Where to Sell Handmade Items Locally: 11 Physical and Virtual Destinations for Artisans

If you’re into making handmade products, you’ll find that it’s more than just a hobby; it’s a viable business model.

However, you’re probably wondering where to sell handmade items locally.

You’ll be surprised to know that there are a lot of places where potential customers can buy your indie craft.

In fact, you can have your pick from a wide array of physical and even online marketplaces like Etsy.

This is true whatever type of crafts item you are selling. As such, here’s a rundown of the most profitable destinations for artisans turned business owners like you.

Where to Sell Handmade Items Locally

The internet is your friend if you want to sell your handmade products. That said, it is not the only tool in your arsenal.

You can also sell your creations offline, and you have many options to consider.

So, let’s start with local venues and work our way to online marketplaces.

1. Craft Fairs

Our first stop is the craft fair. It is one of the more obvious choices when selling your handmade products locally.

People who go to these places actively look for handmade items like yours.

In other words, you have a lot of target customers who might end up going home with one of your offerings.

The challenge is that craft shows and fairs are a bit unpredictable.

You won’t know how big it will be, what the customer base will be like, or what other shop owners will sell.

That said, just put your best foot forward, and you will be fine.

Make sure you have an amazing booth filled with an array of products that will wow any buyer.

2. Flea Markets

Like craft shows and fairs, the flea market is another go-to destination for selling handmade items.

These events play as a host to farmers selling edible products and makers trying to share their creations with nearby communities.

It is an excellent place for artisans because people who flock to it are looking to buy directly from producers.

Another advantage it offers is that flea markets are often regularly scheduled, unlike one-off craft shows.

There is a good chance that you will gain loyal followers and repeat buyers.

However, note that you may have to pay booth fees so you can sell from the same spot from week to week.

Also, create a system for transporting and setting up your handmade products quickly so you don’t spend too much time prepping.

3. Consignment Pop-ups

If you do not want to get tied up selling your creations yourself, try approaching consignment shops in your area.

The consignment model is where retail stores agree to sell for you, and you split the profits with them.

For most consignment contracts, the shop and the artisan share the sales equally.

That said, it would still depend on your agreement.

Note that you must take back consignment items that do not sell after a specified period.

That is because, in some cases, contract clauses transfer ownership of unclaimed products to the shop.

Also, when seeking consignment relationships, choose shops that fit your product category.

It is common for consignment shops to focus on a specific category, like vintage items, housewares, and so on.

4. Craft Festivals

Another event that you have to keep an eye out for is festivals.

Like craft shows and fairs, craft festivals are not regular happenings; they bring in heavy foot traffic.

Most people are there to watch something or participate in certain activities.

These events often involve music, food, art, culture, or fun things for the family.

That said, if the theme fits your product, it would be an excellent opportunity for you to make a profit.

Festivals often have small spaces reserved for vendors from surrounding areas.

However, note that most festivals are held outdoors, so their success might be subject to the whims of the weather.

Also, as mentioned above, try to look for festivals with themes that fit your product type or category. 

5. Artisan Marketplace

Shoppers, whether on online platforms or in retail stores, are constantly evolving in terms of consumer behavior.

This trend has led to the diversification of their purchasing habits, spurring the emergence of niche markets.

One example is the appearance of artisan marketplaces all over the country.

These venues bring local vendors and craftsmen together in open spaces where they can sell their products.

An artisan marketplace is a great option if you want a place to sell your handmade crafts.

What makes it effective is that other craftsmen like you usually organize it.

Thus, there is a high chance that it will meet your unique needs and attract the right crowd.

6. Gift Shops

Gift shops are also great options for craftsmen to sell their handmade crafts.

That is because these retail stores can sell on a consignment basis or be like a wholesale marketplace.

Also, gift shops often cater to a broad range of tastes, so they sell a wide variety of products.

It can include anything from handmade jewelry to toys and wall hangings.

In other words, there is a good chance that they would have a spot where they can display your wares.

Note that since their target customer and product selection is a bit of a mixed bag, they might not accept specialty items.

If you make this product, you better look for a specialty store that suits your style.

7. Shopping Parties

Some brands have shown how effective a shopping party can be as a marketing strategy.

So why not host your own? Invite friends and family over for some food and drinks, and take the opportunity to show them your handmade crafts.

You can set your creations in different spots all over the house and display them in a favorable setting.

This way, you can increase your chances of closing a deal and making a profit.

To maximize your sales, encourage your friends to invite other people they know so you have more potential buyers.

If you do not feel comfortable hosting this party in your house, you can try other venues

You can approach local book clubs, church groups, and other organizations, then share the profit with them.

8. Garage Sale

If you're looking to sell your handmade crafts within the community, it’s hard to get more local than a garage sale.

Garage sales give you the opportunity to connect with people in your neighborhood and show them your creations.

That said, passersby from other places are also welcome to look and buy if they want to.

This method is convenient since you do not have to transport the products for sale.

You do not have to secure any licenses or pay taxes either.

If you do not like setting your wares up out in the open, you can host an open house instead.

It’s a bit like a shopping party, but it runs longer, and there is no set time for people to come or go.

9. Facebook Marketplace

Facebook is an excellent venue for personal connections, but you can also turn it into your cash cow.

Just go to the Facebook Marketplace, the social media platform’s classified ads section.

It will allow you to reach buyers within your area so you can sell your products locally.

Just list your items for sale, and people can browse through them by location, category, or price.

10. Handmade Artists’ Shop

Like other online shops, this site started as a forum for artisans and craftsmen.

It was relatively small in its early stages, but the community was pretty close-knit.

Over time, it evolved into one of the more popular venues for creative people to sell their goods.

If you want to sell on this site, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind.

For instance, it does not allow reselling. You could not sell vintage or store-bought items either.

The site offers two subscription plans: $5 a month or $50 a year. 

However, no listing or commission fees exist, no matter how many items you post on the site.

11. Etsy

People say you should save the best for last, and we did that here.

Etsy is one of the few names that truly stand out in online shopping.

It is an online marketplace where you can sell custom and crafted goods. 

While it is a global site and one of the biggest ones, it allows you to sell to local buyers.

The platform will not require a business license for you to do so.

However, you need to check with local offices to see if you need a permit.

If you sign up with Etsy now, you will get 40 free listings. It should be enough to kickstart your burgeoning business on the platform.

You could also read this article to get some helpful tips on maximizing profits on the platform.

Go Local on Etsy

There are many answers to the question of where to sell handmade items locally.

You can take your pick from several viable online and offline options.

That said, Etsy offers the most potential in terms of profit.

Creating an account is easy, and you can quickly set up shop and start selling.