Where to Sell Handmade Crafts Online and Locally

We know how it feels. You look around your workspace and see a room full of beautiful crafts. You realize it is finally time to turn this hobby into a real business.

The biggest decision is not what to sell, but where to sell handmade items.

You might wonder if you should stick to online shops or try your luck at local events. Both have benefits. Online stores give you a large audience but also charge fees. Local spots let you meet your neighbours in person and keep more of your profit.

We spent time researching 30 strong options for you. This guide covers 12 digital platforms and 18 local venues in 2026.

This guide may feel a bit long, so we have prepared a quick comparison table below to help you scan the options first.

If you do not have time right now, save this guide and come back later. Take your time. The right decision now can save you months of frustration later.

12 Places to Sell Handmade Items Online

Selling handmade items online opens your shop to buyers nationwide. The key is finding the right mix of visibility, cost, and community.

If you're looking for places to sell homemade items online, here are 12 proven platforms that fit different goals and budgets:

Quick Overview

1. Etsy

Best for beginners who need instant traffic.

Price: Etsy's fee structure is complex. You pay a $0.20 listing fee, a 6.5% transaction fee, and a 3% + $0.25 payment processing fee. Mandatory Off-site Ads (12-15%) also apply to top sellers.

Etsy tops most lists when researching where to sell handmade products. It's where millions of buyers start their search for unique, handcrafted items.

For beginners, that visibility can help new products find their first customers. But it's also one of the most crowded places to sell.

In 2026, Etsy added a “Shop Local” feature, letting buyers discover nearby shops, which can help you reach local customers as well.

Etsy also has strict new Creativity Standards. You must clearly label if you are the Maker who made the item by hand, or a Designer who had a partner produce it. If you use AI tools to create your designs, you must disclose this. Lying about how an item was made can lead to your shop being closed.

What We Recommend: Success on Etsy comes from mastering a niche. Ensure your shop is polished, with clear descriptions, great photos, and relevant tags.

Don't just sell "candles." Sell "vegan soy-wax candles with wood wicks for book lovers." Use all 13 tags on your listings. The more specific you are, the easier it is for the right customers to find you.

Etsy Pros & Cons

2. Amazon Handmade

Best for makers with high-volume, gift-friendly items.

Price: The Amazon Handmade fee is a flat 15% referral fee. Amazon waives the $39.99/mo professional seller fee for approved artisans, so there are no monthly costs.

Amazon Handmade is part of the main Amazon marketplace and shares its trust and global reach. And it is the biggest alternative to Etsy for selling handmade items.

It attracts buyers who value quick delivery and convenience, often through Prime shipping. You must apply and prove your items are truly handcrafted.

Amazon Handmade Pros & Cons

What We Recommend: Professionalism is everything. Use high-quality, clean product photos (on a white background). If you can, use Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) to make your items Prime-eligible, which massively boosts sales and credibility.

Read to learn more about Etsy vs Amazon Handmade.

3. eBay

Image: Appshunter

Best for sellers who want to reach a massive, global audience.

Price: eBay's fees for the "Crafts" category are 12.7% on the total sale amount up to $2,500, plus a $0.30 per-order fee. The fee for the portion of the sale over $2,500 is 2.35%. Store subscriptions can also reduce your listing (insertion) fees.

eBay is no longer just an auction site. It is now a strong marketplace where you can sell handmade products. There are 159 million active buyers. People can find your crafts while looking for other items, not just handmade goods. This broad reach means your work may appear to shoppers who were not planning to search for handmade items.

eBay Pros & Cons

What We Recommend: Success on eBay comes from efficiency. Ship fast and maintain a high seller rating. eBay's algorithm rewards top-rated sellers with much better search visibility, which leads to more sales.

4. Facebook Marketplace

Best for local sales, beginners, and large items (like furniture).

Price: It's 100% free for local pickup (if you take cash). For shipped items, the fee is a low 5% (or $0.40 for items under $8).

Facebook Marketplace is a simple and often overlooked platform for local sales. You can list handmade goods for free, and buyers can easily search by location. It's quick, friendly, and connects you with people right in your community.

Facebook Marketplace Pros & Cons

Quick Tip: Safety and quality are key. For local sales, always arrange meetups in a safe, public place. Take bright, clear photos to make your items look professional and stand out from the actual garage-sale listings.

5. Goimagine

Best for US-based sellers who want a "Main Street" community feel.

Launched in 2020, Goimagine focuses on US-based craftspeople. It attracts buyers looking for American-made products and socially responsible businesses.

Sellers can start with a free plan for 12 listings. Paid plans are $15 per month for unlimited listings with just 2% transaction fees plus standard credit card costs. This helps maximize profits compared to larger platforms.

But that's not all. The platform builds a real sense of community. Its verification system keeps out mass-produced items, and sellers get direct access to support and leadership for a more personal experience.

Goimagine Pros & Cons

What We Recommend: Use the "Made in the USA" and "social-good" aspects in your marketing. This is a niche platform, so lean into what makes it special. Engage in the seller forums to connect with the community.

6. Artisans Cooperative

Best for crafters who value ethics, transparency, and community.

Price: The Artisans Co-op fee structure is a one-time $100 membership buy-in (with payment plans available), not a monthly fee. After that, you pay a low 3% transaction fee (plus card processing).

When Etsy sellers went on strike in 2022, something new was born - Artisans Cooperative. It's a seller-owned marketplace built by creators who wanted more fairness and control.

Members also share profits and get voting rights on policies, which means your voice matters. For makers who care as much about ethics as sales, this cooperative model can feel like a breath of fresh air.

Artisans Cooperative Pros & Cons

What We Recommend: Join this platform for the community and the mission, not for immediate sales. Success here is about being part of a movement to build a fairer marketplace for artisans.

7. IndieMade

Best for crafters who want their own website without the tech headache.

Price: Range from $4.95 to $19.95. There are zero commission fees (you only pay for payment processing).

IndieMade helps crafters set up independent online stores without technical hurdles. It doesn't provide built-in traffic but allows you to build direct customer relationships that increase loyalty.

You'll also get customizable storefronts with galleries, blogs, and simple order tools.

IndieMade Pros & Cons

What We Recommend: This is the perfect "next step" after Etsy. Use social media (like Instagram or Pinterest) and email newsletters to drive all your traffic to your own site, where you keep all the profit.

8. Big Cartel

Best for artists and designers who want a beautiful, simple, and free store.

Price: The "Gold" plan is 100% free for 5 products. Paid plans start at $9.99/mo and have no transaction fees.

Big Cartel is a simple, minimalist store builder for artists. It's famous for its clean aesthetic and is a favorite among illustrators, bands, and designers who sell limited-run items.

And once you start using it, you'll notice how much time it saves. The minimalist dashboard makes uploading new items fast, and the gallery-style layout really highlights your craft's visual appeal. Each store becomes a dedicated space where your work can shine on its own.

Big Cartel Pros & Cons

What We Recommend: Use the free plan to test your brand. It's perfect for linking from your Instagram bio. It's designed for artists with a strong visual style, so high-quality, professional photos are essential.

9. Folksy (UK)

Best for any crafter or artist based in the UK.

Price: Folksy fees are £0.15 per listing + 6% transaction fee (plus card processing). The £7.50/month Plus plan removes listing fees.

Folksy is the UK's biggest marketplace for British craft. It's a regional powerhouse that attracts UK consumers who specifically want to support local, British-based makers.

Folksy Pros & Cons

What We Recommend: Emphasize your local materials and British heritage in your shop story. The Folksy community is smaller and more intimate, so strong customer relationships can lead to a lot of repeat business.

10. Cratejoy

Best for makers who want to build a recurring revenue business.

Price: Expect a monthly fee (starts at $24.99), plus a category-based referral fee (often 11%+) and transaction fees (1.25% + $0.10) on top of payment processing.

Cratejoy is different from the others on this list. It is not for selling single items; it's the largest marketplace specifically for subscription boxes.

Crafters use this platform to sell a curated box of their products each month, such as a "Soap of the Month Club" or a "DIY Jewelry Kit."

Cratejoy Pros & Cons

What We Recommend: Start with a very specific, niche theme. Don't just do a "craft box." Do a "beginner's watercolor kit," a "monthly gnome collector's box," or a "vegan bath bomb club." Your success depends on a strong, unique concept that people want to receive every single month.

11. Mercari

Best for sellers who want to move inventory quickly.

Price: The Mercari fee structure is a simple, flat 10% seller fee. There is no separate payment processing fee.

Mercari feels like a fast-paced online flea market or garage sale. It has a "Handmade" category, but its culture is built around "deals." Buyers are encouraged to make offers, so it's a great place if you want to sell items quickly and are open to negotiation.

Mercari Pros & Cons

What We Recommend: Use Mercari to clear out old inventory or test new products. Since buyers can "make an offer," consider pricing your items 10-15% higher than what you're willing to accept.

12. Shopify or Your Own Website

Best for serious sellers seeking independence and higher long-term profit

Price: Shopify monthly plans start at $29 (billed annually) plus payment processing (~2.9% + $0.30). There are no transaction fees if you use Shopify Payments.

Building a Shopify store or a custom website is the ultimate step in independence. This approach requires you to build your own audience, but customers buying directly from your site typically show higher loyalty.

You build your audience through marketing, offering higher loyalty and repeat purchases. For example, a brand selling personalized home decor or DIY craft kits can craft the full customer experience from discovery to checkout.

What We Recommend: Build an audience on Etsy or Instagram first. When you're ready to grow, move your loyal customers to your own Shopify store, where your profit margins are highest and you control the entire experience.

18 Places to Sell Handmade Items Locally

Selling online is good for reaching many people, but selling locally is how you make real fans and skip the stress of shipping.

If you are looking for where to sell handmade crafts locally, these 18 local spots are the best ways to get started in the American market.

Quick Comparison: 18 Local Places to Sell

1. Farmers Markets

Best for: Weekly income and repeat customers who love natural or food-based crafts.

Farmers markets in the US are now popular places for people to meet and shop.

Big markets like the Dallas Farmers Market or the Portland Saturday Market in Oregon are some of the best marketplaces for handmade goods because many people go there every week.

The Santa Monica Farmers Market in California is a very famous spot where selling every week helps you grow a loyal following.

These markets are great because you can see the same customers again and again.

Hottest Items at Farmers Markets: Hand-poured soy candles, artisan honey/jams, wood-turned bowls, and organic dog treats. For example, seasonal items like Halloween candles or spring flower pots often sell fast.

Learn more Farmers Market Ideas to sell in our earlier guide.

Image: Daniel-LS

2. Craft Fairs

Best for collections that appeal to wide audiences and holiday-focused products

If you want to know where to sell handmade items to people who really love high quality, try a juried craft fair.

These are events like Renegade Craft in Chicago or the American Craft Made shows in Baltimore that are hard to get into because a panel picks the best artists.

This means there is less competition, making them the best marketplaces for artisans who sell fancy work.

And here's the thing: booth location matters. Corners get about 30 percent more traffic. Layered displays, vertical racks, and varied pricing, such as 15 earrings and 80 statement necklaces, attract more buyers. Research each fair's track record and read past vendor reviews.

For makers looking to stand out, bringing a small UV printer like the eufyMake E1 allows on-demand customization at your booth. Shoppers can personalize items on the spot, creating a unique experience and boosting sales.

3. Pop-Up Events

Best for new items, seasonal products, or testing concepts

Pop-ups are small, temporary shops set up in busy places like the Shopify NYC store or a local beer garden. They are a great way to test a new idea without paying for a long-term shop.

In America, many people love to drink and shop at the same time, which makes these events very fun.

Promotion is key. You can post on social media, send newsletters, or partner with nearby businesses.

For example, a weekend jewelry pop-up at a cafe or a mini holiday shop at a local brewery can draw crowds. Pop-ups also let you adjust pricing or display in real time.

4. Local Cafes and Coffee Shops

Best for prints, small artwork, and decor

In cities like Seattle or Austin, coffee shops often let local artists hang their work on the walls for sale.

This is a very easy way to show where to sell handmade crafts like art prints or mugs. Commissions are typically 10 to 20 percent.

Since the same people come in for coffee every morning, they get to see your work many times before they decide to buy it.

Things like art of the local city, stickers for water bottles, and large coffee mugs are perfect for these spots.

Shops like Stumptown often show local art, and you can put a small code on your sign so people can buy from your website later.

5. Community and Music Festivals

Best for fun, seasonal, or themed items

Huge events like Austin City Limits in Texas or the Lollapalooza market in Chicago bring in thousands of people.

These events can be risky because of the weather, but you can sell a lot of items very fast. Your products should be easy to carry and look bright and fun.

Items like tie-dye shirts, handmade bags, and small crochet toys are very popular at these festivals. 

Many makers think these are the best marketplaces for handmade goods during the summer when everyone is out having fun.

6. Flea Markets

Best for eclectic, quirky, or nostalgic products

Flea markets in America are now fancy events for people who love unique things. The Rose Bowl Flea Market in California and the Brimfield show in Massachusetts are huge and famous. 

Flea markets run weekly or monthly, charging $30 to $100 per day. Many now have sections for handmade products.

These venues suit vintage, upcycled, or eclectic crafts. For example, repurposed furniture, handmade jewelry, or quirky home decor sells well. Shoppers enjoy finding unique items and are open to unusual styles.

7. Tourist Centers and National Parks

Tourist centers in tourist areas often sell locally made souvenirs. These work either as consignment (typically 40% commission) or wholesale purchases.

Look for items that capture local character, pack easily, and cost between $15-75. You'll need to show how your products represent the local area.

Create products at different price points to reach various tourist budgets. Items that pack flat or ship easily appeal to travelers worried about luggage space

8. Art Walks and First Fridays

Best for: Original fine art and meeting local collectors in person.

Many US cities like Phoenix or Kansas City have an art walk on the first Friday of every month.

These events are perfect for where to sell handmade items that cost a bit more, like paintings or expensive jewelry. People love to walk around and talk to the person who made the art. 

Things like shiny resin art, hand-painted jackets, and bold silver jewelry are what people look for.

Since these events happen at night, make sure you have good lights so people can see your work.

9. Maker Spaces and Community Classes

Best for: Makers who can teach their skills and sell DIY craft kits.

Teaching a craft is a great way to meet new customers while also getting paid for your time.

You can teach a class at a local library or studio and sell your finished work at the same time. People enjoy learning how to make things themselves, so selling a kit they can take home for $20 to $50 is a smart move.

These spaces are among the best marketplaces for artisans who want to build a group of people who love their specific craft. 

Image: udara

10. Consignment Shops

Best for: Passive income and high-end home or beauty products.

If you'd rather focus on making than on active selling, consignment can be a good fit.

You place your crafts in a local boutique, and the shop pays you after an item sells, keeping a commission. This is defined as consignment, and the shop's cut is often 40% to 60%.

This approach works for items with enough markup to cover the shop's commission while still making you money. You'll usually wait 30-45 days after a sale to receive payment.

Start with a small inventory and track which items sell best in each location. Different shops attract different customers, so match your products to each shop's style and price range.

11. Local Gift Shops

Best for: Building a retail brand and getting large, steady orders.

Small gift shops on the main streets of American towns love to sell items made by local people.

Most of these shops will buy your items from you for half of the retail price, which gives you a big payment right away. This is called selling wholesale, and it is a great way to get your items in a real store. 

Customize your selection for each store. 

For example, hand-painted mugs, scented candles, or woven baskets. Consistent restocking keeps items visible.

Build relationships with shop owners-they can advise on best-sellers.

12. Trunk Shows

Best for: Expensive fashion, bridal items, and limited-edition collections.

Trunk shows are one-day events at boutiques where you bring your full collection. Sales are usually split or a flat fee is charged.

For example, a pottery trunk show during a holiday weekend clears inventory and helps you connect with buyers. Bring products at varied price points and business cards or flyers for future contact.

13. Salons, Spas, and Yoga Studios

Best for self-care products, wellness items, and small gifts

Places that focus on health and relaxing are some of the best marketplaces for handmade goods that help people feel good.

Customers at these spots are already looking to treat themselves and often make impulse buys at the front desk. You will typically pay the shop 20 percent to 30 percent of the sale price.

Things like eye masks, bath bomb sets, and pretty hair clips sell very fast in these calm environments.

14. Trade Shows

Best for: Scaling your business and selling in large bulk quantities.

Trade shows like NY NOW are where you sell your work to other shop owners instead of the public.

You must have a professional booth, catalogs, and a "line sheet" (your wholesale price list).

A booth is very expensive, costing between $1,000 and $5,000, but one big order can pay for the whole show.

To attract buyers, you'll need smart tradeshow giveaway ideas, like a sample-sized version of your product or a branded keychain. The goal is to get large, recurring orders that get your brand into stores nationwide. 

This is one of the best marketplaces for artisans who want to grow their business into a national brand found in every state

eufyMake at IFA | Image: Marcus Lieder

15. Breweries and Wineries

Best for: Reaching young, social shoppers with trendy and funny gifts.

Selling art at local beer and wine spots is a huge trend in America right now because the vibe is very relaxed.

People are happy and social, which makes them want to spend money on fun items while they have a drink. 

You will usually pay $30 to $75 for a table for the afternoon.

Leather coasters, funny t-shirts, and reusable snack bags are very popular at these events because they make great gifts.

16. Mall Kiosks

Best for giftable items and high-foot-traffic exposure

Small stands in big malls like the Mall of America get thousands of people walking by every single day.

While the rent is very high, ranging from $1,000 to $3,500 a month, you can sell a massive amount of gifts during the Christmas holidays.

These spots work best for visually appealing items that make good gifts.

For example, small decorative candles or custom keychains catch the eye of shoppers passing by. 

Match products to mall demographics-upscale malls suit high-end crafts, community centers suit accessible items.

17. Boutique Hotels

Boutique hotels often want local handmade products for gift shops or lobbies. These usually work as consignment (40 to 50 percent commission) or wholesale purchases.

Products that reflect local culture or act as memorable souvenirs do best.

e.g: locally inspired coasters, handmade soaps, or regional jewelry sets.

Professional presentation and reliable inventory help build strong relationships.

Best for souvenirs and locally themed items

18. School and Church Holiday Bazaars

Best for family-friendly and educational crafts

Do not forget about small craft sales at schools or churches, especially during the winter months.

The cost to get a table is very low, usually between $20 and $60, but the local people are very loyal and love to shop local.

These events connect you with parents and community members during gift-giving seasons.

For example, sell handmade pencils,  gifts for teachers, or school-color bracelets. Items featuring school colors or mascots resonate strongly with buyers.

These are some of the best marketplaces for handmade goods during the busy gift-giving season. 

What you need to know before selling locally

Before selling locally, it is essential to understand your area's legal requirements. In California, for example, sellers need a license and must collect sales tax on each item. Keeping organized records will make both compliance and business planning easier as your operation grows.

Combining Online and Local Sales

The most successful handmade sellers we know don't just pick one path. They combine both worlds. Their online stores bring in passive income and reach a national audience, while their local events build personal connections and brand loyalty.

We recommend you start with one or two platforms, test what sells, and reinvest your profits into growing your brand. Over time, you'll find the unique mix of online and local venues where your crafts truly belong.

The most sustainable approach combines multiple places to sell handmade products:

• One main online marketplace for customer discovery
• Your own website for direct sales and brand control
• Several recurring local venues for community connections
• Strategic participation in high-traffic seasonal events

This diverse approach balances steady income with growth opportunities. It also protects your business from problems with any single platform. Online selling gives you broader reach, while local venues often provide higher profit margins by eliminating shipping costs.

Your ideal mix of places to sell homemade items will evolve as your business grows. Many successful crafters start with accessible marketplaces before gradually shifting toward higher-margin direct sales as their reputation grows.

FAQs

What is the best site to sell handmade items?

In 2026, Etsy is still the best place to sell handmade items because most buyers go there specifically looking for handmade and custom products.

That said, it’s not the only option. Many sellers also use Amazon Handmade, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace to reach different types of buyers.

The best results usually come from selling on more than one platform instead of relying on just one.

Is it better to sell handmade items on Etsy or eBay?

For most handmade sellers, Etsy is the better choice because shoppers expect handmade items and are willing to pay for them.

eBay works better if you want more flexibility, faster sales, or a mix of handmade and other products.

If your goal is building a handmade brand, Etsy makes more sense. If you want wider exposure or quick testing, eBay can still work well.