I spent too much time on deviantArt again today. One of the things I do NOT like about the place is the fact that I can practically not afford anything they offer as shipping and handling (and customs) are a pain, if you live outside the US.
Now you would think that there may be similar sites located in Germany or at least Europe, but my search so far came up empty handed. Sure, there is Spreadshirt. I opened a shop there ages ago. No, I won’t give you a link, there isn’t really anything in it. But different from e.g. Cafepress, they only offer shirts. Which is all nice and well, but I happen to love mugs. Or look at some of the beautiful postcards you can order at deviantArt!
Am I too blind to fidn it? If you know any similar sites, please post a comment with the link.
I do understand why it is more interesting to offer such a service in English and with a distinct international touch. Actually it is what makes deviantArt so interesting and so much alive. But the way I see it, now people from all over the world can easily sell to the US, while potential customers in other parts of the world are practically excluded. I did order stuff at Cafepress at some point. You will understand this better, fi you know that I play and work at the Star Wars Combine for now almost 10 years, so I had to get some of the merchandise, no matter the costs. But I paid more for shipping, handling and customs than on the actual products.
If the whole “long tail economy” and “social commerce” stuff is ever supposed to work out, this will have to change. You would think someone would pick up on this and turn it into a business, but so far I can’t see it. Too bad I am too busy (and maybe also not adventurous enough) to do it myself.
And if you are at it, check out Amanora’s gallery at deviantArt. She had a coffee mug with her cat (”Nele“) made for me as a birthday present, because I kept nagging how brilliant it would look on a mug. What will I do, if my husband ever puts it in the dishwasher and ruins it?
Finally!
