Summary

Big Cartel offers a platform for entrepreneurs to sell merchandise on a customizable website for free or at a low cost, providing an alternative to Gumroad with features that support branding and marketing efforts.

Abstract

The website content discusses Big Cartel as a platform for selling merchandise online with the advantage of customizing one's website to align with brand identity. Unlike Gumroad, Big Cartel allows users to adjust various elements of their site, including header images, backgrounds, and product features, without needing to know how to code. The platform is particularly appealing to those who already own a domain name and want to maintain consistent branding across their online presence. Big Cartel offers a free plan for up to five products, with paid plans available for larger inventories, and emphasizes simplicity and affordability without sacrificing essential features. The article also notes the success of a TikTok influencer using Big Cartel, emphasizing the platform's practicality for entrepreneurs and creators.

Opinions

The author suggests that customization is crucial for branding and differentiates Big Cartel from other platforms like Gumroad.
Success on Big Cartel, like with Gumroad, is tied to the user's marketing efforts, as built-in traffic is not a feature of the platform.
Big Cartel is presented as an indie business that values simplicity and affordability, contrasting with platforms that may have investor influence.
The article implies that Big Cartel is a viable option for entrepreneurs who are just starting out, with a low-risk sign-up and no listing fees.
The mention of a TikTok influencer using Big Cartel serves to counter the assumption that the platform might not be widely used or successful.
The author encourages readers to explore other options if Big Cartel doesn't meet their needs, suggesting that there are numerous alternatives available for online selling.
The article concludes with a personal appeal, inviting readers to support the author by becoming Medium members, which also benefits other writers on the platform.

Sell Merch for $0 On a Custom Website

No, the platform is NOT Gumroad.

Selling online is a great way to start your entrepreneurship journey.

Gumroad is well-loved for its free upfront cost.

But what if you already have a domain name? Or what if you want to control how your website appears to visitors? Customization makes all the difference. It also makes your branding consistent across your website and social media pages.

The Gumroad route is not the only way. And to achieve success with Gumroad or this alternative site requires marketing.

You won’t get built-in traffic as you would with Amazon, Esty, Udemy, or Teachable. But the sign-up is low risk with little barrier to entry.

The platform is Big Cartel.

What are the plans available?

Screenshot by Author | Website: BigCartel

Free for five (5) products (no credit card needed).
$9.99 per month for 50 products (no listing fees).
$19.99 per month for 500 products (no listing fees).

You are not missing out on any cool features because you used the free plan. The paid packages have extra options to help organize your merch categories.

BigCartel is an Indie business. It doesn’t have investors and aims to keep online selling “simple and affordable” for entrepreneurs.

Before you think nobody is using the platform.

Please know that a TikTok with 818,000 followers hosts her baddieful website using the domain. She sells adorable products like shakable keychains, lip gloss, and Boba squishy pillows on her site.

Takeaway

It’s exciting to know you have options.

If one site is not perfect for you, there are alternatives. Heck. If Big Cartel is not for you, type your needs into a search engine, and helpful listicles will load providing you with several site options.

Thank you for reading!

P.S.: If you like to experience Medium, consider supporting me and thousands of other writers by signing up for a membership.

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