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I'm An Independent Pattern Designer - Where Can I Sell My E-Patterns?

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I often get asked by independent crafts pattern designers where they can sell their e-patterns so I thought it might be helpful to create a blog post about this.

To give you a little background on me I'm a doll maker and doll pattern designer and have had websites for over 10 years.  I created two of my own websites that I updated to Godaddy via FTP and also managed and maintained two websites that wer hosted through In A Pickle Web Design: one an instant download e-pattern, e-printable, and e-book website using MyCartToGo e-commerce software and Mals-E shopping cart and one selling handmade goods and crafts.

Now I have 1 consolidated Linda Walsh Originals Shop website at Go-Daddy that I maintain that uses a Quick Cart shopping which allows me to sell all my handmade goods and e-products on the same website.  Over the years I've created many, many, many selling and non-selling blogs.

I've been selling my doll and craft patterns and e-patterns online since 2004 and have designed over 350 e-patterns, over 30 e-books, over 20 e-printables, and several e-catalogs. To say I love instant download e-products might be an understatement. I've been in love with .pdf instant download e-products since they first came on the scene in 2004 and have tried all sorts of different venues.

Some I like, some I don't. Some have come and gone, some are free, some are very expensive, some are for specific types of patterns, some are commercial sellers websites, etc. Some are websites that do it all, some are websites that provide html code so you can sell your e-patterns on your website or your blog, some are handmade craft websites where you can list your e-patterns and then send them as an email attachment to your customer, some are websites that provide a download integration for your Etsy shoppe, some are social networking websites that allow for selling, etc. And, some are website designers and e-commerce carts that provide you with the capability of selling instant download e-patterns on your own website.

The online crafts e-pattern, e-printable, and e-book craft industry has been slowly developing over the last decade and, as far as I'm concerned, is still in it's infancy. There's plenty of room for growth and, I'm sure, plenty of room for change. Which venue is best for you is based on what you're selling, what your experience is, what your skill level is, and how much time you can devote to this. Selling e-patterns online as an independent pattern designer is a LONG SLOW process that requires nerves of steel and a lot of PATIENCE. It is not for the faint of heart or those hoping to make a quick buck. That just is not going to happen.

If you’re an artist or crafter who has created e-patterns you might be wondering how you go about selling them. Where do you store your e-patterns and how do you sell instant downloads? Whether its e-patterns or e-books you first need to create a .PDF (Portable Document Format) file which is your electronic product. Once you have created the .PDF file then with the e-patterns there are basically two ways to get the .pdf file to your customer.

1) You can send them yourself as attachments to an email once you have been notified of payment by the customer.

2) They can be sent automatically or available in one's account as "instant download e-patterns" once payment has been made.

So, what kind of online set-up do you need to accomplish this?

1) You can have your own website that has Paypal (or other payment processors) payment buttons capabilities. Once you have received notification from Paypal of payment you can send the e-pattern to your customer as an attachment to an e-mail.

2) You can have a blog that has HTML capabilities in the sidebar or posts that allow you to create Paypal (or other payment processors) payment buttons. Once you have received notification from Paypal of payment you can send the e-pattern to your customer as an attachment to an e-mail.

3) You can have your own website or blog that allows for HTML modules in the sidebar or posts whereby you can copy/paste the BUY NOW digital goods e-commerce shopping cart providers HTML code. In this instance they provide a service whereby they store your e-products on their servers and provide you with a BUY NOW (or similar) button link. When your customer clicks on that Buy Now link then the payment process would begin. Once payment has been made an email will automatically be sent to the customer with the e-pattern download link. They click on the link and follow the prompts to download your e-product. They charge you a fee for this service.

4) You can have your own website that has e-commerce instant download shopping cart capabilities that will send your customer the download link for their e-pattern via email once payment has been made to you.

5) You can have your own website (like my Linda Walsh Originals shop - http://lindawalshoriginalsshop.com) that has e-commerce instant download shopping cart capabilities that will put the download link in the customer's account once payment has been made to you.

6) You can utilize a third-party website with an e-commerce shopping cart provider that has "instant download capabilities." Once payment has been made by the customer the software will automatically generate an email to the customer with the download link. Depending on their set-up you can either: a) upload your .PDF files onto their servers, b) transfer your .PDF files via FTP (file transfer protocol), or c) send them as attachments to an email to them. It all depends on how the e-pattern website is set up. The e-pattern website owners collect payment and then remit to you once they have been paid and have deducted their fee, or they may have a system in place to automatically pay you once the customer has paid. They may charge a monthly fee or charge a % of the sale price and/or both.

7) You can utilize a third-party handmade goods marketplace or community website to create a shop for you to sell your handmade goods and/or e-patterns. Once you have been notified of payment you can send the e-pattern to the customer as an attachment to an e-mail. Sometimes these third-party handmade goods marketplaces or communities have apps that can work in conjunction with your shop and automatically send the customer an email with the e-pattern download link once payment has been made.

If you're an independent crafts pattern designer and you want to sell your e-patterns online, but aren't quite ready for your own website you might want to check out the following websites:

1)   Etsy - http://www.etsy.com  - Shops created and maintained by designers.  E-Patterns sold by designers are uploaded to Etsy listings and downloaded by customers once payment has been processed. Fees are .20 per listing for 4 months plus small  percent of sale.

     a) CraftHub - http://www.crafthub.me/ - An Etsy app that works with Etsy shops selling .pdf instant download e-patterns and provides an integration between ETSY and downloads to customers.  Monthly fees based upon number of transactions.

     b) Easy Social Shop - http://www.easysocialshop.com -  An Etsy and Facebook app that integrates Etsy shops with Facebook business pages allowing you to show your e-patterns on your Facebook business page. E-patterns would be emailed to customers as .pdf attachments.  No fees.

2)  Craftsy - http://www.craftsy.com/ - Social networking website created by Sympoz Inc. to sell their e-classes and offer fabric deals from fabric manufacturers. In 2012 they started offering instant download e-pattern sales capabilities for independent craft designers. All different kinds of crafts represented. Designers upload .pdf e-patterns and maintain their shops.   Craftsy handles all aspects of download and interface with customer.  Completely free - no upload fees and no selling fees.

3)  Patternspot - http://patternspot.com/ - Instant download e-pattern marketplace created by C & T Publishing mainly for quilting enthusiasts.  Designers upload .pdf e-patterns and maintain their designer accounts.  Patternspot handles all aspects of download and interface with customer. Fees % of net sales.

4)  Patternmart - http://www.patternmart.com/ - Thousands of different craft patterns.  Designers upload and maintain their memberships. Pattermart handles all aspects of download and interface with customer.Currently closed to new memberships. Designers are encouraged to join their waiting list. Monthly fees based on number of products.

5)  The Pattern Cupboard - http://www.thepatterncupboard.com/ - Large selection of designers and crafts e-patterns. Currently owned and managed by DJDoodle, LLC. Designers upload .pdf e-patterns and maintain their designer accounts. The Pattern Cupboard handles all aspects of download and interface with customer. Monthly or annual fee based on number of e-patterns plus % of each sale.

6)  EPatternShoppes - http://www.epatternshoppes.com/ - Small co-op mainly primitives e-pattern marketplace owned and operated by DJDoodle, LLC.  Designers upload .pdf e-patterns and maintain their shops. Monthly or annual fee.

7)  The Quilt Pattern Shoppe - http://www.thequiltpatternshoppe.com - Instant download quilt e-pattern designer website.   Designers uploads .pdf e-patterns. The Quilt Pattern Shoppe maintains website and handles all aspects of download and interface with customer. Fee per listing plus % of sale.

8)   MagCloudhttp://www.magcloud.com/ - Hewlett Packard online print on demand and digital distribution publishing. Used by e-zines, e-book sellers, and some e-patterns. Publisher sets price - Magcloud fee % of sale price.

9)   Doll Street Dreamers - http://www.dollstreetdreamers.com/ Oldest social networking doll club on the web. Offers doll classes and pattern shop for instant download doll e-patterns sold by members. Pattern shop maintained by owner of doll club. Owner handles all aspects of download and interface with customer. Fee % of sales price.

10) PatternFish - http://www.patternfish.com/ - Sellers of knit and crochet e-patterns. Website maintained by PatternFish. PatternFish handles all aspects of download and interface with customer. Fee structure - % of sale price.

11) Artfire - http://www.artfire.com/Shops created and maintained by designers. E-Patterns sold by designers are emailed to customers as attachments to an email. Monthly fee structure.

12) CraftsU - http://www.craftsu.com/ -Social networking community of craft artists plus shopping network to buy and sell handmade crafts. Members can use apps (like RapidCart) to help sell handmade items on their individual profile pages.

13) Threadbias - https://www.threadbias.com/ - Online social networking sewing community offering members ability to sell instant download e-patterns. Mainly sewing, clothing, and quilting e-patterns. Designers upload .pdf e-patterns.   Threadbias handles all aspects of download and interface with customer. Fee level structure based on price of e-pattern.

14) Handmade Artists - https://handmadeartists.com/ - Online handmade goods marketplace and social networking community. Shops created and maintained by handmade artisans. E-Patterns sold by designers are emailed to customers as attachments to an email. Membership subscription fees.

15) Folksy - http://folksy.com/ - British online handmade goods marketplace and community.  Shops created and maintained by handmade artisans. E-Patterns sold by designers are emailed to customers as attachments to an email. Two-tier fee structure listing fees per item for 4 month listing plus % sales or annual fee plus % sales.

16) Zibbet - http://www.zibbet.com/ - Online handmade goods marketplace and social networking community. Shops created and maintained by handmade artisans. E-Patterns sold by designers are emailed to customers as attachments to an email. Free for 50 products or less, then monthly or annual fee structure.

17) Bonanza - http://www.bonanza.com/ - Online handmade goods marketplace and social networking community. Shops created and maintained by handmade artisans. E-Patterns sold by designers are emailed to customers as attachments to an email. No listing fees just % of sale.

18) MadeItMyself - http://madeitmyself.com/ - Online crafting and handmade goods selling community.  Shops created and maintained by handmade artisans. E-Patterns sold by designers are emailed to customers as attachments to an email. No listing fees just % of sale.

19) CraftIsArt - http://www.craftisart.com/ - Online artisan and handmade goods selling community. Shops created and maintained by handmade artisans. E-Patterns sold by designers are emailed to customers as attachments to an email. Two tiers for selling - pay as you go and premium.

20) Papernstitch - http://papernstitch.com/ - Papernstitch provides an online exhibition space for talented artists, designers, makers selling handmade goods, and independent boutiques. Products are linked back to each exhibitor's online store where these available they can be purchased. One month exhibition fees.

21) PayloadZ - https://www.payloadz.com/ - Digital Goods eCommerce service for selling downloadable goods online. Provides copy and paste codes for instant download e-patterns to use in websites and blogs.  Monthly fees plus sale transaction fees.

22) EJunkie - http://www.e-junkie.com - Digital Goods eCommerce service for selling downloadable goods online. Provides copy ad paste codes for instant download e-patterns to use in websites and blogs.  Multi-tiered fees based on # of products and storage space required.

23) IPM Pro - http://www.ipmpro.com - Digital Goods eCommerce service for selling downloadable goods online.  Provides copy ad paste codes for instant download e-patterns to use in websites and blogs.

24) YouCanMakeThishttps://www.youcanmakethis.com -  Website selling sewing, crochet, jewelry, crafts & hobbies, stitchery and quilting e-patterns.  You set-up an author account and submit ideas for projects,  Your idea is reviewed and if they like your idea they promote and sell your e-patterns. Fees are 50% of the sales price.

25) Facebook - http://facebook.com - Free social media network.  Sell e-patterns on your business page or within groups.  Paypal bill your customers and once paid e-patterns would be emailed to customers as attachment to an email.  Only cost is Paypal fee for payment transaction.

     a)  Heyo - http://heyo.com -  App that allows you to create a customized Facebook page, with a shopping cart. E-Patterns would be emailed to customer as attachments to an email.  Monthly fee.

26) Gumroad - https://gumroad.com - Digital Goods eCommerce service for selling downloadable goods directly to customers. Integrates with your website, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, SoundCloud, and email newsletters. Flat fee for each sale.

27) Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com - Free social media network.  Create boards for pinning images from around the web.  Pin your item for sale from anywhere else on the web. Pin includes image, description and link back to original website where item was pinned from, like a website or blog post.  Pinned items with prices show up in the gifts section.

    a)  SellPin - https://www.sellpin.com - Buying and selling marketplace that integrates with Pinterest users selling goods and offers payment capability through credit card or Paypal. E-Patterns would be emailed to customers as attachments to an email.   No listing fees just % of sale.

28) Blogger (or any blogging website) - http://blogger.com - Free blogging host provider.  Create a selling blog.  Publish post with image and information about e-pattern.  Include copy and paste code for Paypal button within the post or Paypal bill customer.  When paid e-pattern would be emailed to customer as attachment to an email. Only cost is Paypal fee for payment transaction.

29) Google+ - https://plus.google.com - Free social media network.  Sell e-patterns on your personal profile page, business page or within groups.  Paypal bill your customers and once paid e-patterns would be emailed to customers as attachment to an email.  Only cost is Paypal fee for payment transaction.

30) Go To Patterns & Co.http://gotopatterns.com -  Website selling sewing & craft patterns. Independent pattern designers can contact them for designer terms.  Submitted patterns are reviewed for quality content.

There are also many graphic developers and website hosting providers who can provide websites with digital goods e-commerce instant download capabilities software and shopping carts.  However, that list is for another day.

If you're an independent crafts pattern designer who wants to sell e-patterns online I hope you find my post helpful.

DX9 Reveals New Figure Based on Rodimus Prime

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This morning we have photos of a prototype of another new entry in the field of unofficial Masterpiece-styled toys. DX9's next project is "Carry", their take on Rodimus Prime. According to reports this notionally takes after the Titanium Series Rodimus by including the entire trailer as part of the robot mode. The main image shows also a companion figure surely meant to be Targetmaster Firebolt. There's also low resolution photos giving a size comparison ...to iGear's Faith Leader downsized MP-01 bootleg. Keep reading for more detail on that.

Parent Tested Parent Approved Gains Preferred Status With Toys"R"Us & Babies"R"Us Canada

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TORONTO, Ontario -- via PRWEB - The leading retailer in toy and baby products in Canada, Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us Canada and Parent Tested Parent Approved today announced they have ...

embroidery kits you’ll want to stitch right now

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I used to want to hand-pick every little aspect of my crafty creations. But these days, I’m creating things in my every day business – so I make creative decisions all. day. long. (and I love it, I really do!) Because of that, when I get a chance to make something for fun, I kind of like it […]

The post embroidery kits you’ll want to stitch right now appeared first on Small for Big.

Research and Markets: Global Baby Electronic Toys Market 2015-2019 with Fisher-Price, Toys "R" Us & Vtech Holdings ...

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Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global Baby Electronic Toys Market 2015-2019" report to thei

set database: LEGO 1631 black racer

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set database: LEGO 1631 black racer


image courtesy of peeron
image courtesy of greengoz
set number: 1631
set name: black racer
theme: townrace
year: 1990
pieces: 18
price: us$na
minifig: none
nice town set.
come with a black racing car.
great playability.
overall design is great.
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NRF Predicts Imports to Rise as West Coast Ports Work on Backlog

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According to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates, import cargo volume at the nation’s major retail container ports is expected to rise an unusually high 16.9 percent this month over the same time last year as West Coast ports begin to dig out from [...]

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Last week, Hot Toys unveiled the first of their Avengers: Age of Ultron Cosbaby figures. Though you should probably note that was just Series 1, and that they have series 1.5 and 2 coming soon! All...

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Hot Toys Previews More Avengers: Age of Ultron Cosbaby Figures

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Last week, Hot Toys unveiled the first of their Avengers: Age of Ultron Cosbaby figures. Though you should probably note that was just Series 1, and that they have series 1.5 and 2 coming soon! All in all, they plan on having at least 13 Cosbaby figures based on Marvel’s upcoming blockbuster. Series 1.5 is […]

Hot Toys Previews More Avengers: Age of Ultron Cosbaby Figures">Read More...

Nordic Easter Egg, a free PDF with yarn purchase

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[Business Wire] - Hasbro, Inc. announced today that it has been recognized by the Ethisphere Institute, the global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business pr

Hasbro Teams up with Demi Lovato to Introduce New TWISTER MOVES Line

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[Business Wire] - Hasbro, Inc. has joined forces with multi-talented recording artist, performer and actress Demi Lovato to introduce exciting ways to move with the new TWISTER MOVES line.

Mattel Disney Pixar CARS: V Case Super Chase is a Clown CAR?

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The listing for the Super Chase CAR of CASE V is somewhat cryptic*: “Circus Van” While I wouldn’t bet my life on it, I scanned through the Tokyo, Italy, France & UK scenes and nothing stood out as a “circus van.” There are two clues pointing to this “clown car” as the one … It’s […]

We're Just Two Old Bunnies In Love! New Wedding & Wedding Anniversary Designs and Products

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Laura, The Qunitessential Bunny and Devin, A Bunny Gentleman are two senior citizen bunnies who have been in love for close to 50 years. Time doesn't seem to matter to them. Their love just keeps getting stronger and stronger every day.

They will be celebrating they're 50th wedding anniversary soon so the "Grays" felt that their love was so special that it should be shared and cherished so they designed new graphics for Laura and Devin.

Their adorable new "We're Just two Old Bunnies In Love" design and new products are for senior citizens, grandma's and grandpa's and are intended for use as gifts, decorations and party accessories for seniors wedding anniversaries and wedding celebrations. They have products for home decor, special occasions, clothing, accessories, fun and entertainment, and so much more.

If you're planning a casual or formal wedding or 50th wedding anniversary celebration they have many, many party products to make your celebration a very special event. From party favors to decorations, paper products, linens, serving dishes, gifts & gift accessories, party invitations, games, and so much more - they have everything you need.

They hope you like their new "We're Just two Old Bunnies In Love!" design and products.




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The CARS: Fast as Lightning mobile app has been updated with an ICE RACER level … Cars: Fast as Lightning is available for iPhone, iPod touch, Android, and Windows Phone. Cars: Fast as Lightning is also available for iPad. Or Alberto A. found a new Ice Racer at Target … thanks Alberto!   Tweet This […]

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[PR Newswire] - LAS VEGAS, March 10, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- "MONOPOLY MILLIONAIRES' CLUB," the first-of-its kind television game show will launch a new multi-state companion lottery scratch ticket. With as many as 14 state lotteries joining immediately, and more states to follow, the MONOPOLY MILLIONAIRES' CLUB lottery scratch ticket created by Scientific Games under license from Hasbro, Inc. (HAS) will debut in March 2015 just in time for the new premiere date of the "MONOPOLY MILLIONAIRES' CLUB" television game show on March 28 and 29 (check local listings for time, day and station). "MONOPOLY MILLIONAIRES' CLUB" is hosted by actor, comedian and television star Billy Gardell ("Mike & Molly," "You, Me and Dupree"), and co-hosted by Todd Newton ("Family Game Night," "Hollywood Showdown").

Ume Toys' Geekwok does a bit of cosplaying

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Rich Page of Ume Toys has recently painted up one of his Geekwok resin figures in a bit of a cosplay favor. Calling it the Geekachu, the little yellow fellow has a sculpted tail and blushy red cheeks meant to evoke a certain popular Pokemon. (Yeah, it's Pikachu.)

Whether this remains a one-off -- as it is right now -- or actually gets a production run hasn't been decided yet. Rich is looking for feedback on that very question, though: let him know in his blog post's comments what you think (and here, too!)

Ume Toys' Geekwok does a bit of cosplaying screenshot

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While wasting my life on YouTube the other night I came across this fun video that is kinda cute. Enjoy.

Join "Batman and Robin" as they race the Batmobile against the Robinmobile! Both cars are the new Fisher-Price Power Wheels Corvette Stingray, black and red versions! 

Each epic race was very close, ending with a rare fight between Batman and Robin that came to punches! Tensions got high when each superhero thought the races were tied when they lost!

#BATMAN 75th Anniversary Tribute Fine Art Print by Harlan Elam

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There is an Artist named Harlan Elam who is offering a "Golden Age Batman" Fine Art Print online that Celebrates the Dark Knight's 75th birthday by going old school. He wanted to combine the classic 1940's logo and Batmobile. Yes, this is the BAT-MAN in true comic book form. 

He is offering his vision in two different formats, one color and another in black and white. They each measure approx. 18 X 24" and are a 5-color screen print with a Metallic Variant. Ready to print if you're interested.

For more information, just CLICK HERE!
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