You’ve finally decided to transition your handmade hobby into a full-blow craft business – YAY! But there’s one thing still haunting your decision, keeping you from finding success.
Understanding WHERE to sell your handmade products is a big decision and not one to be made lightly.
Depending on where you are in your craft business journey and what type of products you sell, there are certain platforms that work best for Handmade Heroes. Here are my 9 favorites:
SOCIAL MEDIA
While it may take a while to grow your following, social media is a great tool for repeat purchases and recommendations.
Whether you prefer Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Google+, or YouTube, you can leverage your social media accounts to make sales. With the use of hashtags and proper growth strategies, social media selling has been great for artists and crafters.
However, keep in mind that it helps to have an online shop to direct people to.
SHOPIFY
One of my favorite online shops to direct individuals to is Shopify. Hands down, this is where I prefer all my students to sell their products.
Shopify is a one-stop-shop for crafters to house inventory, take payment, handle shipping, and completely customize their site to match their brand.
Although, Shopify may not be great for those just starting out and struggling to receive consistent sales.
ETSY
Want to see if people will even buy your product? Start with Etsy! Etsy is a great online shop for all things handmade. You don’t need to run your own online store, as the site takes care of that for you… as well as searching for customers since shoppers are already on Etsy to buy.
However, there is a lot of crafter competition on Etsy so the ultimate goal is to get off of this platform and get your customers onto your own site.
Plus you may have to pay a small fee/commission on items sold.
AMAZON HANDMADE
While not as competitive, Amazon Handmade is similar to Etsy. Make sure to compare both Etsy and Amazon to see which is the right fit for you.
As well, Amazon and Etsy aren’t the only platforms like this…
OTHER ONLINE STORES
There are numerous other online stores for craft selling. Sites like ArtFire, Bonanza, and Zibbet provide craft-focused products for customers without the stress of running your own site. As well, if you are interested in design or more artistic-type work, sites can be made to print your work on shirts, mugs, and more.
When someone places an order, the company creates the item and ships it and you receive a commission.
If this interests you, check out these sites:
LOCAL STORES
Online stores aren’t the only option, even if we’re living in the technology era. Local stores and brick-and-mortar boutique shops are a great place to sell your crafts. The key is to find shops that already sell handmade goods but don’t sell your exact item or style (yet).
If you are interested in working with a local store you’ll want to contact the store owners to set up a show-and-tell style meeting. Be prepared to also present a wholesale and retail price list as well.
MUSEUMS
Physical stores aren’t your only local revenue source. Museums are also a great place to sell high-end crafts. Make sure to find a museum that suits your clientele, though.
Smaller, specialty museums are easier to get into.
Call the museum’s store to inquire about the process of getting your items into their store. You’ll likely need to set up an appointment to show your work just as you would with a boutique.
ART AND CRAFT FAIRS
While portfolios may not be required to get into this type of selling spot, you must understand your fair demographics and vendors in order to be successful. For example, community farm fairs are better suited to country-style crafts and lower priced items while high-end art fairs are better for higher-priced items.
You can visit fairsandfestivals.net to find local art and craft fairs near you (and if they are happening this year or not). Just keep in mind that booth prices vary and depend upon the size of the fair, location, and number of days.
FARMER’S MARKETS
Depending on your craft, the fairs near you might not be a good fit. However, you might have great success with farmer’s markets instead. Visit a local farmer’s market to see what types of art and craft vendors are there. Many farmer’s markets have a website that will lead you towards who to contact.
As well, food or cooking crafts are not necessary. I’ve seen jewelry, knit sweaters, and more at farmer’s markets being bought and sold successfully.
While this is not an extensive list of every selling platform available to you, these sites, locations, and events have seen the most success in the Handmade Hero industry. Take a look at the sites linked, do your research, and settle on a plan that you can be successful with based on what you’re crafting (and for whom).
If you’re serious about getting your business off the ground but feel like you need guidance check-out my membership for Handmade Heros who are ready to start, grow, and scale their product business.
