Folksy: The UK's alternative to Etsy

The best online marketplace for creative businesses

Folksy is the UK's top alternative to Etsy for artists and makers. Choosing where to sell your work is a big decision, but if you're looking for a UK-based marketplace dedicated to original art and craft, a supportive community that truly values handmade, and a space where your work won't get lost among mass-produced products then you've found the right place. We're here to champion you and your craft.

Open your shop today

Why is Folksy the best alternative to Etsy?

Looking for a fresh alternative to Etsy to sell your work? Folksy is a dedicated craft marketplace designed to support UK-based makers, helping you showcase your handmade creations in a space that truly values craft.

Unlike larger platforms, Folksy is all about handmade—no mass-produced imports, just beautifully crafted pieces by talented artists and makers like you. Plus, with our friendly, supportive community and a team that's passionate about craft, you'll always feel connected, encouraged, and celebrated.

Join a marketplace that puts makers first and keeps craft at its heart. 💛

Etsy vs Folksy

Feature	Etsy	Folksy
Dedicated to Handmade	✘	Strictly no re-sellers and no vintage products
A UK Based Marketplace	✘	All our makers and artists are based in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man
Product Listing Fees	16p per listing + VAT	Folksy basic - 15p per quantity + VAT Folksy Plus* - Free
Selling Fees	6.5% transaction fee + VAT (on item cost and postage) Processing fee - 4% + 20p + VAT Regulatory operating fee - 0.32% *some sellers may be charged additional fees such as offsite ads (12/15%)	6% transaction fee + VAT (on item cost only) Processing fee from PayPal (2.9% + 30p) or Stripe (1.5% + 20p)**
Added value account service	✘	Folksy Plus which includes free listings and many more perks Annual cost: £6.25 per month (£75 billed once annually) Monthly cost: £7.50 per month
No commission charged on shipping	✘	Folksy only charge commission on your product price, not your postage
No Payment Reserves	✘	Buyers pay directly to your PayPal or Stripe account, Folksy never hold the funds
No Bots	✘	If you have a question you'll be speaking to a real member of the team to help you out
No Automatic Refunds	✘	Folksy review each request impartially on a case by case basis
No Offsite Advertising Fees	✘	Folksy funds all advertising costs
No Redirecting Customers	✘	Your shop is your space
No Star Seller Metrics	✘	Run your shop how you want to without feeling pressured to meet standards set by us

**Variable rate depending on type of card used

Share your creations

on Folksy today

The Folksy community

Selling on Folksy isn't just about listing your products—it's about being part of a welcoming, supportive community of makers who share your passion for craft.

Whether you're looking for advice, inspiration, or ways to promote your shop, there are plenty of ways to connect:

Local Teams - Groups of sellers across the UK who support and promote each other's work. Some are more active than others, but all share a love for handmade.
Forum & Facebook Group - Friendly spaces where you can ask questions, get feedback, and exchange tips with fellow Folksy sellers.
Webinars & Blog (for Plus Members) - Packed with insights on growing your creative business, from improving your shop to boosting sales.
Exclusive Events (for Plus Members) - Special opportunities to showcase your work and get involved in Folksy promotions.
Folksy Friday - A community-driven social media event where makers support and promote each other, helping more people discover the magic of Folksy.

At Folksy, you're never on your own—you're part of something bigger.

Open your shop today

Loved by makers.

We're really proud of Folksy and here’s what makers have to say about us:

- Thanks for making it possible for people like me to sell online and be part of a lovely, supportive community.
  Jeweller Helen Duncan
  Silver Nutmeg
- Great community, friendly makers, amazing products… what else can I ask for?
  Ceramicist Cat King
  Cat King Ceramics
- I always get a super quick response from a real person, and it has always been sooo helpful. My little business feels valued and supported. Thank you team Folksy.
  Printmaker Lara Harrison
  Find Me In The Hedgerow
- I absolutely love Folksy! It's not too big and it's more personal - unlike similar sites. I also love the true 'handmade craft' element of Folksy.
  Spinner and needle-felter Chris Lennox
  The Quirky Shepherd
- It's so refreshing to get a prompt and helpful response if I ever contact Folksy Support. Yay for Kim, Clare and Ethan!
  Bookbinder Liz Gillum
  Lizzie Made
- I love the ethos of Folksy and their values. It feels like a real family spirit. I like the fact there’s no unethical cheap imported products sold here. It’s handcrafted work by local artists and makers. It’s about supporting local and small businesses.
  Artist Adrienne Honeyman
  Ebby & Flo

- Thanks for making it possible for people like me to sell online and be part of a lovely, supportive community.
  Jeweller Helen Duncan
  Silver Nutmeg
- I always get a super quick response from a real person, and it has always been sooo helpful. My little business feels valued and supported. Thank you team Folksy.
  Printmaker Lara Harrison
  Find Me In The Hedgerow
- I love the ethos of Folksy and their values. It feels like a real family spirit. I like the fact there’s no unethical cheap imported products sold here. It’s handcrafted work by local artists and makers. It’s about supporting local and small businesses.
  Artist Adrienne Honeyman
  Ebby & Flo

Questions & Answers

FAQs

The best alternative to Etsy in the UK is Folksy - a marketplace dedicated to handmade, original craft and art. Unlike larger marketplace platforms, Folksy is UK-based, with fair fees, a supportive maker community, and no mass-produced imports to compete with.

Whether you're a jewellery designer, ceramicist, textile artist, or printmaker, if you're looking for a platform that truly values craft and helps your work stand out, Folksy is the perfect choice. Join today! 💛

Absolutely, we never want to stifle creativity and craft so have no rules about who you can and can't sell with, we just know that you'll love selling with Folksy the most ;)

If you already have an Etsy shop, you can use our free Etsy Import Service to get your Folksy shop up and running quickly and easily. This imports all your Etsy listings into your Folksy shop as drafts. You will need a Folksy Plus account to take advantage of this service. https://folksy.uservoice.com/knowledgebase/articles/1918297-etsy-import-service

Selling on Folksy usually works out cheaper than selling on Etsy, but exactly how much cheaper will depend on which plan you choose and how many items you list and sell. https://blog.folksy.com/2022/10/25/folksy-vs-etsy-fee-comparison

You can sell items you have made yourself or designed yourself, and you can sell craft supplies that other people can use in their creations. There are a few exceptions which are detailed here: https://folksy.uservoice.com/knowledgebase/articles/54524-what-can-i-sell-on-folksy

If you're unsure if your work will be suitable for Folksy, email our Support Team at support@folksy.co.uk with details of what you want to sell and we'll let you know.

Around 200,000 visitors come to Folksy every month, we have a mailing list of 60,000 craft buyers and a combined following of 440,000 on social media. Folksy pins get 10 million views a month on Pinterest.

Customers find products on Folksy via our 'Search' facility, departments and featured sections. Your products may also appear in curated features such as our Folksy Favourites and Gift Guides, in our social media posts and in our email marketing campaigns. We also run free Google Shopping Adverts for all products on Folksy that meet Google's criteria, and we regularly social media adverts aimed at customers.

We have secured lots of great press coverage for Folksy sellers too. See some of the magazines, blogs and newspapers we have been featured in here: https://folksypress.tumblr.com/

Learn how to be featured on Folksy: https://folksy.uservoice.com/knowledgebase/articles/57283-how-can-i-be-featured-on-folksy