US-Made crafts exporter

Independent shops, gift and design retailers, online marketplace sellers and importers in other countries.

You buy at wholesale or consignment prices and sell at a markup per order. Repeat orders from a few reliable overseas buyers matter more than one-off sales.

• Spotting quality and trends in handmade goods
• Negotiating with artisans and buyers
• Careful with detail and paperwork
• Comfortable emailing buyers in other time zones

• Check import duties, taxes and product rules in each destination country, as buyers often ask who pays
• Check export paperwork with a freight forwarder or the U.S. Census Bureau, including export codes and when shipment filings are needed
• Native American-style items are covered by the Indian Arts and Crafts Act, so check what you can legally say and sell
• Items with wood, feathers, shells, ivory or plant materials can have export and import restrictions, so check before sourcing
• Children's items and candles may need to meet safety or labeling rules in the destination country
• Consider cargo insurance and sturdy packing, as breakage in transit can wipe out your margin
• Check general liability insurance and any home occupation or HOA rules if you store stock at home

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on how much stock you buy and how you pack and ship. Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your niche and how many overseas buyers you sell to.

Check import duties, taxes and product rules in each destination country, and export paperwork with a freight forwarder or the U.S. Census Bureau. Also check the Indian Arts and Crafts Act for Native American-style items, and restrictions on materials like wood, feathers or shells.

The idea typically needs at least about 12 hours a week. Useful skills are spotting quality in handmade goods, negotiating, careful paperwork and emailing buyers across time zones. Consider cargo insurance and sturdy packing to limit breakage losses.