The craft digital marketplace
18 May 2020
Shopping online can often feel like an impersonal experience. But, in fact, the digital marketplace has made it easier than ever for professionals and hobbyists alike to display and sell their work. Online craft marketplaces, such as Etsy, are veritable treasure troves of one-of-a-kind handmade objects from around the world.
Etsy is the most well-known online destinations for artisan wares and is also one of the most comprehensive for buying and selling.
There, people from around the world sell a range of unique, handcrafted pieces, ranging from handmade jewelry, to homeware and furniture and pieces of art. Most pieces are made to order, so it can be a great way to source high quality, personalised items. It also boasts a sea of vintage pieces. Again, there is a large variety of items here, including clothing and furniture alongside more obscure collectible items such as figurines, dictionaries and ceramics. Better still, in the spirit of community, most items are very reasonably priced.
Meanwhile, if you enjoy shopping while giving back (a true win-win), Global Sisters is an online craft platform which aims to empower women financially. The website is stocked with wares created by refugees, migrants, indigenous Australians, at-risk youth, single mothers, and the long-term unemployed, who use their exemplary creative skills to sell a range of handmade items online.
The online craft marketplace can be an easy and enjoyable way to generate some extra income, especially for the creatively inclined. Whether it’s knitting, painting, embroidery or calligraphy, there is likely someone searching for your unique creations.
Etsy is particularly well equipped to help first time sellers. You can list items for just $0.25, and if it sells,
Etsy take a 3.5 per cent commission. They also offer sellers valuable tips on how they can best market their products and their support staff are always available either by phone or email if you have any questions.
Before you start selling, however, it’s worth spending some time looking at what other sellers are creating. You can see how much they are charging, and pick up some valuable tips on how best to photograph and present your creations.
Etsy is the most well-known online destinations for artisan wares and is also one of the most comprehensive for buying and selling.
There, people from around the world sell a range of unique, handcrafted pieces, ranging from handmade jewelry, to homeware and furniture and pieces of art. Most pieces are made to order, so it can be a great way to source high quality, personalised items. It also boasts a sea of vintage pieces. Again, there is a large variety of items here, including clothing and furniture alongside more obscure collectible items such as figurines, dictionaries and ceramics. Better still, in the spirit of community, most items are very reasonably priced.
Meanwhile, if you enjoy shopping while giving back (a true win-win), Global Sisters is an online craft platform which aims to empower women financially. The website is stocked with wares created by refugees, migrants, indigenous Australians, at-risk youth, single mothers, and the long-term unemployed, who use their exemplary creative skills to sell a range of handmade items online.
The online craft marketplace can be an easy and enjoyable way to generate some extra income, especially for the creatively inclined. Whether it’s knitting, painting, embroidery or calligraphy, there is likely someone searching for your unique creations.
Etsy is particularly well equipped to help first time sellers. You can list items for just $0.25, and if it sells,
Etsy take a 3.5 per cent commission. They also offer sellers valuable tips on how they can best market their products and their support staff are always available either by phone or email if you have any questions.
Before you start selling, however, it’s worth spending some time looking at what other sellers are creating. You can see how much they are charging, and pick up some valuable tips on how best to photograph and present your creations.
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