The Industry of Making is On the Rise
Whether you define yourself as a tinkerer, maker or craftsperson, protecting your business may look a little different than traditional avenues. The U.S. “creative products” market (arts-and-crafts supplies and making) is currently sized in the high-$40 billions to roughly $50B annually (2024/2025 estimate) per NAMTA’s Creative Industry Research, up nominally from the $44B U.S. household spend cited by the earlier Association For Creative Industries study. Demand that surged in 2020–2021 has stabilized into low single‑digit nominal growth in 2025, with participation remaining higher than pre‑pandemic levels according to the NEA’s Arts Participation Patterns. Online handmade demand operates at large scale too—Etsy filings show annual Gross Merchandise Sales around ~$13B in 2024—while hobby/craft‑adjacent retail sales tracked by the U.S. Census Monthly Retail Trade series remain above 2019 levels, reflecting a durable, omnichannel market.
Where are people selling their work?
Your own website: Starting your own online gallery or website has all the potential you give it. With low start-up and upkeep costs, your site can scale alongside your business and unify inventory, loyalty, and contactless payments across events and online. Platforms increasingly make this seamless—see Square’s Future of Commerce 2025 and Shopify’s Commerce Trends 2025 for how sellers blend pop-ups, social commerce, and DTC sites to build customer relationships in an unlimited market.
| Etsy | The largest dedicated handmade/vintage/craft-supplies marketplace with a handmade-focused audience. Fees are transparent and predictable: US$0.20 listing/renewal per item and a 6.5% transaction fee on the item price plus shipping/gift wrap (Etsy fees), with optional Offsite Ads at 12–15% only when an ad-attributed order occurs (Offsite Ads). Etsy’s scale is a draw—its FY2023 10-K reported 92M active buyers and 9M active sellers, and 2024 filings show GMS around ~$13B, underscoring demand for handmade goods. |
| Amazon Handmade | Application/approval is required and items must be genuinely handmade. There are no listing fees; the Handmade referral fee is a flat 15% per sale (minimum per item applies), and the Professional selling plan fee is waived for approved Handmade artisans (Amazon Handmade fees). |
| bonanza | Combines marketplace and webstore functionality. It’s generally free to list; final value fees and optional advertising tiers can affect your effective rate. Compare total cost of sale against the fee structures on Etsy and Amazon Handmade before committing to a channel mix. |
| eCRATER | A free-to-list marketplace + storefront platform with templates to get started quickly. eCRATER may charge a modest fee when it brings you a sale. Review its current fee page and payment processing terms to understand net payout. |
| Society6 | Print‑on‑demand marketplace for 2D art (prints, home goods, accessories). Artists typically set a markup above base costs for certain products, while other categories have preset margins; review Society6’s payout mechanics so your pricing reflects true artist earnings. |
| eBay | General marketplace with flexible auction and fixed‑price listings; it includes a Crafts category but isn’t curated for handmade like Etsy/Amazon Handmade. Under managed payments, most-category headline fees are 13.25% of the total sale up to $7,500 (2.35% over) plus $0.30 per order (eBay selling fees). |
Local markets and galleries
Selling at art fairs and pop-up markets is a proven way to reach new customers. Events have professionalized—cashless/tap‑to‑pay is now default and lightweight POS makes first‑time vending easier (Square 2025). Pop‑ups and micro‑markets continue to grow, attendees plan via social/RSVPs, and layered experiences (workshops, demos) boost margins (Eventbrite 2025). In‑person interest is strong: the NRF reported record participation over peak weekends, underscoring demand for community‑centric retail. Galleries remain valuable for exposure, but expect a commission—sometimes up to 50%—on sales.
Online marketplaces
Public exhibition spaces and galleries can drive income but are episodic. Many artisans pair a D2C marketplace (Etsy or Amazon Handmade) with their own site, add a general marketplace (eBay) for reach, and layer a wholesale channel when ready. For wholesale, platforms like Faire connect you with independent retailers (25% commission on first orders from retailers who discover you on Faire; 15% on reorders; 0% via Faire Direct). Social/live commerce is also a growing feeder to IRL traffic (Shopify Trends 2025; TikTok Shop). As you research marketplaces, weigh fees, audience, and listing policies against your margins and fulfillment capacity.
Protect Yourself from Losing Your Business Before it Gets Started
If you do experience a break-in, burglars may invade your creative space and run amok all over the business you worked hard to create. For home-based businesses, think through risk at setup: inventory and tools, where and how you sell (events vs. online), and how you’ll secure purchases and data. Pair preventive steps (security, documentation) with right‑sized insurance and smart payment protections so a single incident doesn’t derail your launch.
Keep a detailed inventory of your equipment, supplies, and finished works
It’s good practice to keep a detailed inventory of your supplies, equipment, and finished works in case of a break-in. Photograph items, record serial numbers, and store receipts so you can file a claim quickly. Keep digital copies backed up securely offsite and use strong access controls (the FTC’s Cybersecurity for Small Business recommends MFA and regular backups). Handy tools like Artwork Archive make tracking inventory, invoices, and catalogs easier so you can update insurance limits and stay tax‑ready.
Home Insurance Can Cover Artist Losses
Standard homeowners policies often have low sublimits for business property and typically exclude business liability. If you sell at events, store inventory/equipment at home, or ship goods, consider right‑sizing coverage: a homeowners endorsement or in‑home business policy for very small operations, or a Businessowners Policy (BOP) as you scale. A BOP can bundle general liability, business property/inland marine (for tools/inventory in transit or at shows), and optional cyber coverage (Triple‑I; SBA). Many venues and wholesale partners require a certificate of insurance and “additional insured” status for events—be ready to issue COIs on demand (IRMI). If you make candles, soaps/cosmetics, or children’s items, align with product safety rules (e.g., CPSC small‑batch guidance) to manage product liability risk and meet underwriting expectations. Declare high‑value tools and finished works so limits match replacement cost.
- Arts and Collectible Insurance: Insures eligible artwork against theft, loss, or damage (often excluding wear/tear). Useful for finished works kept at home or taken to shows; confirm valuation method, transit coverage, and sublimits.
- Art Studio Commercial Auto Insurance: If you use a vehicle primarily for business (hauling inventory/equipment), personal auto may exclude coverage. A commercial auto policy addresses bodily injury and property damage from covered accidents (see SBA’s insurance guide).
- The Master Policy: A broad, all‑risk approach for equipment, supplies, and finished works—filling gaps common in homeowners policies. Ask about inland marine/“tools & equipment” coverage for items you transport to events.
- Special Personal Property Endorsement: Scheduling high‑value items extends coverage beyond standard limits and can insure to agreed value; review deductibles, off‑premises coverage, and proof‑of‑value requirements.
Think About Theft Coverage During The Buying Process
The cost of necessary equipment
The overall start-up of a business can be expensive and can stop a business before it starts. Regardless of what you craft, buying equipment and supplies is a lot of money upfront—so document purchases and confirm how they’re protected (insurance and payment benefits). A 2025 snapshot: reliable beginner sewing machines often run $200–$350 (with many midrange models $400–$800; Wirecutter), current-gen electronic cutters are typically $200–$400 (Wirecutter), capable FDM 3D printers range from a few hundred dollars to around $1,000 with many prosumer options ~$600–$1,200 (Wirecutter), enclosed diode lasers often cost ~$1,000–$2,000 and desktop CO2 lasers about $2,500–$7,000 (Make:), a compact pottery wheel is roughly $600–$800 (Blick), and a mid‑size electric kiln about $2,000–$3,500+ depending on configuration (The Ceramic Shop). Heat‑transfer setups commonly combine a desktop sublimation printer (~$600+) and a 15×15″ heat press (~$300–$400) (Sawgrass SG500; HPN Black Series). Keeping receipts and serials makes adjusting coverage and filing claims far easier.
| Maker Category | Equipment Type | Average Price (as found on Amazon) |
|---|---|---|
| Woodworking | Table saw | $205 – $2,619 |
| Air compressor | $273 – $1,380 | |
| Compound miter saw | $110 – $700 | |
| Power drill | $50 – $130 | |
| Random orbital sander | $30 – $200 | |
| Wood burner | $20 – $250 | |
| Painting | Easels | $21 – $1,000 |
| Digital art | Graphics tablet | $40 – $2,000 |
| Jewelry | Laser engraver | $500 – $7,000+ |
| Stamping press | $45 – $350 | |
| Sewing/embroidery | Sewing machines | $200 – $800 |
| Sewing mannequins | $45 – $160 | |
| Needlecrafts | Manual yarn twist tester | $251 – $1,087 |
| knitting machine | $30 – $130 | |
| Pottery | Pottery wheel | $600 – $800 |
| Kiln | $2,000 – $3,500+ | |
| Hand-lettering/calligraphy | Specialty pens | $20 – $755 |
| Stained glass | Glass grinder | $80 – $341 |
Purchase equipment and supplies on a credit card
Another way to protect yourself is to purchase items with a credit card and use the protections available to you. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA), consumers can dispute billing errors in writing within 60 days of the statement date and liability for unauthorized use is capped at $50 (FTC; CFPB). Major networks also advertise $0 fraud liability policies when terms are met (Visa; Mastercard). Many cards include purchase protection (damage/theft shortly after purchase) and extended warranty—helpful for tools or electronics—though terms and limits vary; check your Guide to Benefits (e.g., AmEx benefits). Note: business-purpose cards may not get the same statutory protections as consumer cards (CFPB on business cards), so consider which card you use for large or risky purchases.
Price protection coverage can be valuable for high-ticket items if a price drops after purchase, but it has become less common across issuers. If your card offers it, claims windows and caps apply; verify availability in your current Guide to Benefits. Regardless of benefit mix, keep receipts, serial numbers, and photos—good documentation speeds disputes and claims.
| Benefit type | What it offers |
|---|---|
| Purchase security | May replace, repair, or refund eligible items that are stolen or accidentally damaged shortly after purchase (often around 90 days; timelines and exclusions vary by card). File within the stated window and observe per‑claim and annual caps. For billing errors/undelivered goods disputes, FCBA rights apply on consumer cards (60‑day written dispute; $50 unauthorized cap) (FTC). |
| Price protection | Refunds the difference if you find a lower advertised price after purchase, when offered. Availability has narrowed; where available, typical windows are 60–120 days with per‑item and annual caps. Always confirm your card’s current terms. |
| Extended warranty | Often adds up to one extra year to an eligible U.S. manufacturer’s warranty on covered items paid with the card; limits, exclusions, and covered categories vary by issuer/network (issuer benefits overview). |
| Return protection | Less common than in prior years; may provide a refund when a merchant declines a return within a limited window (often up to 90 days) and subject to caps/exclusions. Check current availability and claim procedures in your Guide to Benefits. |
Prevent Yourself from Becoming a Target
Protect your home
Having a home security system is crucial. Decide between professional monitoring and a self-monitored system. Since 2020, systems have added AI analytics and sensor fusion to cut false alerts (SIA 2025 Megatrends). Video verification and standardized alarm scoring (e.g., TMA AVS‑01) can help prioritize police response, while the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark label rolls out in 2025 to identify more secure smart devices (FCC). In shop/garage environments, follow life‑safety guidance—use heat alarms listed for garages and place smoke alarms per code (NFPA). Typical setups range from a few hundred dollars for DIY to around a thousand-plus, with monthly monitoring commonly in the tens of dollars (Angi).
| Install door and window sensors | A sensor on each side of a door/window completes a circuit that triggers when separated. Pair entries with cameras or video clips to support verification and improved response prioritization under standards like AVS‑01. Set notifications to your phone and to any professional monitoring center. |
|---|---|
| Home security cameras | Use cameras with on‑device AI (person/vehicle detection) for faster, more accurate alerts and better evidence. Overlap fields of view at approaches and tool storage; maintain good night performance. Where dust/heat cause false alerts, supplement with radar/mmWave presence sensing. |
| Motion detecting lights | Light layered with cameras deters intruders. For converted garages/shops, add exterior lighting aimed at work‑area doors and driveways. |
| Don’t disclose your location | Use a PO Box for return/business addresses to avoid advertising that high‑value tools and inventory are stored at your home. |
| Place fake security signs in your yard | Yard/window signs can deter opportunistic burglars. For best results, pair signage with real protections (cameras, sensors, lighting) and devices from vendors with documented security practices (look for the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark as it rolls out). |
| Choose your space wisely | Prefer solid-core doors, reinforced strikes, and interior rooms that are harder to access quickly. Partition detached shops with their own arming schedules for added protection. |
Use home automation to your advantage
You can use aspects of your home automation for more than security. Use smart speakers to track supply lists and inventory costs, and set reminders for show prep and shipping. Your voice assistant can surface pricing and promotions and help track deliveries—enable delivery notifications. Looking ahead, Wi‑Fi presence sensing standardized by IEEE 802.11bf is bringing non‑camera motion detection into mainstream systems—useful in dusty shops where PIR sensors struggle (IEEE Spectrum). Apply basic cyber hygiene to connected devices (unique passwords, MFA, updates) per the FTC.
Tricks to combat high price tags
Many artisans feel, regardless of their craft, the process of creating is personal and highly involved. Even if your business isn’t on a large scale and just to supplement the costs of your craft, your passion is the reason you do it. It’s a great time to be a maker and time to finally make money off what you do. Here are some tips to make it just a little easier:
- Purchase equipment with a return or insurance policy, and use credit cards with purchase protection/extended warranty for eligible items; keep receipts and serials for claims (FTC).
- Sell tools and equipment you no longer use; reinvest proceeds in 2025‑relevant tools (e.g., enclosed diode lasers, faster CoreXY 3D printers).
- Ask for smaller tools and supplies as gifts from family and friends; share wish lists tied to upcoming shows and production runs.
- Check out auctions, liquidation sales, and garage sales to hunt down lightly‑used equipment; verify condition and remaining warranty.
- Utilize local equipment. Artisan communities increasingly host incubator/maker spaces where artists share the costs of materials and equipment; pair access with pop‑ups or workshops to build audience (Eventbrite 2025; Square 2025).
