An offer from Zibbet for EB readers

The CEO of Zibbet has extended an offer to EtsyBitch readers.

Zibbet recently launched a new structure that includes Premium Shops, and they are offering EB readers a FREE 7-day trial of the Premium Account. All you need to do is enter the following coupon code when registering for a Premium Account: ETSYBITCH

There are still Basic shops available. For more information about the two participation levels, and a tour video of Premium Account features click here

We previously spotlighted Zibbet in our alternatives series.

Etsy Alternative #11 - Zibbet

In this continuing series, we bring you a review of alternative selling venues, website hosting services, shopping carts, and basically anything else that you can use to sell your lovely handcrafted goods. Next up - Zibbet.

Tagline: Live Handmade

Company information: Two guys from Australia, beta site launched February 2009 – Zibbet Pty Ltd.

Storefront: Store URL is zibbet.com/username. Customization includes banner, avatar, shop announcement, and favorite items. Looks similar to Etsy. Product picture is the focal point of the listings. They have the same linking policy as Etsy in regards to linking to your other shops elsewhere.

Cost: No listing fee, 7.5% commission on sales price (not including shipping). Or join referral program to pay 5% commission. Billed monthly, listings expire after 90 days. Edit 7/27/09 new policies at Zibbet - Free shops, max 15 items, no listing or sale fee. Premium shops $7 a month, unlimited listings, no listing or sale fee, new and extra perks. Read more at their blog.

Features: Item and shop view stats; list unlimited items in your shop; showroom (their version of the front page Showcase, on-site advertising); wish lists and favorites; shop by search, categories, username, or location. The search works within categories and can break down by cost or color. Flagging system. Promote the site or your shop with premade banners.

More information in their FAQ

Payment: Paypal for under US$5000, Zibbet acts as a third-party mediary via direct bank transfer for larger payments to protect the buyer. Prices are clearly in USD.

Community: Feedback system, their blog, internal messaging system.

Customer service: Onsite help ticket, social messaging systems like Twitter

Items that can be sold: Handmade, Fine art, Vintage, and Craft supplies. Read here for more information on their categories

General impressions: The layout and design is simple, but listings are somewhat busy with the upper right sidebar. The green color is also not beneficial for some shops and the Zibbet ‘brand’ is evident within the shops and listings, the seller’s info is pushed down the page.

Shop’s policy link in the listings is nice, but the lack of in-shop categories and search is evident when attempting to shop, as well as the lack of search when browsing other parts of the site, you have to click ‘buy’ then ‘search’ every time

The site is in beta, but free unless something sells, so there’s nothing but time to lose if trying it out.

Overall, it feels like they are attempting to recreate Etsy without the social aspect, and they admit the concept was developed in 2007 (Etsy has been around since 2005).