We all know about the boxing day sales. The rush to get the best bargain, the queues around the block and the dedicated shoppers who set up camp outside their favourite store at 2 o'clock in the morning. But this year there could be an added incentive.
The rise in VAT on the 1st January means that even full priced items are, essentially, on sale. If consumers wait until after the deadline the prices will go back up, and many experts are recommending people get their shopping in now.
It has been reported that some of the larger chains are considering easing shoppers back into the 17.5% VAT by staggering the increase in prices but for the majority it will be an overnight price hike.
So, have you seen an increase in post Christmas shopping? Is trade better than this time last year? And, if so, do you think the VAT rise has anything to do with it or is it just our bargain hunter nature coming out again?
Tuesday, 29 December 2009
Wednesday, 23 December 2009
Merry Christmas everyone!
As it's probably either your last working day before the Christmas break or, if your a retailer, smack bang in the middle of your busiest time - I won't keep you long.
We just wanted to wish all our readers a very Merry Christmas and to let you know that there will be no posting on Christmas Day.
Have a good one and we'll see you before the New Year!
From everyone at George Stuart.
We just wanted to wish all our readers a very Merry Christmas and to let you know that there will be no posting on Christmas Day.
Have a good one and we'll see you before the New Year!
From everyone at George Stuart.
Monday, 21 December 2009
Lies, damn lies and statistics...
Despite reports back at the beginning of November that retail sales were on the up and consumer confidence was growing, it seems the up turn has been short lived.
At the end of last week, Drapers Online reported that consumer confidence has gone down for the second month in a row and that consumers are "wary" of prospects in the new year.
But is it all that bad? Well, further into the article it says that although consumer confidence has gone down it is still much higher than this time last year and the climate for major purchases has actually gone up.
So how much attention should we pay to these research reports? It would seem that while they have their uses in helping us to understand the market place, we have to be careful not to be swayed by the headlines and instead to look in further detail before starting to panic.
But if we don't use the reports to guide us - what do we use? Well, in these difficult times, instead of competing against each other, maybe we should all be talking to each other to get the information we need straight from the front line. Independent retailers will know how many people are coming through their doors, manufacturers and designers will know whether orders are up or down and by working together we may be able to help each other through these turbulent times.
Why not let us know how things are going for you? Are you looking forward to 2010 or are you afraid of what the new year may bring? Has the Christmas rush been to your store or has it passed you by?
As always, we'd love to hear from you.
At the end of last week, Drapers Online reported that consumer confidence has gone down for the second month in a row and that consumers are "wary" of prospects in the new year.
But is it all that bad? Well, further into the article it says that although consumer confidence has gone down it is still much higher than this time last year and the climate for major purchases has actually gone up.
So how much attention should we pay to these research reports? It would seem that while they have their uses in helping us to understand the market place, we have to be careful not to be swayed by the headlines and instead to look in further detail before starting to panic.
But if we don't use the reports to guide us - what do we use? Well, in these difficult times, instead of competing against each other, maybe we should all be talking to each other to get the information we need straight from the front line. Independent retailers will know how many people are coming through their doors, manufacturers and designers will know whether orders are up or down and by working together we may be able to help each other through these turbulent times.
Why not let us know how things are going for you? Are you looking forward to 2010 or are you afraid of what the new year may bring? Has the Christmas rush been to your store or has it passed you by?
As always, we'd love to hear from you.
Friday, 18 December 2009
Time for something a bit different...
As cold weather hits the UK this week I thought we would go a little off-piste with today's blog entry.
It's still linked to design but instead of fabric, leather or metal let's take some time out to see what people can do with some of the seasonal whote stuff - snow and ice.
Looking around the Internet it's amazing how many festivals, organisations and teams are dedicated to the art of ice and snow sculpture and it's not just the ice swans you might see at a big function! Here are just a few of the more unusual ones...
First up the Canadian Snow Sculpture Team who have a huge gallery of their previous work available for you to see on their website at www.snowsculpture.com. It includes a huge Jack Frost Snow Kingdom - an ice castle with 1300 sq ft of space, a 3600 sq ft maze, over 700 ft of walls and a giant dragon slide for visitors.
Next is Team Sandtastic or rather Team SnowTastic when the weather turns. Turning their sand sculpting skills to snow they were hired by monster.com to make the World's Largest Snow Maze for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Utah, USA.
Finally, if you want to look at a some more everyday items why not check out Oddee's list of 20 fascinating Snow and Ice Sculptures which includes a Blackberry phone and a skateboard made out of ice. Or, if you want to see something a bit more extravagant why not take a look at the New York Skyline made entirely out of the frozen stuff!
Hope you're all enjoying the snow and take care on the roads!
It's still linked to design but instead of fabric, leather or metal let's take some time out to see what people can do with some of the seasonal whote stuff - snow and ice.
Looking around the Internet it's amazing how many festivals, organisations and teams are dedicated to the art of ice and snow sculpture and it's not just the ice swans you might see at a big function! Here are just a few of the more unusual ones...
First up the Canadian Snow Sculpture Team who have a huge gallery of their previous work available for you to see on their website at www.snowsculpture.com. It includes a huge Jack Frost Snow Kingdom - an ice castle with 1300 sq ft of space, a 3600 sq ft maze, over 700 ft of walls and a giant dragon slide for visitors.
Next is Team Sandtastic or rather Team SnowTastic when the weather turns. Turning their sand sculpting skills to snow they were hired by monster.com to make the World's Largest Snow Maze for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Utah, USA.
Finally, if you want to look at a some more everyday items why not check out Oddee's list of 20 fascinating Snow and Ice Sculptures which includes a Blackberry phone and a skateboard made out of ice. Or, if you want to see something a bit more extravagant why not take a look at the New York Skyline made entirely out of the frozen stuff!
Hope you're all enjoying the snow and take care on the roads!
Wednesday, 16 December 2009
Will consumer designers ever replace the professionals?
The introduction of new technology often leads to advances within any given industry.
The introduction of mobile phones with messaging and email capacities saw the beginning of "consumer journalism" with members of the public sending in pictures and reports on events before the official press were able to get out their notepads.
It added a renewed pressure for journalists to be even better at their jobs, to produce better reports and provide an added value to ensure the public continued to watch the news or buy the papers instead of just logging on to Facebook, MySpace or, more recently, Twitter.
Now it seems designers may be facing the same pressure as more and more websites pop up and provide consumers with the opportunity to design their own products, and even in some cases, make some money while doing it.
The "design your own" concept has been around for a while. Among the earliest to offer this type of serice was Nike with their Nike ID products allowing customers to choose the colours and graphics to go on their trainers.
But things have moved on from simply customizing an existing product and sites are now offering the opportunity to design a product from scratch by choosing shapes, cuts, fabrics, colours and finishes.
The latest spot at Springwise - French company www.trendy-workshop.com - allows users to create their own knit sweaters, scarves, dresses, tunics, bags and jackets. But, if the designs are just for that individual why would it threaten the professional designers?
Well, sites like trendy-workshop.com are taking things one step further. Once the individual has designed the product they can also put them up for sale on the same platform. They can create their own store and start at "design apprentice" level and receive a commission for each design that someone orders. They can then work their way up the design ladder and increase the commission they receive.
So, now anyone can be a designer what does the future hold for the professionals? Well, they shouldn't be to worried. While we may all think we can be a designer, it's simply not true. Online or off, there will be people that fail and there will be those with the talent to succeed.
What these sites do do is provide those who may not otherwise have had the opportunity to try their hand at design and offer a new way into a very competitive market and that has to be a good thing, doesn't it?
The introduction of mobile phones with messaging and email capacities saw the beginning of "consumer journalism" with members of the public sending in pictures and reports on events before the official press were able to get out their notepads.
It added a renewed pressure for journalists to be even better at their jobs, to produce better reports and provide an added value to ensure the public continued to watch the news or buy the papers instead of just logging on to Facebook, MySpace or, more recently, Twitter.
Now it seems designers may be facing the same pressure as more and more websites pop up and provide consumers with the opportunity to design their own products, and even in some cases, make some money while doing it.
The "design your own" concept has been around for a while. Among the earliest to offer this type of serice was Nike with their Nike ID products allowing customers to choose the colours and graphics to go on their trainers.
But things have moved on from simply customizing an existing product and sites are now offering the opportunity to design a product from scratch by choosing shapes, cuts, fabrics, colours and finishes.
The latest spot at Springwise - French company www.trendy-workshop.com - allows users to create their own knit sweaters, scarves, dresses, tunics, bags and jackets. But, if the designs are just for that individual why would it threaten the professional designers?
Well, sites like trendy-workshop.com are taking things one step further. Once the individual has designed the product they can also put them up for sale on the same platform. They can create their own store and start at "design apprentice" level and receive a commission for each design that someone orders. They can then work their way up the design ladder and increase the commission they receive.
So, now anyone can be a designer what does the future hold for the professionals? Well, they shouldn't be to worried. While we may all think we can be a designer, it's simply not true. Online or off, there will be people that fail and there will be those with the talent to succeed.
What these sites do do is provide those who may not otherwise have had the opportunity to try their hand at design and offer a new way into a very competitive market and that has to be a good thing, doesn't it?
Monday, 14 December 2009
Could the recession be fuelling a new generation of indies?
Over the past few months it has been widely reported that the recession is making life ever more difficult for indies.
Competing against the big stores and the never ending stream of promotions, banks making it more difficult to get credit and rents seeming to go up and up has meant that a huge number of independent retailers have had to shut their doors but there is a ray of hope...
A report in Drapers Online on Saturday explains how the tough job market persuaded two new graduates to launch their own online business. Lizzie Leary and Beth Widdowson launched independent eTailer www.kindredsole.com earlier this year and used social media tools like twitter and facebook to build a following.
If other entrepreneurs are encouraged by their story and take the plunge themselves we could have a real revival on our hands. Instead of people trying to climb the ladder of bigger companies, the independent market could see a whole new generation of retailers bringing a whole host of new ideas and maybe even help save it from extinction.
Competing against the big stores and the never ending stream of promotions, banks making it more difficult to get credit and rents seeming to go up and up has meant that a huge number of independent retailers have had to shut their doors but there is a ray of hope...
A report in Drapers Online on Saturday explains how the tough job market persuaded two new graduates to launch their own online business. Lizzie Leary and Beth Widdowson launched independent eTailer www.kindredsole.com earlier this year and used social media tools like twitter and facebook to build a following.
If other entrepreneurs are encouraged by their story and take the plunge themselves we could have a real revival on our hands. Instead of people trying to climb the ladder of bigger companies, the independent market could see a whole new generation of retailers bringing a whole host of new ideas and maybe even help save it from extinction.
Friday, 11 December 2009
Are brands discount offers a threat or opportunity for the indies?
Over the last month or so there has been an active discussion about the repercussions of brands selling off stock to discount outlets.
Hilary Cookson, owner of womenswear independent Maureen Cookson in Whalley, Lancashire started the discussion on the Drapers Independent Forum on the Linked in Website and received so many comments from others that she covered it in her Talking Shop piece in Drapers online.
If you are a Draper's subscriber you can see the piece here, if not here's the main message - brands that are selling their stock to discount outlets are causing huge issues for the independents that have stocked the same brands. Some indies are having to refund sales as customers find the same products for half the price elsewhere, others are simply not making as many sales as they were as customers wait to see what bargains they can get later on in the season.
It is understandable that in hard times many brands are simply trying to survive and if that means selling off surplus stock to discount stores then that is what they'll do. But what about the long term effects?
Not only is the practice threatening the existence of many of the independents that make our high streets so interesting but the brands could actually be taking away from their own long term value. Part of the reason customers pay a premium is because of the exclusivity that usually goes with it. It is possible that is brands who continue to sell their products at a discount will lose the customers that were willing to pay a premium because they don't want to be seen in the same thing as everybody else. And, as more and more indies cancel their orders because of this practice, brands may eventually find themselves without any outlet for their full price products.
Admittedly, it might not be great for the brands but they could still survive albeit in a slightly different guise or in a different market place to where they started.
It's certainly more difficult for the independent retailers but, if they are in a position to take advantage of it, this could be a fantastic opportunity.
It seems the most successful indies are those who offer something different, something that is not available elsewhere, so maybe its time to search for something new.
Maybe the time has come to take control of the situation and move away from the brands that don't seem to care about their independent stockists. There are sure to be any number of new designers and brands waiting just around the corner for their big break - it's just a case of finding them. Just imagine what would happen if your store were to discover the next big thing.
It might be more difficult. It might be more risky. But if big brands continue to look after themselves maybe the indies have to do the same.
Hilary Cookson, owner of womenswear independent Maureen Cookson in Whalley, Lancashire started the discussion on the Drapers Independent Forum on the Linked in Website and received so many comments from others that she covered it in her Talking Shop piece in Drapers online.
If you are a Draper's subscriber you can see the piece here, if not here's the main message - brands that are selling their stock to discount outlets are causing huge issues for the independents that have stocked the same brands. Some indies are having to refund sales as customers find the same products for half the price elsewhere, others are simply not making as many sales as they were as customers wait to see what bargains they can get later on in the season.
It is understandable that in hard times many brands are simply trying to survive and if that means selling off surplus stock to discount stores then that is what they'll do. But what about the long term effects?
Not only is the practice threatening the existence of many of the independents that make our high streets so interesting but the brands could actually be taking away from their own long term value. Part of the reason customers pay a premium is because of the exclusivity that usually goes with it. It is possible that is brands who continue to sell their products at a discount will lose the customers that were willing to pay a premium because they don't want to be seen in the same thing as everybody else. And, as more and more indies cancel their orders because of this practice, brands may eventually find themselves without any outlet for their full price products.
Admittedly, it might not be great for the brands but they could still survive albeit in a slightly different guise or in a different market place to where they started.
It's certainly more difficult for the independent retailers but, if they are in a position to take advantage of it, this could be a fantastic opportunity.
It seems the most successful indies are those who offer something different, something that is not available elsewhere, so maybe its time to search for something new.
Maybe the time has come to take control of the situation and move away from the brands that don't seem to care about their independent stockists. There are sure to be any number of new designers and brands waiting just around the corner for their big break - it's just a case of finding them. Just imagine what would happen if your store were to discover the next big thing.
It might be more difficult. It might be more risky. But if big brands continue to look after themselves maybe the indies have to do the same.
Wednesday, 9 December 2009
Dedicated followers of fashion...
Last week we looked at sites like Etsy and Artfire that were helping independent artisans to promote and sell their goods. Well, this week it's the turn of a site that is dedicated to the independent retailer and their customers.
Earlier this year social networking site http://www.storesociety.com/ was launched. It's the brain child of Kristina O'Connor (and yes she is related to Des, in fact she's his daughter) who saw an opportunity for creating a site that allowed members to upload photographs of their new purchases and allowed them to discover new boutiques and brands that may not be available on their nearest high street.
In its first three months Store Society recruited over 150 stores with 95% of those being independent brands and boutiques and its easy to see why. Things are hard for indies at the minute and those in smaller towns and cities may be finding it especially hard as they simply don't have the same levels of foot traffic as those in busier places. But Store Society claims to be able to help.
It provides indies with the chance to sign up and use this Internet marketing tool for free. You can create a store page where you can list all the relevant details like location, opening times etc but it also allows you to promote your latest offers and even use a "Buy Now" button linking straight to your own website (if you have one).
But the greatest advantage would appear to be gained from the individual memberships. Using the same sort of techniques as Facebook, Twitter and MySpace, Store Society allows individuals to upload pictures of their newest purchases, discuss the latest trends and follow their favourite store, irrespective of their physical location. All the power of social networking and viral marketing there at a retailers fingertips and all for free.
From a short browse around the site it looks like it could be a fantastic tool for independents looking to reach outside of their existing customer base, and as its for free there appears to be no financial risk in at least giving it a go. Why not visit http://www.storesociety.com/, have a look and let us know what you think.
Earlier this year social networking site http://www.storesociety.com/ was launched. It's the brain child of Kristina O'Connor (and yes she is related to Des, in fact she's his daughter) who saw an opportunity for creating a site that allowed members to upload photographs of their new purchases and allowed them to discover new boutiques and brands that may not be available on their nearest high street.
In its first three months Store Society recruited over 150 stores with 95% of those being independent brands and boutiques and its easy to see why. Things are hard for indies at the minute and those in smaller towns and cities may be finding it especially hard as they simply don't have the same levels of foot traffic as those in busier places. But Store Society claims to be able to help.
It provides indies with the chance to sign up and use this Internet marketing tool for free. You can create a store page where you can list all the relevant details like location, opening times etc but it also allows you to promote your latest offers and even use a "Buy Now" button linking straight to your own website (if you have one).
But the greatest advantage would appear to be gained from the individual memberships. Using the same sort of techniques as Facebook, Twitter and MySpace, Store Society allows individuals to upload pictures of their newest purchases, discuss the latest trends and follow their favourite store, irrespective of their physical location. All the power of social networking and viral marketing there at a retailers fingertips and all for free.
From a short browse around the site it looks like it could be a fantastic tool for independents looking to reach outside of their existing customer base, and as its for free there appears to be no financial risk in at least giving it a go. Why not visit http://www.storesociety.com/, have a look and let us know what you think.
Monday, 7 December 2009
Today's the day!
Well, according to the news reports anyway.
As many of you will have seen, the first Monday in December is supposed to be the busiest online sales day of the year. The BBC report suggests that those trading online could expect overall sales to reach £350 million as shoppers search for the perfect Christmas presents for their loved ones.
John Lewis seem to be ahead of the game with their online site johnlewis.com already seeing its best ever sales figures last week but what about the smaller independent stores who are yet to enter the online world?
Well, it's not all bad news. Online sales may be on the up but according to National Statistics they still only account for around 4% of total retail sales. And, if you are looking for a further boost, Drapers online have reported that it seems that those who are shopping on the street, especially those shopping for womens wear, are looking for quality above price and the average spend is on the increase.
So, if you are an independent retailer who doesn't have a website, it's not the end of the world. On the other hand, if this trend continues an online presence may be something to think about in 2010.
Are you an independent thinking about adding an online facility to your business? If so we'd love talk to you for a feature on this blog so please get in touch!
As many of you will have seen, the first Monday in December is supposed to be the busiest online sales day of the year. The BBC report suggests that those trading online could expect overall sales to reach £350 million as shoppers search for the perfect Christmas presents for their loved ones.
John Lewis seem to be ahead of the game with their online site johnlewis.com already seeing its best ever sales figures last week but what about the smaller independent stores who are yet to enter the online world?
Well, it's not all bad news. Online sales may be on the up but according to National Statistics they still only account for around 4% of total retail sales. And, if you are looking for a further boost, Drapers online have reported that it seems that those who are shopping on the street, especially those shopping for womens wear, are looking for quality above price and the average spend is on the increase.
So, if you are an independent retailer who doesn't have a website, it's not the end of the world. On the other hand, if this trend continues an online presence may be something to think about in 2010.
Are you an independent thinking about adding an online facility to your business? If so we'd love talk to you for a feature on this blog so please get in touch!
Friday, 4 December 2009
Why belts make the perfect stocking filler...
As much as I would prefer to leave it until at least the 20th December, it's hard to ignore the fact that Christmas is upon us. Wherever you turn there are sparkling Christmas trees and smiling Santa's. And, of course, there are the frantic shoppers, all searching for those perfect presents.
This year may be slightly different though. Because of the recession shoppers may be being more careful with the money they have and are less likely to be splashing the cash on silly novelty presents that will either be thrown away or put in the under stairs cupboard on boxing day.
It's especially true for stocking fillers. Whether they are for the kids or for grown ups, stockings often end up filled with cheap funny presents that are cast aside as soon as the main presents come out but it doesn't have to be that way.
Why not fill your stockings with small presents that the recipient will actually enjoy, keep and get some use out of? And that's why belts make fantastic stocking fillers...
The options are endless. If you're going for a more exclusive expensive stocking why not go for a high quality leather belt with a fantastic buckle - it could me all the difference to someone who appreciates the finer things.
At the other end of the scale there are the fashion trend belts available for your teenage family members and here, the variety really is endless - sparkly, wrap around, skater or studded - there is a belt for every taste. You might not know what to buy them clothes wise but they are sure to find their own unique way to combine a belt with a whole host of things they already have in their wardrobe.
Whatever you choose it's sure to be more use than yet another pair of socks. So when you're struggling for stocking inspiration don't be distracted by the shiny packaging of novelty gifts, think logically, and think belts!
This year may be slightly different though. Because of the recession shoppers may be being more careful with the money they have and are less likely to be splashing the cash on silly novelty presents that will either be thrown away or put in the under stairs cupboard on boxing day.
It's especially true for stocking fillers. Whether they are for the kids or for grown ups, stockings often end up filled with cheap funny presents that are cast aside as soon as the main presents come out but it doesn't have to be that way.
Why not fill your stockings with small presents that the recipient will actually enjoy, keep and get some use out of? And that's why belts make fantastic stocking fillers...
The options are endless. If you're going for a more exclusive expensive stocking why not go for a high quality leather belt with a fantastic buckle - it could me all the difference to someone who appreciates the finer things.
At the other end of the scale there are the fashion trend belts available for your teenage family members and here, the variety really is endless - sparkly, wrap around, skater or studded - there is a belt for every taste. You might not know what to buy them clothes wise but they are sure to find their own unique way to combine a belt with a whole host of things they already have in their wardrobe.
Whatever you choose it's sure to be more use than yet another pair of socks. So when you're struggling for stocking inspiration don't be distracted by the shiny packaging of novelty gifts, think logically, and think belts!
Wednesday, 2 December 2009
Is the internet the answer for new designers?
Back in November we discussed how easy, or difficult, it is for new designers to break into the high street and if it was really something that they would want to do (read the blog entry here).
If they decided that for whatever reason - whether it be "selling out" or losing control of their creative direction - that a collaboration with a well know retailer wasn't what they wanted, could the Internet provide the solution?
We know that, excluding the Christmas rush, online sales growth does seem to still be growing, albeit slower than before. Websites are becoming easier and more affordable to set up and would allow each individual designer the opportunity to cut out the middle man and sell direct to their customers but, in order to make a success of online selling, you have to get people to visit your site and if they don't know who you are or what you do that could be difficult and/or require a substantial marketing investment.
But now, online marketplace sites could provide an the alternative. The likelihood is that many of you will have tried selling things on eBay, if not you're sure to have heard of it. But eBay is massive and the auction system is not always the easiest way to get the best price for all the hard work you put into your products.
Instead, the last few years have seen the emergence of sites specially designed for individual designers and artists to sell their work. It all seems to have started back in 2005 with the launch of US based website www.etsy.com. On their website they say their mission is "to enable people to make a living making things and to reconnect people with buyers". They have buyers and sellers from over 150 countries and listings include handmade and vintage items from accessories to housewares and books to original artworks. They even made it into the Telegraph.co.uk's Best websites: Home feature earlier in November this year.
More recently we've seen the addition of another US based site - www.artfire.com, launched in 2008 and billed as "a marketplace for artisans by artisans to celebrate the unique individuality of artists and crafters around the world".
The founder started ArtFire after trying to sell items on a large online sites and learnt first hand about the challenges sellers face when using them. As a result they set up the site and put the sites members at the heart of everything they do, providing support through the evolving online community taking part on the site.
Both sites seem to have become incredibly popular with hobby crafters and artists but how viable is it as an option for those who are trying to make a full time living? If you use these kind of sites maybe you could let us know how they've worked for you by leaving a comment below.
If they decided that for whatever reason - whether it be "selling out" or losing control of their creative direction - that a collaboration with a well know retailer wasn't what they wanted, could the Internet provide the solution?
We know that, excluding the Christmas rush, online sales growth does seem to still be growing, albeit slower than before. Websites are becoming easier and more affordable to set up and would allow each individual designer the opportunity to cut out the middle man and sell direct to their customers but, in order to make a success of online selling, you have to get people to visit your site and if they don't know who you are or what you do that could be difficult and/or require a substantial marketing investment.
But now, online marketplace sites could provide an the alternative. The likelihood is that many of you will have tried selling things on eBay, if not you're sure to have heard of it. But eBay is massive and the auction system is not always the easiest way to get the best price for all the hard work you put into your products.
Instead, the last few years have seen the emergence of sites specially designed for individual designers and artists to sell their work. It all seems to have started back in 2005 with the launch of US based website www.etsy.com. On their website they say their mission is "to enable people to make a living making things and to reconnect people with buyers". They have buyers and sellers from over 150 countries and listings include handmade and vintage items from accessories to housewares and books to original artworks. They even made it into the Telegraph.co.uk's Best websites: Home feature earlier in November this year.
More recently we've seen the addition of another US based site - www.artfire.com, launched in 2008 and billed as "a marketplace for artisans by artisans to celebrate the unique individuality of artists and crafters around the world".
The founder started ArtFire after trying to sell items on a large online sites and learnt first hand about the challenges sellers face when using them. As a result they set up the site and put the sites members at the heart of everything they do, providing support through the evolving online community taking part on the site.
Both sites seem to have become incredibly popular with hobby crafters and artists but how viable is it as an option for those who are trying to make a full time living? If you use these kind of sites maybe you could let us know how they've worked for you by leaving a comment below.
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