Getting started with Amazon Handmade

Getting started with Amazon Handmade

There are many different online platforms to sell your handmade items. Today, we will discuss getting started with Amazon Handmade. Amazon is one of the largest online stores. And they have created a specific online shop just for handmade items. Amazon Handmade isn’t like Etsy or other online stores; you will need to apply and be accepted before you are allowed to open up your shop.

So, what is involved in the application, and who can apply?  

Amazon restricts the Handmade section of their store to “Approved Makers and Collaborative groups (for example, a Cooperative, Nonprofit, or Charity) can sell their products on Amazon Handmade.” Which, Amazon defines artisans and approved makers as :

• • Maker working alone: You design and create the products yourself.
  • Maker with less than 20 employees: You design and create the products yourself, with a small group of family members and/or employees working with you.
  • Collaborative group of Makers: For example, Cooperative, Nonprofit, or Charity. We will consider a variety of groups based on how they are set up to benefit local Makers. Learn more
  • Other: If you don’t fit into one of the categories above, select Other and tell us about your business.

The application includes six short sections:

• • Tell us about yourself – or your small business.
  • A description of what you produce
  • Explain your product and the processes you use to make your handmade product.
  • Upload your photos of what you make.
  • Select your category.
  • Affirm what you said above is correct and then submit your application.

Below are few things to think about while you are awaiting your approval to sell at Amazon Handmade.

First, the fees will you need to pay for listing and selling. Unlike Etsy, which charges $.20 for each item you add to your shop. There is no upfront cost to add items to your page. Amazon sets a flat fee of 15% of the aggregate of sales, shipping cost, and gift wrapping price when your product sells. Or $1.00 of each completed sale, whichever is greater. 

So given these fees, look into your sales margin to make sure this cost makes sense for you to set up a shop here if you are accepted.

Second is that although Amazon brings in millions of potential shoppers, it is also competitive. What kind of advertising or promotions will you have to do to make a sale with them? If you already have a customer base, is this the best place for them to make purchases?

After acceptance, you will have a few more steps to get your storefront up and running.

• •  If you don’t already have a professional seller account with Amazon, you will need to create one. An account’s cost is $39.99 per month. With your Handmade account, this is free. 
  • After creating your account, you list your products. Like Etsy, this involves uploading pictures of your products, making names for your products, and adding descriptions. Again, like selling anywhere, the quality of your photos is crucial. Amazon will reject pictures that aren’t of high quality, so if you can, have a professional take your photos.
  • Also, the naming of your products will drive search engine optimization (SEO) to your products, so put thought into what you name your products.
  • In the last step, the Amazon site lists are using their programs to send traffic to your products. Look into what services they provide and what additional fees they charge for these services.

Today you may have decided to get started with Amazon Handmade. You have your first store setup, but there is so much more to learn. The important part here was choosing to sell with Amazon Handmade and then setting up your storefront. There will always be something more to do, but you have to start at least.

 

If you are currently selling through Amazon Handmade, what advice would you give makers thinking of applying?  Please add your thoughts to the comments below.  Thank you!