Help us rebuild a creator-first marketplace and secure better selling terms for the long run.
We’re building Dept Store: a curated online marketplace for independent creatives, studios, and small brands selling physical and digital products.
To complete development and launch properly later this year, we’re aiming to raise £30,000 with the support of our community; not investors.
In return, early supporters receive locked-in benefits that reward belief and long-term commitment.
Why This Exists
This isn’t our first marketplace.
We previously ran a successful creative marketplace with hundreds of active sellers, generating real sales for artists and studios worldwide. That platform relied on a third-party marketplace app which was later discontinued, making it impossible to continue sustainably.
Rather than rushing a replacement, we chose to rebuild properly.
We’re now part way through building a new, long-term marketplace with the support of Automattic (the team behind WordPress and WooCommerce) giving us full control over the platform, seller data, and future development.
Dept Store is scheduled to launch later this year.
What You’re Supporting
Your support helps us:
1. Finish marketplace development and UX
2. Cover legal, accounting, and compliance costs
3. Build proper seller support systems
4. Launch with marketing, curation, and partnerships
5. Keep fees fair for sellers long-term
We’re funding infrastructure, not hype.
Choose How You’d Like to Support
We’re offering two clear ways to support the build, depending on how seriously you plan to sell.
Core Supporter: £200
For creators who believe in the platform and want better-than-standard selling terms, without lifetime commitment.
Core Supporters receive:
-Reduced annual store fee: £35/ year (normally £75)
-Reduced commission: 6.5% (normally 10%)
-Early access to the marketplace
-Invitation to the private beta
-Priority onboarding and setup support
-Core Supporter badge on your store profile
-Opportunity to give feedback during beta
These rates apply for as long as your store remains active.
Founding Storeholder: £500
Strictly limited
For serious sellers who want to lock in the strongest terms the platform will ever offer.
Founding Storeholders receive:
-Lifetime marketplace store (no annual fees)
-0% commission — forever (transaction fees of approx 3% still apply)
-Early access before public launch
-Priority placement in launch marketing and curated collections
-Founding Storeholder badge on your profile
-Direct input on roadmap, features, and policies
-Locked-in terms even if pricing changes in the future
-This offer will never be repeated.
Standard Seller Pricing (After Launch)
For transparency, standard marketplace terms after launch will be:
-£75 / year store fee with unlimited listings.
-10% commission per sale (includes the transaction fees within commission).
Early supporters receive better terms because they help make the launch possible.
Platform Features (Seller Experience)
All sellers on Dept.Store will have access to a professional marketplace system, including:
-Personal vendor dashboard
-Unlimited product listings (physical & digital)
-Order management and sales analytics
-Flexible shipping settings
-Direct payouts
-Dedicated store profile within the marketplace
-First access to new developments i.e. print-on-demand / commissions / licensing
Built to scale. Built to last.
Timeline
-Supporter round: Open now
-Private beta (supporters): Summer
-Public marketplace launch: Later this year
Important Notes
-This is not equity or company ownership
-Supporter benefits are non-transferable
-Store approval remains curated
-“Lifetime” refers to the lifetime of the Dept Store platform
Help Us Launch Dept Store
We’re building this carefully, transparently, and with the community at its core.
Choose the level that fits your plans:
👉 Core Supporter: £200
👉 Founding Storeholder : £500
Thank you for supporting the build.