Selling handmade wooden and rattan products has become more accessible with various online platforms that cater specifically to artisans. Whether you’re just starting or looking to expand, choosing the right platform is key to reaching a wider audience and growing your brand. In this article, we’ll explore the best platforms to sell handmade wooden and rattan products, with a focus on key factors like ease of use, audience size, fees, and the types of products each platform excels at showcasing.
1. Etsy
Why It’s Popular: Etsy is a well-established platform for handmade products, including those crafted from wood and rattan. With millions of active users, Etsy provides a built-in audience actively seeking unique, artisan products.
Key Features:
- Ease of use: Setting up a shop and listing products is simple.
- Built-in audience: Etsy attracts customers specifically looking for handmade items.
- Search visibility: The platform’s search function allows you to optimize your listings for better exposure.
Fees: A small listing fee of $0.20 per item and a 6.5% transaction fee.
Ideal For: Sellers of handcrafted wooden and rattan products like coasters, soap dishes, baskets, and trays who want access to a large, built-in audience.
2. Shopify
Why It’s Popular: Shopify is ideal for artisans who want full control over their brand and store. It allows you to create a custom eCommerce site for your wooden and rattan products, such as handwoven baskets and wooden trays.
Key Features:
- Full control: Customize your store with themes and plugins.
- Multiple sales channels: Integrates with platforms like Facebook, Amazon, and eBay.
- Scalability: As your business grows, Shopify has various pricing plans to accommodate your needs.
Fees: Monthly subscription fees starting at $29, plus transaction fees for third-party processors.
Ideal For: Artisans who want a professional online presence and the flexibility to scale their business.
3. Amazon Handmade
Why It’s Popular: Amazon Handmade provides access to Amazon’s massive customer base, making it ideal for artisans seeking exposure for their wooden and rattan products, like wooden trays or handcrafted soap dishes.
Key Features:
- Global reach: Access a vast audience with Amazon’s trusted platform.
- Prime eligibility: Using Amazon FBA gives you access to Prime customers.
- Trusted platform: Amazon is known for reliable customer service and shipping.
Fees: No listing fees, but Amazon takes a 15% referral fee per sale. A $39.99/month subscription fee may apply for professional sellers.
Ideal For: Artisans looking for large-scale exposure with the benefit of Amazon’s fulfillment services.
4. Big Cartel
Why It’s Popular: Big Cartel is a simple platform perfect for small-scale artisans who want to sell handmade wooden and rattan products without the complexity of larger platforms.
Key Features:
- Affordability: Free plan for up to five products.
- Ease of setup: User-friendly and ideal for new sellers.
- Customization: While not as advanced as Shopify, it offers basic customization.
Fees: Free for up to five products; paid plans start at $9.99 per month.
Ideal For: Small-scale artisans who want a minimalist online shop for their handcrafted products like trays, baskets, and soap dishes.
5. Folksy
Why It’s Popular: Folksy is a UK-based marketplace that specializes in handmade goods. It’s perfect for artisans selling wooden and rattan products to a local market.
Key Features:
- Niche audience: Focused on UK-based buyers and sellers.
- Support for makers: Strong community for independent artisans.
- Easy setup: User-friendly interface for new sellers.
Fees: A listing fee of £0.15 per product and a 6% commission on sales.
Ideal For: UK-based artisans who sell handmade wooden or rattan products like trays and baskets.
6. Zibbet
Why It’s Popular: Zibbet allows you to manage multiple storefronts across various platforms, perfect for artisans selling products like handwoven baskets or wooden trays.
Key Features:
- Multi-channel management: Syncs with Etsy, eBay, and more.
- Low fees: Flat monthly fee of $5 per sales channel with no additional transaction fees.
- Customizable store: Simple design with some customization options.
Fees: $5/month per sales channel.
Ideal For: Artisans who want to sell on multiple platforms and manage their listings in one place.
7. Madeit
Why It’s Popular: Madeit is Australia’s largest handmade marketplace, perfect for local artisans selling handcrafted wooden or rattan products like soap dishes and baskets.
Key Features:
- Local focus: Tailored to the Australian market.
- Support for small makers: Offers tools and support for artisans.
- Curated marketplace: Emphasizes quality and uniqueness.
Fees: A monthly subscription fee starting at AUD $5 and a 4% commission on sales.
Ideal For: Australian artisans looking to reach local buyers and connect with a community that values craftsmanship.
Conclusion
Choosing the right platform for selling your handmade wooden and rattan products depends on your business goals and target audience. Whether you prefer a large marketplace like Etsy or Amazon Handmade, or a more customizable option like Shopify or Big Cartel, each platform offers unique benefits. Select the one that best aligns with your business and start reaching customers who appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of your products.
