Marketplaces VS company’s website for handmade goods. Where to order?

One of the questions we are asked most often is: Why are your prices lower on your website than on marketplace platforms?

The answer is simple: marketplace platforms are expensive for both sellers and buyers.

These platforms charge substantial fees on every transaction. Listing fees, sales commissions, payment processing fees, advertising costs and other platform charges all add up. To remain sustainable, sellers must include these expenses in their prices.

In addition, for customers in some countries, including the USA and UK marketplace platforms often collect additional taxes such as sales tax. Depending on the country and order value, these extra charges can significantly increase the final amount paid by the customer.

This is why buying directly from our website is usually:

• 10–20% less expensive than buying through a marketplace for customers from the EU
• 30–60% less expensive for customers from the USA, UK and some other countries

And when you order directly, you receive exactly the same product: the same handmade craftsmanship, the same premium materials, the same customization options and the same personal service.

Faster communication and problem resolution

One of the biggest advantages of ordering directly is that you communicate with us, not through an intermediary.

If you have questions about sizing, customization, shipping or production, we can answer them directly and usually much faster than through a marketplace messaging system.

Should any issue arise, there is no need to wait for a marketplace support team to review the case. We can often resolve questions immediately because we have direct access to your order and production details.

Better technical support

Large platforms occasionally experience technical problems. Messages may be delayed, orders may not sync correctly, payments may fail or tracking information may not update as expected.

Because we manage and maintain our own website, we have direct access to the system and server logs. This allows us to investigate and resolve technical issues much more quickly. If a problem occurs, we are also able to offer alternative solutions directly instead of waiting for a third-party platform to respond.

More flexible payment options

Our website offers a variety of secure payment methods, including:

• Credit and debit cards
• Apple Pay
• Google Pay
• Link
• Stripe secure payments system
• Direct bank transfer

For customers who prefer not to pay online or whose banks restrict international card payments, bank transfer remains a convenient alternative.

Early access to new products, special offers and better information

Our website is always the first place where new products, updates, special offers and customization options appear.

Marketplace listings often have limitations regarding product variations, descriptions and available options. On our website, you can see the complete product information, available upgrades and customization possibilities.

Why do so many makers sell only through marketplace platforms?

Marketplace platforms have undeniable advantages, especially for small businesses. They provide immediate access to millions of potential customers around the world and offer a ready-made infrastructure for payments, shipping and customer trust.

Building an independent e-commerce business is a completely different challenge.

A successful online store requires ongoing investment in website development, security, hosting, analytics, search engine optimization, advertising, content creation and technical maintenance. Reaching an audience comparable to that of a major marketplace often requires hundreds of thousands of euros in marketing investment – something that is simply unrealistic for most small workshops and artisans.

Logistics is another major factor. Managing international shipping, customs documentation, payment systems, taxes, customer service and order tracking takes considerable time, expertise and resources. In many cases, additional staff are required to handle these tasks effectively.

Marketplaces also reduce risk. Sellers can focus primarily on creating products while the platform handles much of the technical infrastructure, customer acquisition and transaction processing.

For these reasons, many talented makers and small manufacturers choose to sell exclusively through large marketplace platforms. In many cases, it is not a preference but a necessity.

At Lazypony workshop, we have chosen a different path. Over the years, we have invested significant time and effort into building and maintaining our own website, improving our logistics processes, developing our customer service and creating the technical infrastructure needed to support direct sales worldwide.

Behind our workshop is a small but dedicated team that works every day on marketing, logistics, customer support and technical support. This allows us to offer our customers a direct purchasing option without the substantial additional costs associated with marketplace commissions.

We continue to value marketplace platforms because they help new customers discover our products. However, purchasing directly from our website is often the most economical, flexible and convenient option.

Supporting a small business

When you order directly, a much larger part of your payment goes toward quality materials, craftsmanship and customer service rather than platform fees. This allows us to continue producing handmade horse tack, custom leather dog collars, leather dog harnesses and made-to-measure equipment while maintaining the quality standards that define Lazypony.

Every direct order helps support a small family workshop and allows us to invest more in product development, customer service and new designs.

If you are considering placing an order, we always recommend checking our website first. You may save a significant amount of money while enjoying a faster, more flexible and more personal shopping experience. Lazypony saddlery workshop.