Have you been thinking about where to sell your products online, but you’re not quite sure where to start?

You might have heard of Etsy, but today, we’re going beyond the obvious.

I’m going to introduce you to five online marketplaces that you might not have considered yet, but absolutely should for selling your art and crafts online, and that’s not Etsy!

Stick around, because you don’t want to miss this list of the five places to sell your products online.

5 Places to Sell Your Handmade Products Online

GoImagine

The first place to sell your products online is GoImagine.

This isn’t just an online marketplace; it’s a platform with a cause.

GoImagine operates on a “business giving” model where 100% of their profits are donated to charity.

This means every sale you make contributes to a good cause. Isn’t that amazing?

The fee structure is twofold.

First, you have to choose between three tiers of membership which ranges in monthly fee from $2.50 to $10.

The main difference between each tier is the number of products you can have in your catalog.

And the transaction fee once you’ve made a sale starts at 5% for the lowest tier and drops to 3.5% when you go with the highest tier.

As a marketplace, GoImagine aims to be a platform that puts the needs of its sellers first.

It’s an inclusive, supportive environment, which many of its sellers appreciate.

The platform is designed to be simple and user-friendly, allowing even the most technophobic creators to set up their online store with ease.

Additionally, GoImagine prides itself on its proactive customer service, they’re ready to help with any issues that arise.

Seller experiences on GoImagine reflect this ethos.

There’s a sense of camaraderie within the community, with many sellers describing it as an online family.

They love the support they receive, not just from the GoImagine team, but also from other sellers.

This community spirit, combined with the charitable purpose, makes selling on GoImagine really appealing.

However, bear in mind that GoImagine is a relatively young platform.

While it’s growing steadily, it hasn’t reached the wide customer base that some of its older, more established competitors, like Etsy, have.

This means you’ll need to be patient as you grow your business here, but sellers seem excited about GoImagine’s potentia in general.

Finally, it’s worth noting that GoImagine’s focus on charity resonates with many buyers.

If your handmade business aligns with a similar ethos, GoImagine could be the perfect place to connect with like-minded customers who appreciate and support your shared values.

 

Artisans.coop

Next, we have Artisans.coop, an artists’ cooperative that’s a little different from your usual online marketplace.

Artisans.coop is built on the principle that artists should have control over their work and profits.

As a member of this cooperative, you’re not just a seller on a platform; you’re part of a collective, a team of artists with shared aspirations.

The cooperative model allows artists to have more control over their business, share resources, and benefit from collective bargaining.

In terms of fees, Artisans.coop does not charge for listing fees, there’s no renewal fees and no advertising fees, unlike Etsy.

Artisans.coop charges an 8% commission on sales for members, or 9.5% if you’re not a member.

And as stated on their website, they intend to lower their commission rate as the co-op grows. That’s really admirable.

But what does it mean to be a member?

There is an application process and a buy in fee of $1,000 to join as a seller.

Now, I know that seems high, especially for a new platform we’re not sure will do well or will even last.

But they do have monthly payment plans.

I would suggest only going this route if you’re already an established online store or you have some budget set aside for growing your business.

Otherwise, your money would be better spent elsewhere in the beginning of your business building journey.

It’s interesting to note that buyers are also required to pay a buy in fee of $100 just to have access to the shops on there.

While these fees might seem high at first glance, also remember that you’re getting more than just a selling platform – you’re joining a supportive, collaborative community.

Sellers on Artisans.coop rave about the supportive community and shared decision-making.

They appreciate that they have a say in how the platform is run, which isn’t the case with many other online marketplaces, especially with Etsy.

The level of transparency provided by Artisans.coop is also highly valued by its sellers.

This cooperative is more than just a platform; it’s a community of artists working together to succeed.

But it’s not perfect.

Some sellers have mentioned that the site could be more user-friendly.

The interface isn’t as sleek or modern as some other platforms, which can be a hurdle for less tech-savvy sellers.

But for many, the benefits of being part of a cooperative outweigh these minor drawbacks.

Artisans.coop is a platform that values its sellers and the artistic process.

If you’re an artist looking for more control over your business and a community of like-minded creators, Artisans.coop could be a great fit for you.

 

TheMakingApp.com

Next up, we have TheMakingApp.com.

This is an innovative platform that focuses on craft and DIY classes.

Now while there are already a variety of similar learning sites like Domestika, Skillshare, Udemy and Craftsy, what makes TheMakingApp different is it’s more than just a marketplace; it’s a social platform where creators can share their creative process, engage with customers, and sell their digital products and courses.

TheMakingApp.com’s interactive features enable sellers to share the story of how their product is made, showcase their workspace, and offer live stream demonstrations of their craft.

This is such a cool and immersive experience that I haven’t seen on other platforms.

Instructors on the platform receive 70% of the class fees, and the app gets 30%.

That’s a pretty high fee to get involved when you compare it to other ecommerce marketplaces like Etsy or Amazon.

But that’s comparing apples to oranges.

It’s worth keeping in mind that this is a learning platform and so compare it to other opportunities you have to make money from teaching your craft.

If you were to partner with a local store to teach in their space, it’s likely they’ll ask for around the same 30% or more commission.

Reviews from sellers on TheMakingApp.com are generally positive.

People are describing TheMakingApp as a great alternative to social media like Instagram.

One person even described it as a cozy creative community.

However, keep in mind that this interactive approach also means that you’ll need to put in a little more effort than on a typical online marketplace.

Some users have found this to be a bit daunting, especially those who are less comfortable with social media-style interactions.

Additionally, the platform is still growing, and while it’s gaining popularity, it might not yet have the customer base of some larger platforms.

If you’re a creative who enjoys teaching, sharing your process and engaging with customers, TheMakingApp.com could be an excellent choice for you.

The immersive, interactive nature of this platform is unique in the online marketplace scene, offering an exciting way for you to share your creativity with the world.

 

Maker Place

Next up, we’re looking at a newcomer to the scene: Maker Place.

Still in beta, this platform is causing quite a stir in the handmade community.

Maker Place is backed by the trusted brand, Michael’s, a household name in the creative world.

They aim to be more than just a marketplace.

Their vision is to create a comprehensive ecosystem for creators, merging sales, resources, community, and even creative inspiration all in one place.

So you can sell your handmade products on there, as well as teach online classes!

The fees to sell on there are 7.5% of sales plus $0.20, so it’s very similar to Etsy.

Early reviews from sellers are quite promising.

Sellers appreciate the convenience of having everything they need – a marketplace, resources, community – all in one place

The potential for exposure to Michael’s established customer base is another major draw, especially for sellers just starting out.

Since it’s still in beta, Michael’s Maker Place does have a few kinks to work out.

Some sellers have reported minor technical issues, and others have suggested improvements to the platform’s user interface.

But overall, sellers are optimistic about the future of Michael’s Maker Place.

They’re excited about the platform’s potential and look forward to seeing how it will evolve.

If you’re a creative looking for a new platform for selling your products other than Etsy, keep an eye on Maker Place and maybe even join their waitlist.

This platform could be a game-changer in the world of handmade shopping.

 

Rubylane

Now let’s check out Rubylane.

Rubylane is a marketplace that’s been around for a while, they started in 1998!

They specialize in authentic vintage and antique products.

Vintage for them, is defined as at least 20 years old.

They also allow the selling of contemporary items, but they must be fine craft, unique or one of a kind.

They do have some pretty strict requirements for what you can sell on there, so if you’re not sure, check out their website for more information.

Unlike other platforms, Rubylane specifically targets a niche audience, which can be a boon for sellers with products that fit the bill.

The fee structure is a bit different here, with a $25 monthly store fee and a service fee of 9.9% based on the order amount.

Now what’s interesting is that $25 monthly store fee is completely waived if you add at least 15 items to your shop during that month.

While the service fee or commission might seem steep at almost 10%, remember that this platform caters to a niche audience who often don’t mind paying a premium for unique, high-quality items that they can’t find anywhere else.

Rubylane is not a one-size-fits-all kind of platform.

It’s tailored for those who sell actual vintage items.

For these sellers, Rubylane is an excellent place to find a dedicated customer base that appreciates and seeks out their specific style of products.

Sellers on Rubylane generally have positive experiences.

They appreciate the niche customer base and the ability to charge higher prices for their items.

Sellers feel that their unique products are valued here, and they enjoy connecting with customers who truly appreciate their curations.

But like every platform, Rubylane has its drawbacks.

Some sellers have mentioned that the user interface feels a bit outdated, and the high monthly fee might not be worth it for those with lower-priced items or lower sales volume.

However, if your products are vintage, and you can comfortably cover the monthly fee with your sales, Rubylane can be an excellent platform.

It offers a targeted customer base and the potential for higher pricing, which might be exactly what your business needs.

 

Remember, the best platform for you will depend on your specific needs, your target audience, and the nature of your products.

Don’t be afraid to experiment.

Try different platforms to find the one that feels like home for your business.

Together, we can learn, grow, and make the world a more beautiful place with our handmade crafts.

Until our next adventure, keep creating, keep selling, and keep dreaming.

The world needs your unique creations.