening a shop on Etsy. Price your items, set up a shipping profile, and market your products. That’s all! You will be able to sell your handmade items.

How do you sell handmade items to stores? 

To successfully sell your handmade products to independent retail shops and boutiques, research stores that align with your brand and target audience. Craft an email highlighting why your products fit their store well and ensure follow-up.  Provide clear contact details, high-quality images, and pricing information to make it easy for retailers to place orders. Be prepared to offer samples or agree to consignment arrangements, ensuring all terms are clearly outlined in writing.

What is the best site to sell handmade items?

Amazon, Etsy, Shopify, and eBay are popular platforms for selling your handmade items. You can open a store on these platforms and start selling your items. Take time to understand what each platform offers and choose the one that fits your needs.

How to sell handmade items on TikTok? 

The first step is to set up a TikTok Shop. Next, create compelling product descriptions and determine the right pricing strategy for your handmade or custom-made items. Use the TikTok video platform to showcase the uniqueness of handmade items, and you will have a good start selling on TikTok.

How do you sell handmade crochet items?

Decide on the crochet item you wish to sell, create the product, and choose the platform to sell it. Shopify, Amazon Handmade, Etsy, and eBay are popular e-commerce builders and marketplaces for selling your craft. You can also leverage offline and local marketplaces, such as craft fairs, popup stores, etc., to sell crochet items.

How do you sell handmade jewelry on Etsy? 

Firstly, open an Etsy seller account, list your products, and fill in all the details regarding the product, such as photos, titles, descriptions, prices, inventory, etc. Upon completing the listing process, you can open your store and sell jewelry items on Etsy. Remember to include every tiny detail about the jewelry item to help your customers make informed purchases.

Where to sell handmade items besides Etsy?

Other platforms for selling handmade items include Shopify, Amazon Handmade, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, TikTok, and more.

Is Amazon Handmade free?

No, selling on Amazon Handmade is not entirely free. There are no listing or payment processing fees. However, Amazon does deduct a 15% referral fee from each sale. And if you choose Amazon FBA, you will incur additional costs.

How to sell handmade items on Wholesale?

When selling handmade products wholesale, decide on the price considering your profit margins; next, identify your best-selling items with the highest profit margins and sell on wholesale platforms like Faire.com.