While dropping entrecards the other day, I came across a new selling venue that really piqued my interest. It's name: 1000 markets. CEO Matthew Trifiro says the site's mission is "about empowering small artisan merchants." The company launched its "Sneak Preview" mode in Sept 2008; the Grand Opening will be this spring. Matt and his team are looking for artisans now, to set up shop.
1000 Markets is a community of boutique-style artists. The layout has a unique marketplace feel. I think to sellers, the most noticeable difference is going through an approval process - like a juried art show. Since Storybeader is aiming at higher-end buyers, I immediately saw the benefit of this, and started the application process. When my banner and images weren't looking their best (yes, I was in a hurry...), I was asked to improve them, and reapply. There is a mixed reaction to this approval process in the online forums, but I appreciated the critique, and shot some of my photographs again.
Some other differences:
- Each shop is required to join a Market, organized around a particular style or theme, which allows the site to keep an intimate feel.
- One-of-a-kind product sales are stressed; no vintage or supplies allowed.
- Each merchant has a blog area, where the artist can talk about their personal experience and processes - a great place to introduce new items and interact with buyers.
- Instead of using PayPal, 1000 Markets uses Amazon exclusively as its "payment" partner. This allows buyers to pay with a major credit card. They are looking at adding international buyer capabilities soon.
- You don't need an account with 1000 Markets to buy something from the site, like Etsy requires (a very handy device!)
8 comments:
Congrats!!!
I'd love to hear more about them as time goes on...off to check you out now :)
Congrats! Check me out at http://linorstore.1000markets.com. If you comment on my blog, I'll do the same for yours.
Thanks for the feature. I have gone over to give it a peak...and congrats!
Thanks for sharing this. I will check it out.
Congrats and Good Luck with 1000markets :)
Keep us posted on how it goes...I'd love to hear about your successes over there :)
Thanks for this article Deb. I would like to hear in the future how it is working out, how are sales there, etc. I wouldn't mind too, if you had any opinions on Artfire, and how it compares to the other selling venues.
Thanks again!
Cindy
http://www.devinedesignsjewelry.etsy.com
http://www.devinedesignsjewelry.blogspot.com
Congratulations! I am so looking forward to joining this market (I am in the UK) they do all seem so friendly and I have heard people actually getting sales!
I signed up for 1000 markets last fall actually got a piece uploaded before I discovered that Amazon payments is only available to US residents... you have to have a US bank account to get your money....
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