Amazon Handmade is a platform for artisans to showcase and sell handcrafted products.
This section of Amazon is focused on genuinely handmade products, offering a unique opportunity for creators to reach a vast customer base.
As a seller, you might wonder if Amazon Handmade is legit and whether it's worth considering as an additional sales channel for your handmade items.
Venturing into Amazon Handmade has its pros and cons.
On the one hand, you can access Amazon's massive customer base and the potential for increased visibility. On the other hand, the fees are comparatively higher than platforms like Etsy, and some sellers have experienced issues with account management and shipping.
Understanding how Amazon Handmade operates and compares to other platforms is essential when weighing your options.
Understanding Amazon Handmade
What is Amazon Handmade?
Amazon Handmade is a platform within Amazon that allows artists and craftsmen to sell their handmade goods.
It's a marketplace dedicated to showcasing unique and handcrafted items, allowing creators to reach a large audience of potential customers.
If you're an artist or craftsperson, Amazon Handmade can be a great way to expand your reach and sell your products.
How Does it Work?
To start selling on Amazon Handmade, you must apply for an account and get approved. Remember that the approval process takes time and may take a few weeks.
Once approved, you can list your handmade goods in one of the 14 product categories available, such as Accessories, Artwork, and Baby items.
As a seller on Amazon Handmade, you can take advantage of Amazon's vast customer base and benefit from their shipping, customer service, and payment processing systems.
Just follow their guidelines and ensure your products are truly handmade and fit within one of the allowed categories.
Remember, while Amazon Handmade can be a valuable platform for selling your handmade goods, it's important to approach it casually and not rely solely on it for your income.
How Does It Cost To Sell On Amazon Handmade?
What Are The Different Fees Amazon Charges To Sell On Handmade?
Listing Fees
Luckily for you, Amazon Handmade allows sellers to have unlimited free listings. This is a great benefit compared to other platforms like Etsy, which charge around $0.20-$0.25 for each item listed. So, go ahead and showcase your handmade products without the extra expense.
Transaction Fee
A transaction fee is applied when a sale is made on Amazon Handmade. Remember that this fee is currently 15% of your total sales price. While this may seem high compared to other platforms, remember that you're gaining exposure to a broader audience on Amazon, which can be considered part of your marketing costs.
Referral Fee
There's no separate referral fee on Amazon Handmade. You should know that the 15% transaction fee mentioned earlier includes referral fees. Although this might feel like a large percentage, consider the immense reach and advertising power tied to Amazon, which helps your handmade products reach a broader customer base.
Processing Fee
As for payment processing fees, Amazon Handmade has you covered. Amazon consolidates these charges into the 15% transaction fee mentioned earlier. So, you won't need to worry about extra costs related to payments. Just focus on creating and selling your beautiful handmade items!
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Yes, Send Me The Roadmap!How Amazon Applies Handmade Fees In The Real World:
Let’s take a quick look at how these different fees would be applied to different products.
Product A: Handmade Necklace
Price: $20
Transaction Fee (15% of $20): $3
Listing Fee: $0
Total Fee: $3
Total Amount Received (after fee): $20 – $3 = $17
Product B: Handmade Wooden Clock
Price: $50
Transaction Fee (15% of $50): $7.50
Listing Fee: $0
Total Fee: $7.50
Total Amount Received (after fee): $50 – $7.50 = $42.50
Product C: Handmade Leather Bag
Price: $100
Transaction Fee (15% of $100): $15
Listing Fee: $0
Total Fee: $15
Total Amount Received (after fee): $100 – $15 = $85
Seller Account Creation and Management
Signing Up
To start selling on Amazon Handmade, you must create a seller account.
The good news is that the $39.99 monthly fee for a Professional selling account is often waived for approved Amazon Handmade artisans. Just apply for an account and if approved, you can begin setting up your store and inventory!
Remember that selling on Amazon Handmade requires an invitation from Amazon.
All products must be handmade, hand-assembled, or hand-altered. So, make sure your items meet the criteria before applying.
Inventory Management
One key aspect of running your Amazon Handmade shop is managing your inventory. Uploading and organizing your products is essential for a successful online store.
Fortunately, Amazon provides an easy-to-use interface for customizing your products and their listings.
Regarding competition, Amazon Handmade has fewer items listed than other handmade platforms, meaning you might have fewer sellers and items to compete with.
This can be advantageous when trying to stand out in a crowded market.
Keep track of your inventory and sales as you develop your Amazon Handmade business. Ensure you're always stocked and prepared to fulfill orders.
Your online store can thrive on Amazon's platform by maintaining an organized inventory and offering unique, handmade products.
Shipping and Delivery
Prime Shipping
When you sell your handmade products on Amazon Handmade, you can offer Prime Shipping to your customers. This is especially appealing because it provides fast, reliable, and free shipping for Amazon Prime members. By participating in Prime Shipping, you can attract more customers who prioritize quick delivery times.
Free Shipping
Offering free shipping on your handmade items can be a great way to entice customers to purchase. Amazon Handmade allows you to select whether you want to offer free shipping on your products, giving you a competitive edge against other sellers on the platform. However, keep in mind that the shipping cost will need to be absorbed by you, the seller, so make sure to factor that into your pricing strategy.
Shipping Labels
When it's time to ship your handmade creations to customers, Amazon Handmade makes it easy for you by providing shipping labels for you to use.
You can print the labels using your home printer and then attach them to your packages. This streamlines the shipping process for you and ensures that your customers receive their orders promptly and with accurate tracking information.
Make sure to include appropriate packaging and protect your products during transit to ensure they arrive safely and in good condition.
Remember to keep your shipping policies clear and transparent so your customers know what to expect regarding delivery times and costs.
With these factors in mind, you can leverage Amazon Handmade's shipping features to create a satisfying shopping experience for your customers.
Comparing Amazon Handmade with Other Platforms
Amazon Handmade vs Etsy
When deciding between selling your handmade products on Amazon Handmade or Etsy, consider the following differences:
- Fees: Etsy has a listing fee of $0.20 per item and a 6.5% transaction fee for each sale, while Amazon Handmade offers free product listings with no expiration.
- Application Process: Amazon Handmade has a stricter application process than Etsy, ensuring that only genuine artisans can sell on their platform. This can be a positive aspect as it may attract more severe customers looking for high-quality handmade goods.
- Audience & Visibility: Amazon has a larger customer base than Etsy, which can potentially result in more exposure for your products. However, Etsy's audience is specifically seeking unique and handmade items so that you may have a more targeted customer base on Etsy.
Amazon Handmade vs Your Own Website
If you're considering whether to sell your handmade products on Amazon Handmade or to create your website, here are some factors to think about:
- Control & Customization: When you have your website, you have more control over your branding, site design, and how you present your products. This can help you create a personalized shopping experience that differentiates you from other sellers.
- Marketing & SEO: On Amazon Handmade, your products can benefit from Amazon's existing marketing and search engine optimization efforts. However, with your website, you'll have to invest time and potentially money into promoting your site and improving its visibility in search results.
- Fees & Expenses: When selling on Amazon Handmade, you'll need to pay the platform's fees, which can add up. You'll likely face hosting and domain expenses on your website, potentially e-commerce platform fees (like Shopify), and payment processing fees.
In both cases, it can be beneficial to diversify your selling channels and not rely solely on a single platform.
This way, you can attract a broader range of customers and reduce the risks associated with relying on only one source of income. You can maximize your opportunities and build a more resilient business by selling on both Amazon Handmade Etsy and your website.
User Experience
Buyer's Perspective
As a buyer on Amazon Handmade, you will find various unique, handcrafted items catering to different tastes and preferences.
You might enjoy exploring the artisan products made by talented craftspeople from all around the world. The customer base of Amazon Handmade is diverse, ranging from people looking for one-of-a-kind gifts to those who appreciate the value of handmade products.
However, like with any online marketplace, it's essential to carefully read the reviews and descriptions before purchasing. This will give you an idea of the quality and reliability of the seller's products. Reviews from other customers can help you know what to expect and make a more informed decision.
Seller's Perspective
Selling on Amazon Handmade can be both rewarding and challenging. One advantage of using the platform is the exposure to a large audience, increasing the chances of finding potential customers. Amazon Handmade waives the need for UPCs, which can save you some costs compared to selling on the regular Amazon platform, as mentioned here.
However, being a seller on Amazon Handmade also comes with some drawbacks. There are referral fees that can impact your profit margin and competition with other sellers in the handmade category. Additionally, some sellers have noticed that marketing their products can be challenging, as handmade items are only sometimes prominently featured.
To sum up the seller's perspective, weighing the pros and cons before jumping into selling on Amazon Handmade is essential. Consider your product's uniqueness, target audience, and strategies for standing out from the competition to improve your experience on the platform.
Tips For Creating Product Listings on Amazon Handmade
Photography Tips
When listing your handmade products on Amazon Handmade, making your items stand out with high-quality photos is important. Great photos can make a significant difference in attracting customers. Remember to keep the following tips in mind when taking pictures of your products:
- Use natural lighting to showcase your products in the best light. Ensure the lighting is even and not too harsh.
- Take multiple pictures from different angles, giving customers a better understanding of your product's dimensions and details.
- Showcase the unique features of your handmade products, highlighting the craftsmanship and quality.
- If your products are custom, consider adding photos with personalization examples to give customers an idea of the possibilities.
Keyword Optimization
Optimizing your product listings with relevant keywords will help potential customers find your items when searching on Amazon Handmade. Follow these tips to improve your listings' visibility:
- Research relevant keywords for your product niche. Find words and phrases that describe your handmade products in detail.
- Incorporate the researched keywords in your product title, description, and bullet points, but make sure it's written naturally and makes sense to the reader.
- Avoid keyword stuffing, as this can hurt your listing's visibility.
- Keep refining and updating your keywords periodically to stay relevant and catch new customers searching for your type of products.
By creating thorough and appealing product listings, you'll increase the chances of your handmade products being noticed and purchased by Amazon customers. Ensure your photos are high quality and your listings are optimized with relevant keywords to give your handmade business the best possible chance for success.
Reputation and Branding
When considering selling your handmade products on Amazon Handmade, it's essential to consider the reputation and branding implications. Amazon is a massive global marketplace with a wide range of products. However, its brand reputation might not fit your handmade business perfectly.
You see, when customers think of Amazon, they often associate it with affordable items and fast shipping rather than unique artisan products. For your handmade business, this might mean that the Amazon Handmade platform may not attract your ideal customer base as readily as other more specialized artisan marketplaces.
Another point to consider is how Amazon Handmade affects your brand.
Since the platform is more focused on the Amazon brand rather than individual sellers, it could be challenging to establish your own brand identity in the marketplace. That means it might be more challenging for customers to remember your specific brand or form a strong connection with it.
When it comes to branding elements like your store URL, Amazon Handmade has made some changes that could cause inconvenience for sellers. For example, they force artisan sellers to change their branded URLs, so you may need to update your marketing materials, business cards, and social media links.
So, when deciding whether Amazon Handmade is the right choice for you, keeping these reputation and branding factors in mind is essential. Consider if the platform's association with Amazon's brand aligns with your business values and allows you to communicate your brand identity effectively.
Cons of Amazon Handmade
While Amazon Handmade can offer numerous advantages, it's important to consider some drawbacks before signing up. Let's discuss some of the challenges you may face while selling on Amazon Handmade:
Higher transaction fees can impact your profit margin. Amazon Handmade charges a 15% referral fee on each sale, considerably higher than Etsy's.
Consider this when setting your prices, as it may affect your overall ROI.
Amazon Handmade's selection is more restrictive than Etsy, which has a broader range of categories.
Although this can provide you with less competition, it also means that not all types of handmade products can be sold on the platform.
Research if your product fits within Amazon Handmade's limited categories.
One significant pitfall of selling on Amazon Handmade is the platform's association with mass-produced products.
Amazon is known to sell all kinds of cheap merchandise and produce on a large scale. This perception could hurt your handmade items, as customers looking for unique or high-quality products may doubt the legitimacy of Amazon's Handmade items.
Additionally, as a seller, you will need to adapt to Amazon's strict seller requirements.
To maintain a professional and trustworthy image, Amazon enforces strict guidelines that might only sometimes align with your casual and creative style.
This can challenge sellers who prefer a more laid-back approach to selling handmade products.
In conclusion, while Amazon Handmade has benefits, you need to consider the potential drawbacks and weigh them against your business goals and strategies.
Make sure to keep these factors in mind when deciding if Amazon Handmade is the right platform for your handmade products.
Final Verdict
If you're wondering whether Amazon Handmade is legit, worry no more.
Amazon Handmade is a genuine platform by Amazon that serves as a marketplace for artisans to showcase and sell their unique, handcrafted products.
As with any online marketplace, there may be some sellers whose products don't meet your expectations or perhaps even some scammers that slip through the cracks.
However, Amazon has strict policies and guidelines to ensure the platform's overall legitimacy.
When shopping on Amazon Handmade, pay close attention to product descriptions, ratings, and reviews. This will help you make an informed decision before purchasing and give you a sense of the artisan's authenticity.
You can also rely on Amazon's trusted customer service should you experience any issues with your purchase.
So go ahead and explore Amazon Handmade to discover unique, one-of-a-kind products crafted by talented artisans worldwide! Happy shopping!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Fees For Amazon Handmade?
Amazon Handmade charges a 15% selling fee, higher than its competitors like Etsy. If you sell a product for $100, you'll only receive $85 after Amazon takes its cut. You are considering these fees when selling on the platform.
How Does Amazon Handmade Compare To Etsy?
Amazon Handmade and Etsy are both platforms where artists and craftsmen can sell their handmade goods. While Amazon Handmade is less known and was launched in 2015, Etsy has been around since 2005 and has a larger community of sellers and buyers. However, Amazon has a massive customer base that could increase the visibility of your products if managed correctly.
Are There Success Stories From Amazon Handmade Sellers?
Yes, there are success stories from Amazon Handmade sellers. Like any online platform, success depends on product type, quality, marketing, and customer engagement. However, don't expect to become an overnight success; it takes time, patience, and persistent effort to succeed in any online marketplace.
What Categories Can I Sell In On Amazon Handmade?
You can sell products in various categories in Amazon Handmade, such as Accessories, Apparel, Baby, Beauty, and more. This allows artisans to showcase various unique, handmade products to cater to customer needs and preferences.
How Do I Apply To Become An Amazon Handmade Seller?
To become an Amazon Handmade seller, you need to go through an application process where Amazon verifies your eligibility to sell in the Handmade store. This includes questions about your products, production methods, and the nature of your business. You can start selling your handmade products on the platform if your application is approved.
Can I Make A Good Income From Amazon Handmade In 2023?
Your income potential from selling on Amazon Handmade depends on several factors, including the quality and uniqueness of your products, pricing, marketing efforts, and customer engagement. While the platform does provide an opportunity to showcase your work and reach a broader audience, success is not guaranteed, and it's essential to stay consistent and dedicated in your efforts to grow your business in 2023.
Scott Voelker
Over the years I’ve helped thousands of people TAKE ACTION to UNLOCK their true potential on building their ultimate freedom business, by developing the skills to make them resilient, confident and FUTURE PROOF. I’ve clocked my 10,000 hours over the years working in the trenches myself and helping others build and grow their brands. I know the power in TAKING ACTION better than anyone and I’ve seen people lives changed as a result of it...including my OWN!The Simple 5-Step Process We Used To Generate $64,000 In 12 Months Working Part Time On Etsy.
Yes, Send Me The Roadmap!