Seller Helps Unite Collectors and Artisans Around the World
by Zigmund
eBay Staff Member

"'Anonymous commerce' has become a way of life in the modern world," said novica.com. "We're setting out to change that - by helping to bring producers and consumers back together again."

novica.com has built a brand over the last four years that is recognized by collectors for its high quality products, service and mission-driven philosophy.

"We believe the only way to maintain this connection between consumers and world artists is to offer high quality products and extraordinary customer service with a personal touch."

When novica.com discovered eBay, they saw an opportunity to help artisans around the world to bring their works to a global audience. "We hope to help demonstrate that it is possible to turn socially responsible ideals into a successful business, significantly helping people all over the world. Our mission is to connect artists around the world with collectors."

novica.com's desire to help goes beyond helping artists make a few extra dollars. They want to help people come to know the artist who created their items. "Most of the products we sell are created by artists who are unknown in the contemporary art world. By telling the story behind the creation of each artwork and the story of the person that created it, we are essentially bridging the gap between collectors and the artists of the world who would traditionally not have access to this venue."

"Customers will have a product that they feel a personal connection with from an artist they feel they know."

To establish this connection between customer and artist they include a biography of the artist in most of their listings. The bio will often include details such as where the artist is from, their artistic background, and other interesting facts such as why they use a particular medium for their pieces. novica.com quickly found out that this attention to detail is very successful.

"One of our secrets to listing is having seven international offices staffed by local arts experts who work directly with the most talented local artisans. This provides direct relationships and personal stories that are lost in the traditional system of multiple intermediaries."

But novica.com doesn't just take care of their artists-they carefully cultivate their relationships with their buyers as well, knowing that good customer service will allow them to keep bringing more art to eBay. They strive to provide quick customer service, generous return policies, and as much attention to detail as possible.

"Collectors on eBay are true connoisseurs. Long-time collectors know the story behind the product that they purchased and appreciate our efforts to consistently provide correct and readily available information. New collectors appreciate our detailed information on every product and its artist, thus inspiring art lovers to want to collect more. It's a win-win situation."