Selling handmade wooden pull toys has never been easier, thanks to various online platforms catering specifically to artisans and makers. Whether you’re starting out or expanding your business, choosing the right platform helps you reach a broader audience and grow your brand. Below are some of the best platforms for selling your handcrafted wooden toys, considering factors like fees, ease of use, and ideal product types.
1. Etsy
Why It’s Popular: Etsy is one of the most recognized marketplaces for handmade products, offering a large community of buyers who seek unique, artisan-crafted goods.
Key Features:
- Ease of use: Simple shop setup and listing process.
- Built-in audience: Millions of active shoppers looking for handmade and vintage items.
- Search visibility: Strong SEO tools to optimize listings.
Fees: $0.20 per item listing fee, 6.5% transaction fee, and payment processing fees.
Ideal For: Sellers of handcrafted wooden pull toys and eco-friendly children’s gifts.
2. Shopify
Why It’s Popular: A customizable eCommerce platform for artisans who want full control over branding and customer experience.
Key Features:
- Full control: Custom themes and branding options.
- Multi-channel sales: Sell via social media, Amazon, or eBay.
- Scalability: Plans and tools for business growth.
Fees: Starts at $29 per month, plus transaction fees if using third-party payment processors.
Ideal For: Artisans looking to build a dedicated online store with complete control over design and customer interactions.
3. Amazon Handmade
Why It’s Popular: Provides access to Amazon’s massive customer base with a dedicated handmade section.
Key Features:
- Global reach: Millions of customers worldwide.
- Prime eligibility: Increased exposure via Amazon Prime.
- Trusted platform: Reliable customer service and fast shipping options.
Fees: 15% referral fee per sale, with a $39.99 monthly professional seller subscription (often waived for Handmade sellers).
Ideal For: Artisans seeking large-scale exposure and access to Amazon’s fulfillment network.
4. Big Cartel
Why It’s Popular: A simple, cost-effective platform designed for independent artists and small-scale makers.
Key Features:
- Affordability: Free for up to five products; paid plans start at $9.99/month.
- Easy setup: No prior eCommerce experience required.
- Customization: Basic themes to personalize your shop.
Fees: No transaction fees beyond standard payment processing costs.
Ideal For: Small-scale artisans looking for a straightforward, budget-friendly selling option.
5. Folksy
Why It’s Popular: A UK-based marketplace exclusively for handmade goods, ideal for British artisans.
Key Features:
- Niche audience: Focuses on UK buyers and sellers.
- Maker-friendly: Promotes the value of handmade products.
- User-friendly: Simple shop setup.
Fees: £0.15 per listing, 6% commission on sales, and optional £5/month for unlimited listings.
Ideal For: UK-based artisans selling handmade wooden toys in a local-focused marketplace.
6. Zibbet
Why It’s Popular: Enables sellers to manage multiple storefronts from one platform, integrating with Etsy, eBay, and more.
Key Features:
- Multi-channel management: Sell on multiple platforms from a single dashboard.
- Low fees: Flat monthly pricing instead of per-sale transaction fees.
- Simple store customization: Clean layout for product displays.
Fees: $5/month per sales channel used.
Ideal For: Sellers looking to expand across multiple platforms without extra complexity.
7. Madeit
Why It’s Popular: Australia’s leading handmade marketplace, offering a platform dedicated to local artisans.
Key Features:
- Local focus: Supports Australian makers and buyers.
- Handmade-exclusive: Ensures a curated shopping experience.
- Support for small businesses: Provides resources for artisans.
Fees: Starts at AUD $5 per month, plus a 4% commission on sales.
Ideal For: Australian artisans selling handcrafted wooden toys within a localized, quality-focused marketplace.
Conclusion
The right platform for selling your handmade wooden pull toys depends on your business goals, target audience, and desired level of control. Whether opting for a large marketplace like Etsy or Amazon Handmade or preferring a customizable platform like Shopify, selecting the right venue can help grow your brand and increase visibility. By making an informed choice, you can expand your reach and turn your passion for crafting eco-friendly toys into a successful online business.
