About POD, and I'm prefacing this by saying that I have POD designs on several sites: I think Goimagine needs to stick to their original idea and not allow it on the site. There are TONS of places to sell POD designs; if there was a shortage, then it might be something to consider but once this becomes a thing, they'd be forced into splitting hairs over what is 'legit' and what's not. If it's allowed, eventually people will be complaining that it's become just like E, where you see the same exact wording on products in different fonts (sometimes the same), copycats etc. If we want a place like what E was in the early years before it 'went corporate', the place needs to stick to its mission.
It's tough, though, because there are plenty of stationery shops that need to get their items made for them, like washi tape or notepads, etc. And those shops put a lot of care into their items, with a note and the personal touch, but it's just something that can't be made at home. But I understand that opening the door can lead to a pod Etsy situation.
I haven't finished the video yet, but I sincerely hope AI art isn't allowed on the platform. It's getting to be so hard to sell art on Etsy because it's flooded with AI garbage. Also, I wouldn't open the door to digital downloads, either. I think that muddies the waters, too.
I’m just halfway thru and woah… I fell like i was feeling between 2006 (when i started) and 2015 (when etsy became public). It’s as if, while watching this, my cynicism and snark vanished, my love for the handmade COMMUNITY and the PURPOSE of handmade came back to me in an overwhelming wave if positive emotions. It’s as if the etsy dark cloud moved along, and a pretty goimagine sun replaced it, full of hope and dreams and motivation and purpose and enthusiasm and love and community and a big breath of fresh air took over me. Haven’t felt these emotions toward being a maker in so long… Sir, if ever you open up to Canada, i’m all in; selling, promoting, even volunteering for the Handmade Integrity Team. 😊❤
What an amazing guy and opportunity for people in the US. His passion, ethos and convictions were abundantly clear. Hopefully they will grow big enough to start in the UK too as I would be on there in a heartbeat. Kara I hope that they will use you for consultation or get you on the board as I think that there is so much you can offer.
I love a good revolution. I'm in! This is honestly exactly what I've been looking for. A company that actually cares. Even if my work doesn't help someone (I hope it will), I know that the company as a whole is helping those in need. I love this and thank you for sharing this chat.
I have been working on my shop with GI. I believe in him. I hope that more will join. Let’s make this blow out Etsy. Let them reserve themselves out of sellers. We made them what they are. Now it’s Ron’s time. Thanks Kara. I listened to it all! Great job.
This has reinvigorated me to reopen my shop. I pulled everything off etsy and have been working toward my own site, i already own my own domain and i was looking at options for payment processing and then i found this video. Im a crochet and knit product maker and i only make things by hand, knitting needles / crochet hook, no machine in my office, just me. Looking for a place that understands a hand knit or crocheted item vs something bought off wish, aliexpress or another mass produced site and selling it as 'handmade' at half the price of a handmade item.
WOW! Awesome interview--love the philosophy and passion Jon has for Goimagine and I really hope their company mission takes hold! One HUGE plus is the handling of US sales taxes--HUGE!!! I live in a state where the sales tax is literally a NIGHTMARE to contend with. Major props!
I must say, in browsing GoImagine, it is quite refreshing to see all the obviously handmade goods! Thanks for this video, Kara...I think I'll be adding GoImagine to my bag of tricks!
Thank you for this! Im all in! My product is not ready to sell but when it is, im on Goimagine. I love what you stand for and thank you for that. I especialy thank you for not using the term disruptive. ❤
I was on GoImagine until I moved out of the country. The customer support was awesome and I loved the small support groups. No constant complaining and putting fellow sellers down like ETSY does. I was only on for about 2 months before I moved away. It does take patience since they are relatively new to the marketplace.
I am ecstatic to see this video! I joined GoImagine and haven't set up my listings just yet but am honored to be a part of the first makers to create for such an amazing company!!! Thank you Kara for doing this interview!!!
I love the way that Goimagine focusses on actual handmade products, and the focus on local. If it ever opens up to Canadian sellers, I'd LOVE to give it a try.
I have been setting up my GoImagine for a while (a year, I work full time job). It looks complicated when you start, but they are really good at helping you through it. I'm going to put all my Etsy items there soon.
@@KaraBuntin me too. A little at a time meaning it’s been a year and still not close to ready. Just now getting computer updated and office loaded so I can transfer Etsy fills easier. Numbers and Pages are a nightmare to use and don’t work. I fix Apple computers, but really suck at keeping my OS updated. So no office till I got it done. 😐
Loved the interview. I did notice that he never mentioned if you can print the shipping labels directly from the site, so that is one question of mine. Also, he didn't touch on whether or not they were going to let people sell "supplies" on this site or not. I sell hand made yarn, and it just gets me how etsy allows people to go to the big box stores and purchase yarn there on sale, and then allow them to sell on etsy because it's a supply.
Hello, They do allow supplies if they are handmade supplies and right now you cannot print shipping labels on the site. I use pirate ship. I think its in the works though
Great info--thank you for doing this interview! Hopefully Jon will read some of these comments and address the gateway issues of the site and also the first seller I clicked on in the art prints section has a link to their etsy store in the description and the item itself is definitely not handmade, just another recycled print you could buy at a chain. HIT team needs to step it up lol. Regardless, I'll be joining soon to give it a go.
I'm so glad you had Jon on talking about Goimagine. I looked into them earlier this year and decided against it. I can't remember if it was because they might not have had a review feature (they do now!) or if they didnt get enough traffic. Since then, I have decided to use gold filled metals instead of gold plated on Etsy but deleting those gold plated listings or edit tags and titles will tank my shop and my revenue! So I'm stuck, waiting and hoping my new listings will take off and generate organic traffic. Been racking my brain on what to do! Goimagine could possibly be the perfect option for me now and I can't believe I forgot about them. Best part, I won't have much competition on that platform and could do very well. Thank you Jon! Thank you Kara!
I don't like gold plated, or any plated metal. The problem is that even when I use search filters for solid gold or solid silver, all the plated stuff still comes up and I often have to click on the listing and read the fine print. I highly recommend saying solid gold in your heading/listing title.
I will, but I'm waiting because they've been having technical problems for a few days. When that gets fixed I'll do some tutorial videos for my other channel.
This was a VERY exciting video for me! I got an account reserve on Etsy, which is my personal last straw that I didn't get a reason and can't talk to anyone about it. I'm looking to expand elsewhere and get a website launched so all of this was great information!
I found this really interesting. I've been selling on the big three platforms for 10 years, and I think this is definitely worth a second look. Thank you and Jon for all the great info.
This was an interesting discussion! I was on Etsy back when they were actually enforcing strictly handmade. The late '00s. I remember them shutting down shops and sellers having to prove they were the makers (through pictures of them making the items, etc). Originally you couldn't outsource any prints, then they said it was ok to outsource as long as you had it sent to yourself first for inspection and so the maker's hand actually touched the item. They stopped that requirement because shipping times were doubled and no one wants to wait a month. That was when they introduced the production partners. To help sellers who were actually designing their products and artist/photographers. I just don't know how a company like Goimagine can grow beyond a certain size without losing control to resellers and POD
I edited this video heavily, and Jon said that he doesn't want to grow past a certain size because that will happen. I linked a podcast in the description of the video where he went into those topics, so you might want to listen to that when you get a chance, it's an interesting approach.
Ty for this video. I am so excited about Goimagine. I plan to start listing my items in January that's when I'll get my laptop. Then once i get some listed i will go up to $10 level. I also agree POD should be kept off this platform. It would be like opening Pandora's Box
I might check this out once I get more of my crochet items made. I have two shops, one is digital, one is handmade currently but will probably have POD in a couple months. But I think having my handmade items on another marketplace would be nice.
I like what I'm hearing. My only concern is the payment processing. I understand Stripe is needed, but I also want to be able to take Cash App payments as this has come to be a preferred method for my customers.
Welp, I just applied! Good luck everyone, it would be cool to get some sales. I applied for the 10 dollar tier too, I figured I might as well because while I have a new standalone website, it’s not a store yet.
Great information!!! Loved it I liked how he explained where this platform is going, I think it's also a good idea to compensate a website member when they refer someone like a one time referral bonus of how many people u refer I just enjoyed this video now I'm more convinced to join and I will use ur code, I'm new to ur channel but I will become a subscriber Thank you for interviewing him on ur channel ❤
I looked at this platform when they first launched, but didn't join because they were so new and unheard of. Looking forward to listening to this interview to see if it's time to jump in.
Jump. I did last week still setting up. I didn’t know we were a market place AND a website. I love this. Keep it up and the orange E will be one of those haunted shows. Showing where the E was abandoned and haunted!
I loved this interview! I had not heard of them before but was looking to expand from E. I am definitely going to look at this, they are more like the reason I initially started with E 10 yrs ago. Thank you so much!
Yes, expand to Canada! Our two countries are very intertwined. Most of my supplies come from the US. Also, our shipping information is easily available between both countries.
I am in UK so can not use but really enjoyed the video anyway sounds like could be good sit to sell as it builds good look to everyone giving it a go. I hope its ok to say but for others in UK who can not use Goimagine. I have noticed quite a few sellers taking about reopening or starting shops on Folksy if enough UK sellers go there and we also start checking it out first when we want to buy possibly it could become a good place to sell. I have not heard anything about about it other then lack of traffic but even etsy and ebay started with no traffic. These smaller sits just need people to stick with them and give them a chance to grow. Now is the time to stop complaining there's no alternatives to etsy and help build some alternative. Just to say I have no links with Folksy other then a shop I opened years ago and did nothing with.
Love his passion and mission!! Would like to know a few more details like: How does digital work? What does shipping look like? What does the application process look like? Maybe a peek into what creating different types of listings looks like.
I was working on my shop but got frustrated because they only took Stripe. Now that they also do PayPal, I’ll try again. I love the idea and want to support them.
I am wondering if this Goimagine allows digital media creations? I make the stuff myself. I do not use 'chatgpt' or other AI programs that generate art through searching the net.
I really love the way this platform sounds. I would love to have this be my first platform imstead of Etsy, but I need to be able to make things using design elements or designs I have purchased and have the license for. I do usually modify them and make them my own. I just am not artistic enough to hand draw a pattern or a flower or a hen, so I use designs & elements and sometimes AI to make my creations.
@@KaraBuntin What about using elements & digital designs? For example, I might put a sunshine graphic on top of a photograph I took and then sublimate it onto a shirt or mug. Or I might take a dog bone graphic and duplicate it to put it all around a photograph I took of a dog that I am sublimating onto a sweatshirt.
If you’re physically making the sublimated item that’s okay but the elements that you’re putting on them can’t be made with AI at all. They also don’t allow any POD.
@@LilyBecca If you're personally doing the subblimation then it's handmade. If you use any AI images in that, though, it's not allowed. If there are no AI images involved it's fine.
So Kara are you still setting up an Ebay Shop along with this platform? You are giving me lots to think about. Thanks for sharing your SHIFT focus this year.
That's a tricky one that we're working on sorting out. At this point you have to design the engraving designs yourself but the Handmade Integrity Team will be talking about this kind of thing soon to clarify.
Loved the interview. I do hope they continue to update the platform. Like how to you list an item avail in multiple colors in one listing? Or do you have to have all separate listings?
I know what you’re talking about, they’re not POD, they just have stock images and I can’t blame them. I do the same thing for my art prints and it’s way easier and more professional when you have multiple designs. You have to apply before you have a shop there. Cards are fairly easy to make at home or the seller outsources them and has stock, just they use stock images because it way easier. I wouldn’t worry.
I'm another artist who does POD of my own designs. Most of the copycat theft issues are because of the ease of POD products. I am considering using GoImagine for my original digital download files with a "maker's license" for an end product, and my studio made mugs, stickers & shirts that i press myself. I do need an outside printer to fulfill my wall art listings, so I'm wondering if that can be considered as you are also considering what to do about the photography issue. Even if you have only a handful of approved printers for fulfillment.
I think that you can use an outside printer if you have the prints shipped to you first, then you mail them out. That will give you a chance to quality control them, sign them, whatever you want to do. I could be wrong about that so you should check, btu I think I heard or read that somewhere.
I’m exploring other platforms. Etsy hasn’t deposited the amount with the “code” that is needed to verify my account. It’s been over a week. I sell handmade jewelry, and I have a lot of inventory.
@@KaraBuntin I know, my timing is always off. Oh well, not a huge deal in the grand scheme of things. It was a great interview, and now I feel even better about having applied the other day. Hopefully I'm accepted. In the mean time I'll just keep myself busy as usual. As with anything worth while, it's a long game. As a community; all spreading the word... the traffic will come.
I wrote to Goimagine asking if the Mosaic website also incurred the transaction fee (I know there is a credit card processing fee) and the reply was yes, sales from Mosaic will have the same transaction fee associated with your plan. My current website has a flat monthly fee only, no transaction fee. I was about to switch to Goimagine due to the math the founder used for having a stand alone web site. I think it needs to be clear to also add in the extra transaction fee to your math when deciding.
Every site has transaction fees as far as processing the sales go, are you sure that's not what they were talking about? I pay Stripe for my payments on my website because payment processing fees are going to be charged any time you have someone pay with a credit card or paypal (their fees are separate too.) I'm checking to verify with them now and will report back.
I got confirmation that yes, the transaction fee and the payment processing fee are both applied to the marketplace shop and Mosaic websites since they're both tied to the same system. If that's the situation I would say that people should figure out their own costs as far as using the website option goes, because that can increase your monthly website cost. Having said that, I would also say that the benefit of having inventory synced and the sales tax taken care of should also be weighed in your decision! It's going to be different for everyone.
I just don’t have the time or the desire to market my shop. That takes a lot of time. All makers want to do nothing but make. That’s the problem. Also, I have a 96 year old mother who loves to make things and is always looking for a place to sell her stuff. It would have to be super easy for her.
I think it depends on how big you want to grow as far as income. If you want a full time income you'll have to market yourself in some way, but part time or hobby income can be done without the promotion if you're on a marketplace that has a lot of organic traffic.
This was a really nice interview, I had been considering them for a while, but I have two concerns-how would domain connection work? And also shipping? With Etsy I have an option to use a stamped envelope through Pitney bowes, do they offer something similar? My stickers are my best sellers and I’ve been focusing more on that. I don’t want to charge first class package for that. I could just use a regular stamp, but idk how that would work in their systems. It’s also amazing to hear his support for the LGBTQ+ community. I am so tired of the hate and violence and pathetic companies who bow down to awful people lately. Shame on anyone who thinks it’s okay to stand against inclusion. I am open to trying this, but as he said it’s like getting a divorce. When you’ve been burned in the past it’s hard to trust someone and it’s a lot of effort we don’t know that will pay off.
There is a process where you can connect your domain to either your marketplace shop or your Mosaic. Shipping has been set with 2 default methods, but we have the ability to create any number of methods to make it work for you.
I plan to get on board with this to support the charitable mission. It will be a duplication of effort but I can can justify the cost and effort on account of the charitable goals. The definition of "hand made" has been defined and established for literal centuries by authorities for the English language such as the Oxford English Dictionary. The definition includes items made by hand AND not made by machine. The problem is not that there is no established definition for "hand made", but that makers and sellers want to change the definition instead of accurately describing their products. This may seem like a hard line but its not, it is just a historical fact of the English language. To reasonably extend the logic presented here, a fantastically modified and beautifully custom painted 1967 Impala Low Rider would be categorized as "hand made". Absurd, but consistent with what was said by Jon in this interview. The word you all are looking for when it comes to modifying a machine made product "by hand" is custom made. You really do not need a team of people to understand what is meant by hand made because it is not that hard of a concept.
The problem, as we talked about in this interview but I don't know if I edited it out, is that technology (and language) changes. I have my own opinion of what handmade is and it aligns with what Jon thinks as far as I can tell, but you also have to be realistic about things like using a sewing machine vs stitching everything by hand. It's not as clear as you're making it out to be in every situation.
@@KaraBuntin Well the definition if you are an English speaker has been stable for more than a century. The definition is clear, it is just not what many would like for it to be. You perfectly summed up why authoratative references exist. The problem that you and Jon have regarding this issue is you are frankly going about it backwards. Instead of trying to REDEFINE the term "handmade" you need to just DEFINE what you want to sell on the website. You just cant redefine things willy-nilly based on some current convienence or technology and expect to be taken seriously. Just because the definition of handmade is inconveinent does not justify changing it. The suggested approach in the video really does not follow good business practice because you are spending time spinning your wheels. What Jon wants to categorize is a moving target but you are proposing a static definition. From a technological viewpoint, I would side with you versus your relative on the sewing machine vs hand-stitch disagreement. You just cant blow off categories, hierarchies and logically sound comparisons if you are trying to organize your thoughts and come to sensible decisions about what things are. Failing to do so will cause problems downstream by wasting time so it is a business concern as well as an academic one. Hand made furniture is made from milled wood, so handmade does not mean "no machines allowed". Here is an example of understanding how categories can be used. Say for example you exclude anything manufactured by a machine that relies on microprocessors. This would exclude anything made by CNC, AI or laser engraving. Now this example is also problematic because many hand held power tools like can have a microprocessor (other problems as well). So, this is why instead of redefining a term in the English language, you need to just make guidelines and change the guidelines to fit the needs of the makers and goals of the platform.
@@KaraBuntin But I see no point in promoting a shop on a site that I have no control over vs having my own website to promote. I like etsy because I set a advertising budget and it brings in independent sales on it's own while I focus on growing my own website that I have full control over. I do like the Goimagine platform and that way it is all handmade products.
The definition changes depending on which platform you're on, and the designer vs maker definition. There's a grey line in some areas, and then in others it's pretty clear as far as I'm concerned. But people would argur with me on that.
@@KaraBuntin There are several good ones on Etsy who do handmade art. I was checking to see if any had migrated over and discovered there really isn't any nude artwork on there. Maybe it goes against their guidelines?🤔
@@shakazulu3594 Their seller guidelines specify the want the site "family friendly". Looks like artfully done nudes may be ok, provided there's a censor image over the main thumbnail so searching on the site remains family friendly.
I'd like to check out Goimagine, but don't see the link. I googled it, but the link is broken and i get an error code. Do you have one? Or did I miss it.
They’ve been having trouble with the site for the past few days, so refresh the screen and it should come up. They’re currently working on it according to their Facebook group posts
Print on demand should not be allowed on goimagine. It will end up being like all the other sites that do allow print on demand products and degrades the products of the actual handmade. Give an inch and there goes a mile.
I am fed up with Etsy. You can’t sell if you are not seen. No matter what I do, I haven’t been able to get seen. And, when I put in search, the exact listing words for one of my items (printable Ballet bookmarks), not only did it not come up, but bookmarks that were NOT printable were shown and items that were not bookmarks were shown. AND, some listings were shown 6 or 7 times… exact item from the same sell. Done numerous times for numerous sellers. I CAN’T GET SEEN! Had enough!
Kara Buntin...you would be a great board member! Jon..try to get Kara Buntin to do it..she has trust in the handmade community..just an idea 💡 but it's a good one!!!
Did I misunderstand? Did he say we cannot sell the same products on GoImagine and another platform? I sell original art, does it mean I could only sell my paintings on GoImagine and nowhere else?
I would be more interested in goimagine if they did like all the big names, and the more successful littler names, and advertised the products online. Ecrater advertises thru Google shopping, as does all the big names. The CPCs in google shopping are quite low and advertising costs can be recouped thru possibly optional advertising fees, I think etsy's model is pretty nice as a percentage of the sale. it'd be quite nice to have an adjustable fee percentage at the item level. There are some products I wouldn't mind spending more heavily on advertising, like the more popular high margin items. Instead of etsy's standard 15%, I wouldn't mind upping it to 40-50% to possibly get more google traffic with higher cpcs and whatnot.
They do advertise online, and their ROAS is really good. Jon showed me the stats on the back end while we were talking, i just didn’t show that in the interview because it’s proprietary information. I’ve also seen several of my Goimagine listings on the first page of organic search results in shopping listings and on the main search page, so having a shop open has given me more visibility in google organic search, which is what I’m interested in.
It must be really hard trying to launch an ecommerce brand right now. The market is swamped by Etsy, eBay and Amazon and even if you can get the sellers, trying to get enough footfall from buyers who are used to going to the big sites because it's easier, is hard. I would say the large number of people who buy from sites like Etsy don't actually care if it's a handmade product otherwise Etsy wouldn't allow so much non handmade stuff to sell there. Here in the UK I have seen new ecommerce sites set up but they just don't have the traffic and I've given up. I applaud Goimagine's stand point on what handmade is. I believe this is how Etsy came into being. I totally get the logistics issue. Selling internationally is a nightmare. I have my own website now and it was a nightmare setting up for overseas sales because of all the taxes and customs and VAT that goes with it and how much it varies between countries. I'm still not entirely sure I've got it right even now!
I think so, but you’ll need to make sure you have all The food handling licensing and permits etc in place. I assume that you do if you’re sending things in the mail!
About POD, and I'm prefacing this by saying that I have POD designs on several sites: I think Goimagine needs to stick to their original idea and not allow it on the site. There are TONS of places to sell POD designs; if there was a shortage, then it might be something to consider but once this becomes a thing, they'd be forced into splitting hairs over what is 'legit' and what's not. If it's allowed, eventually people will be complaining that it's become just like E, where you see the same exact wording on products in different fonts (sometimes the same), copycats etc. If we want a place like what E was in the early years before it 'went corporate', the place needs to stick to its mission.
Very good point.
It's tough, though, because there are plenty of stationery shops that need to get their items made for them, like washi tape or notepads, etc. And those shops put a lot of care into their items, with a note and the personal touch, but it's just something that can't be made at home. But I understand that opening the door can lead to a pod Etsy situation.
I haven't finished the video yet, but I sincerely hope AI art isn't allowed on the platform. It's getting to be so hard to sell art on Etsy because it's flooded with AI garbage.
Also, I wouldn't open the door to digital downloads, either. I think that muddies the waters, too.
Do they have a link
@@LissbirdsI agree. I’m a stationary shop and outsource my notebooks.
I’m just halfway thru and woah… I fell like i was feeling between 2006 (when i started) and 2015 (when etsy became public).
It’s as if, while watching this, my cynicism and snark vanished, my love for the handmade COMMUNITY and the PURPOSE of handmade came back to me in an overwhelming wave if positive emotions. It’s as if the etsy dark cloud moved along, and a pretty goimagine sun replaced it, full of hope and dreams and motivation and purpose and enthusiasm and love and community and a big breath of fresh air took over me.
Haven’t felt these emotions toward being a maker in so long…
Sir, if ever you open up to Canada, i’m all in; selling, promoting, even volunteering for the Handmade Integrity Team. 😊❤
What an amazing guy and opportunity for people in the US. His passion, ethos and convictions were abundantly clear. Hopefully they will grow big enough to start in the UK too as I would be on there in a heartbeat. Kara I hope that they will use you for consultation or get you on the board as I think that there is so much you can offer.
Thanks!
Every time I hear him speak about Go Imagine, it makes me want to suppoet him and the platform more!
I know!
I love a good revolution. I'm in! This is honestly exactly what I've been looking for. A company that actually cares. Even if my work doesn't help someone (I hope it will), I know that the company as a whole is helping those in need. I love this and thank you for sharing this chat.
Thanks for watching! I feel the same way about it.
I have been working on my shop with GI. I believe in him. I hope that more will join. Let’s make this blow out Etsy. Let them reserve themselves out of sellers. We made them what they are. Now it’s Ron’s time. Thanks Kara. I listened to it all! Great job.
Jon.
Excellent. I could have listened to the whole 2 hours. Think I'm going to join. Love the concept. This is why I left eBay for Etsy. Now Etsy is eBay.
Excellent!
This is amazing! Was going to diversify this year with a Shopify shop. How did I not know about GoImagine?! Thank you for this video.
Glad it was helpful!
This has reinvigorated me to reopen my shop. I pulled everything off etsy and have been working toward my own site, i already own my own domain and i was looking at options for payment processing and then i found this video. Im a crochet and knit product maker and i only make things by hand, knitting needles / crochet hook, no machine in my office, just me. Looking for a place that understands a hand knit or crocheted item vs something bought off wish, aliexpress or another mass produced site and selling it as 'handmade' at half the price of a handmade item.
WOW! Awesome interview--love the philosophy and passion Jon has for Goimagine and I really hope their company mission takes hold! One HUGE plus is the handling of US sales taxes--HUGE!!! I live in a state where the sales tax is literally a NIGHTMARE to contend with. Major props!
Thanks for watching!
I must say, in browsing GoImagine, it is quite refreshing to see all the obviously handmade goods! Thanks for this video, Kara...I think I'll be adding GoImagine to my bag of tricks!
Thank you for keeping us informed! I appreciate all you do.
Any time
Thank you for this! Im all in! My product is not ready to sell but when it is, im on Goimagine. I love what you stand for and thank you for that. I especialy thank you for not using the term disruptive. ❤
I was on GoImagine until I moved out of the country. The customer support was awesome and I loved the small support groups. No constant complaining and putting fellow sellers down like ETSY does. I was only on for about 2 months before I moved away. It does take patience since they are relatively new to the marketplace.
I am ecstatic to see this video! I joined GoImagine and haven't set up my listings just yet but am honored to be a part of the first makers to create for such an amazing company!!! Thank you Kara for doing this interview!!!
You're so welcome!
I love the way that Goimagine focusses on actual handmade products, and the focus on local. If it ever opens up to Canadian sellers, I'd LOVE to give it a try.
Good to hear!
I have been setting up my GoImagine for a while (a year, I work full time job). It looks complicated when you start, but they are really good at helping you through it. I'm going to put all my Etsy items there soon.
I'm doing it a little at a time.
@@KaraBuntin me too. A little at a time meaning it’s been a year and still not close to ready. Just now getting computer updated and office loaded so I can transfer Etsy fills easier. Numbers and Pages are a nightmare to use and don’t work. I fix Apple computers, but really suck at keeping my OS updated. So no office till I got it done. 😐
Loved the interview. I did notice that he never mentioned if you can print the shipping labels directly from the site, so that is one question of mine. Also, he didn't touch on whether or not they were going to let people sell "supplies" on this site or not. I sell hand made yarn, and it just gets me how etsy allows people to go to the big box stores and purchase yarn there on sale, and then allow them to sell on etsy because it's a supply.
Supplies are allowed but only if they are handmade by the seller. If you hand make yarn, that would definitely be allowed. HTH ♥
Hello, They do allow supplies if they are handmade supplies and right now you cannot print shipping labels on the site. I use pirate ship. I think its in the works though
You can integrate GoShippo and print the labels there, then Shippo sends the tracking info to Goimagine.
What about ShipStation?
Wow! Finally. Thank you for sharing Kara. I'm on board..
Great info--thank you for doing this interview! Hopefully Jon will read some of these comments and address the gateway issues of the site and also the first seller I clicked on in the art prints section has a link to their etsy store in the description and the item itself is definitely not handmade, just another recycled print you could buy at a chain. HIT team needs to step it up lol. Regardless, I'll be joining soon to give it a go.
HIT team doesn't exist yet, they're forming it now. I think those kinds of things will be addressed once it's formed ;)
It could be because we’re all rushing into there and the sites not used to that much traffic yet.
I'm so glad you had Jon on talking about Goimagine. I looked into them earlier this year and decided against it. I can't remember if it was because they might not have had a review feature (they do now!) or if they didnt get enough traffic. Since then, I have decided to use gold filled metals instead of gold plated on Etsy but deleting those gold plated listings or edit tags and titles will tank my shop and my revenue! So I'm stuck, waiting and hoping my new listings will take off and generate organic traffic. Been racking my brain on what to do! Goimagine could possibly be the perfect option for me now and I can't believe I forgot about them. Best part, I won't have much competition on that platform and could do very well.
Thank you Jon! Thank you Kara!
I don't like gold plated, or any plated metal. The problem is that even when I use search filters for solid gold or solid silver, all the plated stuff still comes up and I often have to click on the listing and read the fine print. I highly recommend saying solid gold in your heading/listing title.
Like you did with Etsy, can you do a "set up for beginners video?"
I will, but I'm waiting because they've been having technical problems for a few days. When that gets fixed I'll do some tutorial videos for my other channel.
@@KaraBuntin Thank You
This was a VERY exciting video for me! I got an account reserve on Etsy, which is my personal last straw that I didn't get a reason and can't talk to anyone about it. I'm looking to expand elsewhere and get a website launched so all of this was great information!
I found this really interesting. I've been selling on the big three platforms for 10 years, and I think this is definitely worth a second look. Thank you and Jon for all the great info.
Glad it was helpful!
MAHALO NUI, Kara and Jon! GREAT INTERVIEW! Mahalo so much for the Bonus Code too!!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
This was an interesting discussion!
I was on Etsy back when they were actually enforcing strictly handmade. The late '00s. I remember them shutting down shops and sellers having to prove they were the makers (through pictures of them making the items, etc). Originally you couldn't outsource any prints, then they said it was ok to outsource as long as you had it sent to yourself first for inspection and so the maker's hand actually touched the item. They stopped that requirement because shipping times were doubled and no one wants to wait a month. That was when they introduced the production partners. To help sellers who were actually designing their products and artist/photographers.
I just don't know how a company like Goimagine can grow beyond a certain size without losing control to resellers and POD
I edited this video heavily, and Jon said that he doesn't want to grow past a certain size because that will happen. I linked a podcast in the description of the video where he went into those topics, so you might want to listen to that when you get a chance, it's an interesting approach.
Ty for this video. I am so excited about Goimagine. I plan to start listing my items in January that's when I'll get my laptop. Then once i get some listed i will go up to $10 level.
I also agree POD should be kept off this platform. It would be like opening Pandora's Box
I might check this out once I get more of my crochet items made. I have two shops, one is digital, one is handmade currently but will probably have POD in a couple months. But I think having my handmade items on another marketplace would be nice.
I like what I'm hearing. My only concern is the payment processing. I understand Stripe is needed, but I also want to be able to take Cash App payments as this has come to be a preferred method for my customers.
I don't think that's available at this point. You can connect Paypal if you want to but you have to have Stripe enabled regardless.
Welp, I just applied! Good luck everyone, it would be cool to get some sales. I applied for the 10 dollar tier too, I figured I might as well because while I have a new standalone website, it’s not a store yet.
Great information!!! Loved it I liked how he explained where this platform is going, I think it's also a good idea to compensate a website member when they refer someone like a one time referral bonus of how many people u refer
I just enjoyed this video now I'm more convinced to join and I will use ur code, I'm new to ur channel but I will become a subscriber Thank you for interviewing him on ur channel ❤
Glad you liked it!
I like that they have local pickup.
I looked at this platform when they first launched, but didn't join because they were so new and unheard of. Looking forward to listening to this interview to see if it's time to jump in.
It's so affordable there's no reason not to, honestly.
Jump. I did last week still setting up. I didn’t know we were a market place AND a website. I love this. Keep it up and the orange E will be one of those haunted shows. Showing where the E was abandoned and haunted!
@@KaraBuntin I just applied! Thank you for the referral code too!
Great interview! I love his enthusiasm 🎉
me too!
I loved this interview! I had not heard of them before but was looking to expand from E. I am definitely going to look at this, they are more like the reason I initially started with E 10 yrs ago. Thank you so much!
Glad it was helpful!
Yes, expand to Canada! Our two countries are very intertwined. Most of my supplies come from the US. Also, our shipping information is easily available between both countries.
It will probably happen eventually, just needs time.
Thanks for this interview. I just joined the GoImagine marketplace and hopefully I’ll be accepted. Fingers crossed.
This video explains why I am going to join this platform. Thank you ❤
You're so welcome!
Great interview. Thanks for sharing this with the community here on your channel. I think GoImagine is a great !
Thanks for listening
Thank you!❤❤❤❤❤
You're welcome 😊
Thank you for the US Question Straint away I'm from the UK 🤞
I figured it was good to get that out of the way instead of getting people al excited then letting them down!
I am in UK so can not use but really enjoyed the video anyway sounds like could be good sit to sell as it builds good look to everyone giving it a go. I hope its ok to say but for others in UK who can not use Goimagine. I have noticed quite a few sellers taking about reopening or starting shops on Folksy if enough UK sellers go there and we also start checking it out first when we want to buy possibly it could become a good place to sell. I have not heard anything about about it other then lack of traffic but even etsy and ebay started with no traffic. These smaller sits just need people to stick with them and give them a chance to grow. Now is the time to stop complaining there's no alternatives to etsy and help build some alternative. Just to say I have no links with Folksy other then a shop I opened years ago and did nothing with.
There are a few alternative selling venues, you're right that people just need to stick with them.
Love his passion and mission!! Would like to know a few more details like: How does digital work? What does shipping look like? What does the application process look like? Maybe a peek into what creating different types of listings looks like.
They do have help videos on their channel, and you can join their facebook group to ask questions.
@@KaraBuntin Thanks! I did a little searching and found some of the information. Have a good one!
Very informative video.I'm signing up asap, also I love the Goimagine logo! Thanks for the discount code!
Awesome! Thank you!
This was so good! I will give them another try. I was there in their first year and I didn't have the time, but I think I will give it another go :)
You should!
Thank you for making it a no Brainerd. I am young at technology.
I was working on my shop but got frustrated because they only took Stripe. Now that they also do PayPal, I’ll try again. I love the idea and want to support them.
GoImagine can have a list of approved small business printers for the POD orders for artists and digital artists.
Thank you Kara
I am wondering if this Goimagine allows digital media creations? I make the stuff myself. I do not use 'chatgpt' or other AI programs that generate art through searching the net.
I really love the way this platform sounds. I would love to have this be my first platform imstead of Etsy, but I need to be able to make things using design elements or designs I have purchased and have the license for. I do usually modify them and make them my own. I just am not artistic enough to hand draw a pattern or a flower or a hen, so I use designs & elements and sometimes AI to make my creations.
Yeah, AI is definitely not allowed at all.
@@KaraBuntin What about using elements & digital designs? For example, I might put a sunshine graphic on top of a photograph I took and then sublimate it onto a shirt or mug. Or I might take a dog bone graphic and duplicate it to put it all around a photograph I took of a dog that I am sublimating onto a sweatshirt.
If you’re physically making the sublimated item that’s okay but the elements that you’re putting on them can’t be made with AI at all. They also don’t allow any POD.
@@LilyBecca If you're personally doing the subblimation then it's handmade. If you use any AI images in that, though, it's not allowed. If there are no AI images involved it's fine.
This is such a great interview and love the philosophy of this guy!
Thanks!
Thank you so much for doing this! Really great information 👍
Glad it was helpful!
So Kara are you still setting up an Ebay Shop along with this platform? You are giving me lots to think about. Thanks for sharing your SHIFT focus this year.
Yes, but i'm thinking about what to sell there. I might not put the same things on eBay.
well worth listening. for 2 hours. sounds like a great platform!
Excellent interview - thanks.
Thanks for listening!
Great interview! Feeling motivated, Thanks. I do have a question, what about Laser Engravers?
That's a tricky one that we're working on sorting out. At this point you have to design the engraving designs yourself but the Handmade Integrity Team will be talking about this kind of thing soon to clarify.
@@KaraBuntin , Thanks for your response!.
Loved the interview.
I do hope they continue to update the platform. Like how to you list an item avail in multiple colors in one listing? Or do you have to have all separate listings?
You can do variations, i did one for one of my listings.
I’ll have to look closer. I’m working with IT, I have a lot of bugs and they are not sure yet what’s going on. But damn they are responsive !!!!!
I do illustrations and watercolors. I do POD because I can not afford all of those sublimation printers and presses etc.
Sounds awesome, but unfortunately I do POD apparel and mugs with designs I create, so I don't think I am able to be part of Go Imagine at this time.
Not at this point.
I went on the site and its not working it says bad gate way everytime i click
Refresh:) That was happening to me as well, but refresh works;)
They're having technical issues that they're working on, unfortunately. It should be cleared up soon so just try later!
Not sure why he said that there is no POD, when I searched the site for cards, multiple POD sellers popped up.
It's not allowed, so they'll be shut down eventually.
I know what you’re talking about, they’re not POD, they just have stock images and I can’t blame them. I do the same thing for my art prints and it’s way easier and more professional when you have multiple designs. You have to apply before you have a shop there.
Cards are fairly easy to make at home or the seller outsources them and has stock, just they use stock images because it way easier. I wouldn’t worry.
I'm another artist who does POD of my own designs. Most of the copycat theft issues are because of the ease of POD products. I am considering using GoImagine for my original digital download files with a "maker's license" for an end product, and my studio made mugs, stickers & shirts that i press myself. I do need an outside printer to fulfill my wall art listings, so I'm wondering if that can be considered as you are also considering what to do about the photography issue. Even if you have only a handful of approved printers for fulfillment.
I think that you can use an outside printer if you have the prints shipped to you first, then you mail them out. That will give you a chance to quality control them, sign them, whatever you want to do. I could be wrong about that so you should check, btu I think I heard or read that somewhere.
You can use a small business printer...
I’m exploring other platforms. Etsy hasn’t deposited the amount with the “code” that is needed to verify my account. It’s been over a week. I sell handmade jewelry, and I have a lot of inventory.
If you can't request another code you won't be able to verify the account anyway, and I doubt that Etsy will be much help.
I actually applied for GoImagine over the weekend, I had a code, but was only for 1 month.
I've been posting it, but sorry that you missed it.
@@KaraBuntin I know, my timing is always off. Oh well, not a huge deal in the grand scheme of things. It was a great interview, and now I feel even better about having applied the other day. Hopefully I'm accepted. In the mean time I'll just keep myself busy as usual. As with anything worth while, it's a long game. As a community; all spreading the word... the traffic will come.
Great interview.
Thanks for watching!
I wrote to Goimagine asking if the Mosaic website also incurred the transaction fee (I know there is a credit card processing fee) and the reply was yes, sales from Mosaic will have the same transaction fee associated with your plan. My current website has a flat monthly fee only, no transaction fee. I was about to switch to Goimagine due to the math the founder used for having a stand alone web site. I think it needs to be clear to also add in the extra transaction fee to your math when deciding.
Every site has transaction fees as far as processing the sales go, are you sure that's not what they were talking about? I pay Stripe for my payments on my website because payment processing fees are going to be charged any time you have someone pay with a credit card or paypal (their fees are separate too.) I'm checking to verify with them now and will report back.
I got confirmation that yes, the transaction fee and the payment processing fee are both applied to the marketplace shop and Mosaic websites since they're both tied to the same system. If that's the situation I would say that people should figure out their own costs as far as using the website option goes, because that can increase your monthly website cost. Having said that, I would also say that the benefit of having inventory synced and the sales tax taken care of should also be weighed in your decision! It's going to be different for everyone.
Very informative, thank you !
Glad you enjoyed it!
I just don’t have the time or the desire to market my shop. That takes a lot of time. All makers want to do nothing but make. That’s the problem. Also, I have a 96 year old mother who loves to make things and is always looking for a place to sell her stuff. It would have to be super easy for her.
I think it depends on how big you want to grow as far as income. If you want a full time income you'll have to market yourself in some way, but part time or hobby income can be done without the promotion if you're on a marketplace that has a lot of organic traffic.
This was a really nice interview, I had been considering them for a while, but I have two concerns-how would domain connection work? And also shipping? With Etsy I have an option to use a stamped envelope through Pitney bowes, do they offer something similar? My stickers are my best sellers and I’ve been focusing more on that. I don’t want to charge first class package for that. I could just use a regular stamp, but idk how that would work in their systems.
It’s also amazing to hear his support for the LGBTQ+ community. I am so tired of the hate and violence and pathetic companies who bow down to awful people lately. Shame on anyone who thinks it’s okay to stand against inclusion.
I am open to trying this, but as he said it’s like getting a divorce. When you’ve been burned in the past it’s hard to trust someone and it’s a lot of effort we don’t know that will pay off.
There is a process where you can connect your domain to either your marketplace shop or your Mosaic.
Shipping has been set with 2 default methods, but we have the ability to create any number of methods to make it work for you.
I plan to get on board with this to support the charitable mission. It will be a duplication of effort but I can can justify the cost and effort on account of the charitable goals.
The definition of "hand made" has been defined and established for literal centuries by authorities for the English language such as the Oxford English Dictionary. The definition includes items made by hand AND not made by machine. The problem is not that there is no established definition for "hand made", but that makers and sellers want to change the definition instead of accurately describing their products. This may seem like a hard line but its not, it is just a historical fact of the English language. To reasonably extend the logic presented here, a fantastically modified and beautifully custom painted 1967 Impala Low Rider would be categorized as "hand made". Absurd, but consistent with what was said by Jon in this interview. The word you all are looking for when it comes to modifying a machine made product "by hand" is custom made. You really do not need a team of people to understand what is meant by hand made because it is not that hard of a concept.
The problem, as we talked about in this interview but I don't know if I edited it out, is that technology (and language) changes. I have my own opinion of what handmade is and it aligns with what Jon thinks as far as I can tell, but you also have to be realistic about things like using a sewing machine vs stitching everything by hand. It's not as clear as you're making it out to be in every situation.
@@KaraBuntin Well the definition if you are an English speaker has been stable for more than a century. The definition is clear, it is just not what many would like for it to be. You perfectly summed up why authoratative references exist. The problem that you and Jon have regarding this issue is you are frankly going about it backwards. Instead of trying to REDEFINE the term "handmade" you need to just DEFINE what you want to sell on the website. You just cant redefine things willy-nilly based on some current convienence or technology and expect to be taken seriously. Just because the definition of handmade is inconveinent does not justify changing it. The suggested approach in the video really does not follow good business practice because you are spending time spinning your wheels. What Jon wants to categorize is a moving target but you are proposing a static definition.
From a technological viewpoint, I would side with you versus your relative on the sewing machine vs hand-stitch disagreement. You just cant blow off categories, hierarchies and logically sound comparisons if you are trying to organize your thoughts and come to sensible decisions about what things are. Failing to do so will cause problems downstream by wasting time so it is a business concern as well as an academic one.
Hand made furniture is made from milled wood, so handmade does not mean "no machines allowed".
Here is an example of understanding how categories can be used. Say for example you exclude anything manufactured by a machine that relies on microprocessors. This would exclude anything made by CNC, AI or laser engraving.
Now this example is also problematic because many hand held power tools like can have a microprocessor (other problems as well). So, this is why instead of redefining a term in the English language, you need to just make guidelines and change the guidelines to fit the needs of the makers and goals of the platform.
I tried Goimagine for about 18 months and it was a bad experience. I had almost no sales. Finally gave up on it. It is just to new.
From what i can see you need to promote your own shop, but their traffic is growing, I’ve seen the stats :)
@@KaraBuntin But I see no point in promoting a shop on a site that I have no control over vs having my own website to promote. I like etsy because I set a advertising budget and it brings in independent sales on it's own while I focus on growing my own website that I have full control over. I do like the Goimagine platform and that way it is all handmade products.
Exactly what do people not understand about HAND made.....
The definition changes depending on which platform you're on, and the designer vs maker definition. There's a grey line in some areas, and then in others it's pretty clear as far as I'm concerned. But people would argur with me on that.
I like Jon's reaction on the negative pride month people. People are people and who is anyone to tell someone else how to live
Where's the link in the description to GoImagine
Second paragraph
I checked out the site, but couldn't find any nude artwork on there. 😢
There's plenty in other places if you're looking to buy. If you're selling I'm not sure what their guidelines are.
@@KaraBuntin There are several good ones on Etsy who do handmade art. I was checking to see if any had migrated over and discovered there really isn't any nude artwork on there. Maybe it goes against their guidelines?🤔
@@shakazulu3594 Their seller guidelines specify the want the site "family friendly". Looks like artfully done nudes may be ok, provided there's a censor image over the main thumbnail so searching on the site remains family friendly.
I mean it’s still handmade and such. As long as it’s not p*rn I’m sure it would be fine, have you applied?
@@lisaruchstudio Sounds good!
Wow! I have a goimagine shop! I think go imagine is great, but no traffic for me. Yet. 😊😊😊
It's a matter of time and people promoting the site individually, as well as the site promoting itself.
I'd like to check out Goimagine, but don't see the link. I googled it, but the link is broken and i get an error code. Do you have one? Or did I miss it.
They’ve been having trouble with the site for the past few days, so refresh the screen and it should come up. They’re currently working on it according to their Facebook group posts
What charity are they donating to? I don’t remember if he mentioned that.
There are currently 2 Horizons for Homeless Children and Relief Nursery
They're focusing on children's charities to keep it non-political! smart.
Would be good to have status function, doesn’t show views
Cara, I was about to ask you if you'd heard of go imagining what you thought of it. Thank you for reading my mind
Hope you enjoyed it!
Are prices including shipping?
You set your own prices and shipping setting.
Print on demand should not be allowed on goimagine. It will end up being like all the other sites that do allow print on demand products and degrades the products of the actual handmade. Give an inch and there goes a mile.
That's the problem.
I am fed up with Etsy. You can’t sell if you are not seen. No matter what I do, I haven’t been able to get seen. And, when I put in search, the exact listing words for one of my items (printable Ballet bookmarks), not only did it not come up, but bookmarks that were NOT printable were shown and items that were not bookmarks were shown. AND, some listings were shown 6 or 7 times… exact item from the same sell. Done numerous times for numerous sellers. I CAN’T GET SEEN! Had enough!
Etsy search is messed up.
Can you have more than one shop and pay 10 dollars for each shop? A digital shop and a handmade journals shop.
I don't see why not. You would use different email addresses.
I like the idea of two shops. I would do that too if they allow
Kara Buntin...you would be a great board member! Jon..try to get Kara Buntin to do it..she has trust in the handmade community..just an idea 💡 but it's a good one!!!
I don't have lot of spare time these days!
Did I misunderstand? Did he say we cannot sell the same products on GoImagine and another platform? I sell original art, does it mean I could only sell my paintings on GoImagine and nowhere else?
No, he didn’t say that at all. There’s nothing to restrict you from selling on other platforms .
I would be more interested in goimagine if they did like all the big names, and the more successful littler names, and advertised the products online. Ecrater advertises thru Google shopping, as does all the big names. The CPCs in google shopping are quite low and advertising costs can be recouped thru possibly optional advertising fees, I think etsy's model is pretty nice as a percentage of the sale.
it'd be quite nice to have an adjustable fee percentage at the item level. There are some products I wouldn't mind spending more heavily on advertising, like the more popular high margin items. Instead of etsy's standard 15%, I wouldn't mind upping it to 40-50% to possibly get more google traffic with higher cpcs and whatnot.
They do advertise online, and their ROAS is really good. Jon showed me the stats on the back end while we were talking, i just didn’t show that in the interview because it’s proprietary information. I’ve also seen several of my Goimagine listings on the first page of organic search results in shopping listings and on the main search page, so having a shop open has given me more visibility in google organic search, which is what I’m interested in.
@@KaraBuntin - Thanks for the insight. It's a prevailing rumor in the etsy forums about goimagine, so that's good to hear.
It must be really hard trying to launch an ecommerce brand right now. The market is swamped by Etsy, eBay and Amazon and even if you can get the sellers, trying to get enough footfall from buyers who are used to going to the big sites because it's easier, is hard. I would say the large number of people who buy from sites like Etsy don't actually care if it's a handmade product otherwise Etsy wouldn't allow so much non handmade stuff to sell there. Here in the UK I have seen new ecommerce sites set up but they just don't have the traffic and I've given up. I applaud Goimagine's stand point on what handmade is. I believe this is how Etsy came into being.
I totally get the logistics issue. Selling internationally is a nightmare. I have my own website now and it was a nightmare setting up for overseas sales because of all the taxes and customs and VAT that goes with it and how much it varies between countries. I'm still not entirely sure I've got it right even now!
Can you sell crystals and minerals on goimagine?
I don't think so, they would have to be handmade supplies to qualify.
CAN WE SELL EDIBLE ITEMS? I SELL CANDIES ON ETSY. CAN I SELL CANDIES ON GO IMAGINE??.. IF SO I WILL OPEN MY SHOP TONIGHT! THANKS!
I think so, but you’ll need to make sure you have all The food handling licensing and permits etc in place. I assume that you do if you’re sending things in the mail!
The one thing I have a problem with is when people don't communicate after I send an email asking a question.
On Goimagine? Or in general?