...supporting artists and crafters worldwide
What is The Handmade Movement?
"The handmade movement" is the collective energy and creativity of Artists and Crafters who work with their hands. This site's purpose is to support sellers and buyers of handmade items- right now the main focus being through the "Sneak Attack". Although unaffiliated with Etsy, we focus in particular on shops of handmade items from Etsy.com
Upcoming Schedule:
Date |
Time (EDT) |
Sponsor |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| M | Aug 3 |
7:00pm |
|
| Th | Aug 6 |
7:00pm |
|
| M | Aug 10 |
7:00pm |
|
| Th | Aug 13 |
7:00pm |
|
| M | Aug 17 |
7:00pm |
|
| Th | Aug 20 |
7:0pm |
The Sneak Attack
What is a Sneak Attack?
It's a way to support independant artisans who are trying to sell their wares online. Three days a week at an appointed time, an Etsy* shop with few or no sales is announced on this site. As many people as possible then buy items from that shop, resulting in a frenzy of surprise business to the unsuspecting shop! (*Etsy is an online marketplace where individuals can set up shops to sell their goods) Want to join in? I bet you do! Read on...
To the right is the current Sneak Attack schedule. To participate, show up on this site at or soon after the time of the next attack and you'll see the chosen shop name in the box above. Then go to that shop and purchase an item, making sure to include the words "Sneak Attack" in the "message to seller". It's also fun to tune into the current thread on Etsy to talk about it with other "attackers".
Who's behind all this?
Actually, a lot of people are! The success of this site and the Sneak Attack is are thanks to a lot of different people who are happy to help make someone's day! Michael Phipps originated the Sneak Attack idea. He ties everything together and maintains the site.
Michael is an artist by profession. As part of that he sells artistic t-shirts on his site ScatterbrainTees.com and his Etsy shop PhippsArt. His art blog can be found at http://michaelphipps.blogspot.com/. See his illustration work at http://www.michaelphipps.net.
Advertising on The Handmade Movement
As of August 2009, advertising is handled by Project Wonderful. Look on the left sidebar and you'll see information beneath the advertisements about how to include your ad.
Questions? Confused? Contact ads [at] michaelphipps.net for more info.
Sneak Attack FAQ:
How do I participate?
No need to join any group or sign up (although you can join the mailing list for reminder emails). All you have to do is buy at least one item from the shop that is revealed at the time of the scheduled Attack. It doesn't have to be immediately at the appointed hour, either. The Attack is usually 'live' for about 12 hours.
How else can I help without making a purchase?
Maybe you're low on funds or the specific shop doesn't speak to you. You can still help out by visiting and joining in on the Attack-specific thread in the Etsy forums. This helps spread the word by keeping the thread at the top of its section. The link to the thread is usually posted on the main page of this site in the main box near the top.
How are shops chosen for the Sneak Attacks?
The best way to NOT get chosen is to nominate oneself- please don't! Selected volunteers ("sponsors") scour Etsy.com for shops that meet certain criteria. (Sponsor information is further down on this page.)
Can I nominate someone even if I don't actually become a sponsor?
Yes, although the sponsors ultimately choose the shops. But a list is kept of possible shops which is sometimes presented to sponsors who need some shop ideas. Send shop ideas to sponsor [at] michaelphipps.net
I know someone who has hit hard times. Will you consider choosing their shop?
The Sneak Attacks were developed as a way to encourage people in their art or craft, and to surprise and encourage them with multiple sales. It's a very uniqe concept and we are trying to keep our focus in line with the orginal idea. Helping people that are down on their luck is a great cause- even more important than what we're doing- so we encourage people to seek organizations that help in this regard or to creatively find their own way to help.
Having said that, we do at times support various charitable organizations by occasionally choosing shops that donate 100% of their profit to a charity.
Additionally, although some people have made a significant amount of sales through being Sneak Attacked, generally they don't make a lot of money off of it but rather get a boost of encouragement. On it's own, being Sneak Attacked will not start a continuing stream of sales- that's up to the shop owner as much as they will continue to promote and update their store.
What are the criteria for shops to be chosen for the sneak attacks?
-They have zero or only a few sales- usually 4 or less. (Exception: Shops who donate 100% of their profits to a charity may be considered even if they have several sales.)
-Their shop has been updated in the past week or two.
-They do not have a second (or third) more successful shop.
-They have at least a few items under $10 so more people can participate (there may be some exceptions to this at some point)
-Preferrably a shop will have 20+ items, but we will consider any with at least 12. If less, we might consider doing two shops at once that both have a small amount of items.
-They appear to have good quality products.
-They are at least two weeks old, preferably more.
-If possible, they have positive feedback established through purchases or selling a few items.
-The shop must not be in conflict with any Etsy policies, applicable laws, etc. For instance, shops supplying food must clearly state they produce their product in an accredited kitchen.
-The shop is not affiliated or connected to the sponsor.
-Sponsors choose the shops and approve them with Michael.
-Michael reserves the right to make exceptions to the above rules, but this will not normally happen and will only be in special cases (e.g. needing to change the shop at the last minute).
How can I be chosen to sponsor an attack?
Please volunteer by contacting VintageEmbellishment.etsy.com to find out more information about sponsoring. You will need an Etsy account to send her a message as well as to sponsor.
Please only volunteer out of the kindness of your heart and if you think it would be fun. I've caught people trying to volunteer so they can sponsor friends' shops- but I've found out and will likely figure it out in the future, too!
What if I buy from a shop during a Sneak Attack and I have a problem with the seller?
Well, it hasn't happened yet! So far all reported experiences have been positive and no one has lost any money by purchasing an item during a Sneak Attack. If it does ever happen, TheHandmadeMovement.com is not responsible for the misdeeds of Etsy shop owners. Please bring up any issues via Etsy's existing reporting systems.
The Mailing List
How and why sign up?
Send an email to SAlist [at] michaelphipps.net with the title "Sign me up" to be put on the Sneak Attack mailing list. You'll be contacted a few hours before each Sneak Attack with a friendly reminder. Make sure to also put the email address in your contacts so the emails don't get marked as spam
Weekly Giveaway
Coming Soon!
Coming soon- weekly giveaways of great handmade and vintage items. Check back soon!
