Selling handmade wooden products has never been easier, thanks to a variety of online platforms designed specifically for artisans. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand, choosing the right platform can help you reach more customers and grow your brand. Below are some of the best platforms for selling handmade wooden items like wooden cups, combs, soap dishes, and sustainable home decor.
1. Etsy
Why It’s Great for Wooden Products: Etsy is one of the largest marketplaces for handmade goods, making it an excellent platform for selling handcrafted wooden items. With a built-in audience of buyers who appreciate artisan craftsmanship, Etsy provides high visibility for your products.
Key Features:
- User-Friendly Setup: Easy to list and manage your products.
- Large Audience: Millions of potential customers searching for unique handmade goods.
- SEO Optimization: Helps your products appear in searches for handmade wooden decor and accessories.
Fees: Etsy charges a listing fee ($0.20 per item) and a 6.5% transaction fee per sale.
Ideal For: Sellers of wooden home decor, kitchen accessories, and sustainable gifts looking for a large, ready-made audience.
2. Shopify
Why It’s Great for Wooden Products: If you want full control over your branding and customer experience, Shopify allows you to create a personalized online store. This is ideal for artisans who wish to establish their own brand identity beyond marketplace platforms.
Key Features:
- Customizable Storefront: Fully design your store to match your brand.
- Multi-Channel Selling: Integrate with social media, Amazon, and eBay.
- Scalability: Suitable for small startups and growing businesses alike.
Fees: Monthly subscription starts at $29, with transaction fees if using external payment processors.
Ideal For: Wood artisans looking to build a professional, standalone online store with long-term growth potential.
3. Amazon Handmade
Why It’s Great for Wooden Products: Amazon Handmade provides access to Amazon’s massive customer base, making it an excellent choice for sellers looking for large-scale exposure.
Key Features:
- Global Reach: Sell to customers worldwide.
- Prime Shipping: Eligible products can be shipped through Amazon’s Fulfillment services.
- Trusted Platform: Buyers have confidence in Amazon’s reliability and customer service.
Fees: 15% referral fee per sale; $39.99 monthly seller fee (may be waived for Handmade sellers).
Ideal For: Sellers wanting to leverage Amazon’s audience and fast shipping services.
4. Big Cartel
Why It’s Great for Wooden Products: Big Cartel is a simple, affordable platform tailored for independent artisans, making it ideal for those just starting out with a small collection of wooden goods.
Key Features:
- Free Plan: Sell up to five products without monthly fees.
- Minimalist Design: Perfect for small-scale artisans who want a clean and simple storefront.
- Easy Setup: No technical skills required.
Fees: Free for up to five products; paid plans start at $9.99/month.
Ideal For: Small-scale sellers looking for an affordable, no-frills online shop.
5. Zibbet
Why It’s Great for Wooden Products: Zibbet allows sellers to manage multiple sales channels from one dashboard, making it a great choice for artisans selling across multiple platforms.
Key Features:
- Multi-Channel Integration: Syncs with Etsy, eBay, and other marketplaces.
- Customizable Store: Simple, clean design options.
- Flat Fee Structure: No additional transaction fees.
Fees: $5 per month per sales channel.
Ideal For: Sellers managing multiple storefronts who want a centralized platform.
6. Folksy (UK-Based)
Why It’s Great for Wooden Products: Folksy is a UK-based handmade marketplace focused on local artisans, making it ideal for sellers targeting British customers.
Key Features:
- UK Audience: Connect with buyers who prioritize locally-made goods.
- Simple Setup: Easy for beginners to navigate.
- Community Focused: Supports independent artisans and makers.
Fees: £0.15 per listing + 6% commission on sales; “Folksy Plus” plan for £5/month allows unlimited listings.
Ideal For: UK-based wood artisans looking for a local niche market.
7. Madeit (Australia-Based)
Why It’s Great for Wooden Products: Madeit is Australia’s leading handmade marketplace, making it perfect for sellers looking to reach an Australian audience.
Key Features:
- Local Focus: Dedicated to Australian artisans and buyers.
- Support for Small Makers: Helps independent artisans grow their business.
- Curated Marketplace: Emphasizes high-quality handmade goods.
Fees: Starting at AUD $5/month + 4% commission on sales.
Ideal For: Australian artisans wanting to sell within their local market.
Conclusion
Choosing the right platform for selling your handmade wooden products depends on your goals, budget, and audience.
- Etsy and Amazon Handmade are great for reaching a large audience.
- Shopify and Big Cartel offer more control and customization.
- Folksy and Madeit are ideal for region-specific markets.
- Zibbet is best for multi-platform selling.
By selecting the platform that aligns with your business needs, you can maximize visibility, grow your brand, and turn your passion for handmade wooden crafts into a thriving online business.