By far the most asked question these days isn’t “How are you?” but rather “How on earth do you find all those awesome businesses to feature on Gigot!?” Of course I’m happy to share, starting today with tip #1: visit an online marketplace.
Why online marketplaces are a good place to start.
Online marketplaces work similar to the weekly or daily marketplace downtown: makers set up a market stall to show and sell their goods.
As a buyer, there will be abundant choice for whatever it is you are looking for. Cow-shaped pillows? A Mint green and fireman red glazed teapot? You will be able to find it. And all within the comfort of your living room, too.
It is fun and at times overwhelming to browse an online marketplace. Brace yourself, as opening up a shop at an online marketplace is relatively easy, many creatives do. The abundance is part of the fun, sifting through tons of not-so-great items, until you find that one perfectly handcrafted gift you were looking for.
Though there are some exceptions, a vast amount of the items you find at an online marketplace will be handmade and unique. Seeing as it’s often a one (wo)man show, and frequently a hobby turned into side-business, you will be valued as a customer here much more than in any chainstore. It’s easy to get in touch with the seller if you’d like something custom made and as a general rule your purchases will be well taken care off and nicely packaged.
Sellers are usually more than happy to ship worldwide, too. Though you should always keep a close eye on the shipping and other handling fees, you could potentially stock your Icelandic home to the brim with Made in South Africa items.
The Online Marketplace Directory
To make it easier to find those beautifully crafted designs you are looking for Gigot proudly introduces the online marketplace directory. Here you find a list of marketplaces to browse for you next perfect gift. These include the well-known craft marketplaces, such as Etsy and Craftly, and also more design, food or fabric oriented online stops.
I regularly find myself browsing the shops in these marketplaces, often finding stunning items. I hope you will as well!
To celebrate the launch I’ll be tweeting some of my favourite finds of each online marketplace listed in the directory; follow Gigot on Twitter for buckets full of inspiration!
* top image is for sale on Spoonflower.