Key highlights
- Amazon Handmade still has no monthly fee—a huge win for small sellers 🎉
- New in 2025: premium perks like early promo access and better search exposure ✨
- Boost trust with an upgraded artisan profile featuring videos and your story 🎥
- 🛠️ Amazon now supports custom production times for made-to-order items
- 📦 Better shipping label tools = faster, smoother order fulfillment
- Cross-channel 📊 tools help track inventory from Etsy, your site & more
- Approval is required—only genuine handmade goods allowed 🧶
- While there's no sub fee, Amazon charges a 15% referral fee per sale 💰
- 📸 Listings need strong SEO, crisp images, and descriptive keywords
- Want to grow fast? Use Amazon Ads + social media marketing for visibility 🚀
Latest Updates on Amazon Handmade in 2025
Want to turn your passion for handmade goods into a thriving online business?
Amazon Handmade could be your golden ticket in 2025, connecting your unique creations with millions of shoppers. From setting up your account to boosting visibility with ads, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Whether you're launching a full store or just testing the waters, we’ll help you stand out and succeed. Let's get into it.
1. No Subscription Fee Still—But With New Perks
Amazon Handmade continues to waive the Professional seller subscription fee, typically $39.99/month for regular Amazon sellers. This is a big win, especially for small artisans testing the waters. However, Amazon is now offering optional premium add-ons for Handmade sellers, like early access to seasonal marketing events and additional exposure in search placements—so keep an eye out for those if you want a leg up with Amazon shoppers.
2. Enhanced Artisan Profile Pages
Your artisan profile just got a makeover! Sellers can showcase their story and process and even add behind-the-scenes videos. This human touch helps build trust and gives your brand personality—a huge plus when competing with mass-produced goods. Make your profile shine, especially if you're driving traffic from your own website or social media.
3. Streamlined Shipping Labels and Tracking
Amazon has upgraded its shipping label system for handmade sellers. You can now auto-generate labels with more carrier options, better real-time tracking, and built-in cost estimates. This saves time and helps offer a smoother delivery experience—something every Amazon shopper appreciates.
4. New Tools to Manage Production Time
Selling made-to-order items? There's now an improved tool to set production time per item, helping you better manage customer expectations. You can edit this based on seasonality or product type, so buyers know exactly when to expect their handcrafted piece.
5. Cross-Channel Insights
If you sell through multiple sales channels—like Etsy, your own website, or a physical store—Amazon now offers optional integration tools to track orders, inventory, and revenue in one dashboard. It's not mandatory, but a game-changer for Handmade sellers juggling multiple platforms.
Amazon Handmade in 2025 is doubling down on tools and support for genuine artisans. These updates are worth exploring if you're serious about scaling your handmade business while keeping your craft at the core. After all, the right visibility and tools can turn your passion into a full-time gig.
Understanding Amazon Handmade
Unlike regular product listings on Amazon, Handmade products are screened to ensure authenticity. This helps maintain the quality of the marketplace and gives customers confidence that they're truly buying handmade goods. Whether custom jewelry, hand-poured candles, or wood-carved décor, this space is curated for genuine craftsmanship.
If you're a maker or artist looking to sell on Amazon Handmade, this platform offers a great opportunity to showcase your creations to millions of Amazon shoppers who value quality, story, and skill.
How does Amazon Handmade function?
Amazon Handmade functions a little differently from regular selling on Amazon. Here's a quick breakdown of how it works:
- Apply and Get Approved: You must apply and be approved to ensure your products meet Amazon’s handmade standards (crafted, altered, or assembled by hand).
- No Monthly Fee: Unlike regular sellers, there’s no Professional subscription fee once you're approved.
- Exclusive Handmade Storefront: Your products appear in the Handmade category, along with a personalized artisan profile to showcase your story.
- Flexible Listings and Shipping: List items manually or in bulk, set your production times, and choose your shipping method or use Amazon’s discounted labels.
- Reach More Customers: Tap into Amazon’s huge customer base and boost visibility further with Amazon Ads.
In a nutshell, Amazon Handmade gives creators the tools to reach a global audience without compromising the authenticity of their craft.
Pros and Cons of Amazon Handmade
If you’re planning to sell on Amazon Handmade, it's essential to understand both the perks and the potential pitfalls. While the platform offers a massive reach and tailored features for artisans, it has limitations. Let's break it down.
PROS: Advantages of using Amazon Handmade
Whether you’re running a full-time creative business or building a side hustle, the platform now offers even more ways to help your handcrafted products shine. Here's what makes selling on Amazon Handmade worth every stitch, stroke, and spark of creativity
- Massive Customer Reach
When you sell on Amazon Handmade, your products are visible to millions of Amazon shoppers, including those specifically searching for unique, handcrafted items. - Zero Subscription Fee
Unlike standard professional accounts, Handmade sellers don't pay the monthly $39.99 subscription fee, making it cost-effective for small businesses and side hustlers. - Custom Artisan Profile
You get a dedicated space to tell your story, showcase your process, and build a personal connection with your audience—something that's rare on typical e-commerce platforms. - Support for Made-to-Order Products
Set your production time, allowing flexibility if your products are customized or require extra craftsmanship. - Prime-Eligible Shipping
Products can be eligible for Prime, offering faster delivery options and added credibility with shoppers. - Exclusive Marketplace for Handmade Goods
Amazon Handmade is a curated marketplace, open only to verified artisans. This exclusivity reduces mass-produced competition and reinforces trust with buyers looking for genuine, handmade items.
CONS: Potential challenges
While Amazon Handmade opens many doors for artisans, it’s not without its challenges. Like any platform, it comes with certain trade-offs that every seller should be aware of before diving in. Here are some potential drawbacks to keep in mind:
- Strict Application Process
To sell on Amazon Handmade, you must apply for approval. Amazon checks for product authenticity and ensures your items are genuinely handmade, which may delay your start. - High Referral Fees
While there's no subscription fee, Amazon charges a 15% referral fee on every sale, which can reduce your profit margins, especially for low-cost items. - Less Control Over Branding
Unlike your own website, you have limited design flexibility and must follow Amazon's strict content guidelines. - Strong Competition
Standing out in search results can be tough, especially if you're new. Using Amazon Ads may help, but it adds to your costs. - Limited Category Expansion
If you plan to expand beyond handmade products later, you may need to create a separate seller account or shift platforms. Amazon Handmade only lets you sell in the following 14 product categories:- Accessories
- Artwork
- Baby
- Beauty & Personal Care
- Clothing
- Shoes & Handbags
- Home
- Outdoor & Home Care
- Jewelry & Watches
- Kitchen & Dining
- Pet Supplies
- Sporting Goods
- Stationery & Party Supplies
- Toys & Games
Amazon Handmade vs Etsy
For artisans, craftsmen, and makers, Amazon Handmade and Etsy offer valuable opportunities to monetize their creativity. Each platform brings something unique to the table, from fee structures to customization and visibility. Whether you're planning to sell on one or both, understanding the core differences can help you choose what suits your business best.
If you want to sell on Amazon Handmade, you'll appreciate its access to millions of Amazon shoppers and robust seller tools. On the flip side, Etsy provides a familiar, niche-focused community and flexibility in setup.
Let's break it down:
Feature |
Amazon Handmade |
Etsy |
Fees |
15% referral fee per sale No monthly subscription fee No listing fees or hidden charges |
No monthly subscription fee No listing fees or hidden charges, $0.20 per-item listing fee (renews every 4 months) Optional $10/month Plus plan 6.5% transaction fee 3% + $0.25 payment processing fee |
Product Listings |
Unlimited product listings No expiry on listings No UPC required Slightly complex setup |
Unlimited listings Listings expire every 4 months No UPC required Easy interface |
Categories |
14 curated handmade categories |
160+ categories across various niches |
Advertising Options |
Sponsored products and PPC ads within Amazon only |
PPC ads and off-site advertising tools |
Payment Disbursement |
Payments are released once the order is marked “shipped.” Disbursed every 2 weeks |
Payments are available immediately after the sale Option for daily disbursements |
Artisan Approval |
Required application and audit process Must handcraft items or work with a small team (<20) |
No approval process Can use “production partners” |
Custom Storefront |
Yes |
Yes |
If you're serious about scaling your handmade business, it might make sense to sell on Amazon Handmade and Etsy simultaneously. This allows you to diversify your revenue, test performance across platforms, and reach a wider audience.
Preparing to Sell on Amazon Handmade
Before you can start showcasing your handcrafted products to millions of Amazon shoppers, you must take a few important steps. To sell on Amazon Handmade, you must go through an approval process and set up your artisan storefront. Here's how it all works:
The Application Process
Selling on Amazon Handmade isn't as instant as selling on other platforms, but for good reason. Amazon wants to maintain the integrity of the handmade category, so all sellers must apply and get approved.
Here's how to get started:
1. Tell Amazon About You
- Are you a solo creator?
- A small team (under 20 employees)?
- A collaborative group of artisans?
Choose what best describes your setup.
2. Describe Your Work
Select how your products are made:
- Fully handcrafted
- Hand-altered
- Customized handmade items
- Or purchased handmade products that you resell
3. Explain Your Production Process
Amazon wants to know how involved you are in creating the products:
- Do you make them all yourself?
- Do you outsource any steps?
- How much of the process do you or your team handle?
Choose your level of involvement:
75–100%, 50–74%, 25–49%, etc.
4. Describe Your Materials and Methods
This is your chance to shine. Let buyers step into your creative world by sharing the details that make your work truly handmade.
- Materials: List the unique or eco-friendly materials you use—like organic cotton, reclaimed wood, or handpicked gems.
- Tools & Techniques: Highlight your tools—be it carving knives, looms, or brushes—and any special methods or cultural influences you follow.
- Time & Effort: Break down your process. How many hours does each piece take? Mention stages like designing, crafting, and finishing.
- Your Process :Share a simple step-by-step journey from idea to final product. Let customers see the heart and skill behind every creation.
Give a clear breakdown of your creative process.
5. Show Your Work (Images Required)
Upload clear images of:
- Your finished handmade products
- Your production process
These visuals prove your authenticity—so don't skip this part!
6. Choose Your Product Category
When setting up your Amazon Handmade shop, it's crucial to choose the most relevant category from the dropdown menu, such as jewelry, home décor, or accessories. This helps your products appear in the right searches, reach the right audience, and improves your chances of being discovered by interested buyers.
Crafting and Listing Your Products
To successfully sell on Amazon Handmade, you need more than just creativity—you need a well-thought-out strategy for crafting and listing products that stand out in a competitive marketplace. From choosing the right category to adding that special touch to each item, here's how to make your handmade goods truly shine.
Product categories on Amazon Handmade
Amazon Handmade offers a curated selection of 14 product categories, specifically designed for artisan products. These include:
- Jewelry
- Home Décor
- Kitchen & Dining
- Accessories
- Stationery & Party Supplies
- Baby Products
- Beauty & Personal Care
- Clothing & Shoes
- Pet Supplies
- Toys & Games
- Artwork
- Outdoor & Garden
- Furniture
- Sports & Outdoors
Each category has subcategories tailored to handcrafted products, helping you place your item where it best fits and boosting its visibility in search results.
Finding a product that sells
Choosing the right product is one of the most important steps to succeeding on Amazon Handmade. Here’s how you can find a winning product idea:
Search Through Amazon And Etsy
Start by browsing Amazon Handmade and Etsy categories to see what’s trending. Look for bestsellers, but also pay attention to customer reviews. What are shoppers praising? What common complaints could you improve upon? This research gives you insight into gaps in the market where your handmade products could stand out.
Google Trends
Use Google Trends to identify if the product idea you have in mind is gaining interest over time. Search for keywords related to your craft (e.g., "personalized candles," "handmade jewelry") and evaluate whether they’re seasonal, stable, or growing. Steady or growing demand indicates a strong market opportunity.
Tiktok Trends
TikTok has become a powerful platform for setting trends, especially in handmade and personalized products. Monitor hashtags like #handmade, #etsyfinds, #amazonfinds, and #smallbusiness to discover viral products or creative ideas that resonate with audiences. Trending products on TikTok often create spikes in demand on marketplaces like Amazon and Etsy shortly after.
Creative tips for crafting unique items
Crafting is at the heart of your handmade business, but with so many sellers online, how do you ensure your creations are truly one-of-a-kind? Here's how:
- Tell a Story with Your Craft: Buyers on Amazon Handmade often look for meaning behind the product. Use your artisan profile and product descriptions to share what inspires each piece.
- Use High-Quality Materials: Premium materials enhance product quality, justify higher pricing, and build trust with Amazon shoppers.
- Offer Customization: Small custom touches, such as engraving, color options, or personalized packaging, can make your item memorable.
- Stay on Trend, But Be Authentic: Follow trends, but always stay true to your unique style. Trending colors, seasonal items, or themed collections can boost visibility and sales.
- Invest in Photography: Crisp, clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles make your listings stand out and drive conversions.
Building a standout handmade brand on Amazon isn’t just about the products—it’s about the experience you create around them. When you combine craftsmanship, storytelling, and customer-first touches, you don't just sell items—you build a loyal community of fans who appreciate the heart and soul behind every piece.
Pricing and Cost Considerations
One of the trickiest parts when you decide to sell on Amazon Handmade is figuring out how to price your products. You want to remain competitive while covering your costs and still making a profit. At the same time, it's essential to understand the platform fees and overall cost implications of selling on Amazon Handmade.
Tips for pricing your handmade items
Pricing handmade items is a blend of art and strategy. Unlike mass-produced goods, your creations reflect time, craftsmanship, and uniqueness, which should be factored into the price.
Here are some effective tips:
- Factor in All Costs: Don't just include raw materials. Add in your time, tools, packaging, and shipping supplies.
- Use a Pricing Formula: A common handmade pricing formula is:
Material Cost + (Hourly Rate × Time) + Overhead = Wholesale Price
Then
Wholesale Price × 2 = Retail Price
For Example:
Product |
Handcrafted Candle |
Material Cost |
$5 |
Time Taken |
2 hours |
Hourly Rate |
$15 |
Overhead |
$4 |
Wholesale Price |
$5 + (2 × $15) + $4 = $39 |
Retail Price |
$39 × 2 = $78 |
- Know Your Market: Research what similar items sell for on Amazon Handmade. Aim to be competitive, but not undervalued.
- Leave Room for Discounts & Ads: If you plan to use Amazon ads or offer discounts, build a buffer into your price.
Cost implications of selling on Amazon Handmade
When you sell on Amazon Handmade, you'll be happy to know that the cost structure is seller-friendly and straightforward, but it's still important to plan accordingly.
Here's what you need to know:
- No Listing Fees: Unlike Etsy, Amazon Handmade doesn't charge you to list your products.
- No Monthly Subscription Fee: Handmade sellers are exempt from Amazon's $39.99/month Professional selling plan fee.
- 15% Referral Fee: Amazon charges a flat commission on each sale. This fee covers your access to their vast customer base and trusted platform.
- Shipping Costs: You can choose your shipping rates or use Amazon's shipping templates. If you're fulfilling orders yourself, you must print shipping labels.
Managing Orders and Customer Interactions
Once you start selling on Amazon Handmade, it's not just about making great products—how you manage orders and interact with customers can make a big difference in your reputation and success. Good customer service and smooth fulfillment set you apart in a competitive space.
Best practices for customer service
Here's how to deliver top-notch customer service when you sell on Amazon Handmade:
- Respond Promptly: Aim to reply within 24 hours to show professionalism and care.
- Personalize Messages: Use the customer's name and reference their order—small gestures make a big impact.
- Communicate Clearly: Set clear expectations on production time, shipping, and customizations.
- Handle Issues Gracefully: Own mistakes and resolve them quickly with refunds, replacements, or sincere apologies.
Handling order fulfillment and returns
Here's how to efficiently manage order fulfillment when you sell on Amazon Handmade:
- Choose Fulfillment Method: Most handmade sellers prefer self-fulfillment to ensure quality control, though FBA is also an option.
- Stick to Production Timelines: Set realistic crafting and shipping times—keep them updated to avoid delays.
- Use Amazon Shipping Tools: Print labels and manage logistics easily through Amazon's shipping system.
- Thoughtful Packaging: Ensure safe delivery and add a personal touch with custom wrapping or thank-you notes.
- Set Clear Return Policies: Follow Amazon's guidelines but customize where allowed—communicate policies on listings.
Marketing Strategies
Once you've set up your shop and crafted your products, it's time to get the word out! Selling on Amazon Handmade gives you access to some powerful marketing tools, but exploring additional strategies outside of Amazon is important to maximize your reach and sales.
Using Amazon's marketing tools
Here's how to make the most of Amazon's built-in marketing tools to sell on Amazon Handmade:
- Amazon Ads (Sponsored Products): Use Pay-Per-Click (PPC) campaigns to target relevant keywords. This boosts your product visibility in search results and helps reach customers actively looking for items like yours.
- Deals & Promotions: Run time-limited offers, apply coupons, or create lightning deals. These attract bargain-hunters, increase click-through rates, and give your handmade listings more exposure.
- Artisan Profile: Your story matters. Use your profile to share your journey, passion, and process. This emotional connection builds trust and helps your products feel more personal and meaningful.
- A+ Content (Enhanced Brand Content): If you're brand-registered, A+ Content lets you add comparison charts, rich images, and storytelling to your listings—helping improve buyer confidence and boost conversions.
Alternative marketing strategies outside Amazon
Here are some effective ways to expand your marketing beyond Amazon Handmade:
1. Social Media Marketing:
Harness the power of platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and TikTok to connect with your audience. Share engaging posts, behind-the-scenes stories, and customer testimonials.
2. Influencer/Blog Collaborations:
Partner with influencers or bloggers to showcase your products and expand your reach. Their endorsement can help showcase your products to a broader audience, build credibility, and ultimately drive sales.
3. Email List Building:
Create a website or landing page for customers to sign up for updates and promotions. Use email marketing to nurture relationships and drive repeat business. Use email marketing to nurture relationships with your audience by sending regular newsletters, exclusive discounts, or early access to new products.
4. Content Marketing:
Start a blog or YouTube channel to share your crafting process, behind-the-scenes, and tips, establishing authority and driving organic traffic. This establishes your authority in the handmade space, builds trust with your audience, and drives organic traffic to your Amazon Handmade store.
5. Other Marketplaces:
Expand your reach by listing on platforms like Etsy, diversifying your sales channels. Listing your products on multiple platforms allows you to tap into different customer bases and reduce reliance on a single sales channel.
6. Local Marketing:
Participate in craft fairs, farmer's markets, or pop-up shops to boost local visibility and drive traffic to your Amazon Handmade store.
SEO Best Practices for Amazon Handmade
When you sell on Amazon Handmade, optimizing your listings for search engines is key to getting discovered. Here's how to improve your visibility:
1. Optimize Your Product Titles
Your title is the first thing shoppers see. Make it clear, descriptive, and keyword-rich.
- Start with item type, material, and key features.
- Use relevant keywords naturally (avoid keyword stuffing).
- Keep titles between 100 and 200 characters.
2. Use Relevant Keywords in Your Product Description
Include relevant keywords that match what buyers are searching for. Tools like Amazon's search bar or Google Keyword Planner can help.
- Naturally integrate primary and secondary keywords.
- Highlight key features (e.g., material, size, customization).
- Use bullet points for easy readability.
3. Utilize Product Features and Bullet Points
Bullet points list key details like material, size, and customization.
- Help both search engines and customers quickly understand your product.
- Target long-tail keywords and specific queries.
4. Focus on Product Categories
Selecting the most specific category and subcategory for your product is crucial in helping Amazon match it with the right audience. By choosing the best fit, your product will appear in relevant searches, increasing its chances of being discovered by potential customers. This also improves the visibility of your listings and enhances the overall shopping experience for buyers.
5. Gather and Encourage Reviews
Positive reviews boost your search ranking. Ask satisfied customers for reviews and engage with both positive and negative feedback.
- Be proactive and polite in requesting feedback.
- Avoid offering incentives for reviews.
6. Use High-Quality Images with Descriptive ALT Text
High-quality images rank higher. Provide clear, well-lit images and use descriptive ALT text.
- Main images should have a white background.
- Include lifestyle photos and zoomable images for closer views.
7. Monitor and Adjust Your SEO Strategy
SEO is a continuous process. Monitor performance via Amazon's seller dashboard and make adjustments based on rankings, traffic, and conversion rates.
Optimizing Your Store's Visibility
Visibility is everything when you sell on Amazon Handmade. The more discoverable your products are, the better your chances of consistent sales. Here's how to optimize your store to stand out in the crowded handmade marketplace.
SEO best practices for Amazon Handmade
Want your products to show up when shoppers search? SEO is your secret weapon.
1. Use Smart Titles
Create descriptive and informative titles that include the product’s name, key features, and materials. For example: “Ceramic Coffee Mugs, 16oz, Large Capacity, Wide Bottom, Transmutation Glaze Craft, Handmade Pottery Mug.” A well-crafted title helps potential customers understand what you’re offering at a glance and boosts your search visibility.
2. Think Like a Shopper
When writing your product description, add keywords that customers are likely to search for. Think about phrases such as “gift for mom,” “boho jewelry,” or “eco-friendly home décor.” Using the right keywords can help your products appear in relevant searches and attract more buyers.
3. Bullet It Out
Make your product features easy to scan by using bullet points. Highlight important details like size, material, personalization options, and care instructions. This ensures shoppers can quickly get the information they need, which can lead to higher conversions.
4. Images Matter
Clear, bright, and high-quality images are crucial for attracting buyers. Upload multiple angles of your product, ensuring it’s well-lit and shows off its details. Amazon’s algorithm favors high-quality visuals, and shoppers are more likely to purchase when they can see your product clearly.
Keep checking which keywords are working and tweak your listings often. It's all about showing up where it counts.
Leveraging customer reviews for store credibility
Good reviews = more trust = more sales. Simple, right?
- Ask, Don't Beg: Politely follow up after a sale, asking for feedback.
- Respond Smartly: Thank happy customers. For not-so-happy ones? Stay calm, respond fast, and fix it.
- Show You Care: Reviews are public—use them to show your brand's personality and care.
Ready to Sell on Amazon Handmade in 2025?
Selling on Amazon Handmade in 2025 is more than just uploading a product—it's about creating a brand, crafting with care, and standing out in a global marketplace. From optimized listings to stellar customer service, every detail counts.
Feeling overwhelmed or want to scale faster? beBold Digital has your back. Whether you need help with SEO, storefront setup, or full-fledged marketing strategies, our e-commerce experts will guide you every step of the way.
Turn your handmade passion into a thriving business—start selling now!
Conclusion: Is Amazon Handmade Right for You?
If you're passionate about your craft and ready to scale, Amazon Handmade offers a trusted platform, global reach, and powerful tools to grow your business. It demands consistency, quality, and great customer service—but if you're committed, it's a rewarding space to turn your creativity into sales.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can you make a stable income on Amazon Handmade?
Yes, you can make a stable income on Amazon Handmade with quality products, competitive pricing, and consistent marketing. Success depends on your niche, craftsmanship, and ability to scale. Many artisans turn their passion into a full-time business by building a loyal customer base and optimizing their store over time.
How do I stand out on Amazon Handmade?
To stand out on Amazon Handmade, focus on creating unique, high-quality products that showcase your craftsmanship. Optimize your listings with clear, descriptive titles, engaging product descriptions, and professional photos. Use social media, influencer partnerships, and email marketing to drive traffic, and consistently offer exceptional customer service.
Need help getting started? Visit Bebold Digital for expert guidance and marketing strategies to boost your handmade business!
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