Handmade in the UK and Decent Site?

[Vic Horsham]

Sooo...

I took down my Etsy shop pretty quickly after starting up, when I discovered in the forums and elsewhere that they have serious issues with fake handmade and factory made sellers, making it difficulty for genuine hand-makers to compete.

I tried Misi but their website is so painfully slow that I doubt many shoppers can tolerate browsing it long enough to actually buy anything.

I've been turned down for NOTHS, which I don't mind especially as I've recently found out what their fees are!

I've got a shop on Folksy, and they seemed about the best of all worlds.  Handmade only with strict criteria (just look at the kerfuffle over pendant jewellery).  British-made focus.  Attractive website that loads quickly.  Nice, low fees.  Search and categories need work but give them time, eh?

Aaaand then I discover a forum thread where it turns out Folksy are ALSO allowing "designers" that have their items made outside the UK, just like Etsy, which opens the floodgates to the same problems Etsy has.  Folksy admin haven't responded to the thread yet, but there's been enough talk to concern me.

So, what else is there?  Are there ANY handmade marketplaces that are:

1. Genuinely committed to handmade
2. Focused on British handmade, not outsourced
3. Have functional websites
4. Don't charge more than a month's rent to join up

Or is my only option to set up my own, totally independent, online shop and just try my hardest to get sales there?  Or should I give up entirely and just list on Ebay?

[Copper Creations]

Hi

Heading your way :0)

Elaine

Claire Young aka Auntie Noo said:

Hi, I do hope you don't think I'm spamming, but I have just started up http://thecraftersbarn.co.uk   we're really really new (like less than a week old) and have some improvements to make to the site, but i'm really committed to having a great UK site for crafters to sell from.  it's £2.30 a month for unlimited listings which stay live indefinitely (until sold or deleted by you) and no commission.  If you sign up before Monday 18th there is a month free because I'd like people to help to test the site.  We need to improve the site from a buyers perspective I think, but it's being worked on all the time.

i started the site as a craft seller myself, having the exact same problems as you and having heard some frighteners about selling via facebook (people writing sold under photos and a third party then sending them a paypal invoice before the real seller got a chance :( ) and I figured i couldn't be the only person who couldn't afford commission and decided to do something about it.  I've completely self funded the start up of the site, and am passionate about providing a community.

All the shops are run by sellers themselves and payments go direct to you for sales, so you don't have to wait for your money!  And i don't have any form of application process - you must just adhere to the site rules of selling handmade handcrafted or upcycled items.  I figure that everyone has a market somewhere and it's not up to me to decide what goes on a site.

As i say there are improvements being made every day, and any feedback is taken on board........

I've kind of said everything but the info is here as well http://www.thecraftersbarn.co.uk/about-us.php