5 ways to sell your crafts online
Whether crafting is your full-time job or a part-time hustle, the internet is a fantastic tool for getting your work seen. Showcase the passion and love that goes into your creations, find return customers, and make some money by selling your handmade products online.
From jewellery and clothing to homeware and artwork, there’s an eCommerce space that’s perfect for your craft.
Why sell your crafts online?
There’s no denying the rise in online shopping over the past few years. In fact, eCommerce sales are expected to increase to 22% of all retail purchases by 2023. If more than ⅕ of all sales are happening online, it makes sense to see what eCommerce can do for your creative business.
What’s more, you can sell your crafts online regardless of whether you have a physical store, making it a more accessible and affordable platform for small businesses.
Where to sell your crafts online
So, where to start? Here are a few eCommerce options you might like to consider:
Etsy
Perhaps the most popular online marketplace for independent businesses, Etsy is a treasure trove of crafts and handmade goodies. The site setup makes it easy to create your own Etsy shop and start selling right away. You can have a unique space without having to manage a whole website. Plus, you can sell within the UK or worldwide.
It’s worth bearing in mind that Etsy charges listing and transaction fees, so you’ll need to take those into account when pricing your items and postage.
Your own website
Would you rather have control over a whole website? Set up your own! Squarespace, WordPress, and Wix are good hosting sites for beginners. Setting up your own website for craft sales gives you control over the style and content as well as how you take payments.
A dedicated website is an excellent choice if you’re tech-savvy. If not, it might be beneficial to connect with a web developer who can help with the initial website setup.
ASOS Marketplace
Another online marketplace to try is on ASOS. Mostly clothes and accessories-related, ASOS Marketplace is a great place to find potential customers. As with Etsy, you get your own ‘boutique’ to sell on, but also pay a commission for every sale.
Lots of people sell vintage clothing here. However, if you make jewellery, headbands, or other accessories, it could be a good option to explore.
If a dedicated website or marketplace shop isn’t for you, you might find success with social media sites. Perhaps your craft business is an enjoyable way to bring in an extra little bit of income but isn’t something you want to expand on.
If this is the case, adding a shop function to your Instagram page could be handy — especially if you already use Instagram to promote your craft business.
Crafter’s Market
If you’re looking to sell locally, within the UK, Crafter’s Market is another online marketplace to try. The format is very similar to Etsy, with a slightly different charging system. With a basic shop option, you pay a commission for each sale. A premium shop option (which takes a monthly fee) doesn’t charge a commission.
Managing your online craft sales
Choosing the best eCommerce method for you is ultimately down to personal preference — you can host your own site or set up a shop within a marketplace. Both can yield excellent results.
It’s worth remembering that a successful craft business requires ongoing work beyond setting up your site or page. You’ll need to regularly update your products, answer customer queries, and promote your business. This can be a fun and exciting project but if you need support with admin and management, feel free to get in touch with Erin at Bizzybee Bolly.
