Handicraft – how to sell your products?
A handicraft is a type or work made entirely by hand or with the use of simple, mechanical tools, such as scissors, hooks or carving implements. The most important part in its production is the work of the craftsman.
What counts as handicraft?
Handicraft are all items made by hand or with the help of non-automated tools, but not machines. They are created from raw materials – textiles, paper, plant fibers, clay, etc. The items may be functional or purely decorative. Handicraft is often considered cultural and traditional, as a lot of times it shows a country’s, region’s or society’s history, culture, beliefs, and creativity.
How to sell handicraft on the internet?
Selling handicraft on the internet requires the craftsman to find their own niche, build an online store, and create product listings.
Finding your own niche
Before starting to sell handicraft on the internet, the artisan should find their own niche. That way they can separate their offer from other handicraft stores.
Building an online store
To sell merchandise online, the seller needs a platform. They can create their own store by buying the domain and using a website builder or hiring a professional web developer. Another solution is to use one of the available third-party marketplaces.
Creating product listings
Once the online store is up and running, the craftsman needs to create product listings for their handiwork. Each item should have its own attractive picture, title, and accurate, clear description that includes the most important keywords.
To sell handicraft online it is then necessary to generate traffic on the shop’s website. In order to do so, the craftsman should use social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook to their advantage. They may also want to use paid advertising to promote the brand. Once the handicraft starts selling, the artisan needs to stay on top of things by managing the inventory, shipping the goods on time, and keeping the shop’s website bug and glitch free.
Best websites for selling handicraft
Currently there are many websites where the artisans can sell their handicraft. A lot of them are region-specific, such as Indiecart and Handmade Artists, which were intended for the Americans, or Folksy and The British Craft House, addressed to the British sellers. The most popular international platforms where one can sell handicraft, are Etsy, Handmade at Amazon, and Zibbet.
Etsy
Etsy is one of the most well known handmade marketplaces that helps the handicraft reach a large audience. It is simple to set up and is continuously improving the seller and buyer experiences. Inexpensive listing and transaction fees allow the artisans to list and sell hundreds of handmade products without breaking the bank.
Handmade at Amazon
Handmade at Amazon, even though it is less-known than its big brother, Amazon.com, offers the artisans access to millions of shoppers. It introduces a 15% commission fee, but is perfect for gaining credibility in the eyes of the audience.
Zibbet
Zibbet is an online marketplace where sellers can list handicraft. It allows the artisans the access to the marketplace, as well as their own website and custom domain. Zibbet asks for a monthly fee, but does not require the sellers to pay additional listing and commission fees.
What to take into account while selling handicraft online?
An artisan selling their handicraft needs to take into account the satisfaction of their customers. It means focusing on the high quality of the product, but also making sure it reaches the buyer in a perfect condition.
Therefore, the artisan needs to prepare the handicraft for shipping, by placing it in a sturdy, resilient packaging. Custom magnetic boxes are a perfect packaging for handmade merchandise sold online. They protect the product from possible exterior damages and changes of the temperature, ensuring it keeps all its qualities. Custom magnetic boxes also have the ability to display the handicraft nicely, making it appear more appealing to the buyer.
