Inspiring responsible manufacturing
In 2014 we began to share our vision of an Etsy Economy more broadly, helping designers scale their operations by partnering with manufacturers. We established the Responsible Seller Growth team to support this process and created an application for designers that reviews authorship, responsibility, and transparency among sellers who work with outside manufacturers.
Manufacturing at alexandraferguson
Partnerships between designers and manufacturers are local on a global scale. We’ve approved applications from designers in 55 countries. 86% of manufacturing partnerships are between sellers and partners in the same country. Learn More
Industry ties:
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We created a Manufacturing Advisory Board of industry experts who work collectively to find new ways to humanize manufacturing.
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We hosted a summit for manufacturing leaders to better understand the unique needs of small designers and develop best practices for working together. Learn More
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We released a research-based report for manufacturers to better understand how to work with the small businesses on Etsy. Learn More
Reshaping retail: Etsy Wholesale
Etsy Wholesale launched in 2014 to create an Etsy-powered diverse and lasting retail ecosystem.
Jane, owner of FoxandWinston
Our program:
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Gives Etsy sellers an avenue to expand their businesses responsibly by connecting them with retail partners, and supporting them through the growth transition.
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Disrupts B2B (business-as-usual) by introducing values-aligned retail partners to independent designers.
Sourcing small helps communities remain unique and allows independent designers to thrive. Etsy Wholesale provides new business opportunities for our sellers: In August 2014 we debuted 24 designers at our Etsy Wholesale Pavilion at NY NOW, one of the largest gift trade shows in North America. Our partnerships with large retailers like Nordstrom enable them to share our sellers’ stories and create best practices for working with emerging designers. Visit the Etsy Wholesale platform to learn more.
Emily, owner of Clementine
We also work with small, independent retailers (local tastemakers in their own right), making it more efficient for them to run small businesses. In 2014 we released 10 City Guides featuring Etsy Wholesale retailers. We also partnered with American Express on their Small Business Saturday campaign, a program that drives customers to independent retailers. Learn More
To support our sellers in their growth, we created educational tools that arm designers with the knowledge they need to grow their wholesale business. Our free Wholesale 101 Guide helps sellers move into wholesale. Learn More
Etsy Wholesale is just getting started. In 2015 we are spreading the word, engaging more designers and retailers to share in the value of unique, handmade, local goods.