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The world of business in changing e-business and outsourcing are two most obvious expressions of this change. The newer modes of business. E-business and BPO are not new business, but simply the new ways of doing business. Interestingly, the two trends of e-business & BPO are continuing to evolve,e-Business - Electronic Business :Meaning - Means conducting industry, trade and business using computer network 24×7×365 days a yr. Business (24 hrs. × 7 days × 365 days a year business), there by dismantling the time & space / locational constraints of its performance.e-commerce :means buying & selling products & services over the internet. It makes use of e-mail, electronic fund transfer etc.Scope of e-business :B2B Commerce :- Business to Business - Both the parties are business firm, e.g. Manufacturer of an automobile requires assembly of a large number of components which are being manufactured by different firm; Maruti Udyog, Bajaj auto etc. use B-2-B commerce.B2C Commerce : - Business to Customer - Transaction taking place between business & individual customers :It facilitates promotion of products on line. e.g. music or filmCompanies sell products & services on line to customer e.g. GCMMF :: Amul - The Taste of India sell Amul products online.It is fast & 24 hrs.Intra - B. Commerce :- Parties involved are from with in a given business firm. It makes it possible for the marketing department to interact constantly with the production department to get information about customer requirement.C2C Commerce :- Consumer to consumer - Business originates from the consumer & the ultimate destination is also consumer.Its area of application is the formation of consumer forum. e.g. selling used books over the internet.Comparative Study e-business & Traditional business :Basis Traditional Business e-business 1. formation Difficult Simple 2. Physical presence Required Not required 3. Locational requirement Market None 4. Cost of setting up High Low/no requirement of physical facilityBENIFITS OF E-BUSINESS :Ease of formation & lower investment requirements :- It is relatively easy to start, no huge stock & capital.Convenience :- 24×7×365 Anywhere, anytime, anything.Speed : Internet allows any transaction alone at a click of mouseGlobal reach / access : Customers have complete freedom to choose products from almost any part of the world.Movement towards a paper less society : Using internet or mobile phones, thereby reducing dependency of people on paper.Reduced costs : Reduced cash of advertising exchange of information & delivery.Customer convenience & satisfaction : Use of internet to hug goods / services & payment can also be made on line.Limitation of e-business :Low personal touch: People want to test & feel products like garment, furniture, jewellery etc which is not possible here.Gap between order taking/giving and order fulfillment speed :- Physical delivery takes time & some time due to technical reasons websites takes long time to open.Need for technology capability & competence of parties to e-business :- requires computer knowledge and there is a shortage of skilled persons who can successfully handle e-commerce.Increased risk due to anonymity & non traceability of parties: It becomes difficult to establish the identity of the parties.People resistance: e-business means new ways of doing things with new technology causes stress and a sense of insecurity. So people resist of entry into e-business.Ethical fallouts: Companies use an ‘electronic eye’ to keep track of computer files used by their employees, their e-mail accounts etc. It is not ethical.Buying / Selling Process :Buyer finds sellerSelection of goodsNegotiation of price & delivery termsSalePaymentsDeliveryPost sale activityExcept delivery stage, all stage unvalue flow of information which include :Face to face interaction : Time consuming.9 Telephone : presence of both parties for verbal exchange.By post : Time consuming.Internet : free from most of the problem referred aboveStep involved in on-line trading from a customer’s perspective.Registration : To fill a registration form with an on line vendor to have an ‘account’Placing order : - Negotiate price and delivery terms & place an order with the vendor.Payment mechanism : Cash on delivery (COD) / Cheque / Net-banking transfer/ credit or debit card (Digital / e-cash)

First, you must be a consumer.If you have purchased goods or services for your business, for example for re-selling them, you are not a consumer.But if you have purchased goods or services, like medicines, computers, mobiles, etc. for your own use, or mediclaim insurance policies, you are certainly a consumer.Secondly, you must give a notice in writing to the supplier or service provider asking him to rectify the faults, defects, etc.The notice should be simple, clearly pointing out your grievances, and requesting the supplier or service provider to rectify the faults, defects, etc. or replace the goods.Normally, you should give a clear one month’s notice.You should address the notice to the nearest address available, so that if you have to file a Complaint, it will be in the nearest consumer forum.Thirdly, the Complaint must be filed within 2 years of the cause of action.If there are reasonable causes for delay in filing the Complaint, you can always request the Consumer Forum to condone the delay.The Complaint: The following is the procedure for filing a Complaint before the District Forums.(State Forums and National Forums have their own rules, but they are essentially the same)Although it is not essential that the Complaint should be typed, it is always better to get it typed, double spaced, with at least 1½ inches of margin space on the left, top and bottom.The Complaint has to be arranged in the following Order and you have to page number all documents.1. Index giving the page number(s) of each document.2. Application for condonation of delay (if there is delay), giving the reasons for the delay, duly affirmed before a notary public.3. Complaint – containing details of the grievance, preferably arranged in chronological order; briefly giving the ground on which relief is claimed, and the relief (including legal costs, damages and interest) claimed.The Complaint has to be signed by the Complainant.4. You can appear before the Consumer Forums in person, or allow a close relative to appear for you.But if you are engaging an advocate to appear on your behalf, you have to enclose a Vakalatnama, But then, your advocate will be doing all the paper work and attending the hearings.If you are authorizing, your close relative to appear for you, you have to enclose a letter of authority.5. Affidavit that the contents of the Complaint are true.6. Copies of all documents on which you rely upon in support of your Complaint.No of copies of the Complaint to be filedYou have to submit:1 Original and 2 xerox copies.In addition, if the Complaint is admitted, you will have to submit as many more copies as there are parties.Where to file your Complaint:The jurisdiction, that is the Consumer Forum, where you should file your Complaint depends on the amount involved.I am summarizing the provisions below:Amount Involved Jurisdictionupto Rs. 20 lakhs District Consumer ForumRs. 20 lakhs to Rs. 1 crore State Consumer ForumMore than Rs. 1 crore National Consumer ForumThe Fee:The fee, which is nominal, depends upon the amount involved. It is as follows:Before District Forum:For claims up to Rs. 1 lakh = Rs. 100For claims from Rs.1 lakh to Rs. 5 lakhs = Rs. 200For claims from Rs.5 lakh to Rs. 10 lakhs = Rs. 400For claims from Rs.10 lakh to Rs. 20 lakhs = Rs. 500Before State Commission: For claims from Rs.20 lakh to Rs. 50 lakhs = Rs. 2000For claims from Rs.50 lakh to Rs. 1Crore = Rs. 4000Before National CommissionFor claims exceeding Rs. 1crore = Rs. 5000The fee has to be paid in the form of a demand draft on a nationalized bank in favour of the President of the concerned District Consumer Forum (Registrar of the State or National Commission if the Complaint is filed in these places).There is no prescribed format for the affidavit. I am giving a simple format which you can modify and use.Format of AffidavitSpecimen Draft Affidavit to be filed with the ComplaintI,………….. The, COMPLAINANT ABOVE NAMED DO HEREBY SOLEMNLY AFFIRM AND STATE THAT I HAVE FILED THE COMPLAINT HEREIN AND REPEAT, REITERATE, REAFFIRM AND CONFIRM EACH AND EVERY STATEMENT MADE THEREIN AS TRUE TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEF.AffirmationIn practice, you can get the affirmation done (or affidavit affirmed) before any notary public, but he will usually charge anything between Rs. 100 to Rs. 200; or you can affirm before the Registrar of the concerned Forum.Actual Filing of the ComplaintYou, or your advocate, will have to personally file the Complaint in the office of the concerned Consumer Forum.The Consumer Forum’s office will go through the Complaint and point out any deficiencies.You have to correct them and submit the Complaint again.The Consumer Forum’s office will give you a short date for admission.On this date, you or your representative has to appear and explain the Complaint to show that there is a genuine consumer Complaint.This is a simple process and usually the Forum members are very helpful.Once the Complaint is admitted, The Consumer Forum will direct you to submit more copies of the complaint (as many as there are respondents). These will be sent to the Respondents along with notice prepared by the Commission’s office.+Why should you complain?Everyone has consumer rights. You have the right to know what you will receive before you pay for a product or service, obtain what you pay for, complain when you are not satisfied, and get your money back when you have a legitimate complaint.There are no magical ways to get action on a complaint, but nothing will happen unless you complain and demand action. This publication offers suggestions to help you get results when you have a problem with the purchase of goods or services.“The squeaky wheel gets the grease.” This old proverb means that noise gets attention. If you don’t let a merchant or vendor know you are dissatisfied with their goods or services, you have no chance of resolving the problem.First, ask yourself if your complaint is legitimate. Why are you dissatisfied? What went wrong? Is it a question of losing money because goods or services you received were not what was promised, or was there even outright fraud? Or, did a representative of the company treat you rudely?Taking the time to consider whether you have a valid and timely complaint will save you time and effort. But, be sure to check to see if there is a deadline for making your complaint.The first step should be to take your complaint directly to the business before you take other action. Often, the problem can be resolved quickly by doing do, so don’t forget to ask to “escalate” your call if the customer service representative is not helpful. Ask politely if you could be transferred to someone with the authority to help resolve your complaint. If it is a small company, ask to speak with the owner.Obviously, you can’t resolve a complaint about fraud or a scam by contacting the party that ripped you off—the scam artist is probably long gone, and it isn’t advisable to contact fraudsters anyway. However, you should let the appropriate authorities know when you have been a victim of fraud. There is a chance that they could recover your money, and at the very least you will help prevent other consumers from falling victim to the same scam.Complaints overviewHere are some of the concepts for complaining that are explained in this guide:Know your rights.Complain in a timely fashion.Prepare a folder or file to keep documents and notes about your complaint.Write out three or four sentences that describe your complaint clearly and concisely.Be clear about what you want.Be persistent.Be patient and don’t lose your cool.Seek assistance from a third party.Consider going to court.Before complainingReview what happened and think about your options and rights. Consider the facts of the case and what you want to happen. Write down:a brief description of your complaint;what your rights are;why you feel the business should do something for you; andwhat you want the business to do to resolve the problem.If you are not sure what your rights are or how to proceed, do an Internet search to learn more, or contact a consumer group and discuss the situation. Talking with a qualified organization may help you decide how to handle the problem, and many agencies have publications that explain consumer rights and how to resolve complaints.You can consult the Consumer Action Handbook, a free guide that includes information about your consumer rights and lists many consumer protection agencies. From this page you can order a printed copy or download the PDF version.Review all printed information you have about the case, such as:any ad that you responded to, or any brochure, warranty, guarantee or other document that describes the product or service and how it should work;all letters between you and the business; andany other papers you received from the company, including agreements, instructions, receipts and billing statements.If you signed a contract, read it carefully and ask the company for explanations of anything you don’t understand. The contract or warranty may limit your options or provide you with certain rights. Make sure you have done everything that you were supposed to do to live up to your part of the agreement.Decide what you want from the company, such as repair or replacement of the item, a refund, an exchange, a credit, a correction of the company’s records or the payment of damages. Consider whether a compromise would be acceptable. It may be easier to resolve the complaint if you agree to a settlement that falls short of a full refund.Complain as soon as possibleThe sooner you complain, the better your chances are for a satisfactory settlement. In some cases, especially billing disputes, the company may not be legally liable if you fail to complain within a reasonable time after you first discover the problem or receive the bill. That is why it is important to read all bills and statements as soon as you get them.Some store refund policies allow you to return items if you do so within a few days. If you wait too long to return the item, you will lose the right to get your money back. In addition, it can be difficult to defend yourself if you wait a long time to complain. If you buy a television and don’t return it for three months, you may have a hard time convincing the store that it didn’t work when you first tried to use it.How to complainThe first step in complaining is to clearly present your problem. Failure to communicate effectively often makes it difficult to resolve complaints. Have all relevant information at hand when you contact the company, including: a description of the item; your account number or other facts to help the company identify the transaction; your receipt, billing statement or cancelled check; and a clear and brief explanation of what is wrong and what you want the company to do.Do not get emotional: Speak calmly and politely. Think about how the person you are speaking to will react. If you raise your voice, that person will probably get angry and yell back or simply hang up. Handling complaints can be a tough job. If you make the complaint handler’s job harder by getting angry, that person is likely to respond negatively to you.Make notes about all conversations you have about the complaint, including the time and date of your calls, names of everyone at the company you spoke to and what they said.You can complain by phone, in person, or in writing by email or mail.Phone or email first to tell the company about the problem and to try to resolve it. You should be able to learn pretty quickly whether the problem will be resolved.Go to the company to return the purchase, or if there is a need to meet with someone to examine the item, receipts or statements. Complaining in person helps to force the issue, but is not always necessary. Ask a friend to go with you if you are concerned about being harassed or want a witness.Sometimes problems can be resolved with one call, email or visit. You may learn that you are not using the item properly, or that the company is willing to give you a refund without an argument.But when you realize that your attempts to contact the company are being ignored, or the company refuses to help you, start putting your communications in writing. Sometimes businesses ignore complaints until they see them in writing. Even if you email, it’s a good idea to print out a copy of the message and send it through the mail. Always send your hard-copy complaint letters certified mail or “return receipt requested.” This way you will have a record that the company received your communication.Complaint emails and letters are important because they:create a written record of your complaint with the company;preserve your rights under law;help the business understand your side of the story;involve government agencies that you send copies to and alert them to the firm’s practices;lay the groundwork for a future legal case or defense; andlet the company know you are serious about the matter.Complaint emails or letters should not be long—a long letter can be a drawback as representatives may not have the time to read every word and may even choose to ignore your letter as a “rant.”Spend some time trying to explain your problem in 250 words or less. Include your name, address and phone number, and account or invoice number, if any. (However, if you are going to CC others on your letter, redact (cross out) account numbers on the copies.)If appropriate, include a copy of your cancelled check, receipt or other documents. Keep a copy of all communications you send and receive. If the first contact does not bring a response, send another. Simply send the same email or letter, with a new sentence stating, “This is my second attempt to contact you about this matter.”Remember: Always send your complaint letters certified mail or “return receipt requested.” A mail receipt will provide proof that delivery was made. Make sure you do not delete emails you send, but save or copy them for future reference.Keep recordsYou may need certain documents, or evidence, in order to win your case or prove you paid for the item. These can include your receipt, credit card statements, screenshots of the company’s website, repair orders and/or the warranty.Keep receipts and proof of purchase until you are sure you won’t need them:Companies may demand proof of purchase before settling a complaint or fixing an item under warranty. Note that you don’t need to mail in a product warranty card in order to claim your rights on a product that is still under warranty—a receipt and the barcode (Universal Product Code, or UPC) from product packaging is enough. If your purchase was made online, you might be able to print another receipt from the company’s website.If you don’t have a copy of your credit card statement or cancelled check, you may be able to print one out from your bank’s website or request a copy from your bank. (Banks may charge a fee for copies of older records.)Never send originals of receipts or checks to the company or any complaint-handling agency—always send copies. Copies of your emails or letters can also be very helpful. If the firm claims it never heard from you, copies of letters with return receipts or proof of delivery, or emails with a date header, can help you resolve the problem.Contact someone higher upIf your first attempt at complaining fails, contact someone higher up in the company. If the salesperson can’t help you, ask to speak to a supervisor or store manager, and then the owner or the company’s headquarters. Larger companies often have customer relations or consumer complaint departments that you can contact for assistance. If all else fails, ask to be connected to “customer retention,” a department responsible for keeping customers.Don’t hesitate to send complaint letters to the owner, president, chief executive officer (CEO) or general counsel of the company at its executive offices. These officials should send your letter to the appropriate person, and may take steps to resolve the dispute promptly. Higher-level officials are sensitive to the firm’s image and often are more willing and able to find a solution to complaints. Top executives do not like hearing from consumers, and top-level staff often intervene to solve problems quickly, before they reach the big boss.To get the name and address of the president or executive offices, put “CEO” and the name of the company in a search engine. Or call any office of the company and ask for that information.All companies, foreign and domestic, are required to file registration statements, periodic reports and other forms with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) electronically through EDGAR. You can access this information for free. The reports are a good resource for finding the address and phone number of a company’s headquarters or general counsel. Other sources of this information are Hoovers, Google Finance and Yahoo Finance.Call the executive’s office by dialing the general number for the company and asking for the executive by name. In most cases, you will get through to someone who will take your complaint seriously. If you cannot get through during business hours, try calling the number after business hours to see if it has a directory of employees you can search by name. Leave a short but informative message about your problem and ask for a return call.Sometimes you encounter a company that makes complaining very difficult. It may say, “The person you need to speak to is not in the office today, call back next week,” or “Leave your number and we will get back to you.” This may be a sign that the company is stalling you. If you are not being treated seriously, it might be time to take your problem to a person higher up in the company, complain to a government agency or consider legal action.If you cannot find a phone number or you prefer to communicate by email, Consumerist offers some tips for finding or figuring out executives’ email addresses .Contact government agenciesGovernment agencies will not always intervene to settle your case, but some will contact the company to open up communication. For example, if you complain to the state public utilities commission about a telephone company, it might ask that company for an explanation of its position. A government financial services regulator might contact your bank to ask for its side of the story. State attorneys general (AGs) and municipal district attorneys (DAs) handle many cases that do not fall under the jurisdiction of any other government agency. Some district attorneys have units that offer consumer complaint mediation.No agency can force a business to settle an individual’s complaint, but the government’s interest in the case may convince the company to resolve the dispute. Businesses that ignore most complaining consumers often settle cases that are sent to government agencies (or consumer groups, business associations or action lines).Government agencies can be excellent sources of information about consumer rights and the laws and regulations that companies must follow. If you are not sure whether a company has broken the law, call the appropriate government agency and ask for information about your rights.Many businesses are directly regulated by government agencies, such as a department of insurance or department of banking. These agencies receive complaints about the companies they regulate and investigate allegations that those businesses have violated the law. The agencies depend upon consumers to alert them to companies that are engaged in illegal practices. Even if the agency doesn’t help you resolve your complaint, it might be able to use your case to stop an unfair business practice.If your complaint involves an out-of-state company, you may still be able to obtain assistance from government agencies in your state. You can also contact a federal government agency to complain about out-of-state firms.Government agencies usually prefer that you complain by email, phone or mail—not in person. Most are not prepared to help people who walk into their offices without appointments. Some have special complaint forms for consumers to use. To make sure you are complaining to the appropriate agency, visit its website or call before submitting a complaint, or ask a consumer group which agency to contact.When you call or submit a complaint to a government agency, indicate what you are looking for. For example, ask it to “Please investigate my complaint,” or “Advise me if there is a law that covers my complaint.”To find the appropriate agencies, consult the Consumer Action Handbook, a free guide. From this page you can order a printed copy or download the PDF version.If you don’t find the information you are looking for, look for the names, phone numbers and addresses of government agencies in your phone book. A special government section in most phone directories lists local, state and federal agencies.Complaining through an organizationWhen you have done all you can on your own, consider whether an organization can assist you. In many areas, chapters of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) assist consumers with certain complaints. You can file a complaint with the BBB.Few consumer groups handle individual complaints, but action lines in many states help consumers to resolve problems. The entrance of a third party into a dispute may send a signal to the business that:you are determined to see the case through, and won’t give up;depending on the organization, there could be bad publicity and lost business; andyou may be represented by people with sufficient expertise, sophistication and resources to cause problems for the business.Action lines are volunteer programs, usually run through newspapers and radio or television stations. (Callers to action lines are not placed on the air.) They give assistance to people who are having difficulty resolving complaints. They can contact a business on your behalf and try to work out a solution. You may know of a local station that features consumer complaints. To learn if there is a Call For Action-affiliated action line that serves your area, visit Call For Action.Consider your alternativesIf you feel you have run out of options, consider taking these steps:Seek advice. There are many sources of information and advice. Many consumer groups and action lines offer free consultation about consumer problems. Some government agencies provide advice and information concerning complaints against the companies that they regulate. There are many publications that provide helpful suggestions about resolving consumer problems.Sue in small claims court. Small claims court is an appropriate place to settle many consumer cases.Contact a lawyer. Usually, the money involved in consumer cases is not enough to involve a lawyer, and legal actions can take years to complete. But a lawyer can advise you about your legal rights and options.Conduct a consumer picket. You can hand out information about your case to the public while you stand in front of the company’s store or offices, as long as you do not block traffic, break any laws or say anything in your handouts that you cannot prove.Use social pressure. The opportunity to shame a business publicly has grown in the age of the Internet. It’s possible to post your story online in reviews, blogs, comments and social media such as Facebook and Twitter. Many complaint websites allow you to post public complaints or to write a review of the business. (To find them, do an Internet search.) As with a consumer picket, never post anything you cannot prove or defend in court, as you could face legal action from the business if you go too far or make false claims. However, this avenue can be effective, as a large number of companies monitor the Web and social media in order to resolve complaints before they create bad publicity or damage their brands.Create a website or a social media page. Disgruntled consumers have gotten very creative and set up “corporate hate websites” targeting companies for bad practices. It is important to remember that the company may try to take legal action against you, and even though you are probably within your rights of freedom of speech, defending yourself could be costly. (To protect yourself from any lawsuit, make sure you have adequate liability insurance on your rental or homeowners insurance policy.) Most of these “hate sites” accept posts from other disgruntled consumers.Stopping paymentYou can stop payment on a check or an electronic payment from your bank account. This is a traditional consumer remedy, but it doesn’t work in every case and it may not end the dispute.Stopping payment on a check means that you tell your bank not to pay a check that you wrote, but there is no guarantee that your bank can stop a payment. Most banks charge fees of $30 or more to stop a payment. Stop payment orders generally expire after six months. When you stop payment, the company you gave the check to will be unable to get any money for it—unless it cashed the check before you stopped payment. Businesses often cash checks immediately to prevent customers from stopping payment.To stop an electronic payment from your bank account, you will need to notify your bank at least three business days before the transaction is scheduled to be made. (Again, a stop payment fee is likely to apply.) This notice may be made orally or in writing. However, if the notice is made orally, the bank may require you to follow up with written notice within 14 days. If you don’t provide written verification of the oral notice when required, the oral stop payment order may expire.If you gave a merchant preauthorization to take money from your bank account, you need to revoke the authorization with the merchant. Pre-authorized withdrawal agreements are between consumers and vendors—the bank can’t cancel them until you notify the vendor/merchant. Write directly to the vendor/merchant to request that no further money is taken from your account. It can be difficult to stop payment on a recurring debit if the company won’t cooperate. You should provide the bank with a copy of the letter and inform the bank that you no longer authorize these charges and you have notified the vendor/merchant. Keep a copy of the letter for your records.Once you stop payment, you should immediately tell the company (or person) what you have done and why. You can do this by phone, but you should also write a letter to create a written record of your position. (If you fail to explain the situation, the company might assume that you are trying to take the item without paying for it.) When you stop payment for a purchase, you should return the item to the company.Credit card rightsContact your credit card company. If you paid by credit card, the bank that issued the card may be able to help you resolve the problem. Make sure the bank receives your notice of billing error within 60 days of the monthly statement containing the unauthorized charges. You may be required to submit your dispute in writing.Your card issuer will investigate the case and may decide in your favor if it believes you have a legitimate complaint. While it is investigating, you do not have to pay the disputed amount on your credit card statement, but the bank can charge you interest on the amount you don’t pay if it rules against you. (Make sure you pay the undisputed portion of the bill.) If the bank rules in your favor, it will give you a credit for the disputed amount. If it rules against you, you can still seek a refund in court or through other actions, such as by complaining to government agencies.The process for stopping pre-authorized, recurring credit card payments to a merchant is a little different than a credit card dispute. First, write to the merchant, directing it to stop the charges. Second, notify your bank about any charges that you feel were in error. You may be required to submit your dispute in writing or to explain it in a form the card issuer will provide.Writing your complaintSee the sample letter and sample email. Copy and paste the text, or download these as plain text files, and insert your own information.In your letter or email, include your name, address and phone number.Note what you are complaining about, when and where the purchase or agreement took place, and any other pertinent information, such as the item’s make, model or serial number, or your account number.Briefly and clearly describe the problem, ideally in 250 words or less, and what you want done to resolve it.Give a specific period of time in which a response must be received (such as 10-14 days), and indicate that you will seek legal advice or take other steps if the matter is not resolved. You need not tell the party exactly what you will do.Write “CC” and the names of other recipients at the end of the letter if you are sending copies to anyone, such as a local consumer group or district attorney’s office. For email, use the CC field to copy government agencies, organizations or the media. (Remember to remove account numbers or Social Security numbers from your CC copies before you send them.)Indicate if you are attaching copies of supporting documents. (Never send originals.)Keep a copy of all communications and supporting documents.Consulting a lawyerSometimes your only alternatives may be to hire a lawyer or drop the matter. If you believe your best option is to sue, but the amount is more than the small claims court limit or the case cannot be pursued in small claims court, you may have to hire a lawyer.However, most consumer cases do not involve enough money to make it worthwhile to hire a lawyer. You may not be able to locate one who is willing to help you or who is familiar with the legal issues involved. It could be many years before a court decides your case.If you want to speak to an attorney but don’t know how to find one, contact a lawyer referral service. (See Resources, or call your county’s bar association.) If you can’t afford an attorney, ask if your county has a legal aid agency or bar association that can help low-income consumers obtain legal advice.In many consumer complaints, the amounts involved are much too small to make it worthwhile to consult a lawyer, but contacting a lawyer can be of value in some instances:If you are being sued, you definitely need legal advice. Your failure to appear in court or obtain legal advice could be costly. Even if you know that you will lose the case, the advice of an attorney may help you to reduce the amount you will have to pay.You may benefit from having a legal expert read or review a document. If you are about to buy a house or sign a contract, a lawyer can make sure the agreement doesn’t have clauses that could cost you money.It can be helpful just to discuss a matter with a lawyer. If consumer agencies tell you that your only option is to sue, a lawyer can tell you the costs involved and what to expect.In some cases, a letter from a lawyer can resolve the problem.For example, if you have just signed a car contract after being subjected to high-pressure sales tactics, a letter from a lawyer questioning such practices might convince the dealership to cancel the agreement.Small claims courtSmall claims court is for the resolution of minor disputes. The rules and requirements for such courts differ widely from state to state, so the first step is to learn the rules for filing a case in your state.Nolo, a legal self-help publisher, offers an online list of small claims limits in every state.Search online or look in your phone book for the telephone number for your local small claims court. Generally, you must file your suit in the city or county in which the business you have the dispute with has an office or in which the transaction took place. There is usually a fee for filing a case.Here is some general advice about suing in small claims court:Before you file, learn about the limitations and requirements of small claims court. This includes the maximum amount that you can sue for and restrictions against filing certain types of cases. Nolo offers a free online list of state Statutes of Limitations.Ask the clerk of the small claims court for advice about how to file your case. If you do not file correctly, the case might be thrown out.Give the company a chance to resolve the problem. Before you sue, notify it of your intention to sue by sending a letter.Tell the firm why you feel it owes you money, and the specific dollar amount you want from it.Find out the company’s legal name, and use that when suing it.Formally notify the company of your suit. Ask the small claims court clerk how to do this.Prepare your case. Gather your evidence and consider whether there are witnesses who can testify on your behalf. Practice your presentation by explaining your case to friends. Ask if they can understand your position and think you are making a good case. Be clear and concise.You can visit a small claims court before your court date. Watching other people appear before the judge could make you feel more comfortable about the process.Usually, the judge will first ask you, the plaintiff, to speak, followed by the defendant. Then the judge will ask questions and consider the evidence. Even if you win your case, there is no guarantee you will get your money. If the person refuses to pay, then you may have to take steps to force payment. Ask the court clerk how to do this.For more about small claims court, go online to read the questions and answers offered by Nolo, or obtain a copy of “Everybody’s Guide to Small Claims Court” by Ralph Warner, published by Nolo. Check your public library for a copy before purchasing the book.Community mediation servicesMany states offer community or court-based mediation designed to help disputing parties arrive at their own compromise settlement with the help of a neutral third party. The National Association for Community Mediation offers a program locator to help you find community mediation programs near you.ResourcesBetter Business Bureau: Complain about businesses.Consumer Action: Call (415-777-9635) or send a webmail for advice and referrals. Access free, multilingual brochures.Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): Submit complaints about credit cards and other financial services.Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC): Submit and review consumer product safety complaints.Federal Communications Commission (FCC) (Complaint form): Submit landline and wireless phone complaints as well as those related to telemarketing, broadband (Internet) and TV broadcasting.Federal Trade Commission: Submit complaints about unfair or deceptive business practices, fraud, scams, credit reports and collections abuse.Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA): Submit complaints about an investment or financial advisor or brokerage under FINRA’s mediation program.Help With My Bank (Comptroller of the Currency): Submit complaints about national banks (with “National” or “NA” in or after the name).Legal Services Corporation: Find legal assistance for low-income individuals and families.National Association of Attorneys General (AGs): Find your state AG’s office to make a complaint of fraud or unfair business practices.National Association for Community Mediation: Find a local mediation organization.National Association of Consumer Advocates: Search by location and specialty to find a consumer attorney.National Association of Insurance Commissioners: Find your state insurance regulator to submit insurance-related complaints.National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS): Access important vehicle history information.Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC): Submit investment-related complaints.Consumer Action Handbook: Get this free resource for helping you complain effectively.Sample complaint letterYour nameAddressPhone numberCompany officialCompany nameCompany addressDateDear (title) ____:I wish to complain about ____ (name of product or service, with serial number or account number) that I purchased on ____ (date and location of transaction).I am complaining because ____ (the reason you are dissatisfied). To resolve this problem, I would like you to ____ (what you want the business to do).When I first learned of this problem, I contacted ____ (name of the person, date of the call) at your company and was told that nothing could be done about my problem. I believe that this response is unfair because ____ (the reason you feel the company has an obligation to you). I would like a written statement explaining your company’s position and what you will do about my complaint.I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible to resolve this problem. If I do not hear from you within ____ days, I will file complaints with the appropriate consumer agencies and consider my legal alternatives. I am enclosing copies of my_____ (receipt or other proof of payment or documentation of complaint).I may be contacted at the above address/phone number.Sincerely,(Sign and type your name)CC: (local consumer group) (appropriate government agencies)ATT: (attach and list documentation of your complaint, if any)Sample complaint emailFrom: (your name: [email protected])Subject: (short description of your complaint)Date: (most email programs enter this field automatically)To: (the email address of the person you are contacting)CC: (local consumer group) (appropriate government agencies)Dear (title) ____:I wish to complain about ____ (name of product or service, with serial number or account number) that I purchased on ____ (date and location of transaction).I am complaining because ____ (the reason you are dissatisfied). To resolve this problem, I would like you to ____ (what you want the business to do).When I first learned of this problem, I contacted ____ (name of the person, date of the call) at your company and was told that nothing could be done about my problem. I believe that this response is unfair because ____ (the reason you feel the company has an obligation to you). I would like a written statement explaining your company’s position and what you will do about my complaint.I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible to resolve this problem. If I do not hear from you within ____ days, I will file complaints with the appropriate consumer agencies and consider my legal alternatives. I am attaching copies of my_____ (receipt or other proof of payment or documentation of complaint).You may reply to me at this email address or call me at (phone number).Sincerely,(your full name)Note: You can download text files for the sample letter and email on our website.About Consumer ActionConsumer Action is a non-profit organization that has championed the rights of underrepresented consumers nationwide since 1971. Throughout its history, the organization has dedicated its resources to promoting financial literacy and advocating for consumer rights in both the media and before lawmakers to promote economic justice for all. With the resources and infrastructure to reach millions of consumers, Consumer Action is one of the most recognized, effective, and trusted consumer organizations in the nation.Financial Education. To empower consumers to assert their rights in the marketplace, Consumer Action provides a range of educational resources. The organization’s extensive library of free publications offers in-depth financial information, while its hotline provides non-legal advice and referrals. Consumer Action also publishes unbiased surveys of financial and consumer services that exposes excessive prices and anti-consumer practices to help consumers make informed buying choices and elicit change from big business.Community Outreach. With a special focus on serving low- and moderate-income and limited-English-speaking consumers, Consumer Action maintains strong ties to a national network of nearly 7,500 community-based organizations. Outreach services include training and free mailings of financial education materials in many languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese. Consumer Action’s network is the largest and most diverse of its kind.Advocacy. Consumer Action is deeply committed to ensuring that underrepresented consumers are represented in the national media and in front of lawmakers. The organization promotes pro-consumer policy, regulation and legislation by taking positions on dozens of bills at the state and national levels and submitting comments and testimony on a host of consumer protection issues. Additionally, its diverse staff provides the media with expert commentary on key consumer issues supported by solid data and victim testimony.

Where to Sell Your Art or Craft Online1. http://20×200.com – (SITE CLOSED) Jen Bekman’s site focuses on art, prints and photos, priced affordably. Juried (not currently accepting submissions, but sign up for their newsletter to get updated when submissions reopen.)2. 500px.com – Photography site – store your photos, share them and sell them. Features work of beginners to experts. Sell your work by opening a “store” account, which is available to free as well as paid memberships.3. AbsoluteArts – Claiming to be “the most trafficked contemporary arts site” it offers levels from free to premier. Artist bio/statement and portfolio displayed with shopping cart. (Looks really creepy bad art when I opened the link.)4. AffordableBritishArt (UK Site) – Artists sell their work with no middleman, commission free, but there is a charge to have an account (4 tiered levels). You must have a PayPal account to receive payment for your work.5. Amazon – Upload your images to sell on one of the biggest marketplaces on the web. Jewelry is a huge category here, but you are competing with manufactured items.6. Art.com – This highly ranked e-commerce site has a division called Artist Rising, where emerging artists can upload images. They provide a print-on-demand service to sell your work. Two levels of membership – free and paid.7. ArtBreak – Describing themselves as “a global community of artists sharing and selling their work on the web,” this site is a commission-free way to upload images and sell with a shopping cart. Curiously, their blog and social media sites are inactive.8. Art-Exchange – B2B site where artists can get connected to interior designers, architects and others in the trade. Work is sold wholesale here; they take 10% commission.BAD REVIEW ON LINE Want your money. Hard to get out of contract.9. ArtFire – Huge marketplace of crafts, art, supplies, vintage and more. Customize your own shop on this site. $12.95 monthly fee.10. ArtFortune – Create your own online art gallery here. Site visitors can see the images that you have uploaded, and click through to your website, where you make the sale. They charge a monthly fee, and have several different plans. There is also a forum and community on this site.11. Artful Home – Gorgeous online catalog for handmade home décor, wall art, apparel and accessories. They have a paper catalog as well as online gallery. This is a juried site, with a jury fee and $300 membership fee if accepted.12. ArtGallery – (UK site) They claim to be a “leading destination for customers wishing to buy art online.” Two membership levels (one is free), with shopping cart function. They even text you when your art sells, which is pretty cool.13. Art-GalleryWordwide – Offers three monthly account options to artists plus setup fee. Each artist gets a home page to upload images. Shopping cart provided.14. ArtHog – Online gallery sells prints of your work. They market your art, you keep 60% on sales. They will also work with you on licensing. Submissions are juried. Free membership, submission and listing.15. Artid – Online exhibition space where you can sell your art. Three membership levels, including one which is free. Each artist gets their own gallery and blog. Artid offers an ebay selling option for premium members.16. Artmajeur – (European site) Claims to be the world’s largest fine art gallery. Upload your art to this site, and handle any sales directly with the buyers. Monthly fees apply, no commission is taken.17. ArtofWhere – Print-on-Demand site featuring beanies, pillows, pencil cases and phone covers. Open a store here and sell your work with offer a 3-tiered commission system.18. Artolo – (UK site) Now in Beta, this online gallery features artist/buyer profiles, portfolios, the ability to list art in real world locations … plus coming soon, facilities to sell your work both offline and online. They take 10% commission. Sign up now open.19. Artomat – With this unique concept, old cigarette vending machines are converted into Art Vending Machines which dispense small works of 2D and 3D art. They are searching for new artists – link leads to the guidelines.20. Artplatform (UK Site) – This site sells art while supporting charities. Depending on your chosen level of gifting, you may or may not receive payment. Fine art only. They encourage you to list your website and galleries than show your work.21. Artquid – Calling itself “The Art World Marketplace,” this international website sells fine art, antiques and fine craft in different mediums. Works on a set annual fee.22. ArtSlant – This popular art website allows artists to sell their work using different arrangements, from listing your work yourself, to having ArtSlant get involved with making the sale. Marketing tools offered. Fees vary.23. ArtSpan – Artists in any medium can build their own websites on ArtSpan, which boasts 4,000 member sites. Shopping carts and Print-on-Demand also available. Fees range from $14-$20 per month.24. Art Specifier – Specializing in selling to architects, designers, art consultants and galleries, art specifier is a juried site. Annual membership for artists is $100, with no other fees or commissions involved.25. Artsy Home – Offering “Original Décor for Home Work and Life,” This website targets interior designers, commercial decorators, upscale homeowners & others with print catalogs as well as online sales. Pay either 25% commission or $14.95 monthly fee.26. Artulis – (UK site) Sell art, craft or vintage on this site which gives you a free shop, gallery and blog. 5% fee on all sales.27. ArtWanted – This site allows artists to upload images and price their own work. The artist can then fulfill orders for original art or reproductions on their own, or use ArtWanted’s Print-on-Demand services, where artwork can be printed on a selection of products. They take 15% commission.28. ArtWeb – (UK site) – Has plans ranging from free to pro, no commission is taken on sales. Artists can upload images on to their own profile pages. Shopping cart is provided.29. ArtWire - (Indian site) This is a startup looking to “market emerging, contemporary and lesser known artists,” and is in pre-launch status right now. You can sign up for email alerts to find out when they are going live.30. ArtyBuzz – (UK Site) Print-on-Demand site where artists can upload their images and set prices above the base price listed on the site to determine their percentage. Sell prints, giclees, and many other products featuring your art. Not for original art sales.31. AxisWeb – (UK site) Create your own web shop here, and join museums, galleries and other artists selling their work. Even has a bridal registry. Commission based.32. b-uncut – Billing themselves as “The Art Exchange,” this site serves creative directors, curators, art consultants and others matching their projects with artists who place bids. 20% commission rate when sales are made.33. Behance – This popular online platform for creatives allows you to upload your art to a gallery with a personalized URL. “Work for Sale” is a category where artists can use shopping cart function to sell.34. Big Cartel – “Bringing the Art to the Cart” is the mission here, where over 250,000 online stores have been opened by creatives. Pricing runs from free to about $30 per month with no long-term commitment. Brand and customize your own online shop.35. Bonanza – This site sells everything, not just art – and claims to have 4 million items for sale. You can import items from Etsy to Bonanza free of charge. Listing is free – a percentage is taken from the cost of items that sell.36. Café Press – Print-on-Demand site has two options – start your own online store, or upload designs only without the hassle of managing a shopfront. They set base prices for each item, which you mark up for your “royalty”. Fees are 10% of royalties.37. Cargoh – Calling themselves a “social marketplace for independent art, design + culture,” Cargoh is a juried and curated site. Upon acceptance, there is an 8% commission on sales, with no other fees.38. Centerpoint Art Project : When you store your art inventory data with Centerpoint, they include several creative e-commerce features designed to help Fine Artists sell art. You can personalize your sales approach for originals and limited editions and it will instantly sync your inventory with your website.39. CollegeArtOnline – Sellers must be attending art school, or be a recent grad or professor (with an .edu email address unless otherwise approved) to list their work on this site. 25% commission is taken when your art sells – no other fees apply.40. Consignd – An open marketplace which is curated. You pitch your work to a curator, and if accepted, it is included in the collection. They take 15% commission.41. ContemporaryArtGalleryOnline – Juried site, which helps artists market and sell their work, and has a shopping cart. 2D work only. Markets to trade professionals; also features competitions.42. CraftIsArt – Focusing on handcrafted and vintage goods and supplies, this site offers pay-as-you-go and premium packages to sell your work online.43. CraftGawker – Curated craft photo gallery linking through to craft blogger sites from around the world. Submissions are moderated. Lure visitors to your own site where you can make the sale.44. CraftJuice – Though not strictly for sellers, this curatorial site will link through images to any site. Submit a photo of your craft from any other site and promote through CraftJuice, then sell through your other shopping cart. Votes get your work on the front page of this site.45. Craftori – Art, craft, vintage and more can be submitted to this curated site. Links through to your sales venue, where you sell direct to the customer. Pay to feature your work on their front page or in Supplies category or Gift Guide.46. CraftShowcase - Charges no fees to sellers. The management of this site adds 15% to your prices in order to make money. Photos are uploaded, and must be approved before going live. Artists can sell retail or wholesale here, and even post videos.47. CraftStack – Create your own online storefront here and list your items. Memberships are approximately $7-$11 per month to be a vendor, with no commissions taken.48. Craigslist – Believe it or not, you can sell art on Craigslist, which contains about everything else in the world. Artists can advertise free to solicit commissions, or sell their work. Beware of scam buyers on this site.49. CreativeStores – (UK site) Based in England but doing business worldwide, this site proclaims, “You may sell handmade goods, crafts, creations, gifts (that are inline with other items on the website), craft supplies, digital downloads e.g. pdf files for patterns.” Monthly fee with three package options.50. CustomMade – This website seeks artists and craftspeople to match with buyers who would like custom work created for them. Consumers post requests, and bids are taken from makers. Once a custom piece of work is made and shipped, CustomMade takes a 10% commission.51. DailyPainters – Large gallery of art is searchable, and links buyers through to your own website where you can make the sale. This site is juried, and they are seeking prolific artists with a unique style who are also bloggers.52. DaWanda – This site promotes that it sells “Products with Love” and specializes in unique or limited edition, handmade, customizable and tailor-made work from small creative businesses. Create your own shop – no fees, 5% commission.53. DENYDesign – This home furnishings company creates Print-on-Demand pillows, bed linens, shower curtains, wall art and more. Does your work need to be in this collection? Artists are juried in.54. Deviant Art – With 80 million pieces of art onsite, this behemoth is the largest social network for artists. It’s a platform that allows emerging and established artists to exhibit, promote, and share their works, including selling prints. Prints are base price; set your selling price to include a royalty for your payment.55. Dipperly – This crafts marketplace is still in a pre-launch phase. So we’ll just have to wait and see what they offer, won’t we?56. DPCPrints – Register for the DPChallenge, and you will have an online profile where you can upload your scanned photographs, scanned paintings and drawings, and digital artwork. This is a Print-on-Demand site. Artists pay $25.00 per year membership plus the base price of all prints. Set your own prices, and split profits with them.57. D’Art Fine Art – Large online gallery of work, with memberships available ranging from approximately $15-$30 per month. Offers marketing tools. Connects buyers with artists, and allows bids; also has shopping cart function.58. Ebay – The big kahuna of marketplaces, Ebay is a place to sell art as well as anything else on the planet. Although it may not be the first choice of most artists, others may find a niche where they can do well here. Listing and transaction fees apply.59. EBSQArt – This site for “self-representing artists” allows you to create an online presence that links through to other websites where you have a shopping cart. EBSQ focuses on its built-in social networking tools to spread the word about your work. Membership based, $8.95 per month.60. Epilogue – a volunteer-driven Sci-Fi and fantasy art site, Epilogue allows artists to create galleries, and link to their own websites – so it works as a marketing tool to reach out to buyers who like this genre. This is a juried site, with apparently no charge to artists.61. Etsy – This is the well-known 800 lb. gorilla, where artists and craftspeople can open their own online shop. Vintage goods and supplies also allowed. Etsy offers support communities and lots of help selling. Listing and transaction fees apply.62. Fab – Fab sells many things besides art (they call it a “compelling marketplace for everyday design”), but they are willing to look at a submission of your work should you want to be considered. Apply right here.63. Facebook – yes, one of your favorite social networks can also be your online store. Use Wix or Heyo to create a really cool customized Facebook page, with a shopping cart too.64. FineArtStudioOnline – A favorite place for artists to create their own professional art website (with your own URL), get marketing help, integrate a blog and social media. Monthly fee $8-$40.65. FineArtAmerica – Build an art profile page, then promote and sell your work on paper or stretched canvas from this Print on Demand provider. Provides marketing help and an embedded shopping cart on your own website.66. FolioTwist – Their platform provides artists a website and blog, marketing help and more. Monthly fees $25-$40 for the package.67. Folksy – (UK site) Featuring modern British craft, this site has online stores for artists to list and sell their work. Pay-as-you-go and monthly plans available.68. FotoMoto – A Print-on-demand e-commerce widget that integrates seamlessly into your existing website. They take care of printing, packing, and shipping orders to your customers. Pay per transaction and monthly fee programs.69. FoundMyself – Free for artists to upload images; no commission taken. Sales are handled between the buyer and seller only, not the site. “Honor system” asks artists to contribute what they feel is fair when sales are made.70. FromtheWilde – (UK site) Featuring art and handmade craft from Europe, Australia, Canada and the US, this site has a good search function and promotes artists. If interested in submitting your work, click on “Contact” and send an enquiry.71. Gallerish – Free to artists, this site allows you to upload images, bio, etc. Visitors are directed to artists by email, or can use PayPal to purchase.72. GalleryToday – Connects artists with buyers to sell original signed paintings internationally. They offer a guarantee that every painting will arrive in perfect condition. Juried. To apply, check their website for submission email and instructions.73. Goodsmiths – Calling themselves “The Marketplace for Makers” this site has no setup or listing fees, and takes only 2% of each sale.74. GotArtWork – Artists can sell originals or reproductions here. This is a Print-on-Demand site, with monthly plans ranging from free to several hundred dollars.75. Gumroad – Originally created to sell digital products, Gumroad now allows sellers to list physical products. You provide a link to the item, and they receive payment. No store needed, this site does allow you to communicate directly with customers.76. HandmadeArtists – A very active community as well as a venue to sell art or craft. No commissions are taken – $5.00 monthly subscription, they provide a shopping cart.77. Handmadeology – This site is a place to get exposure for your art or craft, but does not actually have its own shopping cart. Uploading your images is free. Your item description has links to your website, social media, and other places to buy (such as your Etsy shop). Feature your work on Handmadeology’s front page for $5.00.78. Houzz – Is your work just right for interiors? Houzz has the largest residential design database in the world. Create your profile under “Artists and Artisans” in the Pro section here and upload images of your work. It’s free.79. iCraft – (Canadian Site) Sells the handmade work of artists globally. $25 registration fee, and monthly fees of $5.00 to $15.00 depending on how many images your upload.80. ImageKind – Print-on-Demand. Join free, customize your own storefront. Fees range from free to $95 per year. Set your own retail prices; they charge base price and pay you the rest.81. ImageRevolver – This Print-on-Demand site is juried. Artists cannot choose the price; they are standardized. Flat rate is paid to artist according to size of print sold.82. Ingallery – This juried site solicits submissions from “established and up and coming artists.” They are Print-on-Demand, selling work as digital canvases, and have themed galleries on their site. No info given about charges or commissions.83. Keep – A curated site where you can “keep” images from the web (like Pinterest), including your work from third part sites like Etsy. This site has a “Buy” button which guides visitors to your own online shopping cart.84. MadeByHandOnline – (UK Site) British and Irish craftspeople are welcome to apply. This site is juried, and has an active community and directory, and actively markets their makers. They take 22% commission on sales.85. MadeItMyself – Upload your images, and either set a price or negotiate with buyers. They provide a shopping cart. Listing fee and commission applies.86. Meylah – Open a store for your artwork or handmade goods, or even create a curated marketplace. They offer support and marketing help. No upfront fees, only a 2.75% commission on sales.87. MadeInAmericaShoppingNetwork – Sell any Made in America or Assembled in America products, including tools and supplies; they charge listing fees, but take no commission.88. MISI – (UK Site) MISI, or “Make It, Sell It” is an online platform to sell handmade crafts, vintage items and supplies. Listing fee plus 3% commission on sales.89. MyBestCanvas – Sells original paintings, to an international audience. Customer gets directly in touch with the artist; no commission is taken. $50 annual fee to upload your images and become a seller.90. MySoti – Print-on-Demand site specializing in t-shirts, lampshades, and art reproductions. Upload your designs for free, and choose your markup. They pay you the amount of basic cost for items they print.91. NewBloodArt – (UK Site) Representing early and mid-career artists, this juried site focuses on selling originals. You determine the selling price, and they take a commission.92. Nuzart – (European Site) This is a Print-on-Demand site, so originals and limited editions don’t sell here. Upload your images and set your price. You collect the percentage over the base price of the reproductions.93. OriginalArtOnline – As the name implies, original art is sold here. Membership fee about $6-$8 per month, no commissions are taken. Set your asking price and take offers from buyers. They provide marketing help.94. Pinterest – This super-popular website allows you to create collections by “pinning” images around the web which click through to the original site. Have an item to sell, on Etsy, or anywhere else? List the price when you pin your item – a click on the photo will take the shopper through to your own site where you can make the sale. Priced items show up in the “Gifts” section of Pinterest.95. Pixpa – Created for photographers, artists and designers, Pixpa gives you a portfolio site with a built-in shopping cart provided by FotoMoto. If you have a blog and need a place to show large, gorgeous photos of your work, this might be it. Monthly plans start at $10.96. PoppyArts – Based out of a brick and mortar, this site sells jewelry, fine craft and art, this site features about 200 artists and is juried. They buy wholesale from the artist.97. PoppyTalkHandmade – (Canadian site) Dubbing itself “the original curated online marketplace for emerging design talent,” this site accepts artist submissions, and is juried. $60 monthly fee for sellers. They feature “themed markets” which change monthly.98. Portraity – Are you a portrait artist or photographer? This site aims to connect artists and clients who want commissioned portraits made. Artists upload their portfolio onto the site and a “contact” button puts potential clients in touch with you. Currently in Beta and offering free memberships.99. PrintPop – This Print-on-Demand site claims to be for aspiring/emerging, “struggling,” part-time, hobbyist, or student artists” to sell poster-sized print reproductions of their work. Artist earns 15% royalty from each item.100. RebelsMarket – This site claims to be the “No. 1 alternative community for buying & selling anti-mainstream items for subcultural lifestyles such as goth, steampunk, rockabilly, pinup, tattoos & more.” Fit your work? Open a free store – they take 15% commission. Juried to make sure your designs are rebellious enough.101. RedBubble – Print-on-Demand site featuring posters, prints, t-shirts, cards and more. They have set base prices, and you collect the markup that you choose.102. RetailParade – This is a wholesale site geared for the gift industry. Juried vendors pay a monthly fee. No submission process indicated, use contact form for more info.103. SaatchiOnline – Upload your images, sell originals and prints. Artist retains 70% of purchase price.104. SculptSite – Sculpture-only site, buyers purchase directly from the artist. This site is juried. No commissions, you pay a fee ranging from $0 – $99 per year. They give marketing assistance.105. SeekingDesigners – This site has a marketplace which is mostly oriented to fashion, accessories and home. Not strictly handmade. They jury submissions to be part of their group of designers. Monthly fees range from about $11-$30 per month.106. Sellpin – Their tagline is “If you can pin it on Pinterest, You can sell it on SellPin” and they offer a place to list your work to sell when referred through Pinterest. Easy to log in with Facebook. Free to list, they take 7% fee on sales.107. Shopinterest – turn your Pinterest boards into a store! All Pinterest items with a price get added to your Shopinterest store. They provide a shopping cart, but customers pay you directly. They are in Beta now, but have a free trial period and will offer pay-per-item or monthly fees going forward.108. Skreened – Print-on-Demand t-shirt site. Any site visitor can make a custom-made shirt, or can purchase available designs. That’s where you come in – upload your artwork and create your own shop. Choose your own price, you make everything above base prices charged by the site.109. Society6 – Print-on-Demand site, featuring prints, canvases, iPhone cases, hoodies and more. Upload your artwork, and set your price. You receive payment for everything over the base price of their products.110. Spoonflower – Known for printing custom fabric for designers, this site is Print-on-Demand and prints your work on textiles, wallpaper and decals. They claim to offer the largest collection of independent fabric designers in the world. Artists receive 10% of sale price.111. Spreadshirt – Open your own t-shirt shop online, featuring your designs. No cost to set up. This Print-on-Demand vendor pays you an agreed upon royalty on each sale.112. SuperMarket – This website offers a curated collection of work, which is juried. They ask for submissions via email. Create a store and upload your images. You get paid for your work directly through PayPal, and pay them a commission monthly.113. TheUntappedSource – Print-on-Demand site which sells reproductions and prints; they offer memberships ranging from free to about $8 per month. You price your work and collect any amount over their base prices.114. Threadless – Create a design, and submit it to this site. The Threadless community votes to choose the very best, which will become t-shirts for sale in their marketplace. What do the design winners get? A $2,000.00 prize.115. Trunkt – Online wholesale site for handmade items, bought recently by Etsy. They will be revamping this site with new guidance and management in the next few months.116. Twitter – Promote your work on Twitter, using Twitpic to show photos, and list an auction, or simply a sale price. You can coordinate this with a Facebook auction of your work, or link to an auction on your website, and take bids. Twitter is also a great place to cross-promote your work for sale on any other site.117. UGallery – Billed as “a curated online art gallery for the nation’s top mid-career and emerging artists,” this site is juried. They split the selling price 50/50 with the artist, and do extensive marketing.118. Uncommon Goods – This site sells “unique gifts and creative design.” Submit your images to them in an online application, and their buyers and community will evaluate to see if you are accepted. This site is not exclusively art or craft related, but offers clothing, accessories and home items as well.119. UnderTheRainbow – An online craft mall, where you can sell your work retail. They claim to screen for authenticity. No monthly fees, pay per listing. They provide a shopping cart.120. Wanelo – Short for Want-Need-Love, this site is a curated collection of items (not all are handcrafted or art), but if you have a price on your work, they provide a “Buy” button which clicks through to your website (or third-party site) to sell your work. Other community members can “save” your images, and being popular drives them to the front page of the site. Free to use.121. WholesaleCrafts – This site has been around for quite a few years. Fine crafts in many mediums are listed at wholesale prices, and sell to the trade. Juried. They charge a startup fee and monthly fee of $39, or $395 annually with no setup fee for a one-year minimum commitment. $15 per month fee helps promote your work on their front page.122. Yessy – Create your online art gallery, no limit on number of images. $59 annual fee. They do not take commissions, but have a transaction fee.123. Zatista – This site is for selling original 2D art only. They target interior designers and architects as well as consumers. All work is juried. They do not have a monthly or listing fee, but take 45% commission.124. Zazzle – Print-0n-Demand site, claiming to have 25 million monthly shoppers. No montly or listing fees. Upload your images, and set your own prices – you are paid the royalties between their base price and amount of the sale. They put images on a large variety of items.125. Zibbet – Upload images of your art or craft into your own online shop. Fees range from free to $79 annually. They have a shopping cart and marketing help.NEW ADDITIONS!126. 3BStreet - A fun and quirky site with great visuals where you get your own animated storefront. Artist participation is juried, with a monthly fee as low at $9.95 per month + 3% of all transactions.127. American Handmade Crafts – Free trial (with $35 setup). Monthly fees starting at $12, and each artist can list hundreds of items for sale. They provide a shopping cart.128. Bucketfeet – Would your artwork look just perfect on a pair of shoes? This site offers cool sneakers with a variety of designs. Jury by sending an email to info(at)Bucketfeet with your portfolio.129. UpcycledAroundTown - As it’s name implies, this site is all about merchandise that has been upcycled and created into new products. If that’s your schtick, contact them on the “vendor” page of their website. Contact them for terms; not listed on site.130. Poppito - (UK Site) Describing themselves as “an online market place providing greater opportunities for makers of quality handmade goods and growers of homegrown produce,” Poppito sells credits which are exchanged for listing your items.131. Articents – Handmade and vintage items are sold here. This site is very inexpensive, with no listing fees or commissions, and only a $5.00 monthly fee. Make your own storefront, where you can even include videos.132. Artinvesta (Australian site) This site promotes itself as selling original art on a global scale. They offer artists unlimited space to upload a portfolio, and take 10% plus Paypal fees from your sales. You can register as a seller for free.133. Luulla – Calling itself “The Marketplace for Unique Products” Luulla offers artists a monthly plan for $9.90 plus 3% selling fee, or a pay-as-you-go option with listing fees and the selling fee. They promote your work to social media as well.134. TheWeddingMile – If your work fits into the wedding market, you can become a seller here for a monthly subscription of $9.95. They offer support and training, and a bridal registry, of course!135. Pinbeads – Are you a jewelry designer? This Pinterest-style site is all about jewelry. Pin your jewelry, jewelry supplies or DIY tutorials on their boards. Images click through to your website where you can close the sale.136. Crevado - A website to upload your art portfolio and your bio, Crevado does not offer a shopping cart, but enhances your web presence. Fees range from free to $9.00 per month.137. ArtistSites – Called “A Virtual Community of Artist Portfolios” this site is totally free to use. Artists can upload up to 25 portfolio images, and create a bio. Site visitors can comment or contact the artist. You can include a link to your own website as well.138. OriginalArtUnder100 - (UK Site) A simple, no-nonsense original art website where all the featured work is priced under £100. Artists sell direct and commission free to buyers with free 4 month trial. If they decide to stay beyond their trial period, they pay £20 per year, or £12 for 6 months. Artists also get a free link to their website and their own URL gallery page.139. RiseArt - (UK Site) Artists can create a profile here and submit their work, which is ranked by votes from the Rise Art community. Chosen artists are promoted, and work may be commissioned by Rise Art, or sold on the site. Totally free to use.140. ArtPreferred – Create your own art store here for $9.95 per month, with no commissions taken. Audience is global. They also have a feature where you can promote your art events as well.141. TeeFury – Submit your design for a T-shirt, and if accepted, your design becomes a very limited edition, available for 24 hours, and selling for $10.00. The artist gets $1.00 per shirt sold, and keeps the rights to the design.142. TheCraftersBarn - (UK Site) Handcrafted goods are sold on this website, which dubs itself a “co-op” and has a very low monthly fee with no commissions taken. Includes shopping cart.143. DegreeArt – (UK Site) Students and recent graduates can submit their work for consideration to this site, which has an online venue as well as a London gallery where they may put your work in a solo or group show, and promote you to the press. They require an initial fee of £75.144. Artaissance - This juried site is looking for sophisticated art that is suitable for art publishing, and is run by well-known frame manufacturer Larson-Juhl. If your work fits the bill, you can go through a submission process to become one of their featured artists.145. ModernArt-Design – (UK Site) Submit your work to be juried into the “Artist Program” on this Print-on-Demand site, which sells artwork, but also prints images for consumers. They do not list artist terms on their site, so you will need to inquire.146. Artist-Listing - A “free showcase for visual artists,” this site has a free plan, or you can upgrade your page for $25 or $149 annual packages (custom built templates). This site does not include a shopping cart, but allows a portfolio and bio where you can list your own website to make sales.147. WowThankYou – (UK Site) Proudly supporting UK artisans, this site offers everything from clothing and pet items to household and wedding gifts. Monthly competitions. Fill out a form to become a seller; no terms listed on the site.148. Artsicle – Have you ever considered renting your art? This site specializes in residential and corporate art rentals, and renting art for staging apartments and homes for sale. If you are a New York City artist, find out more by contacting Dan(at)Home | Artsicle who runs this website.149. ArtPistol – (UK Site) This website advertises that they sell “original art and limited edition prints from both budding and recognized UK artists.” They sell online as well as in pop up events, and sell to corporate clients. Artists list prices on the site, but shoppers are also allowed to make offers. Features a wedding registry. No upfront fees, but they take 25% commission.150. The FunkyArtGallery - (UK Site) Featuring contemporary, funky, urban and pop art, this online venue sells originals and limited editions only. Juried for “originality, quality and funkiness.” Artists paying joining fee of £50 plus 33% commission.Art and Art History Academy