How to sell handmade goods abroad and make money on your creative skills

Are you concerned about the question of how to sell unique handmade items abroad from Ukraine and make money from your creative skills? From our article you will learn about the most effective methods and platforms for selling handmade goods abroad. We will walk you through the necessary steps, pitfalls and best practices in this area.

Platforms for selling handmade goods

Marketplaces provide quick access to international sales markets and the end consumer. In addition, they have a relatively low entry threshold. There are dozens of platforms aimed at handmakers. Three global marketplaces enjoy the greatest demand and trust among buyers living abroad: Etsy, Amazon-handmade and eBay.

Etsy

Etsy is one of the most popular platforms for selling handmade items around the world. It offers a unique opportunity for artists and craftsmen from Ukraine to promote their creative products on the global market. This platform is known for its focus on uniqueness and originality of products, making it ideal for those who create custom items.

One of the main advantages of Etsy is its large active user base. Millions of people around the world visit this site daily in search of unique items. Thanks to this, handmade sellers have a wide audience to whom they can offer their goods.

To create your own Etsy page, you need to register as a seller, provide detailed descriptions and photos of your items, as well as specify the price and shipping terms. It is important to pay attention to high-quality and attractive photographs because they are the first thing buyers see when viewing products.

Amazon-handmade

Amazon-handmade is a section of Amazon created specifically for handmade sellers. This platform allows Ukrainian artisans to sell their unique products to a huge and active international clientele. Amazon-handmade gives a product a “handmade” status, which can be very attractive to buyers who value uniqueness and individuality in items.

One of the main advantages of Amazon-handmade is its connection to Amazon's vast customer base. This marketplace has millions of customers around the world who actively purchase products. Additionally, Amazon customers often expect high quality products and are willing to pay for it.

To start selling on Amazon-handmade, you will need to create a seller account and fill out a profile. You will be required to provide detailed descriptions and photographs of your items, as well as price and delivery terms. Amazon-handmade also goes through a verification process to ensure that your items are truly handmade and meet their specifications.

eBay

eBay is one of the most popular online platforms that offers dozens of product categories, including handmade items. Here you can find everything from unique knitted items to original jewelry. Millions of users around the world visit this site every day, and this makes eBay an excellent platform for Ukrainian handmade artists who want to gain access to a large audience of buyers.

To start selling on eBay, you need to create a seller account and list items on the platform. It is important to write detailed descriptions so that potential buyers can become fully familiar with your items. You can also use an auction form of sale, which allows you to set a starting price and allow buyers to bid on your item.

Comparison of sites

To make a choice between Etsy, Amazon-handmade and eBay, it is important to consider several factors. Here's an overview chart to help you figure out which platform might be the best choice for your business:

Regardless of the platform you choose, it is important to set up an effective strategy for marketing and promoting your products. Make sure you have high-quality photos, compelling descriptions, and provide excellent customer service. Also pay attention to customer reviews and take them into account when working on your brand.

Now you have all the necessary information about popular marketplaces for selling handmade goods. Find the platform that best suits your goals and needs and start earning money from your creative skills!

Don't forget to read our article How to open an entrepreneurial company in Ukraine to learn more about the legal aspects of selling handmade goods abroad from Ukraine.

Exporting handmade goods through Etsy: the best platform for selling handmade goods abroad

Etsy is the most popular international marketplace for the sale of exclusive goods and handicrafts. According to 2023 statistics, the number of active buyers on the platform is 95 million, and the number of monthly visitors to the Etsy site is about 480 million.

What makes Etsy special is that you can sell six categories of handmade products: clothing, accessories, jewelry, toys, decor, and furniture. You can also sell digital art, vintage items, and limited-edition items on Etsy. Interestingly, designers can post downloads and accept custom orders, as well as offer workshops and DIY courses in the form of videos and digital presentations for download.

Etsy offers convenient tools for sellers to integrate the platform with other services, analyze view statistics and payment statistics, make payments, and manage their separate online Etsy store to promote their brand and products.

But what makes Etsy so popular among handmade sellers? Read on to learn about the benefits of this platform and best practices for harnessing its potential.

Benefits of Selling on Etsy

1. Large-scale market: You are guaranteed a huge number of potential buyers on Etsy. Hundreds of millions of users from all over the world regularly visit this marketplace in search of unique and original handmade products.

2. Free registration: There is no subscription fee required to create an account on Etsy. You only pay a commission on sales, which makes it easier to start a business on this platform.

3. User Experience: Etsy is built specifically for handmade sellers, and the design and functionality of the platform aims to create a seamless and engaging user experience for sellers and buyers. You can customize your store, upload photos of your products, add descriptions and tags to attract the attention of more users.

4. International Shipping: Etsy offers international shipping to anywhere in the world. Thanks to this, you can expand your borders and sell your handicrafts not only in Ukraine, but also abroad.

5. Community and support: Etsy has an active community of sellers and buyers where you can share experiences, ask questions and receive support from other handmade sellers. This is a great opportunity to network and expand your business contacts.
   
   

Best practices for using Etsy

✨ Visualize your products: It is important to create vibrant and attractive photographs of your products to attract the attention of users. Show products from all angles, using their true atmosphere and style. Highlight the features and uniqueness of each product.

✨ Optimize description and tags: Fill out the product description with as much detail as possible, using keywords and phrases related to your products. Choose appropriate tags so users can easily find your item in Etsy search.

✨ Be active: Regularly update your store, add new products, follow customer comments and messages. Be prepared to communicate and respond quickly to requests.

✨ Use Social Media: Link your Etsy shop on social media to reach more users and buyers. Share photos of your products, tell stories about their creation, participate in hashtags and communities related to handmade and handmade products.

✨ Submit orders on time: Meet delivery deadlines and keep track of orders being shipped. This is important to create a positive experience for your customers, and they will be inclined to recommend your store to others.

✨ Participate in promotions and sales: Etsy regularly runs promotions, sales, and seasonal discounts that allow you to promote your products and attract new customers. Use these opportunities to increase your sales.

✨ Receive and leave feedback: After every successful transaction, make sure to leave feedback and leave feedback for your customers. This will help build trust in your store and increase your seller rating on Etsy.

✨ Measure and Analyze: Use Etsy's built-in tools to analyze your views and sales statistics. They will help you determine your most popular products, demand trends, and the effectiveness of your advertising campaigns.

🌟 Notes on using Etsy: While Etsy offers great opportunities for selling handmade items, there are a few things to consider:

• Fees: Etsy charges a commission on every sale, and also charges fees for item listings and payment transactions. Before you start selling on the platform, review Etsy's commission rates and policies.

• Competition: There are a large number of sellers on Etsy, so it's important to stand out from the competition. Use unique design and marketing approaches to grab customers' attention.

• SEO: Optimizing your products and store for search on Etsy is a big deal. Use keywords and phrases that potential buyers might use to search.

• Customer Service: Be available to interact with customers, answer their questions and offer support.

Don't be afraid to experiment and find new ways to sell, market, and attract buyers on Etsy. This platform opens up great opportunities for developing your business and selling your handmade goods abroad.

"Etsy offers a unique marketplace for handmade sellers, connecting millions of buyers from all over the world. However, to successfully sell on Etsy, you need to pay attention to the details that differentiate your store from others. Participate in the community, grow your brand and offer unique products with high quality and style." - Standalone online store

Now you can You have everything you need to successfully sell your handmade items on Etsy. Remember, success takes time and effort, but with the right approach, you can earn money from your creative skills and promote your brand in the international community of handmade sellers.

Happy selling on Etsy!

Amazon-handmade marketplace

According to Statista, Amazon is the most visited marketplace in the world. It offers a wide range of products, including handmade items. According to JungleScout research, the handmade category is among the top 20 sectors with the most successful sellers on Amazon. Despite this, competition in this niche is still relatively low, since only six entrepreneurs are registered on the marketplace for selling handmade goods.

Amazon-handmade is a separate section on the marketplace where handmaders can sell their unique products. This is a great opportunity for artists and craftsmen from Ukraine to show their creative skills to the world and earn money from them.

The Amazon-handmade registration process may seem complicated compared to Etsy, but it's worth the effort. Here are a few steps to follow:

1. Create a seller account on the main Amazon marketplace.
2. Applying to join the community of masters.
3. Receiving a letter with an invitation to the Amazon-handmade section for sellers.

Once your account is verified, you can start listing your products on the platform. At Amazon-handmade, you can offer a wide range of handmade items, including clothing, jewelry, home decor, pet items, and more.

One of the main advantages of Amazon-handmade is its worldwide popularity and huge customer base. You will be able to reach an audience that you cannot reach on other platforms. Additionally, Amazon offers various options to promote your products, such as advertising and classifieds.

To successfully sell on handmade Amazon, it is important to follow best practices and use available marketing tools. Here are some tips to help you increase your visibility and attract buyers:

1. Optimize your product descriptions and use keywords. Explain what makes your handicraft unique and appealing to buyers.
2. Create eye-catching photos. The visual presentation of your product is of utmost importance to buyers, so pay special attention to photographs.
3. Participate in Amazon's marketing promotions program. This can help you attract more customers and increase sales.
4. Maintain excellent customer service. Answering customer questions and concerns quickly will help you establish a positive reputation and get good reviews.
   
   

Don't forget that competition on Amazon is increasing every day. To be successful on the platform, you need to constantly develop, follow trends and look for new ways to attract customers.

Advice from experts, artist and successful seller on Amazon-handmade:

Ilona Marochko: “I started selling my handmade products on Amazon-handmade two years ago and it has been a great step to grow my business. Amazon provides a unique opportunity to promote and sell handmade items and I encourage all artists and crafters to try their hand at this platform. It is important to create unique products, optimize descriptions and photos to attract buyers' attention. And, of course, do not forget about interactivity with buyers and quick answers to their questions."

Advantages and disadvantages of using Amazon-handmade

Results

Amazon-handmade is an excellent opportunity to sell and promote handmade work from Ukraine abroad. Despite some initial challenges, the platform's advantages, such as a global consumer base and a wide range of marketing tools, make it attractive to artists and crafters. Follow best practices, take advantage of available opportunities, and continually evolve to succeed on Amazon-handmade.

eBay

eBay is second in marketplace traffic after Amazon, which is also suitable for selling handmade goods. Handmade products are in demand among platform users and are among the top ten most popular product categories. On eBay, you can post listings in two formats: fixed price or auction, which lasts about a week on average.

Marketplace policy provides for payment of a commission of 10% of the final amount of each sale. There are no special conditions for handmade stores on the platform; handmade goods are placed like any other goods. eBay is most beneficial for sellers planning to scale their business to the American market, since the majority of platform visitors are US residents.

Shipping items to other countries may require additional attention. For fast delivery, you can use the services of an intermediary, for example, Western Bid, or find partners with a warehouse who will help with logistics and delivery of orders abroad.

eBay benefits include quick and easy registration, creating a seller account with no start-up fee, and free listing of your first 50 listings. The following listings will incur a fee of 35 cents per item card. There is no mandatory subscription fee on eBay, and the marketplace itself offers five pricing plans ranging from $5 to $3,000 per month, depending on the number of items the seller has.

📝 Note: If you plan to use international payment systems, you can find useful information here.

Advantages of eBay for selling handmade goods abroad

eBay offers many advantages for those who want to sell handmade products abroad from Ukraine:

1. Wide audience: eBay has a huge audience of users, which allows you to reach a larger number of potential buyers, especially in the USA.

2. Various ad formats: You can choose between a fixed price or participating in an auction when posting handmade goods on eBay. This allows you to adapt to customer preferences and increase conversions.

3. Flexible commission policy: eBay commission is 10% of the final price of each sale. This is a relatively low commission considering the breadth of the audience and the potential income that can be generated.

4. Easy and fast registration: It only takes a few minutes to create an eBay account and you can start listing your handmade products immediately without having to pay an entry fee.

5. Free listing of first 50 listings: eBay offers new sellers free listing and up to 50 listings, allowing you start your business on the platform without initial advertising costs.

International opportunities on eBay

eBay provides excellent opportunities for international sales of handmade items. Its huge audience and flexible pricing make it an attractive choice for Ukrainian sellers who want to grow their business abroad.

If you plan to sell handmade goods in the US market, eBay is the perfect solution. It attracts more US users, which means your product can be seen by a larger audience.

Please note that for ease of delivery and processing of orders abroad, you can use the services of an intermediary such as Western Bid, or find partners with a warehouse in the destination country. This will help you offer fast delivery and increase customer satisfaction.

Best Practices for Selling on eBay

To increase your chances of success selling handmade items on eBay, here are some best practices:

1. Detailed description and photographs: Provide a detailed description of each product, use high-quality photographs so that buyers can see all the details and features of your handmade.

2. Support eBay policies: Be sure to read and follow the marketplace policies. This includes setting reasonable prices, accurate delivery times, and presenting the product honestly.

3. Getting Positive Feedback: Develop a strategy for getting positive feedback from customers. A high seller rating will help your store stand out and improve customer trust.

4. Participate in promotions and sales: Try participating in promotions and sales that are organized on eBay. This will help you acquire new customers and create interest in your handmade products.

5. Community activity: Participate in the eBay community, ask questions, leave comments and make valuable contacts. Being active in the community will help you gain more exposure and find buyers.

📋 Overview table:

Now you know that eBay – an excellent platform for selling handmade goods abroad from Ukraine. Follow best practices, take attractive photos and detailed descriptions, and you can earn money from your creative skills. Happy sales!

Localized online store

In the modern online world, creating an online store for selling handmade goods abroad from Ukraine can be a great solution for those who want to turn their creative hobby into a profitable business. Unlike selling on marketplaces, creating your own online store requires more time and resources at the initial stage, but due to this you get more freedom and opportunities to develop your brand and business.

Why should you create your own online store?

If you create a separate online store, you will be able to fully control communication with customers, build long-term relationships with them and build loyalty. You will be able to set your own rules without depending on the restrictions and rules of trading platforms. For example, you will independently decide which payment systems to connect, how to arrange goods, set prices and communicate with customers.

Also, with your own online store, you can use marketing tools such as SEO, PPC and targeted advertising to generate traffic to your site. You will be able to promote your brand and products through content marketing, as well as carry out promotions and offer discounts and bonuses to your customers.

Adaptation of an online store for international markets

Before you start selling handmade goods for border, it is important to adapt your online store to international markets. To do this, you can use services such as ELBUZ, which offer a number of settings for successful localization of your site.

Main stages of localizing an online store:

1. Adding an English version or transferring the site to a state one country language: To successfully sell abroad, it is important that your website is available in the language of your target audience. Moreover, it is worth taking into account the cultural characteristics of the buyer’s country and adapting texts and product descriptions accordingly.

2. Connecting international payment systems: To allow customers from other countries to pay for purchases from you, it is important to connect the appropriate international payment systems. For example, PayPal is one of the most popular and convenient for international payments.

3. Creating New Shipping Options: As an overseas seller of handmade goods, it is important to provide different shipping options for your items. This could be courier delivery, postal delivery or the use of international logistics companies. You can learn more about this by visiting this article.

By having a localized online store, you increase your chances of successful sales abroad and getting satisfied and loyal customers.

"Creating your own online store to sell handmade goods abroad is a great way to develop a brand and have full control over your business. Adapting your website to international markets will help attract more customers and provide a comfortable shopping experience for them." - Lyudmila Chumak, expert in the field of creating online stores at ELBUZ.

Online store: things to consider

When working with online store for selling handmade goods abroad, there are several key points that are worth paying attention to:

• Creating a convenient and intuitive interface: When you create your online store, try to make it as convenient as possible for customers. Easy-to-access navigation, informative product descriptions, and a convenient shopping cart will help customers feel comfortable making a purchase.

• Professional Photographs and Product Descriptions: High-quality photographs and detailed descriptions of your handmade products will help customers better understand what they will receive and increase the likelihood of making a purchase.

• Constantly updating the assortment: Regularly adding new handmade products to the online store will help attract customers and maintain interest in to your brand.

Results

Creating a localized online store for selling handmade goods abroad is an excellent opportunity to attract more customers, develop your brand and increase sales. Creating your own online store allows you to fully control communication with customers, set up payment systems and use marketing tools to attract traffic to your site. Adapting the online store to international markets will attract customers from different countries and provide them with ease of shopping. Don’t forget to update your assortment, improve the interface and offer quality services to make your online store a successful and profitable business.

Would you like to learn more about how to organize the delivery of goods from Ukraine? Details can be found here.

"Creating your own online store is not only an opportunity to control the sale of your handmade goods, but also to increase your chances of success abroad. Localizing your website for international markets is an important step towards successful international trade." - Samantha Barry, International Trade Expert at eBay.

Social media pages

About a quarter of Internet users actively make purchases through social networks. A business profile on a social network will help increase brand awareness and get additional sales from abroad. To effectively use social networks as a sales tool, it is necessary to analyze the target audience and determine where the most potential customers are located. Keep in mind that different social networks may be preferable for Ukrainian and foreign audiences.

Target audience analysis

Before registering an account on a social network, it is important to conduct a thorough analysis of the target audience . Find out where your target audience is active and focus on those platforms. For example, if your target audience consists of young people, then Instagram may be the most suitable social network for you. If your audience is professionals or business people, then LinkedIn may be a more effective choice.

Creating a separate English-language page

In order to reach users from different countries, it is recommended to create a separate English-language page on the social network. This will allow you to communicate with your audience in their language and target specific geographic markets.

Active publications and interaction with the audience

Social networks are primarily intended for communication. To attract attention and interest potential customers, you need to actively publish content and interact with your audience. Use the possibilities of stories, reels and publications to talk about your business, the process of creating products and conducting interactive events. This way, you can build interest and loyalty to your brand.

Using tools to attract clients

To attract new potential clients Take advantage of both free and paid social media tools. For example, on Instagram you can use hashtags and post advertisements, on Facebook you can conduct targeted advertising and create groups to communicate with your audience.

Creating and promoting an online store

In addition to pages on social networks, it is also important to create and promote an online store. This will allow you to provide customers with a convenient and reliable way to purchase your unique items. Prepare a website for overseas sales to make the purchasing and shipping process easier. For example, add the ability to choose a language and currency, use international payment methods and offer various shipping options.

Example of an online store:

To promote your brand and simplify the sales process, you can use platforms that specialize in handmade crafts, such as Etsy, Craftsy, or Handmade at Amazon. They provide the ability to list your products for sale around the world and offer tools to promote your brand and manage orders.

Benefits of using social networks:

• Increasing brand awareness
• Additional sales from abroad
• Opportunity to interact with the audience
• Attracting new customers through advertising tools

Disadvantages of using social networks:

• The need to constantly update content
• Competition with other brands
• Not always effective in attracting an audience
• Limited options for selling and paying for goods

Choosing to use social networks for selling handmade goods abroad depends on your target audience, budget and resources. Thoroughly research each platform, analyze your audience and choose the best option for your business.

In this section, we looked at the importance of pages on social networks for selling handmade goods abroad. We found that knowing your target audience and being on the platforms where they spend the most time is key. We also discussed the need to actively interact with the audience, use tools to attract customers and create and promote an online store.

Prepare your website for overseas sales to make the process even more convenient and attractive to your audience.

Note: This article provides guidelines and tips. Always do your due diligence and research your situation before making decisions related to your business.

Conclusion: How to properly sell handmade goods from Ukraine abroad

You can scale your handmade business to foreign markets in more than one way to increase your audience and earn more from your creative art. Marketplaces offer an easy start without significant financial investment, but despite this, you should not rely solely on them as your only source of income. To earn more and create a sustainable handmade business abroad from Ukraine, you should use several strategies simultaneously.

1. Expand your sales in the online store

One of the ways to scale your handmade -business is to create an online store and adapt it to foreign markets. By selling your unique pieces in your own store, you have more control over the sales process and set your own rules. Create an English version of your website and pay attention to localizing the content so that it is accessible to foreign buyers. Use information about your workshop, creation process, materials and other details to introduce customers to your brand and build trust.

2. Sell on marketplaces

Marketplaces like Etsy, eBay, Amazon and Handmade at Amazon provide a huge audience of buyers from all over the world and a great place to start sales without significant investments. Placing your handmade items on such platforms will help you get your first sales and popularize your brand among foreign buyers. A good photo, detailed description and keywords will help increase the visibility of your products on marketplaces.

3. Create a presence on social networks

Creating English-language business pages on popular social networks such as Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest will help you attract the attention of foreign buyers to your handmade brand. Post colorful photos of your products, tell stories about how they are created, offer discounts and promotions to attract more customers. The opportunities for promoting your brand and selling on social media are huge, so don't miss out on this opportunity.

4. Prepare to sell abroad

Selling handmade products abroad requires some preparation and cultural adaptation of foreign markets. Study the preferences and requirements of your target audience, conduct a target audience analysis, and take this data into account when creating your product and marketing strategies. International shipping, customs clearance regulations, and consideration of local laws are also important aspects to consider to improve the buyer experience and speed up the delivery process.

Results and recommendations

Scaling handmade business to foreign markets is an affordable and promising an opportunity that requires the use of multiple strategies simultaneously. We recommend using not only marketplaces, but also creating your own online store and using the power of social networks to promote your brand. Conduct target audience analysis and adapt your business to foreign markets. Become unique and visible, offer not only the product, but also the story around it to attract buyers. And don't forget that constant learning and adaptation to market demands are key factors for success.

"If you want to succeed in selling handmade goods abroad, you need to be prepared for the fact that this requires investment and the use of various promotion strategies. Always research the market and study the commitment of the target audience to your unique products. And don’t forget that quality and originality are what makes your handmade brand successful internationally." - advises handmade expert Alina Chernaya.

Review table:

Handmade business in Ukraine has great potential for sales abroad. Use different sales channels, create unique products, research your target audience and follow expert advice. Good luck expanding your handmade business and bringing joy to people around the world with your beautiful and unique handmade items!

Lenovo expertise

Detailed description of the client, their business and goals

Lenovo is one of the world's leading manufacturers of computers, electronics and information technology. Having been on the market for more than 30 years, Lenovo has established itself as a reliable and innovative partner.

The main goals of the Lenovo company are:

• Expanding the market and increasing sales of handmade products abroad.
• Strengthen your reputation for technology expertise and build long-term relationships with clients.
• Providing unique, high-quality and innovative solutions to our clients.

Formulation of the main problem to be solved

The main task of the Lenovo company was to create an effective strategy for selling its handmade products abroad from Ukraine. The company sought to effectively use its creative skills to attract foreign customers and ensure sustainable sales growth.

Description of the characteristics and interests of the target audience

The target audience of Lenovo is fans handmade, visitors to popular platforms for selling handmade goods abroad, such as Etsy, Amazon-handmade, eBay, as well as buyers interested in unique clothing, jewelry and accessories.

Key points that might be of interest to potential clients included:

• High quality and personalized attention to each item manufactured.
• Uniqueness and originality of design.
• Using environmentally friendly materials and sustainable practices in the manufacturing process.
• Fast and reliable delivery anywhere in the world.
  

Facts, figures and specific results of the project

• Developed jointly with Lenovo strategy for promoting handmade products on the Etsy platform abroad from Ukraine.
  
  
• An official Lenovo online store has been created on the Etsy platform with a selection of unique and high-quality handmade products.
• Targeted advertising campaigns were carried out on social networks to attract foreign customers.
• Over the period of 6 months from the launch of the project, sales of handmade products from Lenovo increased noticeably by 50%.
• Lenovo has become a famous brand among handicraft consumers overseas due to the uniqueness of the items and the company's professionalism.

"Collaboration with Lenovo was successful and allowed us to significantly expand our audience and increase sales on the Etsy platform. This was made possible thanks to an innovative approach and high product quality,” notes the representative of the Etsy platform, Julia Seilur.

Frequently asked questions on the topic "How to sell handmade goods abroad from Ukraine"

🌍 Ready to expand the boundaries of your creativity?

Congratulations on becoming more knowledgeable in the field of handmade sales abroad from Ukraine! You've learned the most effective methods and platforms to grow your creative business. Now you are a full-fledged professional, ready to start conquering new markets!

You realized that the world is ready to admire your unique products, and now nothing stands in your way to success. Feel free to follow the sales path outside of Ukraine, use best practices and don’t be afraid to experiment. Your passion for handcraft and your talent are capable of great things!

Now put on your entrepreneur hat, grab your tools, and show the world what you can do. Don't waste time on doubts, but merge with your creative skills. As they say: “Forward, and only forward!”

❤️Good luck on your creative journey!🎨

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