Is It Worth Selling on Amazon Handmade? A Straightforward Guide for Artisans

The life of someone who works with crafts is built on dedication, creativity, and often trial and error to find the best sales channels. Many artisans start by selling to friends, then open a small shop on Instagram or Elo7. But what about Amazon? More specifically, Amazon Handmade? Is it really worth joining this giant marketplace?

Before making that decision, it’s important to understand what Amazon Handmade actually offers — and what it demands. It’s different from regular Amazon. This space was created specifically for handmade products and has its own rules, which can be great for those who are truly dedicated to professional craftsmanship. But it also has its particularities that might discourage those just starting out or who don’t have the structure to handle large-scale sales.

In this article, we’re going to talk straight about what you need to know to decide whether it’s worth selling on Amazon Handmade or not. No magic promises here: the goal is to show the pros, the cons, and what really matters so that you, as an artisan, can make the best possible decision.

What is Amazon Handmade?

Amazon Handmade is a platform within Amazon designed exclusively for handmade products. To sell there, you need to go through an application and approval process, where you prove that your products are truly handmade by you or a small group of people.

Unlike regular Amazon, where anyone can open a seller account and resell other brands’ products, Handmade is more exclusive and focused on unique items. That means less competition with industrial and dropshipping products — which can be a big advantage for those who do everything manually.

On the other hand, this exclusivity demands organization and consistent quality. Amazon takes the customer experience very seriously. Delivery delays, poor reviews, and bad product presentation are factors that can hurt you.

Advantages of selling on Amazon Handmade

1. Global reach: Amazon is one of the largest marketplaces in the world. Being on Amazon Handmade means your product is exposed to thousands (or millions) of potential buyers, including those outside Brazil.
2. Credibility: Selling on Amazon builds trust. Many consumers feel safer buying there than on lesser-known platforms. This can be a sales booster.
3. Right audience: People browsing Handmade are specifically looking for personalized, handcrafted items. You don’t have to compete directly with cheaper industrial products.
4. Payment and shipping infrastructure: Amazon handles a lot of the bureaucracy. Customers pay through Amazon’s system, and you can choose whether to handle shipping yourself or use Amazon’s logistics service (FBA – Fulfillment by Amazon, still limited in Brazil but available in the U.S.).

Disadvantages and real challenges

Despite the positives, selling on Amazon Handmade comes with its headaches. Here are the main ones:

• Fees and commissions: Handmade charges a commission of around 15% per sale. There’s no monthly fee like with the standard Amazon Seller account, but this percentage can be tough for those with tight margins.
• Entry bureaucracy: The approval process requires patience. You’ll need to submit photos of your production process and fill out detailed forms. It’s not a 10-minute task.
• International competition: Even with the artisan focus, you’ll be competing with sellers from other countries — many of whom have much larger structures than yours.
• Obligation to maintain standards: You’re expected to deliver consistent quality, on time, with excellent customer service. One mistake can damage your platform reputation.

Step-by-step guide to start selling on Amazon Handmade

If, after evaluating everything, you decide it’s worth testing Amazon Handmade, here’s a simplified step-by-step guide to get started:

1. Create a seller account: Go to the Amazon website and choose the “sell as an artisan” option. Complete the initial registration.
2. Request access to Handmade: After creating your account, you need to fill out the Handmade application form, explaining your handmade process. Submit photos, videos, or links that prove your manual work.
3. Wait for approval: This process can take a few days to a few weeks. In the meantime, prepare good photos of your products and think about how you’ll describe each item.
4. Create your listings: Once approved, it’s time to list your products. Take care with descriptions and photos — they directly influence your sales.
5. Set up shipping and logistics: You can handle shipping yourself or, depending on your location, use Amazon’s logistics services.
6. Monitor and optimize: Track your sales, reviews, and metrics. Use this data to improve your catalog and customer service.

When does Amazon Handmade make the most sense?

Amazon Handmade makes the most sense for those who already have an organized production, even if small, and want to increase product visibility. It’s especially suited for those with a strong brand identity, visually appealing products, and the ability to maintain regular production.

If you’re just starting out and still figuring out your audience or style, it might be better to start on simpler platforms with less bureaucracy. Handmade can be a next step once you feel more prepared.

Conclusion: yes, it can be worth it — but not for everyone

Selling on Amazon Handmade can be a great path for artisans looking to grow professionally, with a platform that values handcrafted work and offers wide visibility. But you need to go in with your eyes open: there are rules, fees, and demands that don’t suit every profile.

Assess your moment, your goals, and your structure. If you decide to join, do it with planning and patience. And remember: being an artisan is being an entrepreneur — and every sales channel choice must be strategic, not emotional.