In the "real world" commerce happens both at corporate malls and public marketplaces. This balance is a vital part of our physical economy giving people the option to purchase manufactured items from large corporations or choose to support local makers at markets and fairs.
Unfortunately, as more shopping happens online the ability to support local makers is being threatened. Corporate marketplaces (such as Amazon, Etsy, Ebay, etc.) have become an expensive toll booth to the internet making it difficult for makers to survive in the online world. It's no surprise that Wall Street owned platforms focus solely on profits to shareholders which creates a hostile environment for handmade sellers.
At goimagine we believe the internet is an extension of the physical world and deserves an affordable and inclusive platform for handmade sellers. Just like farmers' markets and street fairs in your hometown, artisans deserve to have a socially responsible space to sell online. Let's not forget the internet was built with public funding and it's only right that there are public spaces on the internet for commerce to take place.
Our community-driven platform is focused on community and economic development to support creators building their online business. Our mission is to strengthen the handmade community, promote entrepreneurship for artisans, provide online business education, and offer an affordable platform for selling handmade goods.