Business Advice

The Legalities of Selling Crafts on Amazon Handmade

Today, online craft selling is a highly viable way to profit from your crafts. Many people choose to use platforms, such as Etsy and eBay, to list and sell their creations, but more and more are turning to Amazon Handmade as a strong alternative to these options.

 

Learn more about the legalities around selling your crafts and creations on Amazon Handmade before you get started. 

 

Can you sell handmade crafts on Amazon?

You can sell handmade crafts on Amazon through their dedicated marketplace known as ‘Amazon Handmade’.

You must apply in advance and be approved to sell. Products must also be made, altered, or assembled by you, a small team or family members.

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What is Amazon Handmade?

Amazon Handmade is an artisan only, invite-applied, online community which allows individuals to sell unique handmade items.

It’s ideal for selling items such as jewellery, home decor, artwork, clothing, accessories, beauty products and more.

Is it hard to get approved for Amazon Handmade?

Amazon Handmade does involve a relatively strict vetting process which ensures that all products/sellers are authentic. However, if you are a genuine artisan, it’s generally not too hard to get approved.

The legal side of selling on Amazon Handmade

There are a number of legal considerations to make before you begin to sell on Amazon Handmade.

Initially, selling requires a specialised application process for Amazon to verify that products are actually artisan-made, handmade or hand-altered. As with all legitimate online selling, individuals must adhere strictly to intellectual property rights, listing policies and safety guidelines. On top of this, sellers grant Amazon a permanent license for Amazon to use their product content.

Sellers must also ensure that they comply with local laws and tax obligations, usually as a sole trader or as a business entity.

Read the Amazon Handmade Terms and Conditions for more information regarding selling on the platform.

Amazon Handmade listing policies and requirements

The key listing policies for Amazon Handmade are as follows:

    • Handmade definition – Every product must be handmade, hand designed, hand altered or upcycled.
    • Production process – Items must be made by you, a family member or a small team of maximum 20 employees.
    • Item restrictions – Outsourced items/production, drop-shipped items, resold items, food, ingestible items/products and electronics are not to be sold.
    • Product photos – Main product image must have a pure white background with no text or graphics.
    • Category approval – Specialised category approval is required to sell in the handmade store.
    • Insurance requirements – There are no specific insurance requirements to start selling on Amazon Handmade, though it is highly recommended to seek product liability cover.

    Refer to the Amazon Handmade Category Listing Policies and Requirements page for further listing details.

    Do you need insurance to sell handmade crafts on Amazon?

    Initially, there are no insurance obligations for setting up an account and selling on Amazon Handmade. However, it is highly recommended to get the right type(s) of cover to protect yourself, your business and your customers.

    Product liability insurance is essential for online sellers. It safeguards you against claims resulting from injury or damage caused by the items you sell. Even if it seems unlikely, your handmade goods might have sharp components or become hazardous due to damage during shipping. This coverage provides crucial protection against unexpected claims related to product safety.

    If you hire employees, or you have volunteers, you will need employers liability insurance. This will cover legal and compensation costs if an employee gets injured whilst working for you or on your premises.

    Get in touch with CraftCover today to protect your craft business today.

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