Littlemarket signing up 30 new sellers each month, expects ‘huge growth’ in 2015

South African ecommerce platform Littlemarket says that it’s been signing up around 30 new approved sellers each month. Since launching in October 2014, the online marketplace has given more than 130 crafters a platform to list and sell over 1 600 unique hand-made items online.

Founder Jean des Isnards, who’s self-funding the platform, says that Littlemarket is also seeing a lot of support from the community, noting that the platform today has over 30 000 Facebook fans.

Read more: Does South Africa’s ecommerce future really lie with niche players?

From craft-style handmade items like beaded necklaces to coffee beans and designer furniture, the platform is expecting “huge growth” in 2015. Des Isnards explains:

We are expecting huge growth in 2015 with a 300% increase in new sellers and products. Traffic to the website is also on the increase, which will lead to higher sales. We are working on other similar platforms and will be launching these over the next few months.

Littlemarket takes 8% on a successful sale and charges a nominal annual shop fee.

“These low fees allow anyone that makes quality handmade products in a cost effective way, an opportunity to showcase and sell their products online. We wanted our fee structure to be fair.”

Read more: MzansiStore: this Etsy for Africa aims to empower local crafters

“It’s not easy for these makers to showcase their work, other than at local craft style markets or privately, without losing out on crucial margins,” says des Isnards.

“Craft markets have huge footfall but by nature they primarily attract customers local to the area, with perhaps a small percentage of passing trade. These artisans often don’t have the budget, resources or ‘know-how’ to bring their items to an online and wider market.”