If you’re a maker or artist looking to sell your handmade goods, Etsy might be the first platform that comes to mind. However, it’s not the only option out there. Many alternatives offer unique features that can help you reach more customers and manage your business better. Here are ten great Etsy alternatives to consider for selling your handmade products.
Key Takeaways
- Explore various platforms to find the best fit for your business.
- Selling on multiple sites can help you reach a wider audience.
- Some platforms offer more customization options than Etsy.
- Consider fees and commissions when choosing a marketplace.
- Using your own website can give you more control over your brand.
1. Shopify
Shopify is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to sell handmade products online. It’s an all-in-one platform that allows you to create your own online store, giving you more control than selling on Etsy. With over 4.6 million stores using Shopify worldwide, it’s clear that many people trust this platform.
Why Choose Shopify?
- User-Friendly: Setting up your store is simple, even if you’re not tech-savvy.
- Custom Branding: You can design your store to match your unique style.
- Inventory Management: Keep track of your products easily.
Key Features:
- Sell Anywhere: You can sell online, in person, or even through social media.
- Payment Options: Accept various forms of payment to make it easy for your customers.
- Analytics: Get insights into your sales and customer behavior to help grow your business.
Shopify is perfect for those who feel their business has outgrown Etsy and want to take it to the next level.
In conclusion, if you’re ready to build a brand and manage your own store, Shopify is a great option. It allows you to own your audience and grow your business without the limitations of a marketplace.
2. Big Cartel
Big Cartel is a fantastic option for anyone looking to sell their handmade products online. It’s designed specifically for artists and creators, making it easy to set up your own store. Since its launch in 2005, Big Cartel has helped over three million stores and generated more than $2.5 billion in sales worldwide.
Who Are They?
Big Cartel provides tools for creators to build their own websites to sell items like T-shirts, art, and other merchandise. You can start with a free plan that allows you to list up to five products, which is great for those just starting out.
Pros and Cons
Here are some quick points to consider:
Pros:
- Get started quickly with free templates or create your own unique store.
- Choose from three simple plans, including a free-for-life option.
- Integrate with many third-party apps for marketing and store management.
Cons:
- Fewer templates and customization options compared to other platforms like Shopify.
- Limited to 500 product listings per store, which might not be enough for larger businesses.
What Do Merchants Say About Them?
"What I love about selling my jewelry through Big Cartel is how easy each step has been. It takes all the hassle out of it, so I can spend more time doing what I love — making jewelry."
– Anarres Metal, jewelry maker
Fees
Big Cartel doesn’t take a cut from your sales. Instead, they offer a free plan and paid plans that range from $12 to $30 per month, depending on how many products you want to list. This makes it a budget-friendly choice for many creators.
In summary, Big Cartel is a solid choice for artists and makers who want to sell their products without the extra fees that come with platforms like Etsy. It’s user-friendly and allows you to focus on what you do best: creating!
3. Squarespace
Squarespace is a fantastic website builder that I often recommend for selling handmade products. It’s super user-friendly and offers a drag-and-drop interface that makes setting up your online store a breeze. Unlike Etsy, where you have to pay seller fees, Squarespace allows you to sell directly from your own site. This means you keep more of your hard-earned money!
Here are some key features of Squarespace:
- Customizable Templates: You can choose from a variety of beautiful templates to match your brand.
- Direct Sales: Customers can shop directly from your site, which helps you build a relationship with them.
- Inventory Management: Squarespace provides tools to help you keep track of your products easily.
With Squarespace, you can create a unique shopping experience that reflects your brand and connects with your audience.
If you’re thinking about moving from Etsy, Squarespace also allows you to import your existing listings. This way, you won’t lose your hard work or your customers. Overall, it’s a great option for anyone looking to take their handmade business to the next level!
4. Wix
Wix is a fantastic website builder that allows you to create your own online store. It’s super easy to use, even for beginners! With its drag-and-drop editor, you can design a site that truly reflects your brand.
Key Features of Wix
- Customizable Templates: Choose from a variety of templates to get started.
- Payment Options: Accept payments through credit cards or PayPal.
- Order Tracking: Keep track of your orders easily.
Wix also lets you set up discounts and manage shipping and tax settings based on where your customers are located. The pricing plans are tiered, so you can pick one that fits your needs.
Community Support
Wix has a community hub where you can find answers and tips from other users. This can be really helpful if you run into any issues while setting up your store.
With Wix, you can own your audience and manage everything from one place. It’s a great way to take control of your online sales without the fees that come with platforms like Etsy.
In summary, if you’re looking for a user-friendly platform to sell your handmade products, Wix is definitely worth considering!
5. Ecwid
Ecwid is a fantastic tool for adding online shopping to your existing website or social media. It allows customers to buy your products right where they already hang out online. This means you can keep your audience engaged without sending them to a different site.
Key Features of Ecwid
- Easy Integration: You can add a Buy button to your portfolio or blog, making it super simple for fans to purchase your work.
- Flexible Plans: You can start with a free plan or choose a paid one based on how many products you want to sell.
- Multi-Channel Selling: Sell on your website, social media, and even marketplaces, all from one place.
Pricing Plans
| Plan Type | Monthly Fee | Product Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 10 |
| Paid Basic | $15 | 100 |
| Paid Advanced | $35 | Unlimited |
Ecwid is perfect for those who want to keep their brand consistent while selling online. You can manage everything from one dashboard, making it easy to track sales and inventory.
In summary, if you’re looking for a way to sell your handmade products without losing your audience, Ecwid is a great choice. It combines convenience with flexibility, allowing you to focus on what you love—creating!
6. IndieMade
IndieMade is a great option for artists and creators who want more control over their online presence. It allows you to build your own website where you can showcase your products without competing with mass producers. Here’s what I love about it:
Pros
- You can create a unique website that reflects your style.
- There are no transaction fees, so you keep more of your earnings.
- If you already sell on Etsy, you can easily import your products to IndieMade.
Cons
- You need to attract your own audience since it’s not a marketplace.
- There are fewer design options compared to other platforms like Shopify.
Fees
IndieMade offers plans ranging from $4.95 to $19.95 per month, depending on the features you choose. You can start with a free 30-day trial to see if it fits your needs.
IndieMade gives you the freedom to create a store that truly represents you. It’s a fantastic way to connect with your customers directly.
In summary, IndieMade is a solid choice if you want to build a brand and have full control over your online store. Just remember, you’ll need to put in some effort to grow your audience!
7. Goimagine
Goimagine is a unique marketplace designed for artisans in the U.S. to sell their handmade products. What sets Goimagine apart is its commitment to social good, donating 100% of its profits to children’s charities. This makes it a great choice for those who want to make a difference while selling their crafts.
Pros and Cons
Here are some quick points to consider:
Pros:
- Goimagine supports ethical shopping by donating all profits to charity.
- They offer a Maker Business Academy, which provides helpful tips for selling online and building a brand.
- The platform has good brand awareness, helping sellers reach a larger audience.
Cons:
- Only U.S.-based artisans can sell on Goimagine.
- The rules for what counts as a "handmade product" can be strict, which might leave some sellers out.
Fees
Goimagine has a simple fee structure:
| Membership Level | Monthly Fee | Transaction Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Launch | $2.50 | 5% |
| Thrive | $5.00 | 5% |
| Mosaic | $10.00 | 5% |
What Merchants Say
"I love Goimagine! The support is fantastic, and I feel good knowing my sales help children in need."
– A happy seller
In summary, Goimagine is a solid choice for U.S. artisans looking to sell their handmade goods while supporting a good cause. If you meet their guidelines, it could be a great platform for you!
8. Amazon Handmade
When I think of places to sell handmade items, Amazon isn’t the first one that pops into my mind. However, Amazon Handmade is a special section of Amazon where artisans can showcase their unique creations. This platform allows me to tap into a massive audience, which is a huge plus.
Pros of Selling on Amazon Handmade
- Large Customer Base: Amazon has over 310 million active customers, giving my products a chance to reach many potential buyers.
- Trust Factor: People trust Amazon, so they feel safe buying from sellers like me.
- Fulfillment Options: I can use Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) to handle shipping, which saves me time.
Cons of Selling on Amazon Handmade
- High Fees: Amazon takes a 15% commission on each sale, plus a monthly fee if I choose the Professional plan.
- Competition: There are many sellers, making it tough for my products to stand out.
- Limited Control: Amazon owns the customer relationship, which can make it hard for me to build my brand.
Fees
Amazon offers two plans:
- Individual Plan: $0.99 per item sold.
- Professional Plan: $39.99 per month.
In addition to these fees, I also need to consider referral fees that can go up to 45% depending on the product category.
Selling on Amazon Handmade can be a great way to get my products in front of loyal customers, but I need to be aware of the costs involved.
In conclusion, Amazon Handmade is a viable option for selling my handmade products, especially if I want to reach a larger audience. However, I must weigh the benefits against the costs and competition.
9. Bonanza
Bonanza is a unique marketplace where I can sell my handmade items alongside other products. It’s not just for crafts; it’s a general marketplace that includes everything from clothing to furniture. This means I can reach a wider audience than I might on a site focused only on handmade goods.
Fees
When it comes to fees, Bonanza is quite straightforward. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Plan | Monthly Fee | Products Allowed | Images per Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | Free | Up to 5 | 1 |
| Platinum | $15 | Up to 50 | 5 |
| Diamond | $30 | Up to 500 | 25 |
- Gold Plan: Free to list up to five products.
- Platinum Plan: $15/month for more features.
- Diamond Plan: $30/month for advanced options.
Selling Process
Selling on Bonanza is easy. I can create a “booth” similar to an Etsy shop. Here’s how it works:
- List my products for free.
- Pay a small fee based on the final sale price.
- Sync my products with other marketplaces if I want.
Bonanza allows me to negotiate prices with buyers, which can be a great way to close a sale.
In summary, Bonanza offers a flexible platform for selling a variety of products, making it a solid alternative to Etsy. I appreciate the straightforward fee structure and the ability to reach a broader audience.
10. Storenvy
Storenvy is a unique platform that combines a social marketplace with the ability to create your own online store. This means you can sell your handmade items while also reaching a wider audience. Here’s what makes Storenvy stand out:
- Free Online Store: You can set up your own store without any upfront costs.
- Marketplace Access: You can tap into Storenvy’s existing audience, which can help boost your sales.
- Diverse Product Range: From quirky jewelry to home goods, you can sell a variety of items.
Key Features of Storenvy
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Store Setup | Easy to create and customize your online store. |
| Marketplace | Access to a large community of buyers. |
| Commission Fees | Only pay when you make a sale. |
Storenvy is perfect for indie brands looking to grow their presence without the high costs of other platforms.
In conclusion, if you’re an artist or maker wanting to showcase your work and connect with customers, Storenvy could be a great fit for you!
Final Thoughts on Etsy Alternatives
In conclusion, while Etsy is a popular choice for selling handmade items, it’s not the only option available. Exploring other platforms can help you reach more customers and grow your business. Each alternative has its own features and benefits, so it’s important to find the one that fits your needs best. Whether you choose to build your own website or join a different marketplace, diversifying where you sell can protect your business from changes in any one platform. Remember, the right choice can lead to greater success and a wider audience for your unique creations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shopify and how can I use it to sell my crafts?
Shopify is a platform that helps you create your own online store. You can sell directly to customers and even link your Shopify store to Etsy if you want to reach more people.
Is Big Cartel a good option for selling handmade items?
Yes! Big Cartel is designed for artists and makers. You can start with a free plan and list up to five products without paying fees.
How does Squarespace help me sell my products?
Squarespace is a website builder that allows you to create a beautiful online store. You can sell directly to your customers and keep all the profits.
What is Ecwid and how does it work?
Ecwid is an online store builder that lets you add a shop to your existing website or social media. It’s easy to set up and helps you reach more customers.
How does Amazon Handmade differ from Etsy?
Amazon Handmade is a part of Amazon where you can sell your handmade items. Unlike Etsy, it allows you to use Amazon’s shipping services, but it also charges fees.
What is Goimagine and who can sell there?
Goimagine is a marketplace for handmade products. To sell, your items must be made by you. It’s a great place for crafters to showcase their work.
