Amazon is now expanding their services as the retailer website is opening a handicraft market for handmade goods through a new online store.
The new service, which is called Handmade at Amazon, features handcrafted items which are directly sold from the best craft workers around the world. Products that will be sold in the said online store are be handmade and are not be manufactured from a factory. Some handmade items that will be sold include pieces of jewellery, furniture, artworks and even beddings.
In a statement, Peter Faricy explained the story behind the idea of having the new online store.
"We had thousands of searches every day from customers looking for handmade or handcrafted items. Knowing an item has a unique story behind it creates a personal experience that customers have told us makes owning handmade items special," stated by the vice-president for Amazon Marketplace.
The Handmade store also offers an intimate connection between the artisan seller and the customer. Every product that is displayed in the Handmade section always includes a picture of the person behind it.
Any costumer satisfied of the work can then directly view the artisan's profile through a link. The workspace, processes of the product and inspiration are also included in the profile.
On the other hand, it can be observed that Amazon's new online store is quiet similar to the already established e-commerce website Etsy. The said online store which was founded 10 years ago will be the primary rival of Amazon.
Amazon will take 12% sales fee from its retailers compared with Etsy's 3.5% sales fee plus a listing fee charge of $0.20 per item.
In a statement given to PCMag, Etsy stated that they are still the best platform for creative entrepreneurs. The company said that with a decade of experience, they are the most thoughtful in satisfying the costumers and the sellers' needs.
