Where Should I Sell My Handmade Goods? A Guide for Entrepreneurs

How to Choose the Right Place to sell your goods

When I first started selling my handmade creations and vintage finds, I had no idea where to begin. I needed to have a “side-hustle” (or two) as the single momma of two littles. I had spent so many late nights creating, designing, imagining, and using my weekends hunting for treasures. My heart was in every thing I created and found. But when it came time to share them with the world? I froze. There were so many options.   Vendor malls? Curated shops? Pop-up markets? Craft fairs?  Consignment boutiques? It felt completely overwhelming.

And, if I’m honest, I made a few wrong turns.  I spent days at craft fairs where I didn’t make any money. Even a few where I lost money!  I joined spaces that didn’t align with my values. I paid rent in places with no foot traffic. I trusted owners who weren’t actually invested in their vendors. I learned a lot the hard way and thats exactly why I’m writing this. I want to help you skip the burnout, and instead, find a space that truly gets you and uplifts your hard work.

Let's walk through what I've learned. Trial, error, and everything in between.

Starting out at a craft fair or pop-up market can be one of the best ways start selling and to test your product in real time with real customers. It’s especially great for brand new entrepreneurs because it gives you immediate feedback and a chance to build confidence in your pricing, display, and branding. That said, don’t underestimate the work involved. You might have a popular product, but success at markets takes effort. Think: setting up heavy tents, dragging around 40-pound weights for each leg (yes, really), hauling tables, and making everything look beautiful, professional, and inviting.  Often before the sun’s even up. And then there’s the booth fee, which can range from $30 to several hundred dollars depending on the event. The key? Start small. Work your way up. Bring a friend to help, and don’t take on more than you can realistically handle right away. The goal is to grow into this journey, not burn out before you even get going.

Is a Vendor Mall or Shared Retail Space Right for Me?

Vendor malls and shared retail spaces can be such a great way to dip your toes into selling especially if you’re not ready to run your own storefront full-time. You get a built-in customer base, shared visibility, and (ideally) a supportive community.  But not all vendor malls are created equal. Some are intentional and community-driven. Others are... well, more about filling shelves than fostering growth.

Here’s what really matters, straight from experience.  Ask yourself, Do they share your passion for the same values as you?  For example, handmade, local, sustainable, repurposed, meaningful goods? (Fill in your own values here.) Or does it feel more like a free-for-all with no real direction?  What’s the vibe when you walk in?  Seriously, trust your gut.  Does the space feel warm, welcoming, and creative?  Or cold, cluttered, and transactional?  Can you actually see your work living there, shining on those shelves, connecting with customers?

If it doesn’t feel like the right energy for you and your art, that’s a sign. Keep looking. Your perfect fit is out there.

They will be asking you lots of questions when you inquire about their business, but don’t forget to interview them, too.  A lot of people forget this part but you’re not just applying for a space. You are entering a business relationship. They will be representing you and your items just as much as you are representing theirs.

So ask the questions that matter.  How do they select vendors? Is it curated, or is it just about filling space? How many booths are there? Too many, and you risk getting lost in the shuffle.  What is the turnover rate? Are vendors sticking around or constantly cycling out? And if people are leaving, why?  How long have they been in business? How do they market their space? How do they market your space?  Ask where and how often they promote. Is their social media active?  What kind of foot traffic do they get? Don’t be shy. Ask for numbers. A solid shop should be tracking daily sales and foot traffic.
Are they involved in the community? Do they host events, support causes, collaborate with others?

Be sure to ask for references. Talk to current vendors and if you can, someone who has left. You will get a much clearer picture of what it's like behind the scenes. What is  their plan for your success?  While no shop can guarantee profits, a good one should be able to tell you whats typical for vendors like you. They might not share exact numbers, but they should be able to say whether vendors in your category tend to do well.  Even better, look for a trial period, up to 60 or 90 days for a test run. If a business truly believes in community and partnership, they’ll want you to feel confident before committing.  And if after a few months, you are not covering rent, it might be time to reassess.  Are your prices right for the area? Are you reaching the right customer base? Or is this just not the space for you?  

Don’t take it personally. It doesn’t mean your things aren’t amazing.  It just might not be the right fit. You might be better suited for a different type of shop, pop-ups, niche online shops, or weekend markets. Keep creating. Keep going. This is a journey.

Trust Your Gut.  Sometimes, all the checklists in the world can’t tell you what your intuition already knows.  Ask yourself, Do I feel good while I’m here?  Are the owners or staff respectful, helpful, and kind?  Does the space inspire me?   Is the customer service great?  Not just for vendors, but for shoppers too?

If something feels off, it probably is. And if something feels right lean into that.

You deserve more than shelf space. It deserves a home, a place that honors your creativity, respects your time, and supports your growth. 

If You’re in Flagstaff Arizona, We Might Be Your People!

At The Creative Casita, we are a fun, vibrant collective right in the heart of Flagstaff, AZ. We support over 21 women artists, makers, and vintage curators, each bringing something unique to our space.

We believe in community over competition. We show up for local causes, collaborate often, participate in community events, and maintain a storefront that feels like home. We care about handmade goods, sustainability, and authenticity.  And we truly care about the people behind the products.

If you’re a maker or vintage curator looking for a supportive space to grow, we would love for you to stop by.  Come visit. Feel the vibe. Talk to our team. See if we are the right fit.

And if you’re not in Flagstaff? Keep going! Keep creating! Keep putting yourself out there!

Your people are out there. Your space is out there. You just have to find the one that sees you and believes in what you do.  Because you deserve that. You deserve to be proud of where you land.