Selling handmade crochet plush toys has never been easier, thanks to various online platforms designed for artisans and makers. Choosing the right platform can help you reach a wider audience, build your brand, and grow your business effectively. Below are some of the best platforms for selling crochet plush toys, considering factors like user base, fees, ease of use, and visibility.
1. Etsy
Why Etsy?
Etsy is one of the most well-known platforms for selling handmade goods, including crochet plush toys. With millions of buyers looking for unique, handmade items, Etsy provides an excellent marketplace for artisans.
Key Benefits:
- Easy to set up and use, even for beginners
- A large audience actively searching for handmade toys
- Strong search and SEO tools to help customers find your products
Fees: $0.20 per listing, 6.5% transaction fee per sale, plus payment processing fees
Best for: Sellers of handmade crochet plush toys, soft toys for newborns, and unique keepsakes
2. Shopify
Why Shopify?
Shopify is a fully customizable eCommerce platform that allows you to create your own online store, offering complete control over branding and customer experience.
Key Benefits:
- Full customization options for a professional-looking store
- Multi-channel selling through social media and marketplaces
- Scalable plans and features for growing businesses
Fees: Starts at $29 per month, with additional transaction fees for third-party payment processors
Best for: Sellers who want a dedicated website for their crochet plush toys with full branding control
3. Amazon Handmade
Why Amazon Handmade?
Amazon Handmade gives artisans access to Amazon’s massive global customer base, making it an excellent choice for those looking to expand their reach.
Key Benefits:
- Exposure to millions of potential buyers worldwide
- Prime shipping options through Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)
- A trusted and established marketplace with a strong reputation
Fees: 15% referral fee per sale, $39.99 monthly professional seller fee (may be waived for Handmade sellers)
Best for: Sellers who want large-scale visibility and access to Amazon’s fulfillment services
4. Big Cartel
Why Big Cartel?
Big Cartel is a simple and affordable platform designed for independent artists and small-scale makers, ideal for those who want an easy setup without complex features.
Key Benefits:
- Free plan available for up to five products
- User-friendly setup for those new to eCommerce
- Customization options for a unique shop appearance
Fees: Free for up to five products, paid plans start at $9.99 per month, no transaction fees beyond standard payment processing fees
Best for: Small-scale artisans selling limited collections of handmade crochet plush toys
5. Zibbet
Why Zibbet?
Zibbet is a multi-channel platform that lets sellers manage listings across multiple marketplaces, including Etsy and eBay, from a single dashboard.
Key Benefits:
- Sell across multiple platforms with centralized management
- No listing or transaction fees on Zibbet’s own marketplace
- Simple and clean storefront customization
Fees: $5 per month per sales channel, no additional transaction fees on its own marketplace
Best for: Sellers looking to manage multiple storefronts efficiently
6. Folksy (UK Market)
Why Folksy?
Folksy is a UK-based marketplace dedicated to handmade goods, offering a community-driven environment for British artisans.
Key Benefits:
- Focused on UK buyers and sellers, ideal for local markets
- Strong support for independent makers
- Easy-to-use platform with a simple listing process
Fees: £0.15 per listing, 6% commission per sale, optional “Folksy Plus” plan at £5 per month for unlimited listings
Best for: UK-based sellers targeting local buyers for handmade crochet plush toys
7. Madeit (Australian Market)
Why Madeit?
Madeit is Australia’s largest handmade marketplace, helping local artisans connect with buyers who appreciate handcrafted goods.
Key Benefits:
- Focuses on Australian artisans and consumers
- Community-driven marketplace supporting small makers
- Curated platform ensuring high-quality handmade products
Fees: Starts at AUD $5 per month, 4% commission per sale
Best for: Australian sellers wanting to reach a local audience with handmade crochet plush toys
Conclusion
Choosing the right platform for selling handmade crochet plush toys depends on your business goals, budget, and target audience. If you want access to a large marketplace, Etsy and Amazon Handmade are excellent choices. For full branding control, Shopify is ideal. If you’re looking for low-cost, beginner-friendly options, Big Cartel or Zibbet may be the best fit.
By selecting the platform that aligns with your business needs, you can increase visibility, attract the right buyers, and turn your passion for handmade crochet plush toys into a successful online business.