Hi everyone!
So my Facebook group has wonderful people, joining in on every question that I may ask about our dollhouse world.
In the question of the week, I was wondering where people buy their miniatures and dollhouses from, from big platforms or from small creators?
I also noticed the same question on another Facebook group, so you could say that it is definitely worth a small survey.
As I am a bit of a nerd, I even turned it into this chart for you :
Here’s the scoop on where people are shopping for their miniature treasures:
The Big Players:
- Temu: Love it or hate it, this budget-friendly site got the most mentions (14 times). People appreciate the affordability, but there are some concerns about shipping times and product quality. It’s perfect if you want cheap, but maybe not if you’re looking for perfection.
Check out more about what people have to say about Temu. - Amazon: Reliable and fast, Amazon got mentioned 10 times. The speedy shipping seems to win people over, but hobbyists often double-check prices to make sure they're getting a deal. Who doesn’t love a bit of bargain hunting, right?
- Etsy: Our artisan lovers' paradise. Etsy got 12 mentions, especially for unique, handmade items. But be prepared to pay a little more for that one-of-a-kind charm!
- eBay: Tied with Amazon at 10 mentions, eBay is great for finding vintage items or bulk buys. Perfect for when you're looking for something special or stocking up.
Niche Markets & Hidden Gems:
- Minimum World: Only a couple of mentions, but those who use it rave about the bargains.
- AliExpress: Affordable like Temu, but with similar concerns about shipping and quality. Mentioned 5 times, it’s a solid alternative for budget hunters.
- Facebook Marketplace: If you’re after a vintage haul, Facebook Marketplace came up a few times for finding bulk or estate sales.
Smaller Shops:
- Factory Direct Craft, Whatnot, Miniatures.com: These platforms had fewer mentions but seem to serve specialized needs. Whether you're hunting for building supplies or want to see products live, there’s a place for every niche.
Chart Breakdown:
Take a look at the chart above! It gives you a quick visual of where the shopping action is happening. As you can see, Temu leads the charge, but Etsy and Amazon are close behind. There’s a little bit of everything for everyone, depending on what you're hunting for—whether it’s handmade artistry or a good ol’ bargain.
Feel free to adjust your shopping strategy based on what your fellow miniature enthusiasts are saying!
Happy shopping!
Lizzy
