In the end I set up [My Shop] with [Square] for a variety of reasons. For one I use them to accept credit cards at doll shows so I already have all my inventory listed in their app. For another, unlike Etsy, I can sell any old junk, not just handcrafted stuff. The number one reason though was the cost. The store and image hosting are free and they take about 3%+30 cents per transaction, unlike the 13% eBay and Paypal take combined.
All these images are from the Square website:
Although I like the features it has, I will say the platform is very limiting, the mobile version is not optimized at all and you can only sell within your own country, so no international shipping. They have a [forum] that is full of complaints about the store and the Square service itself. Some complaints are valid and some people want a little too much from a free service. Like right now my store is down and missing from the server - but it's free, lol, so hey, you get what you pay for.
Anyway, for me, it's cheaper and less restricting than other options out there. Would I personally recommend it? Errrr. Well, if you are looking to make a living from it, then no. If you want to randomly sell some doll stuff, then yes.
Sklep wygląda bardzo interesująco! Obejrzałam Twoje produkty i lalki! Wszystko wygląda jak nowe!
ReplyDeleteŻyczę sukcesów handlowych i powodzenia w sprzedaży!
Dzięki tak dużo, Olla!
DeleteAre you offering international shipping?
ReplyDeleteJewel, I can, but the order and shipping would have to be paid for in USD through Paypal. If you see something you are interested in, email hey its muff at yahoo and I can tell you exactly what it would cost to ship.
DeleteWow, I didn't realize Square even had an online shop service like this. I'm mostly familiar with the "virtual register" that a few shops in my area use to swipe your credit card. It does look very slick and professional (when it's up, lol), however.
ReplyDeleteIt will be interesting to see how your opinion changes (or if it does) after a few months of service. How much hassle is it to set up an item for sale vs. how likely are you to sell an item, for example.
Presto, I had been using the Square Register app for a couple of years. My sister told me a long time ago that they had the online option but I don't pay attention to her and forgot all about it, lol. At a recent doll show one of the vendors said they used it and that's what finally got me to investigate it.
DeleteThe good thing about setting up your inventory is that you can do it from your phone. Once you're ready to get fancy and add multiple images, that's when you'll need to finish on a pc. Overall, it's easy to use.
Hey muff, I am currently wanting to buy Top Model Nikki Barbie ( with afro ) and was wondering if you had one available for purchase? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI sure don't, AG. I've never even seen one at the thrift store.
DeleteIf you can see advantages in this over the other sites it's worth giving it a try. I've never sold anything online but Etsy's restrictions seem a bit random. Some stuff I've seen there looked neither vintage nor hand made. I mean, can Barbie furniture by Mattel made 10-15 years ago be vintage? Or are they too big to check. Not that I mind but I hope they're not picking on some shops and not others.
ReplyDeleteAnyhow, good luck! I've bookmarked your shop and will check it out regularly since you can make arrangements for international shipping if necessary.
Maricha, since it's free, it's definitely worth giving a chance! I have sold on eBay before and will probably continue to do so for other junk, but I have to admit it's nice to have a cute little customizable shop.
DeleteSounds interesting. To Maricha, Etsy has changed their restrictions over the past year. I don't think it has to be homemade or vintage any more. I don't know what the new restrictions are since I still only sell handmade items. Good luck with your sales. I will be checking in, but goodness knows I don't need a thing. Luckily we don't just buy what we need.
ReplyDeleteThanks for that info. As I'm only a buyer perhaps that's why I hadn't heard of any changes in selling rules, but the more choice the better.
DeleteThanks for the well wishes, Vanessa! ^_^
DeleteHow do you drive traffic to your Square webpage?
ReplyDeleteBarb, Square itself doesn't list you in any search engine. If that's what you require they offer integration with WooCommercie, Weebly, BigCommerce and Ecwid. I'm choosing direct marketing 'cause I can do that all by myself for about $15 in ink and paper. First step will be my upcoming doll show which is the hugest in my area. I printed flyers and cards out the wazoo and decorated shopping bags as well. Those materials will direct people to my store as well as to a Hey, It's Muff Facebook Page I set up just for marketing the store. Since I actually enjoy marketing and promotions, it's all gravy to me.
DeleteCongratulations on your new website. It looks interesting and I will definitely keep checking it. I wish you lots of success.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carrickters! After this weekend, the plan is to change the stock every Monday so maybe you'll see something you like.
DeleteOooohhh, too bad there's no international shipping :(
ReplyDeleteMonstercrafts, Square just isn't set up for out of country commerce. International sales would have to be done by invoicing through Paypal. International shipping is so much I think it would deter many buyers. If they are willing to pay the shipping I'm sure willing to send it to them though.
DeleteYou're right, sometimes shipping is just crazy. When I buy from Amazon.com I pay almost as much shipping as what I'm paying for the products. However, sometimes it is still worth, as some stuff is not sold in my country (Spain) or the price here is three times more expensive.
DeleteYou rock business girl!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sergio! ^__^
DeleteThis is so cool, Muff. I have to check out your store when it's up.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Janainah!
DeleteHi. I didn't know Squareup before.
ReplyDeleteHow did you add more than one photo to an item? I signed up and there is only one photo.
Have you ever tried Storenvy for your shop? It is pretty nice.
Hi, Milena! Since you are in a different country, the set up might be different from what I'm about to tell you. From your online Square Dashboard, click on Online Store. Click on Store Editor. Once you've created or imported an item to a section, you can further edit it by adding additional images in the Edit Item dialog box. On my version, the "Additional images" option is under "Item details."
DeleteI know how frustrating it is to not only sell online, but to pick the best online option for selling. While I do know a few people who use Etsy, Square is the one that is most promising for everyday use. You have your credit card processing and your total inventory at your fingertips.
ReplyDeleteGerard Reese @ Kafe Digital Marketing