Discover Unique Handmade Crafts: 10 Etsy Alternatives

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. 11 Alternative Websites like Etsy for Handmade Craft Sellers
   1. Handmade at Amazon
   2. Zibbet
   3. iCraft
   4. Folksy
   5. AFTRAF
   6. Storenvy
   7. Mercari
   8. Poshmark
   9. CraftIsArt
   10. Handmade Artist Shop
3. Conclusion

Article:

Introduction

Welcome to the Marketing and Heart podcast, a show dedicated to helping handmade sellers build a solid foundation for their business. In this episode, we will be discussing alternative websites like Etsy for handmade craft sellers.

11 Alternative Websites like Etsy for Handmade Craft Sellers

1. Handmade at Amazon

Handmade at Amazon is a platform that allows artists to sell their handmade goods directly to Amazon customers. While it may be challenging to stand out from other sellers on this platform due to its large product base, it offers access to a larger audience and the trust associated with the Amazon brand.

Pros:

• Reach a larger audience of potential customers who are interested in buying handmade goods.
• Benefit from the trust and reputation of the Amazon brand.

Cons:

• Difficulty in standing out from other sellers in a crowded marketplace.
• Potential challenges with Amazon's policies, payment system, and fees.

2. Zibbet

Zibbet is a platform that allows artists and entrepreneurs to sell their products across multiple sales channels. It provides a centralized place to manage inventory and sales, making it easier to keep track of products. While not exclusively handmade, Zibbet can still be a valuable platform for selling handmade crafts.

Pros:

• Manage all sales channels in one place for easier inventory management.
• Access a diverse customer base from different sales channels.

Cons:

• Less focus on handmade products compared to other platforms.
• Limited branding and customization options compared to dedicated handmade marketplaces.

3. iCraft

iCraft is a website that focuses exclusively on handmade art, crafts, and fashion creations. It aims to showcase the talents of true artists and crafters. While iCraft may have less traffic than Etsy, it offers lower transaction fees and features like custom shop URLs for branding and marketing.

Pros:

• Focus on handmade items and promotion of artists and crafters.
• Lower transaction fees compared to Etsy.
• Custom shop URLs for branding and marketing.

Cons:

• Less traffic than larger platforms like Etsy.
• Limited customer base compared to more established marketplaces.

4. Folksy

Folksy is a leading marketplace for handmade sellers based in the UK. They provide a platform for UK residents to sell their handmade crafts and have been a significant force in the UK craft movement. Folksy's commitment to handmade-only items and their support for sellers make it a viable alternative to Etsy.

Pros:

• Handmade-only marketplace with a focus on crafts.
• Services and support to help sellers start and grow their craft business.
• No vintage or reselling permitted.

Cons:

• Limited to UK residents only.
• Smaller customer base compared to global marketplaces like Etsy.

5. AFTRAF

AFTRAF is a supportive marketplace for USA-based handmade sellers. They do not charge listing fees and only charge for transactions, making it easy for new sellers to get started without upfront costs. With a commitment to handmade-only items, AFTRAF aims to maintain a high-quality marketplace for shoppers.

Pros:

• No listing fees and only charged for transactions.
• Handmade-only policy to ensure high-quality products.
• Supportive community for handmade sellers.

Cons:

• Limited customer base compared to larger marketplaces.
• Limited to USA-based sellers.

6. Storenvy

Storenvy is a marketplace for indie sellers and shoppers. While it is not exclusively for handmade sellers, Storenvy provides a customizable online store platform. Store owners have a free admin panel, and shoppers can find unique products directly from independent sellers.

Pros:

• Customizable online store platform for indie sellers.
• Unique products from independent sellers.
• Free admin panel for store owners.

Cons:

• Not exclusively for handmade items.
• Monthly cost for premium features and limited free plan.

7. Mercari

Mercari is a marketplace app known for buying and selling a wide range of products, including handmade items. While Mercari may not be ideal for building a branded business, it offers a large user base, especially popular with Gen Z users. Sellers have to navigate unique policies, including delayed payments until a product rating is received.

Pros:

• Wide user base and popularity, especially among younger users.
• Ability to sell handmade items alongside other products.
• No fees unless the item sells.

Cons:

• Limited branding and business-building opportunities.
• Potential challenges with delayed payments and product ratings.

8. Poshmark

Poshmark is primarily used for selling gently used clothes and accessories. While not exclusively for handmade items, Poshmark can still be a platform to consider depending on your target audience. However, it's essential to understand their policies and ensure it aligns with your business needs.

Pros:

• Wide user base for fashion-related items.
• Potential opportunity for selling handmade accessories.
• Established platform for buying and selling.

Cons:

• Less focused on handmade items compared to dedicated handmade marketplaces.
• Policies and features may not align with all handmade sellers' needs.

9. CraftIsArt

CraftIsArt is an artisan marketplace similar to Storenvy. While their policies allow for both handmade and non-handmade items, they promote themselves as an artisan-focused platform. CraftIsArt offers features such as item import, customer service, and a blog.

Pros:

• Features not available on all platforms, such as item importing and customer service.
• Artisan-focused marketplace.

Cons:

• Less focus on handmade items compared to dedicated marketplaces.
• Limited free plan may not provide enough features for successful sales.

10. Handmade Artist Shop

Handmade Artist Shop is a hidden gem and one of the best alternatives to Etsy. This platform was founded by artists with a focus on supporting handmade items. Handmade Artist Shop has no listing or commission fees, and it allows unlimited products to be added, which are all included in Google product search.

Pros:

• No listing or commission fees.
• Supportive community for handmade artists.
• Unlimited products with inclusion in Google product search.

Cons:

• Smaller customer base compared to larger marketplaces.
• Limited to dedicated handmade sellers.

Conclusion

While Etsy remains the leading platform for selling handmade crafts online, there are several alternative websites available. Each platform has its own unique features, policies, and customer base, so it's essential to research and find the best fit for your business. Sellers are encouraged to diversify their selling platforms to reach more customers, but it's important to understand the pros and cons of each site before making the switch.

Remember, even with the changes and potential challenges on Etsy, it still offers the largest customer base compared to other platforms. However, exploring alternative sites can provide additional opportunities to expand your handmade business.