Will you become a fan?
Starving Artists Team Facebook Page
Resellers, the definition of resellers and discussion around how to handle them has been a hot topic on two of the larger ‘handmade’ seller sites this week: etsy and artfire. I’ve tried to keep up with the discussions, which have been vitriolic at times. It’s clear there is a LOT of angst over site admin handling or lack of handling of this particular issue.
Sellers are peeved, well, more than peeved truly, at the number of shops that are allowed to continue to sell items that are NOT made by the shop owner, have been identified as purchased from a known wholesale site for pennies on the dollar, and are being labeled as handmade and sold at a premium to unsuspecting buyers. Buyers choose to patronize these sites because of the site’s self proclaimed focus on the artisan and handmade, enabling the buyer to shop and support artisan sellers.
In addition, because of the apparent randomness by which site admin close some obvious reseller shops and not others, questions have been raised, and, well, raised again and again:
What defines a reseller? Why aren’t the identified reseller shops closed down? Why aren’t the written terms of service being enforced by the site? Why does it seem as though some admin don’t truly understand the written site TOS? Why are some shops treated differently than others in this respect? Do the site owners TRULY understand the impact this dilution has on the handmade marketplace identifier? (As mentioned in this post http://shinyadornments.com/simplyshiny/2010/07/new-certified-handmade-artisan-process-from-artfire/ ) Should the site’s tag line be replaced with something more along the lines of a global marketplace as it isn’t a truly handmade vision anymore?
Artfire has been discussing this topic with some of it’s sellers to try to figure out the next step. I think it is a good idea to discuss now, as the site is still relatively small. Otherwise, it will acquire the issues Etsy is currently facing as the reseller issue there is one that is large and has pretty firmly entrenched itself over time.
One of the difficulties for these handmade sites is to determine a process that will weed out as many resellers as possible, while not initiating steps that may harm a truly legitimate artisan that has been falsely identified as a reseller. These shops are seller’s livelihoods, so it is important that the action taken can’t irreparably harm a seller if it is taken in error.
As I think about long term strategies to define an artisan marketplace, and the proliferation of the reseller studios, I’ve come up with a potential list of Artfire To Dos: (Granted, my proposed list of next steps certainly doesn’t identify all scenarios or potential issues, but I’d like to see it as a first step. )
1. Continue to certify vetted sellers with Handmade icons. Add certified Vintage icons for Vintage shops at a later date. It’s not perfect (as discussed in my previous post) but it is a good visual differentiator and a good start.
2. Ensure that the process for flagging and removing individual items continues and works as it originally did.
3. Continue to not embrace traditional resellers and make these shops adhere to the Artfire terms of service and Item Decision Tree (http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Terms_Of_Use)
4. Recognize that it will be impossible to keep 100% of the resellers that decide to set up an Artfire Studio from actually doing so AND resellers won’t be honest about correctly categorizing the items that they sell, initiate the following actions.
a. Implement additional screening questions during the Studio creation phase (Do you make the item yourself? Do you purchase it from another artisan? Do you have creation help? Etc) to properly align a Studio with the correct category.
b. Implement a whole shop flagging tool that can be used to report obvious reseller shops to Artfire Admin
c. Implement a Commercial goods category
d. When an entire shop is flagged for reselling, bump that shop into the newly created Commercial category
e. Commercial shops are live, but aren’t included in site search, featured on the FP or in campaign emails, etc
f. The Commercial category is ONLY used for bumped shops. It isn’t a category that can be used to set up a new Artfire Studio.
5. Reiterate to legitimate Artfire sellers that the Certified label is embraced by Artfire, and certified / Pro shops gain a plethora of additional tools to use in their selling efforts.
6. Loudly and frequently announce to Buyers that Artfire cares about the buyer’s experience and recognizes that some buyers truly desire the ability to patronize an artisan mom & pop’s shop vs the big box store. Ensure that Buyers recognize what the Certified label means in a readily accessible format throughout their entire Artfire browsing and buying experience.
To be clear, I am absolutely NOT advocating allowing resellers to be part of these sites. I am suggesting these things to deal with the ones that will invariably slip through the protocols.
What else do we need to consider? What did I miss?
This is a long post. I appreciate that you stayed with me until the end.
(BTW, if you are interested in reading the VERY long thread about this topic, and etsy admin responses, you can find it here: http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6579548&page=1 )
Found this today and thought I’d share.
Social Media Cheat Sheet
CMO’s guide to ‘The Social Landscape” A guide to help you understand how best to leverage major social media sites.
http://thenextweb.com/shareables/2010/03/07/the-social-media%20-cheat-sheet/
My ShinyAdornments shop on Artfire has received the Certified Handmade status icon. YAY!
As I shared in my previous post, Artfire Studio owners must meet a set of criteria and have their shops reviewed by Artfire staff. I’m now the proud owner of a lovely blue icon in my shop.
When a buyer clicks this new icon in a seller’s Studio, this message is posted to the screen
“This Certified Handmade Artifact recognizes this
artisan’s commitment to exclusively offering
Handmade and Fine Art work in their studio.”
Of course the process and certification aren’t a perfect solution to some of the issues surrounding non-handmade items being listed and sold as handmade, thereby duping the unsuspecting buyer. Arguments can be made about whether or not the Artfire staff is qualified to actually deem one shop true handmade and another not. Additionally, as ONLY Pro shops can be ‘certified” there will be some concern about Artfire’s quest for $$ over substance, as Pro shops pay a fee each month to attain ‘Pro’ status which gives them access to many additional seller tools. Finally, what policing power will be established to ensure certified Studios adhere to the only Handmade rule?
Regardless, I believe this is a very good first step for Artfire. A way for the buyers to whom it matters to identify artisan sellers and give them the opportunity to support handmade and not ‘faux’ handmade made in sweatshops, purchased for pennies, labled handmade and sold at a premium.
Again, Kudos Artfire!
Are you a Pro Seller on Artfire? Have you submitted your application yet?
I submitted my application for Artfire’s New Certified Handmade badge. I thought I’d share it with my lovely readers.
By the way, as part of the process, a Studio owner must also have:
a. An avatar (check)
b. A banner (check)
c. Complete Studio Policies (check)
d. A Bio with photo (Just added a photo. I’m not the most photogenic, but the kiddo is, so added this classic. With my Old Chicago T-Shirt. Natch. Wanna See? http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=11658&op=new&body=2 )
I had a bit of trouble with the question about my ‘process’ and being ‘concise’, so I was just honest. And you KNOW I’ll update you when I hear whether or not my submission was accepted.
What is your ArtFire User name?
ShinyAdornments
http://www.artfire.com/users/ShinyAdornments
What is your main handmade craft, including the Main Category you list your craft in?
Handmade Jewelry
Do you list in main categories other than your main craft?
Yes, Handmade Accessories
Please explain in brief but concise detail your handmade process for each main category craft you list on ArtFire.
I’m inspired by a color or bead or book or television show or some other fleeting idea, go to my work area, dig through my supplies until I find what I need, dig some more until I gather up all the tools I’ll need, take a break to get a new soda, turn on the radio, turn off the radio, check on the kiddo, change my mind about the beads I’ve picked out, find new beads, determine that I need to LOS the wire I need, find the LOS and stink up the downstairs bathroom darkening the wire, finally sit down at my work table and put all the components together. Then decide I’d really rather make a ring, so fire up the torch to solder the components together, melt said components, decide to start over, and finish the earrings I’d started in the first place.
It’s a similar process for the Handmade Accessories, as I list hair sticks in this category. Just exchange the foul smelling LOS for foul smelling Devcon epoxy, add in the search for the right size wooden or bone hair stick components, leave out the melting the components piece, and you get the picture.
You must include at least two pictures with your email showing your handmade process.
• At least one picture of your workspace
I’ve blogged about my new workspace in the basement. You can find images here:
http://shinyadornments.com/simplyshiny/2010/06/back-in-action-again/
See the humongous vice on the table nearest the door? That’s what I use to pull the knot in this 12ga wire bangle after annealing http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=377547
You can see all the beads in their fishing lure containers against the back wall and my torch under the table. What you can’t see are the bug sticky traps under the tables for the recluse spiders that also love my workspace. Ick.
• At least one picture of a “work in progress”.
Again, blogged about in progress work quite a bit. Here are a few examples:
http://shinyadornments.com/simplyshiny/2009/11/slower-than-a-turtle-progress-with-my-silver-projects/
http://shinyadornments.com/simplyshiny/2009/09/sketching-my-ideas/
See the two sketches and stones in the bottom right hand corner of the first picture? They became the necklaces in the next link
http://shinyadornments.com/simplyshiny/2009/12/new-gun-metal-necklaces-using-labradorite-cabs/
http://shinyadornments.com/simplyshiny/2009/09/artisan-sterling-and-amethyst-pendant-components/
This became the pendant in the next post for this giveaway
http://shinyadornments.com/simplyshiny/2009/07/my-silversmithing-class-handmade-projects-so-far/
See the hearts and the male symbols I soldered? They became the necklace in the next post
http://shinyadornments.com/simplyshiny/2009/08/i-heart-boys-handmade-sterling-silver-heart-necklace/
Are you a Pro Seller on Artfire? Have you submitted your application yet?
Artfire has initiated a process that will include a review of seller accounts and the issuance of a logo representing them as “Certified Handmade” shops. This is really good news for potential buyers who would like to know for certainty that they are supporting true artisans and not resellers.
Artfire Studio owners who want to pursue this certification must meet several requirements as well as submit various types of documentation in order to support their status. You can view the full seller requirements at this link http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=forums&op=view_topic&tid=9608 on Artfire. After vetting, those Studio owners that meet the requirements are issued a special blue hand icon for their shops.
When a buyer clicks this new icon in a seller’s Studio, this message is posted to the screen
“This Certified Handmade Artifact recognizes this artisan’s commitment to exclusively offering Handmade and Fine Art work in their studio.
This artisan has been through a careful review to ensure they are the producers of the fine work you now see. When you see the Certified Handmade Artifact, you can shop with the confidence knowing that you are indeed supporting a handmade artisan.”
Having a vetting process that identifies artisan makers is nice differentiator between AF and other sites that sell handmade. Artfire’s press release about the program can be found at http://www.1888pressrelease.com/artfire-builds-artisan-recognition-program-with-the-certifie-pr-225763.html
Initiating this program is timely too. I was perusing some closed etsy threads this morning and came across this one from artist Sherry Truitt
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6574015
Read her comment on page 6 about what happened to her placement in a magazine article that had planned to showcase handcrafted etsy items
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6574015&page=6
Artfire has chosen to provide certification to artisan sellers by actively vetting shops and granting them true handmade artist status. This vetting and the subsequent icon that is granted will be a REALLY good way for buyers to know that the items they’ll be receiving are actually handmade by the artist that owns the Studio.
Kudos to you Artfire.
Once again, I find myself glued to the television on Sunday evenings. 8pm central is sacrosanct in my house. Both the hubs and the kiddo know not to disturb the Mommy while I am glued to the small screen in my bedroom.
Team Edward? No.
Team the wolf kid? Uh, no thank you.
Team Eric. Totally Team Eric.
By the way, did you hear Eric tell Lafayette “let’s go RuPaul” in last week’s episode? I laughed out loud.
Have you picked out your very own True Blood mug? Etsy’s Maid of Clay has some awesome choices.
I’m a little partial to the ‘nom nom nom’ mug. LOL
I like Google Analytics a lot. I visit and review often to check out traffic and sources to my selling venues and my blog. One of the things that GA tracks is the search term used to bring a surfer to my site. Most of the terms are pretty self explanatory; jewelry, handmade, etc, but a few, well, are puzzling if not just down right funny.
Now that the ShinyAdornments shop is back up and running, and generating a bit of traffic, I thought I’d share the latest batch of silly search terms used to find it.
1. apron
2. black quiet ground
3. farm share
4. heather ross unicorn fat quarter
5. organic soap
6. tippy thai
Care to share your favorite search terms from last month?
I’m reposting this as the points are still relevant. If you don’t want to read the entire post, just make note of my tip for the day: Worcestershire sauce is a miracle cleaner for copper. Really.
Click on the blog post title to read the entire post: “How to care for sterling silver and copper jewelry”
Feedback from your prior customers can assist new customers in their decision to purchase from your shop. I almost always peruse a seller’s feedback before purchasing from them, don’t you? Yesterday, I updated my Artfire Studio footer to include comments from some of my wonderful artfire and etsy customers.
You can view the scrolling feedback footer by visiting the ShinyAdornments Artfire Studio.
If you are a Pro seller on Artfire, and you’d like to add a similar footer to your own shop, the widget code (highlighted in green) I used is pasted below. You will just need to substitute your actual etsy or artfire feedback by copying and pasting it into the “Feedback goes here” sections of the template below. Make sure you start each feedback comment line with <p><br>
<marquee behavior=scroll direction=up scrollamount=1 height=100 width=630>
<p><br>Feedback comment goes here
<p><br>Feedback comment goes here
<p><br>Feedback comment goes here
<p><br>Feedback comment goes here
<p><br>Feedback comment goes here
<p><br>Feedback comment goes here
<p><br>Feedback comment goes here
<p><br>Feedback comment goes here
<p><br>Feedback comment goes here
<p><br>Feedback comment goes here
</marquee><br />
Update: If you want to add the statement above your scrolling feedback like I did (“My etsy shop has over 150 sales with 100% positive feedback. Comments include:”) , you can add this blurb directly above the <marquee> tag to your widget:
My <a href=”http://shinyadornments.etsy.com”>etsy shop </a>has over <b>150 sales</b> with <b>100%</b> positive feedback. Comments include:
