Artisan Opportunities: How to Market and Sell Handmade Items Online

Did you know that 4.9 billion people around the globe frequently use the internet?

E-commerce has become commonplace in many people’s lives. This is great news for independent artists, who have a greater chance of appealing to a large audience!

But how exactly do you build an online artisan business? 

We’re here to fill you in. Keep reading below to learn the basics of selling handmade items online!

Research the Market

Before you start up your shop, take a look at similar online artisan shops. It will give you a rough idea of how to price your own items.

It will also show you how saturated (or not) the market for your handmade items is. If you create extremely unique products, it will be easier to attract an audience.

On the other hand, if there are already many shops selling similar goods, you’ll have to get creative. Consider how you can stand out from other artists—what niche void can you fill in your crafting field?

Find Collaborators

There’s a good chance that you’ll need assistance producing your goods or sourcing your materials. Even the most resourceful of artists may need help with branding, packaging, etc.

Many artists collaborate with producers to print their designs on a variety of products. You can see this clearly through websites like Redbubble, which allows artists to slap their design on everything from t-shirts to shower curtains.

You’ll find producers for just about every medium. You can create acrylic charms, stickers, stationery, and more. You can even do laser-printed wood pieces—click here to get more info on this creative option!

Even if you don’t need an external producer, you’ll still need to get your hands on materials. To get the best deal, you’ll want to seek out companies that sell materials in bulk.

Lastly, consider how much work you want to put into the logistical side of the business. You may consider taking on employees or a contract freelancer if you need help with marketing, shipping products, etc.

Decide on a Selling Platform

There are a few routes you can take when selling handcrafted products. You can either sell on an established platform or develop your own website to host your products.

Developing your own website gives you much more freedom when it comes to appearance and customizability. You’ll be able to add pages such as a FAQ or an about section.

If you choose to sell on a marketplace platform, you’ll have fewer ways to personalize your shop. However, many of the logistical hurdles will disappear. 

For example, websites like Etsy give you the option to use their premade shipping labels. This saves you the trouble of manually calculating shipping prices and worrying about tracking numbers.

However, Etsy isn’t the only big online crafting marketplace. Redbubble, mentioned above, is another great platform, especially for digital artists. Artfire, Uncommon Goods, and Storenvy are just a few of the many websites where you can develop your artisan business.

Sharing Your Handmade Items with the World

These days, anyone can start their own online business. If you’ve always wanted to share your handmade items and artisan goods with others, the guide above will help you get started!

Looking for more? Check out the rest of our website for more articles on everything from travel hacks to business tips!