The rise of e-commerce has revolutionized the way artists and craftspeople sell their products. While platforms like Etsy have been popular for handmade goods, Amazon Handmade offers an alternative with the world’s largest customer base. If you're looking to turn your passion for crafting into a full-time business or simply generate side income, Amazon Handmade could be the perfect platform for you.

In this blog, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about selling on Amazon Handmade, including setting up your store, optimizing your listings, and effectively marketing your products.

What is Amazon Handmade?

Amazon Handmade is a specialized marketplace within Amazon dedicated to selling unique, handcrafted items. This platform is designed for artisans, crafters, and small businesses looking to reach a global customer base. Unlike mass-produced products sold on Amazon, all items on Amazon Handmade must be handmade, hand-altered, or hand-assembled.

If you're an artisan who creates custom jewelry, pottery, home décor, clothing, or other one-of-a-kind items, Amazon Handmade provides an opportunity to reach millions of customers.

Why Choose Amazon Handmade?



While there are many platforms for selling handmade goods, such as Etsy, eBay, or your own website, Amazon Handmade offers several unique benefits:

  1. Access to a massive customer base: Amazon has over 300 million active users worldwide. By listing your products on Amazon Handmade, you gain exposure to a vast and diverse audience.

  2. Trust and reliability: Amazon is one of the most trusted e-commerce platforms globally. Customers feel confident buying from Amazon, knowing they are protected by the platform's robust customer service policies.

  3. Prime shipping: If you choose to use Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), your handmade items can be eligible for Amazon Prime, giving customers fast, free shipping options.

  4. Low competition (compared to the main Amazon marketplace): While Amazon Handmade has thousands of sellers, it's still much smaller than the main Amazon marketplace, where competition can be fierce.

  5. Brand building: Amazon Handmade allows artisans to create a unique store with a personalized brand and logo, providing a professional look and feel to your storefront.

Steps to Start Selling on Amazon Handmade




Now that you understand the benefits of selling on Amazon Handmade, let's dive into the steps to get started.

Step 1: Apply for Amazon Handmade

Unlike the main Amazon marketplace, where anyone can sell, Amazon Handmade requires an application process. This ensures that only qualified artisans and small businesses are accepted.

Here’s how you can apply:

  1. Create an Amazon account: If you don’t already have one, sign up for a regular Amazon account.
  2. Submit an application: Visit the Amazon Handmade site and fill out the application form. You’ll need to provide information about your business, including what kind of products you make, how they’re made, and who makes them.
  3. Approval: Once Amazon reviews your application and verifies that your products meet the handmade criteria, you’ll be approved to sell on Amazon Handmade. This process can take a few days to a few weeks.

Step 2: Set Up Your Amazon Handmade Store

Once you're approved, the next step is to set up your Amazon Handmade store. Here's what you need to do:

  1. Create your Artisan Profile: This is the first thing potential customers will see when they visit your store. It's essential to tell your story, share your inspiration, and explain why your products are unique.

  2. Add your products: Each product listing should include high-quality images, a detailed description, product dimensions, and any customization options. Be sure to use keywords in your product titles and descriptions to improve your visibility in search results.

  3. Set pricing: Pricing handmade items can be tricky. Be sure to factor in your material costs, labor, overhead, and shipping fees. It's also helpful to research competitors' prices to ensure you're in line with the market.

  4. Choose fulfillment options: You can either handle shipping yourself or use Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA). With FBA, Amazon will store, pack, and ship your items for you. FBA products are also eligible for Amazon Prime, which can be a significant selling point for customers.

Step 3: List Your Products Effectively

Your product listings are your opportunity to showcase your handmade items and convince customers to buy them. Here's how to optimize your listings:

  1. Use high-quality images: Invest in professional photography or take high-resolution images that show your products from multiple angles. Good lighting and close-up shots of details will make your items stand out.

  2. Write detailed descriptions: Be thorough and specific in your product descriptions. Include information about the materials used, the dimensions, care instructions, and any personalization options. The more details you provide, the more confident customers will feel about purchasing your product.

  3. Utilize keywords: Research keywords that customers are likely to use when searching for products like yours. Use these keywords in your product titles, descriptions, and bullet points. However, avoid keyword stuffing; instead, integrate them naturally.

  4. Offer customizations: One of the main reasons customers shop for handmade items is the ability to personalize products. Offer options for custom colors, sizes, or engravings to appeal to more buyers.

How to Maximize Your Sales on Amazon Handmade

Simply listing your products on Amazon Handmade isn't enough to guarantee sales. You’ll need to actively promote and manage your store to maximize your earnings. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

1. Leverage Social Media Marketing

Social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook are ideal for promoting handmade products. Share behind-the-scenes photos of your creative process, post customer testimonials, and run promotions to drive traffic to your Amazon Handmade store.

Additionally, social media advertising can be an affordable way to reach potential customers. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram allow you to target specific demographics, such as age, location, and interests, ensuring your ads are seen by people who are more likely to buy your products.

2. Utilize Amazon Advertising

Amazon offers several advertising options that allow you to promote your products directly on the platform. Sponsored Products and Sponsored Brands ads help increase the visibility of your listings in search results and on product detail pages.

To get started with Amazon advertising:

  1. Set a budget and choose your advertising campaign type.
  2. Select the products you want to promote.
  3. Monitor the performance of your ads and adjust them based on which ones are performing well.

3. Optimize for SEO

Amazon is a search engine, and optimizing your product listings for search is essential for visibility. Use relevant keywords in your product titles, descriptions, and bullet points, but avoid stuffing them in unnaturally. Focus on crafting descriptions that are both informative and engaging for the customer.

Also, keep an eye on your reviews. Products with more positive reviews tend to rank higher in Amazon search results, so encourage satisfied customers to leave feedback.

4. Offer Excellent Customer Service

Excellent customer service is crucial for maintaining positive feedback and gaining repeat customers. Respond to inquiries promptly, address customer concerns, and be flexible with returns and exchanges.

Also, be proactive in your communication. If a custom order will take longer than expected, let the customer know in advance. If there's an issue with shipping, provide regular updates. Good communication builds trust and can result in loyal, repeat buyers.

5. Offer Free Shipping

Free shipping is a significant selling point for online shoppers. If possible, incorporate the cost of shipping into your product price and offer free shipping to customers. Alternatively, consider using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) to make your products eligible for Amazon Prime's free two-day shipping.

6. Seasonal and Trend-Based Products

Keep an eye on seasonal trends, holidays, and events to create products that cater to current demand. For example, personalized Christmas ornaments or handcrafted Valentine's Day gifts can attract customers looking for unique, holiday-specific items. Also, stay updated with current design trends to ensure your products stay relevant in the market.

How Much Can You Earn on Amazon Handmade?

The potential earnings on Amazon Handmade vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of products you sell, your pricing, marketing efforts, and customer demand. However, many successful artisans have been able to generate significant income, with some turning their part-time craft hobby into a full-time business.

Here are some cost factors to keep in mind:

  1. Referral Fees: Amazon Handmade charges a 15% referral fee for each sale, which includes payment processing and customer service.

  2. Subscription Fees: While most sellers on Amazon pay a monthly Professional Seller fee of $39.99, this fee is waived for Amazon Handmade artisans.

  3. Shipping Fees: If you're not using FBA, you'll be responsible for shipping your products. Be sure to account for these costs in your pricing.

  4. Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) Fees: If you choose to use FBA, there will be additional storage, shipping, and handling fees. However, FBA can save you time and help boost sales through Prime eligibility.