You’ve heard of Etsy but have you heard of ArtFire?

ArtFire is a website that states it is “your home to buy and sell handmade items designed by artisans from around the globe.” It is based out of Tucson Arizona. I  bring up Etsy because the two sites have a very similar look and feel. But one big word stands out on ArtFire’s homepage… free.

When you visit ArtFire.com your greeted with “No listing fees, no final fees, no hidden fees, no kidding.” There must be a catch right? If there is I couldn’t find it.

There are two options, a free BASIC account and a $12 a month VERIFIED account. The question is does the free basic account have any real value? Or is it just a tool to get you to sign up for the site? Looking at the list of what an artist receives with the basic account I would say it has a lot of value.

You can list 12 items, have a personal domain, site statistics, global shipping profiles, a “RapidCart” that allows you to sell directly on your blog, and a feedback system, just to rattle off a few features that cost you zip. Sounds great if selling online is just a small part of your art business or if your just now dipping your toes into online sales. It is a good way to test it out without costing you a dime. And you can keep using ArtFire at that level if it works for you, it is not a trial version.

The $12 a month verified account looks pretty amazing as well. First it comes with about twice as many features including more pictures per listing, up to 99 categories, search engine optimization, artisan guilds and councils, the list goes on and on. A full service online marketplace to sell your art for only $12 a month. Period. Meaning you can sell as many items as you want and still only pay $12 a month. Not a bad deal.

With these two options ArtFire is worth using just for their shopping cart. Promote your work in your own community and sell it through ArtFire. There is one asterisk with this post. I have not used ArtFire personally. This is just information I gained off their website. I can not speak into their customer support, up time, or overall functionality. Though it does look like a very well done site with a strong community of artists built up around it. But I do plan on checking it out myself in the next week or so. That means in a month or so I will have a little more insight for you.

ArtFire is currently holding two contests, one on Twitter, and one on Facebook. The prizes being ArtFire shopping sprees. That alone is reason to head over and check them out. (They sell art supplies and materials too.)

This is a good place to start your ArtFire adventure.

The ArtFire Artisan Marketplace is a post from: Art Palaver The Artist Marketing Resource.

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