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I’ve talked about Etsy for years, I’ve covered Goimagine, and even a few other marketplaces that have come and gone.
Now, I’m introducing you to Makerplace by Michaels. I’ll give you the basics, and a few reasons I’m hopeful.
Table of Contents
What is Makerplace by Michaels?
Makerplace by Michaels is a brand new online marketplace for handmade sellers. As of August 2023, it is currently in beta testing. Makerplace is owned by Michaels – the arts and crafts giant.
Makerspace by Michaels advertises that crafters can make money by selling handmade products, offering live online classes, or by creating how-to’s with supply lists to generate affiliate income.
How Much Does It Cost to Sell on Makerplace by Michaels?
Makerplace by Michaels offers two different monthly subscription plans: Basic (free), and Professional (paid with a 4 month trial and introductory pricing).
What Else Should You Know About Makerplace by Michaels?
- Makerplace by Michaels is a juried marketplace. This means your application to sell will be reviewed by a team before you can sell. Provided the team does their job, this should weed out non-handmade products.
- Products listed in the marketplace must be made by you as a crafter/artist or a designer. Makerplace by Michaels notes, “You will provide documentation of your handmade process, and all parties involved in making your handmade Products, promptly upon our request.” (Source.) Also, information about how you made the item needs to be included in the listing.
- Makerplace is only available in the USA.
- If you are interested in hosting live classes, they must be conducted on Zoom.
- If you do not respond to a customer’s return request within 72 hours, they can get assistance from their local Michaels store to return the item to you. You cannot have more than 5% of your Makerplace by Michaels orders returned to stores or you may be assessed a fee.
- How-To Listing supply lists should be products your customer can purchase at Michaels.
- There has been a lot of online chatter about Makerplace by Michaels owning your photos and content due to unclear language in an early version of their contract. This language has been reworded and made clear that all intellectual property remains with the creator – you. Read the full terms of Makerplace by Michaels – or read the statement regarding content ownership.
- Don’t confuse Makerplace by Michaels with the supply marketplace they launched earlier in the year. These are two separate sites, with two different purposes. Learn more about the Michaels Marketplace.
- I didn’t find any information regarding trademark infringements in the marketplace. I’ll be interested to see if any precautions are put into place – or what infringement reporting will look like.
My Thoughts on Makerplace by Michaels
Personally, I’m excited to see Makerplace officially launch and grow. Makerplace is the first marketplace to come around that I honestly feel can become competition for Etsy. Of course, I’m apprehensive as AC Moore also launched a marketplace (in 2019) – then promptly went out of business entirely.
Why do I think Makerplace can rival Etsy? Michaels is a popular chain with plenty of advertising dollars, an established customer base, and experience in the craft space. The real test will be whether or not Michaels can convert their established customer base who visits the store to buy craft supplies to buyers of finished handmade products.
I’m currently in the process of setting up a store on Makerplace by Michaels. I’ll report back on the process and any additional thoughts.
What are your opinions on Makerplace by Michaels?
Since 2015, Christine Schinagl has been helping crafters start and run craft businesses through her blog, Cutting for Business. As a Silhouette and Cricut crafter herself, she has a unique take on what works and what doesn’t work in the craft business world. She also enjoys teaching other crafters how to create digital SVG designs, available at through the Design with Me series.
leslie williams
Saturday 13th of April 2024
I can't get signed in for Makerplace
Christine Schinagl, Cutting for Business
Monday 15th of April 2024
Reach out to their support team.
Karen Rudder
Friday 29th of December 2023
I make one of a kind pieces. Most of my supplies don’t come from Michaels. Can I still sell on Makerplace? Also can I set my own prices at any price I want, even if it’s expensive, over $100.00?
Christine Schinagl, Cutting for Business
Friday 12th of January 2024
Yes, you don't have to buy supplies from Michaels to list on Makerplace. Yes, you can set your own prices.
Tom
Saturday 19th of August 2023
My daughter has a lazer machine and makes ear rings of that ok ?
Christine Schinagl, Cutting for Business
Thursday 24th of August 2023
Yes, that's handmade.
Jan
Monday 7th of August 2023
I am interested in learning the ins and outs of Marketplace by Michaels. I do a lot of shopping at Michaels for my crafts, but my concern is, will customers see what can be made and just buy the supplies instead of the handmade items. Looking forward in hearing more.
Thank you, Jan
Christine Schinagl, Cutting for Business
Tuesday 8th of August 2023
Thanks for popping in, Jan!
Kelly
Monday 7th of August 2023
I am curious to how much of the supplies need to come from Michaels for the classes? There are some things I make that use a component or 2 from Michaels but the rest would come from a competitor. For example, the Michaels near me do not carry much for cloth so I need to get it from Joannes or Hobby Lobby. I am assuming that to sell a handmade product, it doesn't matter if the supplies come from Michaels or not?
Christine Schinagl, Cutting for Business
Tuesday 8th of August 2023
Correct, your supplies do not have to come from Michaels to list on Markerplace. For the How To's, you make a small percentage of the supply sales - so it would be advantageous to you to use Michaels products.