The Best Online Platforms for Selling Handmade Products

I officially established my pottery business, NEC Designs, in the mist of COVID in 2020. During this "special" time of lockdown, it only made sense that I establish my business online to ship my pieces across the country because selling  locally was no longer an option. In the years prior to establishing my online shop, I dilly dallied at local markets. I never considered NEC Designs as being a proper business until I launched my products online for all to see (and hopefully purchase!).

Before officially establishing my business, I had never sold anything online before. It was very foreign to me, but I knew other makers had figured it out, so I decided to take my extra time of being stuck at home and learn! I've personally sold my pieces on Etsy, Facebook, Instagram, and on my own website, and I've researched a few other platforms that I've decided not to use.

​If you're wondering what platform is best for you, I've shared my experiences and listed pros and cons below.

1. Etsy

Best for: Beginners and established makers alike. 

Pros:

• Huge audience actively looking for handmade goods. (Etsy is a household name)
• ​Easy to set up and manage.
• Tools for SEO, coupons, and reviews.
• Built-in trust with buyers.
• Don't have to build your own website.​

Cons:

• High competition.
• Fees: Listing fees + transaction and processing fees. (This was the biggest turn off for me)
• Less brand control compared to a personal website.
  
  

Perfect for you if: You want to test your product ideas with a built-in audience and don’t mind sharing space with other makers.

My Take: Etsy was the first platform I used for selling my work. I think it is good as the first step to selling, especially if you only have a few products and want to test the waters. I eventually drifted away because I did not like the seemingly high and confusing fees they charged. While I understand the fees help pay for the site, SEO, and familiarity of the name, I prefer keeping more of my profits for myself as the maker to reinvest into my business. I will say, I also tried Etsy before it was as big as it is now, but I still enjoy having my own website and online identity apart from Etsy.

2. Shopify

Best for: Artisans ready to create a fully-branded storefront.

Pros:

• Full control over your branding and design.
• Powerful e-commerce tools and integrations.
• Supports blog content, email marketing, and digital products.​

Cons:

• Monthly subscription cost.
• Requires more setup and maintenance.
• You’ll need to drive your own traffic.

Perfect for you if: You’re ready to build your own brand identity and take full ownership of your customer experience.

My Take: I have heavily considered switching to Shopify in the past because I have heard great things about it and admire the usability aspect for sellers. I ultimately decided to keep my website because I already have everything set up and am currently paying for it, but if I were starting over, I would probably open a Shopify storefront because it feels like my own site with the accessibility and ease of use within the platform.

3. Professional Website (Squarespace, Weebly, Wix)

Best for: Creatives who want a beautiful, minimalist storefront with built-in website tools.

Pros:

• Gorgeous, intuitive templates for artists.
• Combines website, e-commerce, and blog in one place.
• Easy drag-and-drop design.
• Includes basic email marketing and SEO tools.
  
  

Cons:

• Less e-commerce functionality than Shopify.
• Limited third-party apps.
  
  
  

Perfect for you if: You value design and want an all-in-one solution for showcasing your work and telling your story.

My Take: I love having my own website. While it does come with its own challenges and learning curve, I love the flexibility of creating my own site and selling structure. I currently use the Weebly website builder, which is now owned by Square. I have heard great things about Squarespace (different from Square), but it is quite a bit more expensive. If you are starting your own site, I would recommend trying out the free version and then upgrading. 

5. Faire (Wholesale Marketplace)

Best for: Scaling into wholesale with boutiques and small shops.

Pros:

• Connects you with retailers looking to stock artisan goods.
• Simplifies the wholesale process.
• Net 60 payments, risk-free for retailers.
  
  

Cons:

• You need to meet demand and supply volume.
• Takes a commission from orders.
  
  
  

Perfect for you if: You’re ready to grow your production and want to see your handmade items in shops across the country.

My Take: I personally haven't tried Faire, but it sounds like a great way to connect to wholesale opportunities!

Tips for Selling Handmade Products Successfully
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• Brand your story: Artisans who share their “why” stand out. Use your about page and product descriptions to tell your story. include photos of you, your studio, process, etc. to show the behind-the-scenes. Your goal is to show your customers why they should choose you over a big box store or another maker. What makes you stand out?
• Invest in photography: Beautiful photos are non-negotiable. Natural light, simple backgrounds, and close-ups are key. I have learned SO much about photography and what makes my products look good, and I am still by no means a professional photographer.
• Start with a few core products: Focus on quality over quantity. Build a capsule collection you can confidently market.
• Use social media to build community: Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are visual discovery tools that can drive traffic. Use these platforms to drive customers to your site and product pages.​

Grow an email list: Start building a list from day one to stay connected with customers who love your work.
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Sustainability & Ethical Selling
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​At Earth & Ember, we believe handmade should mean mindful. Here are a few conscious practices to consider:

• Use eco-friendly packaging (recycled, biodegradable, or reusable).
• Offset carbon emissions from shipping (some platforms offer this).
• Be transparent about materials and sourcing.​
• Educate your buyers on the value of handmade.

Whether you’re a potter, plant artist, fiber weaver, or sustainable goods creator, there’s a platform out there for you. Start where you are, grow with intention, and don’t be afraid to refine your path as your artisan journey evolves.
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Are you currently selling your handmade work online or planning to start? Let us know your favorite platforms or challenges in the comments below!