At my last craft fair, I was asked several times whether I sell my work online. It’s a question I’ve heard before, and the answer isn’t as simple as “yes” or “no.” Yes, some of my pieces are available for sale online, but only within Slovakia and the Czech Republic. And no, I don’t have a store on my website anymore. This wasn’t always the case. In fact, I once shipped my handmade jewelry to places as far away as Japan, Australia, the U.S., and various corners of Europe. So, what changed? Why the shift?

I thought I’d take some time to explain the journey that led me to focus on local markets and why I’ve pulled back from shipping internationally.

Why I Now Focus on Local Sales

🌍 From Global to Local – Now shipping only within Slovakia & Czech Republic.
📦 Shipping Challenges – Covid, delays, and rising costs changed everything.
🏛 Regulations & Fees – EU packaging laws (like LUCID) made shipping harder.
📉 Changing Demand – Post-pandemic slowdown reduced handmade sales.
🌐 Website Focus – Now sharing knowledge instead of selling.
🛍 Where to Buy – Available on Sashe.sk
🎪 Meet Me – Find me at local craft fairs!

The Experiment with International Shipping

Back in 2019, I started selling my first pieces on Sashe.sk, a local Slovak platform, and about a year later, I expanded to Fler.cz in the Czech Republic. Not long after that, I decided to give Etsy a shot to reach an even broader audience.

The handmade market felt different back then. I didn’t need to rely on social media to sell my work—the platforms themselves brought in customers. My focus was on creating, not marketing. I remember the thrill of receiving orders from buyers across the globe—Japan, Australia, the U.S.—places I’d never imagined my work would reach.

But things started changing with the onset of the pandemic.

The Impact of Covid

When Covid hit, international shipping became a logistical nightmare. Countries around the world introduced restrictions, and shipping overseas turned into a gamble. Packages were delayed for months or lost entirely, and predicting delivery times became impossible.

At that point, I made the tough decision to pause international shipping altogether. With so much uncertainty, it simply wasn’t sustainable. For a while, I only sold locally within Slovakia and the Czech Republic, focusing on what was manageable.

The Regulations That Followed

As the pandemic restrictions eased and shipping routes began to stabilize, I considered reintroducing international shipping. But by then, new hurdles had appeared—specifically, new packaging and recycling laws.

The LUCID program in Germany, for example, required me to register and pay fees based on the amount of packaging I used. Other European countries soon adopted similar regulations, each with their own separate registration processes and fees. Suddenly, shipping within the EU was no longer a straightforward affair. It was a bureaucratic maze.

I decided to stop shipping within the EU and limited my international orders to the U.S. via Etsy, but even that soon began to fade as the economic landscape shifted.

The Global Slowdown

As the world emerged from the pandemic, global inflation and a slowing economy began to affect the way people shopped. The demand for handmade products, which had surged in the years leading up to the pandemic, began to wane afterward. People were more cautious with their spending, and the era of booming online sales for handmade goods came to an end.

It felt like I had come full circle—once again, my work was only available on local platforms, and I found myself shifting away from international sales altogether.

My Website: A New Focus

During the pandemic, I launched the first version of my website with an online store. While I had a few sales, it quickly became apparent that most visitors weren’t local. They were international, but they weren’t buyers. They were curious, browsing, perhaps interested in the art form, but not in a position to make a purchase from overseas.

That’s when I decided to change my approach. I revamped my website, this time focusing on sharing knowledge rather than selling products. I shifted to creating content in English, offering insights into the world of micro macrame, the technique I use to create my jewelry. While there are no longer physical products available for sale on my website, it’s become a place where I can share my passion and connect with people who appreciate the craft itself.

"You Must Have It!"—But Locally

So, what’s the current state of my business? If you fall in love with one of my creations, I’d be more than happy to help you place an order—but only if you're in Slovakia or the Czech Republic. I now sell exclusively on Sashe.sk platform designed for these local markets, offering support for local languages, currencies, and shipping options tailored to the needs of the regional audience.

Occasionally, you can also find me in person at local craft fairs, where I showcase my latest designs and connect directly with customers. Check out my blog post for photos and tips for fellow crafters. I’d love for you to stop by, say hello, and see my work up close!

If you’re interested in placing an order or need help with anything, feel free to reach out.

Final Thoughts

Navigating the world of international sales as a small artisan has been an eye-opening experience. It’s taught me that while it’s exciting to share your work with the world, there are so many aspects you simply can’t control—shipping delays, regulations, economic shifts—that can turn a passion into a logistical headache.

For now, I’m happy focusing on local markets where I can offer a more personal, reliable experience for my customers. After all, sometimes the simplest path is the most rewarding.

Thank you for being a part of this journey, whether you’re near or far.

View PDF tutorials by EwiMacrame on Etsy | Seasonal Inspiration

The Challenges of Selling Handmade Abroad