IndieMe vs Faire: A Commission-Free Wholesale Alternative for Handcrafted Artists
For many makers, Faire is a first step into online wholesale. IndieMe has supported the North American handcrafted wholesale industry for over 25 years,
connecting juried artists with vetted retail buyers.
This page outlines how our model works and why IndieMe is built to support real relationships, not just algorithm-driven visibility.
IndieMe
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No commission on orders.
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100% handcrafted.
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North America focused (artists & buyers).
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Build relationships with buyers and communicate directly.
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Control your store setup, policies, and presentation.
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Easy discovery because the marketplace is only handcrafted.
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Real customer service, with staff who understand handmade.
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Decades of wholesale experience, including trade show roots.
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Private groups and community support for artists.
Faire
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Commission-based model on orders (varies by program and terms).
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Global marketplace (artists and buyers).
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Visibility often depends on platform search and discovery systems.
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Platform policies and requirements may change over time.
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Many sellers compete in large categories with high volume.
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Buyer screening and terms vary by account and program.
Note: Every platform has strengths. This comparison focuses on how IndieMe’s model is designed for handcrafted businesses.
IndieMe and Faire are different businesses with different models. IndieMe was built specifically to support the handcrafted wholesale industry in North America.
That means juried membership, real support, and a marketplace designed for relationship-based wholesale.
IndieMe is privately owned and independently operated. There’s no venture capital pressure and no board dictating direction.
We reinvest into the platform and member support based on what helps artists and buyers succeed.
IndieMe charges a monthly web service fee, but we do not take commission on your orders because we believe that revenue is yours.
Think of the monthly fee as hosting “rent” for your wholesale website, plus tools, support, and marketing opportunities.
Managing your IndieMe store is different than a commission-based marketplace presence. Below are a few best practices to help you succeed.
How to Succeed on IndieMe
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Stay active: add new work regularly, review stats, and refresh your assortment.
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Update keywords seasonally based on how retail buyers search.
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Keep in touch: email buyers about new designs, restocks, and best sellers.
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When you receive an off-platform order, invite that buyer to reorder on IndieMe.
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Share your IndieMe link on social and tag IndieMe when appropriate.
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Use product launches strategically. Tell us when you release new work so we can help promote it.
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Ask for help. Our team is here to support you.
For Retail Buyers
Free registration. Takes just a few minutes.
Register to shop curated, handcrafted wholesale from juried American & Canadian artists.
Register as a Buyer
For Handcrafted Artists
Ready for a commission-free wholesale platform?
Review our artist qualifications and apply to join a juried marketplace built for handcrafted wholesale.
Apply as an Artist