Help Center

How do I purchase a product?

Browse products on our Browse page, click any item to view details, then click "Add to Cart". When you're ready, go to your cart and click "Checkout" to complete your purchase. You can check out as a guest or create an account for faster future purchases.

What payment methods are accepted?

We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) and debit cards through our secure payment processor, Stripe. We do not store your card information — all payment data is handled securely by Stripe.

How do returns and refunds work?

Each seller sets their own return policy, which you'll see on the product page before purchasing. If you have an issue with your order:

• Contact the seller directly first through their shop page
• If the seller doesn't respond within 48 hours, open a dispute through your order page
• The Makers will mediate and resolve disputes within 7 business days

See our Terms of Service for full details on buyer protection.

How do I contact a seller?

Visit the seller's shop page and use the "Message Seller" button. You can also message sellers about specific orders through your order history page. Sellers are expected to respond within 48 hours during business days.

Is my payment secure?

Yes. All payments are processed through Stripe, a PCI-compliant payment processor used by millions of businesses worldwide. We never see or store your full card details — Stripe handles all sensitive payment information securely.

How long does shipping take?

Shipping times vary by seller and product. Each listing shows the seller's processing time (how long to create/package the item) plus estimated shipping time. You'll receive a tracking number once your order ships.

How do I sign up to sell?

Visit our Pricing page to choose a membership tier (Starter, Pro, or Enterprise), then complete the signup form. You'll get immediate access to your seller dashboard to start building your shop. All new sellers get a 14-day free trial to test the platform.

What are the membership tiers?

• Starter ($9/month): Up to 50 listings, basic stats, standard support
• Pro ($29/month): Up to 500 listings, analytics dashboard, custom branding, priority support
• Enterprise ($79/month): Up to 2,000 listings, wholesale tools, bulk uploads, API access, managed promotion

All tiers include zero transaction fees and zero listing fees. You can upgrade or downgrade at any time.

How do I list a product?

Log in to your Seller Dashboard, go to "Products", and click "Add New Product". You'll need to provide:

• Product title and description
• Price and quantity
• At least one photo (up to 10 photos supported)
• Category and tags
• Shipping details and processing time

Products go live immediately after you publish them.

How do I get paid?

When a buyer purchases your product, payment goes directly to your account. You can withdraw funds to your bank account at any time through your seller dashboard. Payouts are processed within 2-3 business days.

You keep 100% of the sale price (minus standard Stripe payment processing fees of ~3%, which we don't control). No listing fees, no transaction fees from The Makers.

What's included in my free trial?

All new seller accounts get a 14-day free trial with full access to your chosen membership tier. No credit card required to start the trial. You can list products, customize your shop, and explore all features risk-free. If you don't upgrade after the trial, your listings will be paused until you subscribe.

Can I upgrade or downgrade my membership?

Yes! You can change your membership tier at any time from your seller dashboard. Upgrades take effect immediately. Downgrades take effect at the end of your current billing period. If you downgrade and have more listings than your new tier allows, you'll need to deactivate some products.

What items are allowed?

The Makers is for handmade, hand-altered, or vintage items only. You can sell:

• Items you made by hand
• Vintage goods (20+ years old)
• Craft supplies
• Digital downloads (patterns, printables, etc.)

NOT allowed: Mass-produced goods, dropshipped items, resold retail products, counterfeit goods, or prohibited items listed in our Terms of Service.

What is The Makers?

The Makers is a curated marketplace for handmade, vintage, and custom goods. We connect independent artists and crafters with buyers who value authentic, one-of-a-kind items. Unlike traditional marketplaces that charge 10-15% per sale, we charge sellers a flat monthly membership fee so they can keep 100% of what they earn.

How is this different from Etsy?

The main difference is our pricing model. Etsy charges:

• $0.20 per listing
• 6.5% transaction fee
• 3% + $0.25 payment processing
• Optional ad fees (5-12% for visibility)

The Makers charges one flat monthly fee — no listing fees, no transaction fees, no hidden costs. We also prioritize quality over volume, vetting every seller to keep the marketplace authentic.

How do disputes work?

If a buyer and seller can't resolve an issue directly, either party can open a formal dispute. The Makers will review evidence from both sides and make a final decision within 7 business days. See our Dispute Resolution policy for details.

Is shopping on The Makers free?

Yes! Buyers never pay to use the marketplace. You only pay the product price plus shipping (if applicable). There are no membership fees or hidden charges for buyers.

Where does The Makers ship?

Our sellers ship worldwide. Each seller sets their own shipping zones and rates, so check the product page for specific shipping information. International orders may be subject to customs fees depending on your country's import regulations.