Etsy is probably the first platform where craftsmen and artisans turn to sell their unique goods and antiques. Millions of listings of handmade products and other items are available on Etsy.
For the most part, Etsy was designed for such entrepreneurs. Some changes have followed in the past couple of years such as an increased transaction fee with lower quality standards for entry-level sellers.
Business owners would also like to expand their business across other platforms due to the fierce competition on Etsy. Also reaching out to the widest audience possible is essential for sellers.
Etsy has some alternatives that provide features to boost your reach and income. Following are seven sites like Etsy, some of which don’t charge a listing fee and some even let users add alternative income streams.
IndieMade
IndieMade lets you use a single dashboard for all your activities. Users can build their websites through an in-house website builder.
IndieMade forks as a marketplace for artists to build their websites that fit their vision. Owners can manage their store, blog, forums, galleries and other attributes with minimal efforts and time investment. IndieMade ensures that the appeal, quality and uniqueness is retained at all costs.
Sellers looking to set-up their own e-commerce websites. IndieMade focuses on signifying the content through minimalist themes and architecture. The platform doesn’t charge a commission from artists.
Customers may select one of the four plans to start building their website. The basic plan costs $4.95/month where users can display up to 10 products. Signing up for the $19.95 plan means you can display over 300.
You can visit Indiemade here
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Amazon Handmade
Unsurprisingly, Amazon also has a platform dedicated to sellers of handmade goods. Amazon Handmade features sellers from more than 80 countries.
The Handmade platform is a giant opportunity for makers as Amazon’s giant customer base comes directly to them. Potential sellers have to go through a screening process before they can start selling.
Joining Handmade doesn’t cost a cent. Amazon’s Professional selling plan ($39.99/month) was mandatory for registration but was later waived.
You’ll be charged a 15% referral fee per sale on Handmade, although an increase in sales volume is expected with Amazon’s consumer space. Millions of artisans already use Amazon Handmade.
You can visit Amazon Handmade here
ArtFire
ArtFire resembles Etsy the closest among the current bunch. Handmade goods, craft supplies, and other vintage items can be sold on Artfire.
After uploading an item your product is shared to all major search engines automatically. This results in a visibility boost.
Many forums and blogs let crafters connect and discuss maximising their earning potential. Prices on ArtFire range across the $4.95/month to $40/month marks.
Another model called the Standard shop lists one item for 23 cents. Shoppers can also post a ‘wanted’ ad if they wish to get a certain product made.
You can visit ArtFire here
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UncommonGoods
UncommonGoods is a closed platform, making it different to other sites on the list. A rigorous approval process is taken place before verifying a seller.
After approval, the vendor will be asked to enter a detailed description of the products and a suggested price. UncommonGoods aims to capture the complete story behind the vendor and the product and expects sellers to portray the same.
The same product can be sold in retail and wholesale on the platform. UncommonGoods looks to carry only the most unique products for their target customers.
You can visit UncommonGoods here
Aftcra
Aftcra has recently started to create a buzz among artists. The website strictly accepts only handmade products for sales. Aftcra goes so far as to mention what constitutes a handmade product.
Anything mass-produces faces outright rejection. Aftcra currently operates only in USA. Every sale comes with a 7% transaction fee.
Sellers aren’t charged for creating an account or listing their items. Aftcra a massive room to expand and attract larger volumes of buyers.
You can visit Aftcra here
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Big Cartel
Started in 2005, Big Cartel has supported creators set-up online stores for showcasing their art pieces.
The platform helps sellers create an online store in a matter of minutes. There are many free themes to choose from and selecting one that fits your brand identity and resonates with the idea of the products is important.
Users then need to keep updating the products and run promotions to amass traffic. Big Cartel doesn’t charge a commission per sale but on the basis of sales volume.
Big Cartel starts with a Gold plan (5 product limit) which is free and levels up to the Titanium one ($500 product limit) costing $29.99/month.
You can visit Big Cartel here
Storenvy
Storenvy is a place for indie brands, small businesses can use Storenvy to get their brand known to a wider audience. Customers can shop from 65,000 brands.
Signing up as a seller costs nothing, but every sale sees a 15% commission. Storenvy has an average price higher than Etsy’s and listings are often promoted on social media. A better strategy than using paid promotions time and again.
Having your products on many marketplaces increases product visibility and awareness. Selling on websites other than Etsy gives artisans a bigger set to study and formulate their strategies accordingly.
You can visit Storeenvy here
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