New Handmade Sellers – Join A New Site

Caryn Stockwell, from Second Star Designs, recently told HandmadeMarketing.org what she likes about the growing handmade selling site 1000 Markets.  Caryn is a seller on 1000 Markets, Etsy.com, and ArtFire.

“1000Markets.com is a brand new site,” Caryn explained.  “As a new business, I am trying to put my business in front of as many people as possible.“

Caryn agreed with Elena’s opinion of the 1000 Markets branding – the look of the site is extraordinary.  “1000Markets.com has a “feeling” that is not found in any other sites. My clothing items are unique and are quality-made. From a buyer’s perspective, this feeling comes across in every storefront you visit.”

Caryn also likes that 1000 Markets sellers are not charged fees for listing their products.  “My items being sold are grouped into categories; the items within these categories can be seen the minute you enter a storefront – unlike other venues where you need to sub-select a category to see the products. Each listing can be designated as “ready to ship” or “custom made”; this lets the buyer know right away if they are going to have to wait an extended period of time before receiving their merchandise.”

“Another selling point,” she said, “is that if your store belongs to a Marketplace, your products are automatically featured items for that marketplace (provided you have entered appropriate categories). I am part of the Northwest Marketplace – a community-based internal venue featuring only artisans from the Pacific Northwest. Their featured sellers are on rotation with every page refresh. This is free.”

Caryn thinks 1000 Markets offers a great opportunity for new sellers.  Caryn told us a bit about the seller customer service at 1000 Markets, a comment we first heard from Karley about the friendly 1000 Markets admins.

“In the beginning, when I was setting up my store, Lisa (a 1000Markets.com representative) walked me through all the steps needed to have my store approved for publication,” Caryn told us.  “She suggested the number of categories I should start with, how many items to open my store with, and the types of pictures that showed my items in their best light. As a new store, she helped my put my best foot forward since first impressions are always the most important when starting any new venture.”

“While 1000 Markets is new, what it boils down to is that many of us are brand new and it is comforting to have a venue whose primary interest is its sellers and not how much they are going to be making off of each seller in listing and final value fees.”

Interested in blogging about your handmade items, but not sure where to start?  Caryn said 1000 Markets helps sellers blog.  “This venue also features a blog within your store, unlimited pictures per item, and a set of message boards.”

Caryn is also impressed with the large amount of outreach 1000 Markets is doing for the site.  “1000Markets.com has been purchasing ad space in large craft magazines in an effort to promote the site and the artisans selling there,” Caryn told us.  “This is a venue that understands the condition of our economy and that advertising dollars are precious.”

When asked how she thinks 1000 Markets could improve, Caryn’s answer was telling.  “So many improvements have occurred in the last 30 days, that I have a hard time trying to suggest any. The creators of 1000Markets.com seem to have anticipated every suggestion that a buyer or seller could have.”

Caryn sees 1000Markets.com growing.  “I stumbled across their venue while surfing blogs. I stopped in to take a look around and immediately felt “at home”. The combination of atmosphere and ambition will certainly drive this marketplace forward – like the rising star that they are,” she tells us.

Caryn told us, “Each store’s products are juried when setting up your storefront. This ensures that the quality of the products being sold justifies the selling price.”

When asked for more clarification for sellers that may want more information, Caryn continued, “On Etsy, anyone can set up a storefront. Same thing on Artfire.com (expect a monthly fee is paid). 1000Markets.com is only handmade. It is similar to trying to get booth space at a Christmas Expo or similar type of craft show.”

“When opening your store,” she said, “you complete an application with samples of your work (photos) and other locations of where your products are being sold. It is similar to trying to convince the buyer of a large store to carry your product. Each store’s merchandise is shown in its best light. I have yet to find a picture that is out of focus. If I see an absolutely gorgeous pair of button earrings for $75 being sold in a shop that exudes confidence and professionalism, I know that when I get those earrings, they will be as pretty (if not more so) than in the picture. If your storefront did not have some sort of constant theme, if your pictures were out of focus, and if there were neither item location nor store policies listed, I would be hard-pressed to pay even $30 for that same pair of earrings.”

Although Caryn said she has not gone into the forums on ArtFire.com much, she says she does see quite a bit of bickering on Etsy.com.  “Etsy’s forums are much like that which I have seen on Ebay depending upon the topic.”

One the other hand, the 1000 Markets forum has an easily-navigated set of message boards and Caryn likes that everything is categorized.  “The people have been warm and friendly and readily available to answer any questions you may have. The Forum at 1000Markets.com is new, just like the rest of the site. I believe that they will develop a strong community similar to that found on Etsy,” she says.

“I have my merchandise on all three sites and am considering iCraft.ca – which is handmade, Canada. I believe that the key to building a successful business is in part, creating a foundation of successful venues from which to grow. There are many sellers in 1000Markets.com that I have also visited on Etsy. The main difference between the two is the hand-crafted aspect. One allows commercial products and the other does not.”

Thank you Caryn!  Want to learn more about Caryn?  Caryn’s Second Star Designs can be found at ByHand.me and Twitter as well.

What do you think of 1000 Markets?  How does the site compare to your current selling platform?  What do you think of Caryn’s experience with 1000 Markets?

Share your ideas for selling on 1000 Markets with HandmadeMarketing.org!  If our editors publish your information, we will link back to your shop as the source!