I'm self a taught custom wood and metal maker that started just over 3 years ago.
I've started with custom knifemaking, blacksmith then moved to furniture and jewelery crafting.
I have a passion of creating stuff with my hands and joined multiple communities that share the same mindset.
By doing so, not only have I taken an admiration of other makers but met some makers that are truly out of this world with stunning pieces and they are completely under-rated.
A big issue constantly discussed is... if you're not already succesfull/known or have a sustainable income with your own website then you are limited to using marketplace platforms like Etsy or eBay (lol). Although Etsy fee's are the lowest available, it still eats into your profits and they have gone up.
But the most frustrating complaints coming from custom makers is the overflow of cheap stuff that is over-running platforms like Etsy (as an example). Vendors advertise and sell their items as "Custom" or "Handmade" but they aren't. They're also not the highest quality, and priced 75% cheaper than the average custom maker. Most of those come from Asian countries. You just can't compete with them.
There has been discussions of people wanting a true craft platform exclusively for high quality handmade and custom makers. A platform similar to Esty, smaller, and exclusively handmade & custom makers with a minimum starting price of $50.
I think it's a good idea. I think if a small platform (not of the same magnitude of Etsy) can be done with a scaling option then it could be tailored to buyers looking to purchase something little on the high and exclusive.
What do you think?
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