You have questions.
We have answers.
(And if we don't, we're working on them.)
Our goal is to become your go-to destination for everything handmade. Whether you're a seller, a buyer, or simply looking for inspiration, you'll surely find what you're looking for — and maybe some wonderful things you weren't! If you don't find your question answered here, please let us know, and we'll get right to work on it.
How do I start selling on Handmade.com?
We're so excited to welcome you! Handmade.com is a curated marketplace for outstanding artisans. A juried panel considers each application carefully and makes a final decision. Once your application has been reviewed, we will let you know if you have been accepted. To get started, we need to collect some basic information about you and the products you make and sell. We'll walk you through every step of the process. Let's get started.
What is Handmade.com's relationship with NOVICA?
While the world is full of wonderful creators who make things by hand, until now there has been no major global marketplace dedicated only to non-mass produced handmade products. Our parent company, NOVICA, has been working with artisans around the globe for over two decades, in collaboration with amazing organizations like National Geographic, Kiva, Smithsonian Folklife Festival, the International Trade Centre (United Nations affiliate), USAID, and others. With NOVICA's many years of hands-on experience, commitment to artisan communities, and unique global infrastructure, we knew we could create a better place for artisans, customers, and the entire world of handmade. Learn more about Our Story.
Who can sell on Handmade.com?
Anyone who makes things by hand is eligible to sell on Handmade.com and a panel of jurors considers each application to determine whether it meets the marketplace’s high standards of quality and handmade authenticity. Active sellers can also invite up to 5 handmade sellers per month to join the platform. All sellers must complete our Ethical Pledge, committing to handmade authenticity, employee recognition, fair compensation and benefits, child advocacy and protection, workplace health and safety, and environmental care. During our initial launch period, we're onboarding sellers located in the United States, as well as sellers located in countries already serviced by NOVICA Artisan Empowerment Hubs. Soon, we'll be expanding to more regions of the world. Wherever you are, we encourage you to apply here so we know where we're needed.
What qualifies as handmade?
We strive to be inclusive, while at the same time maintaining strict handmade standards. Our definition includes objects made by hand, blown by hand, loomed by hand, painted by hand, embroidered by hand, or otherwise created or finished by hand. Antiques and vintage products qualify if they were made by hand. Non-handmade products may qualify — if they have been repurposed with notable handmade alterations or embellishments. Together with our Village Council, we’ll be setting forth the handmade standards per category.
What are Handmade.com's seller rates?
Please visit our seller rate info page for a clear breakdown of Handmade.com's fees.
What are the benefits of selling on Handmade.com?
In addition to joining a thriving community of curated makers and enthusiastic buyers who are actively preserving the handmade arts, sellers receive tangible benefits by working with Handmade.com. These include a $50 Welcome Credit, free listings, a free ongoing marketing boost for any one of their qualifying products, and so much more. Please see our seller rate info page for more details.
Does Handmade.com have an Affiliate Program?
Yes, we have an affiliate program with very generous rates for approved websites and publishers. In addition, we are working to implement our Share-and-Earn Program for active sellers which will be managed through our affiliate program. It will enable sellers to share unique, traceable links to their Handmade.com storefronts. Whenever a customer makes a purchase as a direct result of that traceable link, the seller earns an additional 10-15% of the price of that sale. Sellers can use those links wherever they promote their listings. We will announce the launch of the Share-and-Earn Program as soon as it's available.
What standards do we hold ourselves to?
We promise to do everything within our power to protect our vibrant cultural heritage by bringing together incredible creators and dedicated customers. Our job is to create the world's best global marketplace exclusively for handmade items. We are committed to ethically-crafted, environmentally-conscious, people-first practices. And we strive for authenticity and transparency as we work to ensure that handmade craft traditions live to see another day. Learn more about Our Commitment.
What is the Village Council?
The Village Council serves as a council of elders, a 15-person body of elected master artisans representing diverse geographic regions of the world, plus two members from Handmade.com, and one member from the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. The role of the Village Council is to help oversee Handmade.com's growth while safeguarding its mission. As representatives of our artisan-seller community, the Village Council not only shares technical expertise, but also perspectives on the needs and challenges artisans face, particularly as Handmade.com continues to expand. The Village Council contributes insights, engages in high-level discussions, and helps ensure that transparency, fairness and representation remain always at the forefront of our marketplace. Learn more about the Village Council.
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