Makers Are Back! Own Online Shop for Makers
LYNNIE VERSION
Would you like to read this article in more grown-up words, still easy to understand? Jump here.
Hi! I’m Lynnie! Today I’m telling you about the Own Online Shop. It’s the first of Lynnaider’s ten ways to earn!
It feels super familiar, because people have been making and selling things for hundreds of years. What’s new is WHERE the selling happens!
What is it?
Lynnaider’s definition: making real things and selling them online. It also counts if you’re the official seller of another brand’s products, and you’re allowed to sell them online.
This module zooms in on makers. Makers are people who make things, and then sell from a stock they keep. That’s why grown-ups sometimes call it Maker’s E-com. E-com is short for e-commerce, which means selling online!
What makes it special
You make or keep the product yourself. So you decide the quality and the story, but you also keep stock and send things.
No other way connects so much to old-fashioned craftsmanship. If you already make something with your hands, this is often the easiest place to start!
Why it’s coming back
Lots of people today love things made slowly, with a human touch. They want to know WHO made what they buy!
Makers keep making things by hand, but use computer helpers to show them to millions of people online!
Who is it for?
People who already have a business offline. They already have a product! The hardest part, making something people want, is already done.
People with a craft or hobby others admire. If your friends keep asking where they can buy what you make, that’s a great sign!
People who find a cool product that’s popular in one country but unknown in another, and who can become its official seller.
Not so great for people who want to avoid physical work. You keep stock, pack orders, and handle returns. If that sounds tiring, a digital way might fit you better.
Two routes
Route A: You sell straight to customers and ship from your own stock.
Route B: A fulfillment partner stores your things and ships them for you.
Most beginners start with Route A, because it needs very little money and no partner. Route B usually comes later, when lots of people want to buy. How an online shop works explains both, step by step!
It can grow!
An Own Online Shop can carry other ways on top of it. A maker can add affiliate links to the tools she uses, sell a digital guide, or get sponsorships from suppliers. Then she has two or more ways to earn!
That’s one reason Lynnaider teaches it first!
Small budget? No problem!
You don’t need an expensive website. A social store with free payment links, or a marketplace listing, can get your first products online. You’d be surprised how little it costs! Skip monthly payments before anyone knows your shop.
And you can bring visitors yourself, no agency needed. Short videos of you making your products are one of the best free ways!
No face needed!
Your products can be the face of your business! Lots of makers only show their hands, their tools and the finished piece. Secret Agent style!
What’s next?
The next article explains what you sell in your shop, and why sending it is always part of the deal. The whole module is in the book on our products page. Want a grown-up to help start your shop? Go to our services page.
What grown-ups usually ask (and I answer)
What is an Own Online Shop?
Making real things, or being an official seller of another brand, and selling online.
Do I need a real store?
No! You make things in a workshop, and sell online.
Who is it best for?
People who already have a product or an offline business.
Are there step-by-step lessons for starting each of the ten ways cheaply?
Maybe! If lots of people want them. Join the waitlist and you’ll know first.
Is there a cheap way to start an Own Online Shop?
Yes! Lynnaider shows you how to start an Own Online Shop for free, or for very, very little money. You’d be surprised! And a free robot helper called Lynnaider Compass helps you step by step!
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be regarded as legal, tax, or business advice. Pursuing an online business does not guarantee income; results depend on many factors including the business environment, individual effort, skills, and consistency. Some links on this site may allow Lynnaider to earn a commission at no additional cost to the reader.
