Best Webstore Site?

[xTrishaxLynnx]

I'm looking to set up an online store and I'd like to hear any and all experiences you've had as either a seller or a customer on any of the various online store hosting sites.

[SilentJoy]

I'm an Amazon book seller. I describe stuff as precisely as possible, package securely, ship quickly, and get 5 star reviews (when someone decides to actually leave a review). I make a little dab of money.

[RCIA ~ Class of 09]

I sell on Etsy and I've been very happy with it. It's pretty easy to set up a shop and it's only 20 cents per item you list and a reasonable percentage based on the sale price. Also, they have their own way to collect monies and accept PayPal. I generally prefer customers to use Etsy to pay, but having both available is nice. Etsy also pays for Google ads, so often times potential buyers find my site by Googling something I have in my store, which is nice (of course they also have found my items simply by Googling it based on the "tags" I use in my listings). But you can only sell handmade, supplies (that can be used to make something), or Vintage/Antique items.

 

You can also start a blog to sell things and lastly you can utilize Facebook. In my area we have a section specifically for local crafters as well as several Craigslist type groups. I have found Facebook to be as lucrative as Etsy.

 

If you make items yourself you might also check out local stores such as boutique, etc. to see if they might be interested in your items. This has also proved to be valuable for me :)

[arfink]

I use BigCartel.

 

For starting out, list any 5 items you want, and it costs absolutely nothing. No percentage of your sales, no per-item listing cost, nothing. Zip. Payment with Paypal or Stripe API. Mobile versions are included too. You can customize the site the way you like it using their tools, and you don't need to know CSS, although if you do you can use that too.

 

If you want to list more, or have more pics, you pay a certain amount a month. I use the $10 a month shop for my personal shop, and it's been working very well. BTW, when you're on a paid plan, there is still no listing cost and no percentage of your sales taken.

[xTrishaxLynnx]

Thanks for all the detailed answers, everyone. This is really helpful!

 

Tony, I checked out BigCartel and it seems like a great option. I may end up going with that. I think when I had looked at it earlier, when I was only entertaining the idea of doing an online shop, I got the impression that they wanted totally unique art stuff like what you do, not just handmade items in general. (I make candles, decor, and body care items like lotions and lip balms and stuff.) I also wasn't sure about paying the $10 a month to be able to use my own domain (which I've already reserved,) but I noticed there's no contract even with the paid plans, so I think I'll give it a shot.

 

Another option I looked at was 1&1, but while theirs looks like exactly what I want overall, their introductory price is $10 per month for one year and has to be paid all up front, then there's the contract for a year, plus it goes up to $30 a month after the introductory period. :eek:  BigCartel looks awesome compared to that! lol