SHOP SMALL: great premise until you discover that the event is a marketing campaign dreamt up by none other than American Express. So unless the shopkeeper takes up the credit card, puts a sticker in his window advertising the fact and encourages shoppers who already have the card to spend it in his shop, the whole thing is waste of time.
I suspect that AMEX is simply surfing on a trend, people wanting to save the High Street and local independent shops. Mind you not any High Street or shops, as AMEX is not exactly your common plastic. Furthermore, there are a majority of businesses who do not take the card because of its high fees.
It is safe to say that this event will have a limited impact on the High Street and even less impact on sales of independent retailers and makers. I guess AMEX could be commanded by sniffing a trend and exploiting it, by making official that shopping away from the Internet, shopping malls or department stores is cool again.
However, there's still a long way to go...
VS 
On Sunday 24th November, I set up a stall at my local community library. Friern Barnet Library became famous in its fight against its closure last year by Barnet Tory Council. After a successful occupation the Council backed down and let volunteers run the library. I supported the cause and was eager to participate in a new event which could gain the committee some cash and create a buzz.
The event was advertised as a Table Top Sale which in turn I advertised on the local social network Street Life https://www.streetlife.com/. I'd encourage anyone to join. Not knowing exactly who'd turn up, I brought kids clothes by top labels like Mini Boden , Monsoon,GAP, a Wii console, designer bags, DVDs. I also brought my own handmade Vive la République goods and greeting cards for potential Christmas presents.
I made a lot of money. With the second-hand stuff. None with my own handmade items. People admired them, but didn't buy any. To be fair, I made one positive contact with a man who owns a shop in the City. Exactly where I ought to sell my goodies. Because outside a few places where people have cash and appreciate craft, there's little chance to sell to anybody else.
People have been conditioned in such a way than even rubbish made in China is more trustworthy than something locally produced and priced accordingly. The whole system has turned on its head. An old lady selling hand knitted baby clothes didn't sell any. I was told of a fashion designer who had a stall of similar items at another event didn't sell any either.
So what's left? Being drowned in the cacophony of makers/sellers on e-commerce sites like Etsy, Big Cartel for the US, and Folksy, Notonthehighstreet? for GB. Let's see what they offer:
- Launched 18th June 2005 in the US. Took its name from Fellini's film 8 1/2 "because they kept saying "etsi" which means "oh, yes", or "and if" in Latin".
- Sells handmade or vintage items (minimum 20 years old), supplies, as well as unique factory-manufactured items under Etsy's new guidelines, since October 2013 worldwide.
- 30 million users are registered on the website and by the end of 2013, projections of one million sellers and over US$1 billion in total annual transactions have been announced.
- In order to sell products on Etsy, users must create a username and have the option to create a shop name. The username cannot be changed once created.
- Creating a shop on Etsy is free, however each listing that is posted in the shop costs $0.20. Each listing will remain on the shop's page for 4 months, or until someone buys the product. The sale prices of products are determined by the shop owner, but Etsy claims 3.5% of the sale price of each listing. Shop owners are sent a bill at the end of every month containing the fees they owe, and they have until the 15th day of the following month to pay the Etsy bill.
- Sellers can add tags to their products to help buyers find them, and buyers can choose to search for items available locally.
- They benefit from regular tips and tutorials via e-mails.
- https://www.etsy.com/uk/your/listings?ref=si_your_shop
- Founded in 2005 in the US, it represents over 400, 000 independant artists worldwide, including musicians and music labels.
- Big Cartel has 4 price plans, from 5 products (free), up to 300, paid by automated monthly payments. They do not charge for any listing or per transactions fees.
- The shop dashboard is much simpler to use than other e-commerce websites.
- http://vivelarep.bigcartel.com
- Launched in 2008 as modern British craft e-commerce site with over 15,000 sellers.
- Two selling options: you can either pay as you go, they charged 0.15p per listing excl. VAT for 120 days. Or unlimited free listing for £45 per year + 6% commission on sales.
- You can sell handmade items and supplies. No vintage. You must reside in the UK.
- Free pack of Moo business cards and access to Fred Aldous craft supply shop with 25% discount on first order and 10% for life thereafter.
- https://beta.folksy.com/shops/vivelarepublique
- Founded in the UK in 2006. 3000 creative businesses, 50,000 products, many personalised.
- You must apply first as they only work with shops that fit their vision. Which means less competition. Must be based in the UK, although international seller can register their interest.
- Two million unique visitors per month.
- Marketing mix support, including TV ads and printed catalogue.
- £199.00 joining fee and 25% commission on sales, excl. VAT. Unlimited listings.
- http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/
- Asos the online fashion website is hugely popular and the largest in the
- Wardrobe is best for individuals, free, up to 100 listing, 5% commission.
- Boutique is suited to small businesses, with a fee of £20 per month, unlimited listing and 20% commission.
I wish you very good luck with your business if you decide to launch your shop online. On Monday 25th November, The Guardian G2 published an article about working from home, it's a good read and includes women making fashion and selling online.
Please let me know if you have any comment or experience to share, I'd like to hear from you.
Please let me know if you have any comment or experience to share, I'd like to hear from you.
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