Compare Online Marketplaces Etsy, Amazon Handmade, and ebay For handmade pen sales.

Admin
Mar 17
5 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

Compare Online Marketplaces Etsy, Amazon Handmade, and ebay For handmade pen sales

Which online market place Should You use to Sell Your Handmade Pens?

Let’s Break It Down!

Your pens are ready — polished, photographed, and waiting to meet the world. But where should they live online? Etsy, Amazon Handmade, or eBay? Each promises something different, and picking one can feel like a big commitment.

There’s no single “best” platform — only the right fit for your goals and style. Etsy celebrates storytellers. Amazon Handmade rewards structure. eBay thrives on collectors and rarity.

In this guide, we’ll break down how each platform works and help you choose the one that fits your craft, your workflow, and your customers. Grab your coffee (or your favorite pen) — let’s dive in.

Etsy for Handmade Pens

Etsy built its name on creativity, connection, and community — and it’s still the most natural starting point for handmade pen makers. The platform attracts shoppers who value artistry and love discovering small-batch makers with real stories behind their work.

✅ Positives:

Targeted Audience – Etsy is known for handmade, vintage, and custom products, attracting buyers looking for unique items.
User-Friendly Platform – Easy to set up and manage a shop.
Customization Options – Allows for personalized and custom orders.
Community & Trust – Many shoppers trust Etsy for handmade and artistic goods.

❌ Negatives:

High Competition – Many other pen makers may be selling similar products.
Listing & Transaction Fees – Charges a $0.20 listing fee + 6.5% transaction fee + payment processing fees.
Limited Branding Control – Customization options are restricted compared to your own website.

Pen Clicks Tip: Etsy rewards engagement — not just beauty. Treat your shop like a living portfolio. Update listings, add new photos, and refresh descriptions to stay visible and build trust.

Amazon Handmade for Handmade Pens

Amazon Handmade brings handmade sellers into one of the world’s biggest marketplaces — but with that reach comes structure. The platform requires an application to verify your products as handmade, and once approved, you gain access to Amazon’s vast shopper base and Prime trust factor.

It’s a great fit for makers who want to scale and reach gift buyers who may never browse Etsy.

✅ Positives:

Massive Customer Base – Access to Amazon’s huge global audience.
Prime Shipping (Optional) – If you use Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), your pens can be eligible for Prime shipping, increasing conversions.
Trust & Credibility – Shoppers often trust Amazon’s purchasing process.

❌ Negatives:

High Fees – 15% referral fee per sale, which is higher than Etsy.
Strict Approval Process – Requires approval to join Amazon Handmade.
Heavy Competition – Competing with both handmade sellers and mass-produced alternatives.
Limited Customization & Branding – Amazon focuses on products rather than individual sellers, so brand identity is weaker.

Pen Clicks Tip: You’re not selling to collectors — you’re selling to gifters. Focus on packaging, presentation, and reviews that make your pens gift-ready and easy to buy.

eBay for Handmade Pens

Don’t overlook eBay. Beneath its resale reputation is a thriving collector community — a perfect match for limited-edition pens, discontinued materials, or unique wood grains that can’t be replicated.

Unlike Etsy or Amazon, eBay gives you flexibility. You can list fixed prices or run auctions, experiment with keywords, and reach global buyers who specifically search for rare or one-of-a-kind items.

✅ Positives:

Auction Option – Can sell pens via auction, potentially increasing profit on rare or high-end items.
Global Reach – International buyers use eBay to find unique and collectible products.
Lower Listing Fees (Sometimes) – Offers free listings up to a certain number per month.

❌ Negatives:

Lower Perceived Value – eBay is often associated with second-hand goods, which may not align with luxury or handcrafted branding.
Competitive & Price-Driven – Many buyers expect discounts or negotiate prices.
Listing & Final Value Fees – Charges a final value fee of about 12-15% of the total sale price.

Pen Clicks Tip: eBay rewards rarity. Highlight the one-of-a-kind story behind every pen — the kind of detail that turns a listing into a collectible.

Choosing the Right Platform for Your Pens

Before you pick a platform, take a breath and think about the kind of business you want to build. Are you creating a boutique experience for collectors who love story and craftsmanship? Or are you dreaming of a more streamlined, scalable shop that runs like clockwork?

Your answer matters — because each platform rewards a different kind of maker.

If you love telling the story behind your materials, showing your process, and connecting with buyers who value artistry, Etsy will feel like home. It’s built for storytelling and discovery.

If you prefer structure, speed, and consistency — the kind of system that rewards organized listings and fast fulfillment — Amazon Handmade might fit. It attracts gift buyers and shoppers who already trust Amazon’s reputation.

And if your pens are rare, made from discontinued materials, or aimed at serious collectors, eBay can quietly outperform both. It’s less about brand polish, more about rarity and precision.

Start with one platform that matches your strengths. Learn how its buyers think. Then, when you’re ready, expand — not by starting over, but by cross-promoting and connecting your listings across multiple platforms.

Your website can serve as your “home base” — the hub that ties everything together. Use it to tell your story, link to your active shops, and collect emails from people who want to follow your newest creations.

Bonus: Combine Your Platform Strategy

You don’t have to pick just one. In fact, smart makers use each platform like a tool in a set — different shapes, same purpose.

Imagine this setup:

Etsy for your storytelling shop — where your artistry and process shine.
Amazon Handmade for polished, gift-ready listings that reach new audiences.
eBay for collectors, discontinued materials, and limited-edition pieces.

Each platform feeds the others. Etsy builds your brand, Amazon builds your reach, and eBay builds your collector base.

Pen Clicks Tip: “Treat every platform like a branch of your brand — not a backup plan.”

Keep notes on where your traffic and sales come from, track your best-performing listings, and let the data guide your next move. The right blend can help you reach every kind of buyer — from first-time gift shoppers to lifelong pen collectors.

Your Craft, Your Market

Your marketplace isn’t your identity — it’s your stage.

Etsy, Amazon Handmade, and eBay each attract different buyers. Knowing that helps you sell with purpose, not guesswork. Maybe you’ll thrive in Etsy’s storytelling world, Amazon’s structure, or eBay’s collector culture.

Start where your strengths shine, then expand. Every listing teaches you what your customers love — that’s how you grow with intention.

Your pens already stand out. Now it’s time to make sure they’re seen.