Selling handmade wooden stools, especially those with a rustic Moroccan-Bohemian charm, has never been easier thanks to various online platforms tailored for artisans. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your business, choosing the right platform can help you reach a wider audience and grow your brand. Below, we explore the best platforms for selling handmade wooden stools, considering factors such as user base, fees, ease of use, and the types of products each platform is best suited for.
1. Etsy
Why It’s Popular: Etsy is one of the most renowned platforms for selling handmade goods, making it an ideal marketplace for unique wooden stools with artisanal craftsmanship. With millions of shoppers specifically looking for handmade and vintage items, Etsy provides an excellent audience for your products.
Key Features:
- Ease of setup: Simple and beginner-friendly for new sellers.
- Built-in audience: Shoppers on Etsy actively seek handcrafted home decor.
- SEO and search visibility: Helps customers find your stools through optimized listings.
Fees: Etsy charges a listing fee of $0.20 per item, a 6.5% transaction fee, and payment processing fees.
Ideal For: Artisans selling handmade wooden stools with unique designs, Bohemian or Moroccan-inspired aesthetics, and sustainable materials.
2. Shopify
Why It’s Popular: Shopify allows you to create a fully customizable eCommerce store, giving you complete control over branding and customer experience. Perfect for artisans looking to build a dedicated online presence.
Key Features:
- Custom branding: Design your store to reflect the essence of your handmade wooden stools.
- Multi-channel sales: Integrate with Instagram, Facebook, and other marketplaces.
- Scalability: Flexible plans to support business growth.
Fees: Shopify starts at $29 per month, with transaction fees for third-party payment processors.
Ideal For: Sellers who want a professional storefront to showcase their handcrafted wooden stools without relying on a marketplace.
3. Amazon Handmade
Why It’s Popular: Amazon Handmade provides access to a massive global audience while offering specialized sections dedicated to handmade goods.
Key Features:
- Global reach: Millions of potential customers.
- Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA): Access to fast Prime shipping.
- Trusted marketplace: Reliable platform for buyers and sellers alike.
Fees: 15% referral fee per sale; the $39.99 monthly subscription fee for professional sellers may be waived.
Ideal For: Artisans who want large-scale exposure and those looking to utilize Amazon’s fulfillment options for faster delivery.
4. Big Cartel
Why It’s Popular: A minimalist, affordable platform designed for small-scale artisans and makers.
Key Features:
- Free plan available: List up to five products for free.
- Simple and user-friendly: Easy setup and navigation.
- Customization: Basic themes to match your brand.
Fees: Free for up to five products; paid plans start at $9.99 per month.
Ideal For: Small-scale artisans selling a limited number of handmade stools who prefer an independent online presence.
5. Folksy (UK-Based)
Why It’s Popular: A dedicated handmade marketplace focused on UK artisans, providing a niche audience.
Key Features:
- Niche audience: Ideal for selling to UK-based buyers who appreciate handmade furniture.
- Support for artisans: Strong emphasis on independent makers and traditional craftsmanship.
- Simple setup: Easy to list and manage products.
Fees: £0.15 per listing, plus a 6% commission per sale.
Ideal For: UK-based sellers looking to target local buyers interested in handcrafted home decor.
6. Zibbet
Why It’s Popular: A multi-channel selling platform that syncs your listings across multiple marketplaces.
Key Features:
- Multi-channel integration: Sell on Etsy, eBay, and more from one dashboard.
- Flat-rate pricing: No listing or transaction fees, just a monthly subscription.
- Customizable storefront: Create a unique brand identity.
Fees: $5 per month per sales channel.
Ideal For: Artisans who want to sell across different platforms while managing everything in one place.
7. Madeit (Australia-Based)
Why It’s Popular: Australia’s leading handmade marketplace, perfect for reaching local buyers.
Key Features:
- Local focus: Connects Australian artisans with domestic customers.
- Curated marketplace: Emphasizes quality and craftsmanship.
- Support for small businesses: Encourages independent makers.
Fees: From AUD $5 per month plus a 4% commission per sale.
Ideal For: Australian artisans looking to sell within the local handmade community.
Conclusion
Choosing the right platform for selling your handmade wooden stools depends on your goals, target audience, and preferred level of control over your store. Whether you opt for a marketplace like Etsy or Amazon Handmade, or prefer the flexibility of Shopify or Big Cartel, there’s an option tailored to every artisan’s needs.
By selecting the best platform, you can effectively market your rustic Bohemian stools, attract the right audience, and turn your craftsmanship into a thriving online business.
