If you’re an artist looking for a chance to turn your passion into a thriving handicraft business, Amazon Handmade is here to help. Amazon launched Amazon Handmade back in 2015. A platform specifically dedicated to artisans promoting their creations. Although it sounds similar to Etsy, there are some major differences.
In this article, we’ll help you understand how to join Amazon Handmade, take you through the platform’s rules, eligibility terms, seller fees, and more to not only help you understand how to enter the market but also the difference between Amazon Handmade’s biggest competitors.
What is Amazon Handmade?
Amazon came up with an exclusive platform for artisans or craftsmen to showcase their one-of-a-kind collection to a global audience. The business model has been developed exclusively for the listing of genuine handmade articles.
Amazon Handmade is true to the artisan community. To appear under the handmade category Amazon will ask for several evidences. Once you answer the questions, you’re all set.
The screening procedure may seem exhausting at first when you decide to sell on Amazon Handmade but it is only to keep the Amazon Handmade space exclusive. This will further prevent inauthentic sellers selling mass-produced pieces from entering the space. This has been a noticeable dispute in Etsy which made Amazon create strong entry guidelines from the start. Either way, genuine craftsmen will never face an issue entering the Amazon Handmade.
What possible products can you sell as an Amazon Handmade seller?
You, as an artist, can:
- Create your own hand-altered vases, t-shirts, etc.
- Design your digital art prints or stationary.
- Handcrafted items are items made from scratch.
- Refurbished items like restored lampstands with repaired and painted glass shade.
- Repurposed items such as tumblers made out of discarded wine bottles.
Some popular items in Amazon Handmade are:
- Handmade kitchen items
- Handmade stationery
- Art pieces
- Pottery items
- Knitted items
- Crochet tops
- Weaved baskets or handbags
- Artisanal soaps, bath and body care products
- Stitched bedding or embroidered pillowcases
- Handmade metal or clay jewelry
And the list of possibilities just doesn’t end there!
Your products can fall into one of these categories listed:
- Handmade Artwork
- Handmade Beauty & Grooming
- Handmade Jewelry & Watches
- Handmade Health & Personal Care
- Handmade Electronics Accessories
- Handmade Home & Kitchen
- Handmade Sports & Outdoor
- Handmade Pet Supplies
- Handmade Toys & Games
- Handmade Baby
- Handmade Stationery & Party Supplies
- Handmade Clothing, Shoes & Accessories
How Amazon Handmade works
The road to breaking into the marketplace is fairly simple.
First things first.
When you decide to sell on Amazon Handmade, make sure the products that you intend to add to the catalog are curated by you or any other member of your team. Amazon is very particular about the quality of goods sold on the platform under Handmade.
Secondly, you will be required to fill out a form that will introduce your business to Amazon (upon which your eligibility will be tested).
Thirdly, choose the order fulfillment method. You can either choose to go with FBA or FBM.
Finally, when you get listed you become visible on the Amazon storefront under the Handmade section.
Who can sell on Amazon Handmade?
As an Amazon Handmade seller, you can categorize your business into one of these sections.
Independent maker: You can be categorized as an independent seller if your makers’ circle is less than 20 members, where your friends and family may volunteer.
Group: You can work in or with larger communities such as
Social Enterprise: Organization aiming to promote unique creations exclusive to a group, and achieves self-sustainability by recycling profits.
Co-op: A group of artisans coming together to offer the finest quality craftsmanship to their target customers aiming for better profit and work conditions. With a focus being offering reasonable prices.
NPO OR NGO: A group and their art particularly supporting a common cause or social upliftment.
Seller fee for Amazon Handmade
Selling on Amazon Handmade requires you to sign up for a Professional Selling Plan which is granted at a monthly charge of $39.99. If you’re searching for a cheaper alternative, you can opt for the Individual Selling Plan which will only allow you to sell one listing at one time. Let us explain.
Say you have an art piece, a one-of-a-kind piece that you’re planning to sell to a single customer. Individual plans can work out in that particular instance. Whereas, if you want to sell several prints of one particular artwork, an Individual Selling Plan will not suffice.
So, we suggest that you have your goals clear and then settle for a plan that suits you best.
The good news is there are no charges levied for listing your products.
But there is a referral fee sell on Amazon Handmade which is 15% of the selling price. Although it looks a lot, in comparison to the crowd it can potentially bring to the table the referral fee imposed on Amazon Handmade products seems reasonable.
How to find products to sell on Amazon Handmade
To get an idea of what products to sell on Amazon Handmade, begin with realizing your core competencies and compare them with the market demands. You can either scroll through Etsy or Amazon Handmade. Notice which products are performing well and which ones are facing issues. Understand what products you excel in and how they can fit in to fill the gaps in the market.
Check the ‘Best Seller’ tag which is a major indicator of people’s interest. Say you decide to start selling handmade items on Amazon; how do you verify its demand further?
Google Trends is there to help. Go to Google Trends, enter your item, and tap ‘Explore’. You can search according to region and timelines as well to check when and where it picked up on its popularity.
Amazon Handmade products can be a profitable business even for individual artists trying to become solopreneurs— thanks to the current technology it can help as an extra hand. Once you’re sure of what you want to sell, brainstorm on how to develop new products and offer more value to the audience.
Amazon Handmade store rewards unique products. So the more you innovate the more you can expand your business.
How to sell in Amazon Handmade
Here’s how to quickly start selling handmade products on Amazon.
To start your Amazon Handmade account,
- Head to the Amazon Handmade website
- Click on the Apply to Handmade button.
- There, set up your Seller Central account.
Then, put up your listings following these steps.
- Go to the Amazon Seller Center website.
- Click on Inventory then Add product.
- Choose product categories and subcategories. Whichever looks closer to your tap the ‘Select Category’ icon beside.
- Add a description of your product. Add Product title, Product Description, and Gender. Then tap Save and finish.
- Similarly, add variations, offers, images, keywords, and more details.
- Tap Save and publish to finalize it.
Now be patient for an hour till it reflects in your Amazon Handmade storefront.
Pros and Cons of Amazon Handmade
Amazon Handmade store is an amazing opportunity for aspiring artisans to convert their hobbies into business. But before you capitalize on your craft, here are some of the pros and cons you absolutely need to consider to ensure proper planning.
Pros
- Unbeatable customer base.
- The trust and credibility of the platform due to the delivery timings, quality assurance, and easy returns.
- Easy fulfillment options with Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA).
- Prime badge available for FBA items which gives the product an added push.
- Free listing.
- Sellers get to Customize shop profiles which helps in branding.
- Thanks to rigorous verification, the marketplace is guarded for genuine handmade products.
Cons
- An extensive verification process that may take up to two weeks.
- Competition for handmade products on Amazon is very high so you’ll have to put efforts into maximizing visibility.
- Transaction fee is high i.e., 15% of the selling price. It can impact the ROI.
- Amazon Handmade has limited the tools for storefront customization.
- Payments will get processed to your account only after delivery is complete.
Is Amazon Handmade better than Etsy?
Although the Amazon Handmade model was inspired by Etsy, there are a few major differences that sellers like you may have to consider before selling. There is no direct answer to whether one is better than the other so we will compare both and let you be the better judge of it.
Final thoughts
Starting a new business can be overwhelming; thus this guide was to simplify your journey and decision making. If we could make it look simple, let us assure you, that once your business gains momentum, the only part to worry about will be managing the inventory and orders.
True, Amazon can bring you an audience that no other brand can. But to make yourself visible among the intense competition is a task in itself.
We know how much time and effort it takes to prepare artisanal products by hand, almost leaving you no time to focus on growth strategy. So we suggest you look out for a reputable PPC agency that can consider your individual requirements and strategize a plan to elevate your sales to another level. Amazon PPC Agency custom campaign plans would be just perfect for your Amazon handicraft items.
After all, if your products deserve to be known, you might as well walk an extra mile and invest in their potential to grow!
Author Bio:
Prateek S. is an experienced SEO Analyst and writer specializing in eCommerce with over two years of expertise. Currently at SellerApp, he excels in crafting clear and insightful content that breaks down complex eCommerce concepts, helping businesses optimize their online presence. His work reflects a deep understanding of the digital marketplace, providing practical guidance to those navigating this ever-changing industry.
Founder Dinis Guarda
IntelligentHQ Your New Business Network.
IntelligentHQ is a Business network and an expert source for finance, capital markets and intelligence for thousands of global business professionals, startups, and companies.
We exist at the point of intersection between technology, social media, finance and innovation.
IntelligentHQ leverages innovation and scale of social digital technology, analytics, news, and distribution to create an unparalleled, full digital medium and social business networks spectrum.
IntelligentHQ is working hard, to become a trusted, and indispensable source of business news and analytics, within financial services and its associated supply chains and ecosystems
