The 8 Best Places To Sell Your Crafts Online: Top 8 Online Marketplace
Welcome, my fellow creative geniuses of Naija! Let me assume you’re here because you’ve spent hours lovingly stitching, carving, painting—you name it—and finally wondered, “Can my art pay my rent?” The magic answer: yes, absolutely. But the trick is where you choose to sell.
With countless online marketplaces out there, it can feel like navigating a busy Lagos traffic jam—exhausting and confusing. So, let me simplify it for you. I’ve gathered the Eight Best Platforms to Sell Your Crafts Online—with real fee breakdowns, payout options (including how to convert to naira), and Nigerian-friendly advice. It's all delivered in that familiar, friendly Nigerian tone—full of warmth, wit, and just a dash of “I’ve been through the struggle too.”
So take a seat, enjoy your favorite snack, and let me share everything I’ve learned about selling crafts online as a Nigerian creator.
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1. Etsy: The King of Handmade Marketplaces
Why Etsy reigns:
With over 96 million active customers and a global reputation for handmade goods, Etsy remains the top choice for makers everywhere. Buyers come specifically looking for handcrafted items—so you're not shouting into a void.
Fees you should know:
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₦110 listing fee (roughly $0.20) for each item, valid for four months
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6.5% transaction fee on total sale amount (including shipping)
Key strategies for Nigerians:
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Snap clear, attractive photos—natural lighting is your friend
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Use keyword-rich titles like "Handcrafted Leather Earrings" or "African Print Journal"
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Be crystal clear about shipping times and costs to avoid unhappy customers
Payout route:
Etsy pays via PayPal or Etsy Payments (not yet available in Nigeria). Use Payoneer, Flutterwave, or similar services to convert your earnings to naira.
Bottom line:
Etsy is your top ticket to global exposure. Despite fees, its reach is unbeatable—just pack items carefully and be prompt on delivery.
2. Amazon Handmade: Sell with a Trusty Giant
Why pick Amazon Handmade:
Your crafts get a credible platform and Prime shipping access—huge trust signals if you sell items like jewelry or custom home décor.
Fee structure:
No listing fee. Instead, a website-wide 15% referral fee per sale, plus shipping if you handle it yourself.
Who it’s for:
Crafters ready to scale up—especially those confident navigating shipping and customs.
Tips for success:
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Apply with a polished product image and clear description
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Research similar products for pricing, then adjust for shipping costs and duties
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Consider Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) if international logistics give you a headache
Currency conversion:
Amazon pays USD. You’ll need to deliver funds to a U.S. bank account or use services like Payoneer/WorldFirst to get your money into a Nigerian account.
Bottom line:
It’s a fantastic option if you aim bigger, want international reach, and can handle more complex logistics.
3. Zibbet: Indie Maker Paradise
Why Zibbet works:
If you're not ready for big fees and want a simple setup, Zibbet charges no listing or transaction fees. You keep your full revenue, minus payment processor costs.
Ideal for:
Newbies or sellers expanding beyond Etsy. You can link your Zibbet store to Etsy, creating an effortless multi-channel experience.
Promotion tips:
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Use clear brand imagery and descriptions
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Promote your Zibbet store on social media to drive traffic
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Be consistent with topics like “handmade notebooks” or “beaded necklaces” to build recognition
Payout:
Zibbet connects to PayPal and Stripe—meaning you can convert via known Nigerian-friendly gateways.
Bottom line:
If you’re easing into selling and want full control without big startup costs, Zibbet is an excellent stepping stone.
4. Bonanza: Budget-Friendly, Broad-Reach
Why Bonanza works:
Listing items is free, and commissions are a low 3.5% per sale—a bargain compared to most platforms. Your items also appear in Google Shopping search results—free promotion baked in.
Good for:
Anyone wanting a low-cost, low-maintenance additional channel. You can import items from Etsy or your site easily.
How to shine:
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Sync your Etsy or Shopify store with Bonanza
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Use clear titles like "Hand-carved Wooden Bowl" for SEO gains
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Keep stock updates and shipping info accurate
Payment:
Sales are deposited as USD. Use Payoneer, Flutterwave—or a P2P service—to convert your earnings.
Bottom line:
Bonanza is your friendly, low-stress addition. You’ll get steady buyers from search platforms without draining your budget.
5. NOVICA: Ethical, Cultural Craft Showcase
Why join NOVICA:
This platform partners with National Geographic to promote ethically made crafts from around the world. If you make traditional Nigerian art, this is a cultural spotlight waiting to happen.
Revenue model:
My research shows artisans keep about 70% of sales, with NOVICA covering marketing, site hosting, and shipping logistics.
How to stand out:
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Submit a cultural biography and product story to offer depth
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Use clear images demonstrating size and texture
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Emphasize cultural heritage—like “Handwoven Yoruba Basket” or “Calabash Decor from Osun”
Payout:
They pay in USD. You’ll need PayPal, Payoneer, or similar to get your funds.
Bottom line:
If your craft tells a story or carries tradition, NOVICA offers a unique, ethical marketplace without direct listing costs.
6. Cokodeal: Africa’s Own Marketplace
Why Cokodeal should be on your radar:
This Nigerian site prioritizes African-made crafts and goods—everything from art to snacks to agriculture. It’s made for local pride and pan-African trade, with monthly site traffic in the thousands.
Advantages:
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Low listing fees
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Nigerian payment methods like Remita, and swift local transfers
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A platform made for “support local” sentiment
Tips for Nigerian sellers:
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Emphasize “made in Nigeria” tags
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Include high-quality images and honest delivery estimates
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Consider offering bulk or wholesale options for Pan-African buyers
Bottom line:
If you're all about building Africa-first businesses, Cokodeal aligns with that mission—long-term vision and home advantage.
7. Facebook & Instagram Shops: Sell Where You Already Shine
Why these matter:
Chances are, you already spend time on Facebook and IG—why not monetize it? With built-in Shops, you can tag product photos and allow clients to check out directly.
What it costs:
Keep 95% of your sales. A small 5% transaction fee applies, no listing charges.
Ideal for:
Craft sellers with local fans, a strong social presence, and a flare for storytelling visuals.
Tips to thrive:
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Post behind-the-scenes Reels of your process
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Respond quickly via DMs
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Add links to your Jiji page or website for bulk inquiries
Payment routes:
Link your naira bank or card via Facebook Pay, then manage withdrawals through Flutterwave or Kuda.
Bottom line:
Social selling is powerful because it meets buyers where they are—use Instagram and Facebook if you're already making noise online.
8. Jiji.ng: Local Marketplace Simplicity
Why it’s great for Nigerians:
Jiji is like the Nigerian equivalent of Craigslist, but for everything—including crafts. Over 160,000 sellers and millions of monthly visitors makes it a hotspot.
Advantages:
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Zero listing fees
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Direct buyer interactions
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Flexibility for delivery (pickup, courier, you name it)
Tips for better selling:
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Upload multiple clean photos with natural lighting
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Write honest titles and descriptions
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Keep prices competitive and delivery options clear
Converting your earnings:
Sales occur in naira. Buyer pays on delivery or via bank transfer. You don’t need any special payout setup beyond your usual bank account.
Bottom line:
Local exposure is instant and reliable with minimal fuss. Great for smaller, frequent sales to people nearby.
✨ Maximize Your Craft Sales—A Quick Guide
Use Multiple Channels
Don’t restrict yourself to one platform. Combine Etsy/Etsy-like with Nigerian platforms. Buyers have different tastes and budgets.
Master Your Photos
Use bright, natural backgrounds. Show close-ups of texture. Show your item in use—like a leather bag on your shoulder. Great visuals sell better.
Write Smart Listings
Forget vague titles—focus on “Handwoven Igbo Basket, Market Storage.” Use tags like “Afrocentric décor,” “handcrafted gifts,” or “Nigerian-made.”
Price Your Work Realistically
Research other sellers. Factor in materials, labor, shipping, customs, and platform fees—then add your profit margin.
Communicate Clearly
Respond promptly. Provide tracking details. Share your craft’s journey—buyers appreciate authenticity.
Stay Organized
Track your inventory, materials, sales, and shipping—so nothing gets lost or forgotten. Good records help with tax and growth planning.
Diversify Sales Approach
Try wholesale offers on Cokodeal or Amazon. Explore commission-based artwork online or display items in local boutiques or pop-up markets.
In Summary
So, here they are again—your roadmap to selling crafts in Nigeria and beyond:
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Etsy – Global handmade community, ideal for detailed craft shops.
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Amazon Handmade – Powerful reach, best if you’re ready to ship internationally.
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Zibbet – No fees, friendly introduction platform.
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Bonanza – Low fees, high search visibility.
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NOVICA – Ethical exposure to global craft buyers.
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Cokodeal – Pan-African reach at low cost.
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Facebook & Instagram – Leverage your existing followers.
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Jiji.ng – Local, trusted, zero listing fees.
Start small, stay consistent, and learn with each sale. Keep talking, sharing, and celebrating your journey—because your art deserves to be seen, bought, and appreciated. Every sale is validation; every returning customer is momentum. We’re in this together, and I cannot wait to see how your craft empire grows.
Tell me—which marketplace are you excited to try first? Or do you already sell somewhere else and have a tip up your sleeve? Drop your thoughts and let’s learn together.