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· 21 questions

About the store

Artisan Avenue is Canada's marketplace for handmade products, connecting customers with talented Canadian artisans and small businesses. Every product sold on our platform is handmade by an independent Canadian Artisan and maker - no mass production, no imported replicas, just authentic one-of-a-kind craftsmanship that is made in Canada.
Yes. Our flagship retail store is located in Vancouver, British Columbia, where you can browse hundreds of handmade products in person, meet local makers during special events, and discover one-of-a-kind Canadian gifts.
Every purchase supports a real Canadian artisan, a small business, and a local community. Choosing handmade means supporting creativity, sustainability, craftsmanship, and people-not factories.

Artisans & Products

Yes. Every item available on Artisan Avenue must be handmade by a Canadian artisan or small business. We carefully review every vendor to ensure our marketplace stays true to its mission of supporting genuine handmade craftsmanship.
All products are created by independent Canadian artisans and small businesses. Our physical storefront features handcrafted products made in British Columbia, while our online marketplace welcomes approved handmade businesses from across Canada.
Yes. Many vendors are happy to answer questions about custom orders, product details, or personalization before you purchase.
Many of our artisans accept custom orders. If customization is available, you'll find the option on the product page or can contact the artisan directly.

Orders & Shipping

For products from our premium members (available in-store), we handle the shipping ourselves through Canada Post. Shipping costs are calculated based on Canada Post rates and will be shown at checkout before you complete your order.
We don't currently offer free shipping.
Many vendors offer shipping outside of Canada. Availability depends on each individual maker and product.
Note that products shipped to the US will be subject to Tariffs that must be paid by the customer before the order is shipped.
Shipping times vary depending on the artisan's location, production time, and shipping destination. Estimated processing and shipping times are listed on each product page before checkout.
Yes, once the order has been shipped you will receive a canada post tracking number.

Returns and Care

All online sales are final, with no exceptions. For purchases in store, you can return unopened, unused items with the original packaging and tags, within 10 days for a full refund. Please note that jewelry, clothing, food, and skincare products are not refundable. Please see our full refund policy here
We're so sorry. Send a photo within 7 days via the Contact page and we'll arrange a replacement or refund right away, and let the artisan know.
It is up to the artisan's discretion. For items purchased in store, we can ask the artisan directly to see if there is anything they can do. For items purchased online, please contact the vendor directly.

Zero Commissions

Yes, we do! It is really important for us to make a system that actually helps small businesses survive.
Every transaction includes a 13% service fee on top of the sale price. This fee helps us maintain our store and the systems that keep everything running smoothly, both in person and online. This fee is also what makes it possible for us to give 100% of every sale price directly back to the artisan who made it. It's a small part of how we keep our promise to support local artisans.

Gifting & Payments

Yes, but only for items from our Premium members in our Vancouver location. Items only sold online will be packed and shipped by the individual vendors. For special requests, please ask the artisan.
Yes, we have digital gift cards of any value. They apply in store and online, all you need is the e-gift code.
All major cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay, through an encrypted checkout. If you encounter any issues, please contact our team.
Absolutely. Artisan Avenue uses secure payment processing to help protect your personal and financial information.

Every answer, by topic

· 16 questions

Joining Artisan Avenue

For our standard membership, we welcome independent Canadian artisans, makers, artists, and small businesses that create handmade products in Canada. To maintain the integrity of our marketplace, all applications are reviewed before approval.
For premium members in our Vancouver storefront location, we only accept vendors based in BC. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. To keep our product selection well-balanced and diverse, we don't accept overlapping categories. If your category is already represented, your application will be added to our waiting list, and we'll be in touch as soon as a spot opens up. This only applies to our physical location, online standard memberships can be across Canada.
At this time, Artisan Avenue only accepts handmade businesses based in Canada.
You can sell handmade products including home décor, candles, pottery, bath and body products, jewelry, woodworking, artwork, textiles, stationery, gourmet foods (where permitted), pet products, and many other handcrafted categories.
We do not allow:
  • Mass-produced products
  • Imported products
  • Dropshipping
  • Reselling commercially manufactured items
  • Counterfeit products
  • Products that violate Canadian laws or intellectual property rights
  • Items that do not meet our handmade requirements
Simply complete the Vendor Application form. When you apply, you'll choose a membership type:
  • Standard Member: Your business is based in Canada and you want to sell online only.
  • Premium Member: Your business is based in BC and you want to sell in our in-store location in Vancouver, plus our online marketplace.
Our team reviews every application to ensure it aligns with our mission of supporting authentic handmade Canadian businesses. Approved vendors receive onboarding instructions and access to their Vendor Dashboard.
Please reach out through our contact form or via email at [email protected].

Legal & Compliance

Depending on your province and product category, you may need to operate your business legally under applicable Canadian laws. Vendors are responsible for complying with all federal, provincial, and municipal regulations.
Some product categories like food may require liability insurance. We recommend that all vendors carry appropriate business insurance for their protection.
Yes. In order to sell you must:
  • Make and package all products in a commissary kitchen.
  • Have Vancouver Coastal Health approval-to-operate letter.
  • Have valid liability insurance for all products.
  • Have a valid FOODSAFE Level 1 Certificate.
  • Ensure packaging & labelling meet Health Canada regulations.

Running Your Shop

Yes. Your Vendor Dashboard allows you to:
  • Add products
  • Update inventory
  • Edit pricing
  • Upload photos
  • Track orders
  • View sales reports
  • Manage payouts
You do. Vendors have complete control over pricing, inventory, descriptions, product photos, and product availability.
Payments are securely processed through Artisan Avenue. Vendor payouts are issued according to the payout schedule shown in your Vendor Dashboard.
Yes. Premium Members will have their products in our physical Vancouver retail store, as well as online. In order to apply for Premium Membership your business must be based in BC.

Vendor Perks & Community

Yes. Approved vendors receive invitations to Artisan Avenue markets, seasonal events, workshops, and promotional opportunities throughout the year.
Yes. Artisan Avenue actively promotes vendors through our website, email newsletters, social media, search engine optimization (SEO), digital advertising, seasonal campaigns, and special events. While visibility varies, our mission is to help every artisan reach more customers.
Unlike mass marketplaces, Artisan Avenue is built exclusively for handmade Canadian businesses. We're more than an online platform. We're a community that supports artisans through a physical retail store, nationwide online marketplace, events, workshops, marketing initiatives, and ongoing opportunities to grow. When our makers succeed, we succeed. That's the foundation Artisan Avenue was built on.

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