Is ArtFire a Great Place to Sell?

UPDATE May 13 2012: More developments have happened at ArtFire which now leads me to warn anyone against opening a shop on this site. Mutings, bannings, black hat SEO, and more are the types of things happening on this once great site.
           If I had a friend ask me about sites to sell on I would tell them to avoid, avoid, avoid ArtFire. Save your money, time, and sanity.


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UPDATE January 4 2012: Since I first posting this there have been quite a few developments. It pains me greatly with what has happened to this wonderful selling site. I don't wish to go into great detail but what I will say is this:          
The basic sellers were all removed. I may not have agreed with that move but that was ArtFire's business decision which one couldn't truly fault them for. However with that said the way in which the basic sellers were treated during that time was disgraceful in my opinion. So if you were planing on opening a basic shop on ArtFire it is no longer available.
          ArtFire seems to be shifting from the great qualities that I had originally signed up for and was excited about. Their forum where I used to love to hang out have sadly has become a negative environment in my opinion.
           The things that are going on have sadden me and quite frankly is breaking my heart. I will continue to sell on ArtFire in the hopes that what I see as a train wreck will be averted.

At this time I can no long recommend ArtFire as a wonderful community and outstanding place to sell.

In my opinion at the moment it is an average place to sell as long as you know what you are getting yourself into.

I will be crossing my fingers that I can come back and amend this update with good news.

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           So what is ArtFire? It is a place to sell and buy Handmade, Fine Art (such as painting, pottery, photography, etc.), Vintage, Craft Supplies and Design/Media (this is for individuals that have designed and item and had it fabricated in a limited run of less then 500). It is also a friendly community to share ideas, find help, and have a fun time.

           Buyers will love all the unique items available to buy from and you can do that without having to sign up for an account. If for some reason you can not find what you are looking for you can Request Custom Item also know as "ArtFire Forge". Of course you are always more then welcome to contact a seller directly to see if they can provide you with what you are looking for.

          Sellers will love the helpful features that ArtFire provides. Sellers also have the option to have a Free Basic store (limited features available) or open a Pro store and have access to all features. And get this..... there are never any selling fees......EVER! No listing fees, no ending value fees, and certainly no fee fees. How mind blowing is that?! As if that wasn't enough if you sign-up right now for a Pro account using the link below you will get your third month Free.


Become an ArtFire Pro with this link and get your 3rd month free!

Update May 20, 2011

          I was asked what 5 things I like most about selling on ArtFire. So here they are in no particular order....

1. I am able to set up my store the way I like it. When you click onto each ArtFire seller's store you see and you get a feel of that individuals tastes and style. If you like bold, plain, or even something in between ArtFire gives you the tools to let you follow you style. (This was a Huge selling point to me!) 

2. You only pay a low monthly fee with NO listing or ending value fee. (I think I am in love!) Heck, if you want or unsure about paying for a Pro account you can have a Basic account and sell for FREE! Whaaaaat?! That's right sell for free, of course you don't get all the snazzy features you get when you have a Pro account but you still get everything you need to sell your items. (I am thinking once I get my Pro store to take off I may open up a second one with a Basic account. *Paws crossed*) 

3. All the features you get especially with the Pro account...wow! Your own blog, a bio page, you can add widgets (you can even sell ad space), importer, a cool way to move items around in your studio, you can feature your items, coupons, gift certificate, global editor, and oh so much more. I am starting to hyperventilate just thinking about it all!  

4. Forums that a friendly with a feel of a real community. The ArtFire administration answers questions & problem quickly and politely. They don't patrol the forums to monitor and shut down topics. The treat you like an adult unlike other places who don't trust you to carry on a conversation as you see fit. The forums are a great source for information and inspiration, it is even a good place to shoot the breeze.

5. SEO, lets my customers find me from anywhere on the web. Most of my customers have found me this way. If you have good SEO your customer will always find you and you wont ever be lost under piles of other stores like what happens on other selling sites.

If this has inspired you to open up your own store that is awesome! Just click this link to get started http://www.artfire.com/users/barleecreations/sell-crafts