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Selling your homemade creations online and locally

Whether you’re into making candles, greetings cards or customised gifts, turning your hobby into a side hustle has never been easier. And we're here to help you get started.

Read our guide on how to sell your homemade creations online and at local fairs or markets. From building your brand to sending your items through Post Office, we can support your journey.

A man sitting at a workbench in a pottery studio with various pottery tools, brushes, and several pieces of pottery in different stages of completion.

Make, sell, repeat

Starting a small business for your homemade creations can be exciting and rewarding. As well as bringing in a few extra pounds, becoming a maker can boost your creativity and help you feel a real sense of accomplishment. 

And the way you sell is up to you. Be it online or through local fairs and markets, there are plenty of ways for your handcrafted treasures to reach potential buyers. 

Selling your creations online 

Digital marketplaces have opened up a world of opportunities for artisans and creators to turn their hobbies into income. Selling online allows you to reach a global audience from the comfort of your own home. There are a lot of quick and easy ways to send your parcels around the world, and you can find a range of international postage services at your local Post Office branch.  

Here are a few tips on how to get started: 

1. Create your brand 

Start by brainstorming a list of simple yet memorable brand names. Think about the story you want your brand to tell and what might resonate with your audience.  

Once you’ve chosen a name, you can design a logo. Take advantage of free online graphic design tools like Canva or LogoMakr, which come with customisable templates and drag-and-drop features.  

If you’re a more seasoned designer, you could use Photoshop or Illustrator to create your logo from scratch. 

2. Set up a website or an online marketplace account 

Next, it’s time to build your online presence. You can buy a domain name and create your website quickly and easily on platforms like Squarespace. If you want more flexibility, you can try WordPress, although navigating your way through its various features might require a little more effort. 

To reach a wider audience, you can also set up an online marketplace account on platforms like eBay or Amazon Marketplace. That way, you can also offer services like Click & Collect, along with clear returns policies, which can be convenient for customers. Remember, customers often consider returns policies when deciding to buy, so make sure yours is clear from the get-go. 

 If you’re selling more personalised products, think about selling on Etsy and tap into an audience of craft enthusiasts, collectors and people looking for vintage or handmade items. 

3. List your products 

Lights, camera, action. It’s important to have high-quality photos of your items, so make sure your images are clear, well-lit and showcase your creations from multiple angles. You could also invest in a ring light or photo light box to lend you a helping hand. 

Next, add detailed descriptions to your listings. Talk about the unique features of your products. Be as specific about dimensions, sizes and materials. And don’t forget to include relevant SEO keywords that potential buyers might use to find your items. 

4. Set your prices 

Pricing can be tricky but, if you get it right, you’ll attract buyers and make a profit. Have a look at what similar items are selling for and consider your costs, including materials, time, and the fees charged by the platform you’re selling on. 

5. Spread the word on social media 

Give your brand an extra boost by setting up business accounts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Promote your products with engaging photos and videos. And engage with your followers by sharing behind-the-scenes content and even jumping on viral social media trends.  

When it comes to writing captions, remember to use relevant keywords and hashtags to help more people find your content. 

A person examining a bracelet with yellow floral designs with a collection of leather bracelets on the background.

Selling at local craft fairs and markets 

Craft fairs, farmers’ markets and festivals are a great way to bring your handmade creations to a more local audience. These tips can help you make the most of them. 

1. Find events you’d like to attend 

Check local event listings, community boards, and websites dedicated to craft fairs in your area.  

It’s worth researching the events you’d like to attend and the kind of customers they usually attracts. This can help you tailor your product selection for the big day.  

Now and then you may wish to travel to events further afield too, if the potential opportunity makes the journey worth it. 

2. Prepare for the event 

Once you've registered as a vendor, it's time to get prepared. First, check you have enough stock. Create flyers and business cards to hand out to customers and other makers. Then, think about your stall’s layout. How will you display your product to attract more people? 

Make it easier for customers to shop by offering different payment methods, such as cash, cards or contactless payments. If you’re using cash, think about how to keep it safe while you’re at the event and how you’ll bank your takings later. 

3. Meet the makers – and your customers 

Craft fairs are a brilliant opportunity to build your community. During the event, carve out time to talk to crafters and suppliers, swap tips and even collaborate on future projects.  

Most importantly, you’ll also be able to meet your customers and create a more memorable shopping experience for them. It’s also a good opportunity to answer any questions they might have and get feedback on your products and how to improve them. 

4. Speak to local store owners 

During or after the event, have a chat with local store owners who sell similar items to your handmade creations. You might be able to score some shelf space or even a spot in their window. You can also agree on a percentage of sales from customers who buy your products, so you can both get a slice of the pie. 

A woman in a white shirt and jeans is leaning over a table and writing on a package with a pen. In the background, there are clothes hanging on a rack and cardboard boxes on shelves.

Posting online orders to your customers is quick and easy

Common questions about selling homemade items

  • Post Office supports your small business with lots of different postal services, including guaranteed next-day services, tracked and signed for shipping, standard delivery options and more. We can even help you manage returns quickly and efficiently. Whether it’s going to a customer in the UK or overseas, we have a service to meet your needs and shipping budget. 

    We also offer everyday banking services in thousands of Post Office branches, plus Banking Hubs in selected locations, across the UK. These allow businesses like yours to easily manage their finances, and deposit their takings whether cash or cheques. 

  • To start selling your homemade items online, start by creating your own website or choose a marketplace such as eBay, Amazon Marketplace or Etsy. Simply set up a seller account by entering your details and linking a payment method. You can then start listing your products and set your prices. 

  • When it comes to listing your products, make sure you use high-quality photos and detailed descriptions. You should also include relevant keywords to help more customers find your products.  

    You can also use meta descriptions. They help provide a brief summary of webpages and appear on search engine results to give customers an idea of what to expect before they click through to your product listings. You could also use alt text for images and organise your listings into the right categories to help boost visibility on marketplace platforms like eBay and Amazon. 

  • Do your research to see what similar products are selling for. You should also think about your costs, such as materials, time, and platform fees, and set competitive price that ensure you make a profit. You should frequently review and adjust your prices based on market trends and customer feedback. 

  • You can promote your small business by setting up business accounts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Keep your followers engaged by regularly posting high-quality images of your products. Share behind-the-scenes content to build a more personal connection with your audience. You should also use relevant hashtags in your captions to reach more people, 

  • Selling at local craft fairs and markets will allow you to meet your customers and other makers. It’s a good opportunity to build a local customer base, test new products, get customer feedback and make more people aware of your brand. 

Sending and banking services

  • Drop & Go

    Sending items often? Save time and easily keep track of what you send with our fast drop-off mails service. It’s free to sign up

  • Parcels Online

    Compare services and prices from different carriers. Pay for postage online. Then drop parcels off at any participating Post Office branch

  • Everyday banking

    Access your bank account at thousands of Post Office branches. Pay in cash and cheques, make withdrawals or check your balance