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Where to sell handmade items locally is a common query for crafty entrepreneurs. Selling handmade goods offers a lucrative avenue for those with the creative flair. While opening your own store or website is a solid choice, a plethora of local selling options await.
Explore these avenues and potentially diversify to tap into multiple local markets.
Should You Sell Handmade Crafts?
Selling handmade products can be a profitable business venture. Consumers frequently purchase crafts for both pleasure and practical use, and many handmade items are gaining popularity. If you’re thinking of starting a handmade business, consider the following benefits:
- Profit margins – Many handmade crafts require inexpensive materials, so they can be sold at a significant profit.
- Independence – With an established handmade business, entrepreneurs gain the independence that accompanies being their own boss.
- Home-based business – When you make handmade items and sell crafts online, you can create a successful small business from the comfort of your own home.
- Seasonal business opportunity – Have you always dreamed of taking half the year off while remaining financially sound? Handmade items can be sold all year long, but they also can be sold on a seasonal basis, especially holiday-themed crafts.
- Simplicity – You already might have all the skills needed to start a successful handmade business. With a small investment in supplies and materials, you can start turning a profit with minimal effort.
- READ MORE: 50 Craft Business Ideas
Where Can You Sell Handmade Products?
Handmade products have a unique charm, appealing to consumers who value originality and craftsmanship. Selling these artisanal items can be a rewarding endeavor, both financially and emotionally, as artisans can directly connect with their customer base.
Identifying the right venues for your handmade products is crucial to ensuring success.
1. Farmers Markets
Farmers markets have emerged as hubs for not only fresh produce but also for local crafts and goods. These markets attract consumers who are keen on supporting local artisans and are often on the lookout for unique items that can’t be found in regular stores.
Having a consistent presence, along with engaging storytelling about your product’s origin or the inspiration behind it, can captivate potential buyers. The communal atmosphere also offers artisans a chance to get direct feedback and even collaborate with other local sellers.
2. Flea Markets
A treasure trove for eclectic items, flea markets are ideal venues for artisans aiming for a wider audience. These markets often see a mix of local residents and tourists, providing varied exposure.
Setting up an eye-catching display, perhaps with live demonstrations or interactive sessions, can draw in curious shoppers. Given the vast array of items at flea markets, pricing competitively and offering unique bundles or deals can make your stall stand out.
3. Local Craft Fairs
Dedicated entirely to handmade goods, local craft fairs are perfect for artisans to showcase their skills and products. These events often attract a discerning audience who appreciate the time and effort behind each craft.
Tailoring your offerings to the local culture, seasons, or any festive themes can resonate with attendees. Engaging them with stories about your crafting journey, hosting mini-workshops, or offering limited-edition items can create a buzz around your stall.
Networking with fellow artisans can also open doors to collaborative projects or future events.
4. Facebook Marketplace
If you or your business have a Facebook account, you can sell your handmade items in the social media platform’s online marketplace.
It’s completely free to post items for sale to Facebook Marketplace, and sellers gain access to a massive built-in audience. You also can join relevant Facebook groups and post handmade items for sale to targeted audiences.
5. Your Own Store
Owning a brick-and-mortar store offers a tangible touchpoint for your brand, and it can significantly enhance the customer experience.
In your own store, you can control the ambience, the product displays, and even offer live craft demonstrations, all of which can create a memorable experience for shoppers. This direct face-to-face interaction allows for relationship-building, encouraging brand loyalty and repeat business.
Temporary pop-up stores can also test the waters before committing to a long-term lease, or they can capitalize on festive seasons or local events to boost sales.
6. Your Own Website
The digital realm offers boundless possibilities for artisans. Having your own website not only legitimizes your brand but also gives you the freedom to portray your crafts exactly as you envision.
Through engaging content, blogs, and videos, you can take potential customers behind the scenes, share the making process, and tell your brand story authentically.
Integrating e-commerce functionalities means you can cater to a global audience, and using digital marketing techniques, you can reach niche markets that resonate most with your crafts.
Plus, the data analytics from website visits can provide invaluable insights into customer preferences and behaviors.
7. Consignment Shops
Consignment shops provide a middle ground for artisans who aren’t quite ready for their own storefront but want a physical presence. With minimal upfront costs, your products gain exposure in an established retail setting.
This method also offers the opportunity to gauge the market’s response to your items before venturing into more significant investments. It’s essential, however, to build a solid relationship with store owners and ensure transparency about sales reports and payment structures.
It’s also beneficial to choose consignment stores that align with your product’s aesthetic and target demographic to maximize sales potential.
8. Craigslist
You can sell crafts online while marketing to local customers. Craigslist serves as a web-based classified ads community for buyers and sellers around the world. Craigslist is free and boasts a sizable user base.
More Places to Market Your Handmade Business’ Products
It’s so much easier to start selling handmade items thanks to the many sales channels available for reaching potential customers.
Whether you plan to sell your crafts online through the many sites catering to e-commerce or at a local store or festival, a skilled craftsperson can find success marketing their handmade business.
9. Handmade Artists Shop
Handmade Artists Shop offers a specialized platform for craft enthusiasts to showcase their passion projects. Unlike broader marketplaces, this space is dedicated solely to handmade creations, ensuring that your products stand out to an audience specifically seeking such items.
The simplistic fee structure eliminates the unpredictability of fluctuating costs, making budgeting and profit projections easier.
Plus, being part of a like-minded community offers the added benefit of networking with other artisans, learning from their experiences, and even collaborating on unique projects.
10. Instagram
Instagram isn’t just a photo-sharing app; it’s a dynamic marketplace that leverages visuals to captivate audiences. The ‘Stories’ and ‘IGTV’ features offer artisans an opportunity to give followers a behind-the-scenes look into the craft-making process, enhancing the value and narrative of the end product.
Utilizing the ‘Shop’ feature can also make transactions smoother. Moreover, using appropriate hashtags and collaborating with influencers can expand reach, making it easier to tap into global markets or pinpoint local enthusiasts.
11. Festivals
Diverse festivals draw eclectic crowds, and this varied audience can introduce your handmade products to a wider demographic than a niche craft fair. From the spontaneous festival-goer looking for a memento to the avid collector scouting for unique pieces, the opportunities are vast.
Aligning with the theme of the festival, whether it’s a rock music fest or a renaissance fair, can also guide product curation to match attendee tastes more closely.
12. Home Parties
Home parties offer an intimate setting where potential buyers can touch, feel, and appreciate the craftsmanship of your products. The familiarity of a home setting can make customers more comfortable and open to purchasing.
Plus, leveraging the host’s personal connections ensures a warm audience. Over time, this method can also evolve into a chain of events, as attendees may want to host their own parties, broadening your customer base.
13. Art Galleries
Art galleries, often perceived as spaces reserved for classical art forms, are increasingly embracing diverse artisan creations. By showcasing your crafts in such a prestigious setting, you elevate the perceived value and exclusivity of your products.
Collaborating with galleries can also lead to joint events, workshops, or themed nights, attracting a clientele that appreciates and is willing to invest in unique handmade items.
14. Amazon Handmade
Amazon features its own artisan marketplace where crafty entrepreneurs can sell their handmade products. To sell crafts on Amazon Handmade, just apply to sell your specific handmade items and set up a professional selling account, which costs $39.99 a month.
This fee is waived for artisans approved to sell on the Amazon Handmade platform.
15. Shopify
Looking for other ideas to market your crafts to an online audience? Through the Shopify free trial, sellers can set up an eCommerce store to sell their handmade products.
The platform offers small business owners all the training, tools, and support they need to successfully launch an online business. For as little as $29 a month, sellers can continue using Shopify and avoid additional transaction fees.
16. Etsy
The global online marketplace provides an outlet for countless artisans to sell their handmade crafts. From jewelry and clothing to furniture and home decor, all types of handmade items are sold on Etsy.
While it’s a great place to profit from selling crafts, Etsy charges a percentage of each sale made on the platform.
Comparison of Platforms to Sell Handmade Items
For artisans and craft enthusiasts, choosing the right platform to sell their creations can be crucial. Different platforms come with varied features, costs, and audience sizes. Here’s a quick comparison table to help you weigh the options:
| Platform/Location | Pros | Cons | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farmers Markets | - Direct customer interaction - Local customer base | - Dependent on weather - Limited to local audience | Stall rental fees |
| Flea Markets | - Diverse audience - Can sell varied items | - Competition can be high - Potential for low price expectation | Stall rental fees |
| Local Craft Fairs | - Targeted audience - Local reputation building | - Can be seasonal - Competition with other crafters | Entry fees |
| Facebook Marketplace | - Large built-in audience - Local and online reach | - Sales not always secure - Potential for scams | Free |
| Your Own Store | - Brand control - Dedicated space | - High overheads - Requires consistent foot traffic | Rent, utilities |
| Your Own Website | - Full control over branding - Direct customer data | - Need to drive own traffic - Maintenance required | Domain, hosting fees |
| Consignment Shops | - No upfront cost - Exposure to store's customer base | - Reduced profit (shared) - Dependence on store's reputation | Percentage of sales |
| Craigslist | - Local online reach - Free listings | - No secure payment system - Potential for scams | Free |
| Handmade Artists Shop | - Dedicated to handmade items - Variety of categories | - Monthly fee - Competition with other artisans | $5/month, no other fees |
| - Visual platform - Engaged audience | - Sales process not streamlined - Relies on follower engagement | Free (unless using ads) | |
| Festivals | - Large diverse audience - Event-based exposure | - Stall setup required - Can be seasonal | Entry fees |
| Home Parties | - Direct sales opportunities - Personal interaction | - Requires network - Can be time-consuming | Free (minus hosting costs) |
| Art Galleries | - High-end clientele - Caters to art lovers | - Potential high commission - Competitive entry | Varies (often commission-based) |
| Amazon Handmade | - Huge online audience - Trusted platform | - Monthly fee - Competition with global artisans | $39.99/month (fee waived for some) |
| Shopify | - Comprehensive eCommerce tools - User-friendly | - Monthly fee - Relies on driving own traffic | Starts at $29/month |
| Etsy | - Global marketplace - Dedicated to crafts and handmade items | - Transaction fees - High competition | Listing fees, transaction fees |
What Handmade Items Sell the Best?
Crafting the right product can be the key to a successful venture. Handmade jewelry, for instance, offers infinite personalization and can cater to various styles, from boho to sophisticated. Wood-burned items bring out the rustic charm and are often sought-after for home décor or personalized gifts.
Crocheted products, from trendy hats to cozy blankets, cater to both fashion and home needs. Fine art, be it paintings or sculptures, finds its audience among art enthusiasts, while personalized gifts — such as custom mugs or engraved trinkets — always have a special place for occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or weddings.
Where Is the Best Place to Sell Handmade Products?
While the digital world is awash with platforms to sell handmade products, each offers its unique advantages. Etsy, for example, has long been the go-to platform for artisans, renowned for its community and support for handmade businesses.
Amazon Handmade, on the other hand, leverages the massive user base of Amazon, providing artisans with a potentially larger audience. Meanwhile, Facebook Marketplace taps into the power of social connections, allowing for localized selling and easy sharing.
However, it’s essential to gauge where your target audience spends most of their time and which platform aligns with your branding and business goals.
Can You Sell Handmade Items From Home?
Indeed, the beauty of the digital age is that artisans can showcase and sell their creations without stepping foot outside their homes. Platforms like Etsy are straightforward, allowing crafters to set up a virtual shop and list items with ease.
Amazon Handmade provides the reputation of a global brand, ensuring trust among buyers. If you’re looking for more control and scalability, creating your own online store using platforms like Shopify or Wix might be the way to go.
They offer customizable templates and integrated payment gateways, ensuring a smooth experience for both the seller and the buyer. In addition, many of these platforms integrate with social media, so sharing and promoting products become a seamless process.
Where Can I Sell My Crafts Locally?
Do you prefer to sell your crafts locally? Some entrepreneurs might prefer to open their own stores, but many artisans choose to make sales to local customers by setting up vendor booths at local festivals, crafts fairs, and flea markets.
Craftspeople can even offer their products wholesale to other local shop owners. No matter where the sales originate, they all contribute to a successful handmade business.
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Image: Envato Elements
How does someone establish sales of a particular product to a retail business. My daughter paints cases and was thinking of contacting local florists to see if they would purchase them for their floral arrangements