I remember the first time I listed my artwork on eBay. Trudging through miles of unrelated categories and unrelated listings, I felt lost. I didn't think anybody would ever find my art. After all, even a targeted test search mired my painting among random trinkets. Too bad I hadn't discovered FaeBae by then.

Image © FaeBae

This emerging auction site stands poised to rescue drowning fantasy artists and buyers -- by connecting them to each other. Targeted specifically for the fantasy lover, FaeBae immerses visitors in an enchanted environment from the get-go with alluring fairy layout. Unlike eBay or similar sites, sellers can rest assured that visitors skimming their listings weren't looking for an engine part, and buyers know they can find fantasy items without effort.

In another unusual feature, FaeBae has a thriving community and a team of developers that actually care about your experience - just look at The Enchated OOAK, a website dedicated to the FaeBae community.

No surprise then that the site is painless to use - registering, bidding, and selling are all straight forward. Categories listed down the left side of each page nicely organize listings. Plus, FaeBae includes unique features geared just for the artist, such as a digital Certificate of Authenticity generator. FaeBae also offers attractive pricing options for sellers, who can choose between an insertion fee or a final value fee.

I couldn't resist contacting FaeBae owner Kendra Gilbert, whom I met via Twitter, to learn more about her idea. Our conversation follows.

Image © FaeBae

• Give us a quick summary of FaeBae.

  FaeBae is an acronym that stands for Fantasy Art Enterprise Brilliant Artist Encounter. It is a custom developed on-line Arts and Crafts Auction and Marketplace.

  We welcome Artists and Crafters of any niche, Musicians, Retailers of licensed art themed collectibles, handmade products and art supplies are welcomed. Sellers can list items as Standard Auction, Dutch or Buy it now. The site has features such as a Feedback System where you earn "wings" with each transaction, invoicing tool that allows sellers to combine shipping and more.

  Registering on FaeBae is free we offer free listings for 60 full days upon registration, storefront subscriptions for sellers included.

  FaeBae also has a unique User Community known as The Enchanted OOAK where members can upload images, music, video, post blogs and events which is all featured on FaeBae's Interactive RSS board.

• What drove you to create a marketplace exclusively for fairy-related products?

  Well, FaeBae is not just for Faerie related products although we do cater to the "Fantasy Realm". I'm a Fantasy Art Doll Sculptor and have many friends in the Art Doll niche. So when I designed FaeBae, I envisioned an enchanted environment that features Faeries in our site's theme. I don't think I know of anyone who has ever said they didn't like or even love Faeries!

  Plus many of our OOAK (one of a kind) Art Doll Artists that list on FaeBae create Faeries and Faerie related items such as Faerie Doors, Houses etc... Some Artists create items that include other Art Doll types such as Mermaids, Goblins, Reborns etc. some create Jewelry, Stain Glass and Music.

  
  Image © FaeBae

• How does FaeBae differ from a traditional online marketplace?

  FaeBae is different because we are a niche market site. This is to protect Artists and Sellers from getting "lost in the sauce". It also offers custom features that most "out of the box" auctions sites don't offer. We have a professional team of developers who have created a custom invoicing system for Sellers among other features and some that are currently in the works. We also offer a unique Digital Certificate of Authenticity site that is an extension to FaeBae's services. Artists can digitally archive their work in a searchable database and even purchase a pdf version to offer to their Collectors. It helps to protect Artists and their work by creating an on-line presentation that is dated. This is just one of the many things that make FaeBae a special place. I'd also have to say we are different because every single inquiry or suggestion from end users is taken in and that is what we base our future development on.

  
  Image © FaeBae

• Why should sellers list their fairy-related products on FaeBae rather than a more well-known site like eBay?

  We don't really consider ourselves in direct competition with eBay to be honest; we actually suggest that Artists post their work in as many places as possible to get the most exposure. The main reason I sell on FaeBae as opposed to eBay is because I feel it highlights my work better as an Artist. FaeBae only allows listings that fit our site's criteria. So, instead of getting mixed in with tons of other listings that can take away attention or distract, I know that the collectors or site visitors coming to FaeBae are there because they want to see Arts and Crafts or need supplies that pertain to this industry. We can also offer more affordable selling and marketing resources and provide other ways of promoting our members like our "Site of the Month" award and other freely offered services.

• What advantages does the niche site impart to sellers? To buyers?

  I think it being a niche site it offers Buyers and Sellers a more meaningful experience. The fact that we are open to Artists from around the world opens a huge opportunity for both Artist and Collector as well.

• In what direction to you envision your site developing in the short term and the long term? To what can we look forward?

  Short term you can expect to see overall site enhancements on a weekly basis. We are constantly encouraging all members to report anything that appears to be "bug" related or offer suggestions etc so that we can quickly address it. We are new, but bold and courageous. Really the sky is the limit; we need the support of as many as possible because that is where the real strength comes from, our members.

  
  Image © FaeBae

  In the long term view, FaeBae will grow to become a trusted and valued resource that offers a complete professional and affordable on-line Enterprise for Artists and Collectors. We also plan on offering charity auctions, site contests for Buyers and a few things that are still confidential at the moment...

• Anything else you'd like to mention or include?

  FaeBae is really a special place; we are new and growing rapidly. We are proud Partners with OOAK Doll Art, (ODA) one of the first and most well known Art Doll on-line forums.

  We humbly ask you to visit our site and view the talented creative efforts of our registered Artists and Crafters. The site's design features some of the creative works of Clare Gladding of Fairytasia, Faeland Homes and Tenderspirit Nursery. Dip your toes in the water by placing a few listings, just remember to grab one of our banners and let your collectors and buyers know where to find you. Thank you for your interest in our site and plans for the future, we look forward to creating and growing with you!

Image © FaeBae

Official FaeBae Auction & Marketplace
www.faebae.com

FaeBae Digital COA Generator & Database
www.faebae.com/coa

Official FaeBae User Community
www.theenchantedooak.com

Proud Partner Site
www.ooakdollart.com