Selling on Not On The High Street vs Etsy Fees & How-To

Selling on Not On The High Street vs Etsy: Fees & How-To

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Finding the right online marketplace is crucial for creative entrepreneurs looking to showcase their unique products. Platforms like Not On The High Street and Etsy offer visibility to thousands of potential customers, but which one is the right fit for your small business? While Etsy is a globally recognized platform, Not On The High Street positions itself distinctly within the UK market as “The home of epic gifts and small business magic.”

Deciding whether to sell on Not On The High Street or perhaps choose an alternative to Not On The High Street like Etsy involves understanding the platform’s ethos, application process, potential costs, and seller responsibilities. This post delves into the essentials of selling on Not On The High Street, guiding you on how to join Not On The High Street based on publicly available customer information.

We’ll explore the application process, what it means to be one of the Not On The High Street sellers, and touch upon the Not On The High Street vs Etsy dynamic as revealed through customer-facing details. Specific information on Not On The High Street selling fees or direct comparisons of seller experiences is typically part of the application process with the platform itself.

Table of Contents

What is Not On The High Street?

Not On The High Street (often abbreviated as NOTHS) is a UK-based online marketplace that champions unique products from creative small businesses. They define themselves as the destination for “epic gifts” that celebrate life’s big and small moments – from milestone birthdays and weddings to cheering up a friend.

The platform hosts over 5,000 independent small businesses, referred to as ‘Partners’. Each product is crafted by someone pursuing their small business dream, emphasizing unique and often personalized items that set it apart from mass-market retailers. This focus contributes to the discovery of some of the best selling items on Not On The High Street.

One of the key aspects of NOTHS is its curation process, highlighting that every small business Partner is “hand-selected” by their in-house team of curators. This process implies a level of quality control and a specific aesthetic or standard that potential Not On The High Street sellers must meet. Their mission revolves around giving creative entrepreneurs a platform and supporting them, making it a unique website like Not On The High Street, distinct from broader marketplaces.

How to Apply to Sell on Not On The High Street

If you’re wondering how to sell not on the high street, the journey begins with a formal application process that reflects their curated nature. Unlike platforms where immediate registration might be possible, gaining acceptance to sell with Not On The High Street requires selection by their team.

Here’s how to start the process:

  1. Locate the Official Channel: The primary path to apply for Not On The High Street is through the dedicated “Sell with us” section prominently featured on their website.
  2. Pre-Application Questions: For those wanting clarity before committing to a full application, NOTHS offers a point of contact: [email protected]. This email allows you to inquire about suitability, ask initial questions, and better understand if your brand aligns with their marketplace before you apply to Not On The High Street.

The emphasis on “hand-selected” Partners underscores that a successful application hinges on aligning your products and brand identity with the platform’s vision and quality standards. Specific details regarding the Not On The High Street application requirements are typically provided through the official ‘Sell with us’ channels during the application journey.

Understanding Selling Fees and Costs on Not On The High Street

A fundamental consideration for any aspiring seller revolves around associated costs: What are the Not On The High Street fees? Does the platform charge a Not On The High Street joining fee? Importantly, how much commission do Not On The High Street take on sales? Understanding the total sell on Not On The High Street cost is essential for business planning.

It’s crucial for potential Partners to recognize that detailed breakdowns of seller financial obligations are typically not published in customer-facing areas. Specifics regarding:

  • Initial joining or setup fees
  • Commission structures per sale (Not On The High Street selling fees)
  • Any recurring monthly or annual subscription costs
  • Other potential transaction-related charges

This information is often treated as commercially sensitive. The details are usually disclosed directly to businesses during or after a successful Not On The High Street application.

Therefore, obtaining precise figures on how much do Not On The High Street charge necessitates engaging with their official seller onboarding channels. The most reliable sources are the “Sell with us” application portal or direct communication with the membership team ([email protected]). Relying on anecdotal or third-party information regarding Not On The High Street selling fees can be misleading, as fee structures can change. The definitive financial arrangement is clarified during the formal process of becoming a Partner.

Not On The High Street vs. Etsy: What We Can Learn

When considering Etsy or Not On The High Street, many creative businesses weigh the pros and cons. Examining the Not On The High Street vs Etsy dynamic from a seller’s perspective requires careful consideration, though direct comparisons based solely on NOTHS’s customer-facing information are limited.

The primary mention of Etsy within the provided NOTHS materials appears in their customer Price Promise terms and conditions. Here, Etsy is listed as an “Approved Retailer” alongside John Lewis, Next, and Moonpig. This means NOTHS will price-match an identical item found cheaper on Etsy (under specific conditions) for a customer who has purchased it from NOTHS. This suggests that, from a customer pricing standpoint for identical goods, NOTHS acknowledges Etsy as a comparable marketplace.

However, this single reference point doesn’t provide insights into the seller experience comparison between Etsy versus Not On The High Street. Key differences pertinent to sellers, such as application processes, fee structures (Not On The High Street fees vs Etsy fees), platform tools, Not On The High Street marketing support versus Etsy’s, or access to features like a Not On The High Street API, are not detailed in customer documents.

The most significant differentiator inferred from NOTHS’s own information is its curated nature (“hand-selected” Partners), contrasting with Etsy’s generally more open platform structure. Therefore, the choice between Not On The High Street or Etsy may hinge on whether a seller prefers an open marketplace or values the potentially higher brand alignment and curated environment offered by NOTHS, understanding that entry requires meeting specific selection criteria.

Responsibilities of a Not On The High Street Seller

Becoming one of the Not On The High Street sellers involves more than just listing products; it includes taking ownership of various aspects of the customer experience and order fulfillment. Based on customer support processes, sellers (Partners) appear responsible for:

  • Direct Customer Communication: Partners are the primary point of contact for buyers. This includes:
    • Responding to pre-sale product questions via the ‘Ask Seller’ button (within a reported 72-hour timeframe).
    • Handling inquiries about existing orders through the ‘Contact Seller’ button in the customer’s order history (with a 24-hour response time).
    • Managing communication for personalized items, including receiving customer photos and providing proofs for approval.
  • Order Fulfillment & Logistics: Sellers manage the dispatch process, which involves:
    • Preparing orders for shipment. While specific Not On The High Street packaging guidelines aren’t detailed in customer FAQs, professional presentation is expected in e-commerce.
    • Dispatching orders within the indicated timeframes on their product pages.
    • Selecting and managing delivery options for customers.
    • Addressing delivery issues, such as items sent to an incorrect address or investigating undelivered parcels.
  • Product Management & Returns: Ensuring product accuracy and handling post-purchase processes are key. This includes:
    • Providing clear, accurate descriptions and realistic images for listings, which is crucial for Not On The High Street marketing at the product level.
    • Adhering to the NOTHS returns policy and processing return requests directly with customers for eligible items.
    • Managing claims for faulty items, often requiring photographic evidence from customers before arranging replacements or refunds.
  • Maintaining Service Standards: While not explicitly outlined, the structure implies that sellers must maintain professional communication, adhere to response time expectations, and follow platform policies regarding orders and returns to ensure a positive customer experience.

FAQ: Selling on Not On The High Street

Here are answers to some common questions about selling on the platform:

  • How do I apply to become a seller on Not On The High Street?
    To begin the Not On The High Street application process, navigate to the “Sell with us” section on their official website. For questions before formally applying, you can contact their membership team at [email protected].
  • What are the commission fees or joining costs for selling on Not On The High Street?
    Specific details regarding Not On The High Street selling fees, commission rates, or any potential Not On The High Street joining fee are not typically outlined in customer-facing help sections. This information is usually provided directly to prospective Partners during the official application process.
  • Is Not On The High Street a curated marketplace?
    Yes, Not On The High Street emphasizes that their Partners are “hand-selected” by an “in-house team of curators,” indicating a curated approach to who can sell on Not On The High Street.
  • How does Not On The High Street compare to Etsy for sellers?
    A direct comparison from a seller’s viewpoint covering aspects like fees or platform tools is not available in the customer documentation. The key distinction highlighted is NOTHS’s curated, application-based model versus Etsy’s more open structure. Etsy is only mentioned in the context of customer price matching. Deciding between Etsy or Not On The High Street depends on individual business priorities.
  • What types of products are suitable for Not On The High Street?
    The platform focuses on “epic gifts” for various life occasions. Product examples include stylish homeware, garden items, personalized gifts, and unique finds. Successful items often align with gifting trends and offer personalization options.
  • Do sellers on Not On The High Street handle their own customer service?
    Yes, the customer support processes indicate that buyers contact Not On The High Street sellers directly for inquiries regarding products, order updates, personalization details, and processing returns.
  • Are there specific packaging requirements mentioned for sellers?
    Customer-facing information does not detail specific Not On The High Street packaging mandates. However, as sellers manage their own dispatch, ensuring secure and presentable packaging is a standard expectation for e-commerce businesses.

Conclusion

Not On The High Street presents itself as a unique, curated marketplace focused on high-quality, thoughtful gifts primarily within the UK market. For creative small businesses whose products align with this ethos, it offers a platform with over 5,000 fellow Partners and a strong brand identity centred around “small business magic.”

The path to becoming a seller involves a selective application process managed by in-house curators, distinguishing it from more open platforms like Etsy. While customer interactions, order fulfillment, and returns management are direct responsibilities of the sellers, specific operational details like precise selling fees, commission structures, and available marketing tools are typically discussed during the formal application process.

If you believe your brand is a good fit and you’re ready to explore the possibility, the definitive next step is to visit the official Not On The High Street “Sell with us” page or reach out to their membership team. This direct approach is essential to obtain accurate, up-to-date information on requirements, costs, and the full scope of what it means to sell with Not On The High Street. For businesses seeking a curated environment and a focus on gifting, NOTHS remains a compelling option worth investigating further through official channels.