Tired of Etsy Fees? Best Platforms for Indian Artisans to Sell Internationally

An international need for one-of-a-kind, handmade items has provided Indian artisans with unmatched exposure to highlight their talent to international customers. While Etsy has been a go-to site for handicraft makers to sell their labor of love products for years now, it’s set of fees for listing, for sales, and payment processing is capable of more than cutting returns significantly, at least for most small sellers. For Indian craftspeople who want to sell on Etsy, the fees can be limiting, and thus most prefer Etsy alternatives that provide them with more freedom, lower fees, and access to global markets. The blog here takes into account the best sites for Indian craftspeople to sell globally, which are platforms that are flexible, affordable, and possess robust tools to establish a sustainable online business.

Why Find Etsy Alternatives

Moving away from Etsy is not only about avoiding fees; it’s about getting a space that works in a long-term business strategy for an artisan. Other platforms typically offer artisans more control over branding, customer information, and shop design, which allows them to create a distinct identity that they can develop a connection with their customers on an emotional level. To Indian vendors, sites that allow shipping overseas, provide multilingual sites, or focus on specialized niches can send them to new groups of consumers. Moreover, most alternatives charge low or no listing fees, which can facilitate bringing experiments in product listings without the cost concern.

Second is the prime benefit of customer ownership. In Etsy, customer information is of Etsy, and thus artisans cannot email or provide special promotions. The Shopify or Big Cartel alternatives provide a platform for artisans to view customer information, and thus it generates repeat business and loyalty. Indian craftsmen who want to sell on Etsy but are dissatisfied with the perceived restriction of Etsy have alternatives such as Shopify or Big Cartel, which offer the platform for entry into sustainable growth and perception of an international market.

Best Platforms for Indian Craftsmen to Sell Internationally

Shopify: Establish Your Own Brand with Full Control

Shopify is among the strongest competitors to Etsy for Indian craftsmen looking for an independent online marketplace. Whereas Etsy limits artisans to a built-in template that only allows a plain display, Shopify gives the designer the ability to create a fully editable website with complete brand control over product display and communication with customers. It is especially beneficial for artisans who sell products to be sold once such as hand-made sarees, terracotta pots, or customized jewelry because it causes artisans to tell their story and speak to people as people.

Amazon Handmade: Reach an Enormous Global Audience

Amazon Handmade is a powerful Etsy alternative for Indian artisans who want to tap into the vast consumer base of Amazon. With millions of buyers worldwide, the platform provides unprecendent exposure for handmade items such as leather accessories, metalwork, or classical Indian artwork. Artisans need to become approved to sell on Amazon Handmade, providing a thoughtful, curation-driven marketplace with authentic craftsmanship.

Although Amazon levies a 15% referral fee on sales and a $39.99 subscription fee per month (dropped for accepted handmade sellers), it lacks listing fees, making several items possible free listings. Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) plan provides shipping and customer support assistance, removing the hassle from logistics for Indian craftspeople.

The India Craft House: Share Indian Culture with the World

India Craft House is a niche marketplace exclusively meant for the use of Indian artisans and thus the ideal alternative to Etsy for sellers of traditional handicrafts. Offering access to more than 320 artisans in addition to worldwide shipping opportunities, the marketplace brings together buyers with sellers from the USA, Europe, and around the globe. Shipping and warehousing are handled by India Craft House to enable artisans to focus on what they excel at making.

Big Cartel: Artist-Friendly and Affordable

Big Cartel is an amiable-platform-for-creative that includes a free alternative where crafters can have five products for sale for free without a setup cost. It is thus the best Etsy alternative for Indian crafters who would want to access the global market or those on limited budgets. Paid alternatives, starting at $9.99/month, reveal added features like stock control and domain names, adding to the professionalization.

Big Cartel’s drag-and-drop interface simplifies store setup, and its templates enable artisans to build attractively formatted storefronts that display products such as embroidered fabric or ceramics.

Selecting the Right Platform for Your Needs

The right choice of the most suitable platform is based on an artisan’s needs, price range, and exposure. Shopify is best suited for those who are concerned about brand control and scalability, while Amazon Handmade is best suited for artisans who are concerned about exposure. India Craft House and Kreate are best suited to feature Indian heritage, while Big Cartel is best suited for price-conscious sellers. Each site has its advantages over selling on Etsy, ranging from lower fees to greater customization and direct customer contact.

Indian craftspeople have to take usability, international shipping ability, and marketing capability into account when deciding on an alternate platform to Etsy. Testing different sites with a small product offering can assist them in determining which is best aligned with their business model. Diversification outside of Etsy will assist craftspeople in preventing one marketplace monopoly, minimize risk, and gain sustainable international reach.

Conclusion

The route to selling on Etsy is profitable, but its limitations and fees have compelled Indian artisans to find alternatives to Etsy that will cater to their requirements. Shopify, Amazon Handmade, The India Craft House, Big Cartel, and Kreate provide various alternatives for reaching global consumers while being profitable and having control over the art. By selecting a platform that enhances their vision, Indian artisans can market their work as a lucrative enterprise on a worldwide level, pleasing buyers who appreciate their heritage and handiwork.