Selling handmade wooden Montessori toys has never been easier, thanks to a variety of online platforms tailored for artisans and makers. Whether you’re launching your business or aiming to grow, selecting the right platform can help you connect with parents and educators seeking quality educational toys. Below, we’ll explore the best platforms for selling your handmade wooden Montessori cars, focusing on audience reach, fees, usability, and how each platform supports educational and handcrafted products.
1. Etsy
Keywords: Montessori wooden toys, handmade educational toys, Etsy for kids’ toys, wooden car toys on Etsy
Why It’s Ideal: Etsy is the go-to marketplace for handmade and educational toys. Parents and gift shoppers regularly browse Etsy for high-quality, handcrafted wooden toys that encourage learning and creativity, making it a perfect platform for Montessori-inspired products.
Key Features:
- Easy Setup: Simple tools to set up your shop and list products, even for first-time sellers.
- Targeted Audience: Millions of buyers search Etsy for unique, handcrafted children’s toys.
- Search Optimization: Built-in SEO tools help your Montessori cars reach more parents and educators.
Fees: $0.20 listing fee per item, a 6.5% transaction fee, plus payment processing fees.
Best For: Sellers offering handcrafted Montessori wooden cars, Waldorf-inspired toys, and other educational playthings.
2. Shopify
Keywords: Shopify for Montessori toys, eCommerce for wooden toys, build a toy shop on Shopify
Why It’s Ideal: Shopify gives you full control to create your own branded online store for your Montessori toys. It’s perfect for building a professional presence where you can showcase your craftsmanship and educational philosophy.
Key Features:
- Full Customization: Design a store that reflects your brand’s unique style and values.
- Multi-Channel Sales: Sell directly on your website, and integrate with Facebook, Instagram, and Amazon for a wider reach.
- Scalability: From small-scale sellers to larger operations, Shopify grows with your business.
Fees: Starting at $29/month, plus transaction fees if using third-party payment processors.
Best For: Artisans who want full control over their store’s branding, customer experience, and marketing strategies.
3. Amazon Handmade
Keywords: Montessori toys on Amazon, handmade wooden toys, Amazon for artisans
Why It’s Ideal: Amazon Handmade lets you tap into Amazon’s massive customer base, giving your Montessori wooden cars global exposure. With options like Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), you can offer fast, reliable shipping—appealing to busy parents.
Key Features:
- Vast Audience: Millions of potential customers worldwide.
- Prime Shipping: With FBA, your toys can qualify for Prime, increasing visibility.
- Trust Factor: Amazon’s reputation for customer service reassures buyers.
Fees: No listing fees, but a 15% referral fee per sale. The $39.99/month professional seller fee is often waived for Handmade sellers.
Best For: Artisans seeking broad exposure and access to Amazon’s fulfillment and shipping infrastructure.
4. Big Cartel
Keywords: Big Cartel wooden toys, affordable eCommerce, platform for toy makers
Why It’s Ideal: Big Cartel is an affordable, user-friendly platform perfect for small-scale toy makers. If you’re just starting out or want a simple storefront to showcase a curated selection of Montessori wooden cars, Big Cartel makes it easy.
Key Features:
- Affordable Plans: Free for up to five products, with low-cost paid plans.
- Easy to Use: No coding required—perfect for first-time eCommerce sellers.
- Simple Customization: Create a clean, minimalist store that highlights your handmade toys.
Fees: Free for five products; paid plans start at $9.99/month with no additional transaction fees.
Best For: Small-scale artisans and hobbyists selling a limited collection of wooden Montessori toys.
5. Zibbet
Keywords: Multi-channel toy selling, Zibbet for handmade toys, Montessori toys marketplace
Why It’s Ideal: Zibbet allows you to manage your Montessori wooden toy listings across multiple platforms, including Etsy, eBay, and its own marketplace, from one centralized dashboard. It’s great for artisans looking to expand without juggling multiple accounts.
Key Features:
- Multi-Platform Integration: Manage listings across Etsy, eBay, and Zibbet with ease.
- No Extra Fees: Flat monthly fee with no additional listing or transaction fees on Zibbet’s marketplace.
- Centralized Management: Simplify operations with one dashboard for all sales.
Fees: $5/month per connected sales channel.
Best For: Artisans who want to streamline operations and reach customers across multiple platforms.
6. Folksy (UK-Based)
Keywords: UK handmade toys, Montessori toys on Folksy, British artisan toys
Why It’s Ideal: If you’re targeting UK customers, Folksy offers a focused marketplace for handmade goods. Parents and educators searching for high-quality wooden Montessori toys in the UK will appreciate the local touch.
Key Features:
- Niche Market: A dedicated platform for UK-based artisans and buyers.
- Supportive Community: Folksy fosters a close-knit artisan community and promotes handmade values.
- Simple Interface: Easy shop setup and listing process.
Fees: £0.15 per listing, 6% commission on sales, plus payment processing fees. Unlimited listings with Folksy Plus for £5/month.
Best For: UK-based artisans focusing on local customers interested in Montessori and Waldorf-inspired toys.
7. Madeit (Australia-Based)
Keywords: Australian Montessori toys, Madeit handmade marketplace, Australian toy artisans
Why It’s Ideal: Madeit is Australia’s largest handmade marketplace, offering a platform tailored to local artisans. If you’re selling wooden Montessori toys in Australia, Madeit helps connect you with parents seeking educational, eco-friendly toys.
Key Features:
- Local Reach: Focused on Australian buyers who value handmade craftsmanship.
- Support for Makers: Tools and resources to help grow your handmade toy business.
- Curated Marketplace: Emphasis on quality and unique designs.
Fees: Starting at AUD $5/month plus a 4% commission on sales.
Best For: Australian artisans wanting to reach local buyers interested in quality, educational wooden toys.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right platform to sell your handmade wooden Montessori toys depends on your business goals, audience, and the level of control you want over your shop. Whether you’re looking for broad exposure on platforms like Etsy or Amazon Handmade or prefer the creative freedom of Shopify or Big Cartel, there’s a perfect platform for every artisan.
Selecting the right marketplace helps you connect with parents and educators who value quality, craftsmanship, and educational play—turning your passion for handmade wooden toys into a thriving
