As the name suggests this marketplace is for those merchants who craft their own products and are looking for a platform that caters to people who appreciate handmade items.
Although this online shopping site is not as big as Etsy, but it might prove out to be useful for those who are having a hard time making a presence on Etsy. Since, it concentrates only on handmade products, therefore it receives buyers who are looking for self-made products only.
They charge the merchant 3% commission on the final sales fee, which is quiet affordable and the best part is that you can list yourself without any charges. According to the site, they have waived off listing fee till further notice, and even when they do charge, their fee is as low as $0.05 for 30 days, $0.10 for 60 and $0.20 for 120 days. Now that sure is a steal.
The categories for various kinds of products is enormous, they provide 30 sections and each of them has various sub-categories as well. You can sell Earth Friendly products, photography, jewelry, music, toys, wedding Products, wood work, metal work etc.; anything tangible that you can make yourself.
MadeItMyself.com allows sellers to provide a "Negotiable"(optional) check box with their products if the merchant is willing to bargain for their items. They also have a feature that allows buyers and sellers to connect through live chat.
"We wanted our website to feel more like an online marketplace, so we created the negotiations link to allow you to negotiate the original price with a artisan. However, a artisan may not want to negotiate, so we ask you to please respect their art and self worth by not being too bossy about talking them into lowering their price." MadeItMyself.com stated.
This marketplace does have some very interesting and beautiful handmade crafts but it is important to mention that they do not seem to have a very strong online presence; while their services are good but their reach is not up to the mark. However, there is no harm in listing yourself 'coz firstly it is a great community for hand-made products and secondly, they do not charge you for listing your items. Therefore, there is no harm in adding on another platform for your products, 'coz widening one's spectrum never hurt anyone right?
Very informative article. I am an shopaholic buyer at MadeItMyself and I am proud to say that all of the listed items there are better (if not cheaper) than the ones listed on Etsy.com
Thank you :)..they have a very interesting 'community' section as well, pretty useful for avid shoppers ;)
Thank you :)..they have a very interesting 'community' section as well, pretty useful for avid shoppers ;)