How to Start Selling Handmade Products on Etsy & Amazon Handmade
Introduction
In today's digital era, selling handmade products online has become an excellent way for artisans, crafters, and DIY enthusiasts to turn their passion into a profitable business. Platforms like Etsy and Amazon Handmade provide access to a vast customer base, making it easier than ever to showcase and sell your creations.
If you're wondering how to set up your own handmade business, this guide will walk you through everything from choosing a platform to optimizing your listings for sales.
1. Understanding Etsy and Amazon Handmade
Etsy
Etsy is a marketplace designed specifically for handmade, vintage, and craft supplies. It is ideal for independent artists and small businesses looking to sell unique, handcrafted items. The platform offers:
A global customer base of over 90 million buyers.
Low listing fees ($0.20 per item).
Customizable shop pages.
Strong community support and marketing tools.
Amazon Handmade
Amazon Handmade is Amazon’s dedicated platform for artisans selling handmade goods. It allows sellers to leverage Amazon’s vast customer reach and Prime shipping benefits. Some key features include:
Higher exposure due to Amazon’s massive traffic.
No listing fees (but a 15% referral fee per sale).
Access to Amazon’s fulfillment services (FBA).
Strict approval process to ensure authenticity.
2. Choosing the Right Platform for Your Business
| Feature | Etsy | Amazon Handmade |
|---|---|---|
| Listing Fee | $0.20 per item | Free |
| Commission Fees | 6.5% + payment fees | 15% per sale |
| Customer Base | 90M buyers, niche market | 300M+ buyers, broad |
| Customization | Highly customizable | Limited branding |
| Approval Process | Quick and easy | Requires application |
Which One Should You Choose?
Etsy is better if you want a creative, niche-focused audience and more control over branding.
Amazon Handmade is great if you prefer access to Amazon’s massive customer base and logistics support.
Best Strategy? Many successful sellers use both platforms to maximize exposure.
3. Setting Up Your Handmade Business
Step 1: Define Your Niche and Products
Choosing a niche helps you target the right audience. Popular handmade product categories include:
Handmade Jewelry
Personalized Gifts
Home Decor & Candles
Handmade Clothing & Accessories
Art & Prints
Bath & Beauty Products
Leather Goods
💡 Tip: Research trends using tools like Google Trends, Marmalead (for Etsy), and Amazon Best Sellers to find profitable product ideas.
Step 2: Register as a Seller
Etsy:
Go to Etsy Seller Registration
Choose a shop name (unique, easy to remember).
Set up your shop policies (shipping, returns, etc.).
Amazon Handmade:
Apply through Amazon Handmade Application.
Wait for approval (can take weeks).
Once approved, create your seller profile.
Step 3: Create High-Quality Listings
Your product listings must be optimized for SEO (search engine optimization) to rank higher in search results.
Title Optimization: Include relevant keywords (e.g., "Handmade Silver Necklace for Women - Personalized Jewelry Gift").
Product Description:
Highlight unique features.
Use bullet points for clarity.
Mention materials, dimensions, and care instructions.
Pricing Strategy:
Research competitor pricing.
Factor in materials, labor, packaging, and fees.
Images:
Use high-resolution photos.
Show different angles and lifestyle shots.
Include a video if possible.
Step 4: Set Up Payment & Shipping
Etsy Payments: Accepts credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay.
Amazon Handmade: Uses Amazon’s secure payment system.
For shipping:
Offer free shipping if possible (boosts sales).
Use Etsy Shipping Labels or Amazon FBA to streamline delivery.
4. Promoting Your Handmade Business
SEO & Keywords
Use tools like EtsyRank, Jungle Scout (Amazon), and Google Keyword Planner to find high-ranking keywords.
Optimize product titles, tags, and descriptions with these keywords.
Social Media Marketing
Instagram & Pinterest: Great for visual marketing.
Facebook & TikTok: Run ads and post engaging content.
YouTube & Blogging: Tutorials and behind-the-scenes content attract buyers.
Paid Advertising
Etsy Ads: Boost visibility within Etsy’s search results.
Amazon PPC: Run Amazon ads for better product exposure.
Google & Facebook Ads: Drive traffic from outside the platform.
Email Marketing
Collect customer emails using discount offers.
Send newsletters, promotions, and new product announcements.
5. Scaling & Growing Your Business
Expanding Product Lines
Offer variations (colors, sizes, personalization options).
Introduce seasonal or trending products.
Branding & Customer Trust
Create a professional logo and packaging.
Use eco-friendly materials (trending in handmade markets).
Engage with customers through prompt responses and personalized messages.
Leverage Customer Reviews
Encourage happy buyers to leave reviews.
Respond to reviews (both positive and negative) professionally.
Outsourcing & Automation
Use tools like Printify for print-on-demand handmade designs.
Automate social media posts with Later or Buffer.
Hire virtual assistants for order processing and customer support.
6. Common Challenges & How to Overcome Them
| Challenge | Solution |
| High Competition | Unique branding, better photography |
| Slow Sales | Improve SEO, run ads, optimize pricing |
| Shipping Issues | Offer tracking, use fulfillment services |
| Low Profit Margins | Reduce costs, increase perceived value |
Final Thoughts
Starting a handmade business on Etsy or Amazon Handmade can be incredibly rewarding. With the right strategy, persistence, and marketing, you can turn your craft into a thriving business. The key is to stay consistent, continuously improve your listings, and engage with your customers.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale, this guide provides a roadmap to success. So, take the first step today and start selling your handmade creations to the world! 🚀
