As a response to the devastating effect to small businesses of Covid-19 and having to cancel our hugely popular Christmas Craft Fair, we have decided to launch an online marketplace directly on the site, and accessible to members. Here are a number of questions and answers about the how the marketplace works. Got more? Then just get in touch

Who can join?

The shop is available to Full Members only. Associate Members can apply to become a Full Member and have their work quality assessed, which will then enable you to use the online marketplace. Quality Assessments take place in March every year so Full Members must apply before the end of February.

How does it work?

The marketplace is very similar in concept to Etsy. Every member gets their own shop page, sets their own postage charges and adds their own products. You deal with customer orders and send the products directly. Customers can order from multiple shops in one order and the website will split their order to each member.

How much does it cost?

Full Members can use the marketplace as part of their membership. Shetland Arts & Crafts take no commission from your sales. However there are transaction fees for each sale for credit card processing. These are currently 1.4% + 20p (subject to change, see: Stripe Fees)

Is it difficult to use?

We have tried to make the marketplace as simple as possible to use! However, a certain level of computer competence is required to add images and manage your shop. If you have sold online for example on Etsy, you will have no problems. We are happy to help you get started, but you must be able to run it yourself. A tablet, laptop or PC is best for managing your shop.

What can I sell?

You can sell any craft that you have made yourself. All items must be able to be sent in the post, and must be in stock, or if made to order you must clearly state this on the product listing. There is no limit to the number of products you can sell, subject to a reasonable use.

How do I get paid?

Payments are made direct to your bank account by Stripe. During setup you will be asked to create a Stripe account and link it to your store so that you can start receiving payouts. Due to the administration involved we do not offer any other forms of peyment. Stripe is the industry standard, and also the best value payment processing system (cheaper than Paypal). Payouts to your bank account are made 7 days after the order date.

How does postage work?

Each member sets their own fixed postage rates. These can be set for your whole shop, or per product. There is quite a bit of flexibility in the system. You can also offer Free Postage. At present, we do not offer a local pickup option on the shop. If you want to offer local pickup now, just state in product descriptions for customers to contact you directly rather than order on the website.

Where can I sell to?

At present we are only allowing order and postage to the UK.

What about VAT?

The marketplace does not calculate or invoice for VAT. If you are VAT registered then you must include VAT on your product prices, and you are responsible for dealing with this VAT. You must also be prepared to send customers a separate VAT invoice if they need one.

What about refunds or disputes?

Please familiarise yourself with Distance Selling Regulations. Customers buying online have the right to cancel and return their order within 14 days. Usually, unless faulty, the customer pays return postage, but you must refund in full. For all refunds, you must deal with the customer directly. Once you have resolved the issue, you can request a refund for the order on your account, which we will then approve and process. However please note that you do not get the original transaction fees back when you issue a refund.

What about going on holiday?

There is a “holiday mode” on the shop so you can temporarily disable your shop at any time if you want a break.

Anything else I should know?

The most important thing to bear in mind is that you MUST keep your shop up to date. Particularly if you sell elsewhere, this involves regularly checking stock levels. If a customer places an order, then you have to honour that sale. It is possible to refund for orders, but you will not be refunded transaction fees, and this will damage both your and our reputations.

How to Join

If you’re happy with all of that, then Full Members can apply to start a store. Login to the website and go to your Account page. If you are an active Full Member, you will see a link to apply for your store.

Once started, take a look at the Store Help page, for video walkthroughs of all aspects of managing your new store!

Still got questions? Get In Touch.