Do you want to learn how to start a print-on-demand business? Print-on-demand businesses allow you to create and sell custom products like t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases without needing to store any inventory. Today, I have a great interview to share with you all about this business idea. It’s with Jessica Roop, who has had…
Do you want to learn how to start a print-on-demand business?
Print-on-demand businesses allow you to create and sell custom products like t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases without needing to store any inventory.
Today, I have a great interview to share with you all about this business idea.
It’s with Jessica Roop, who has had a print-on-demand side hustle for a couple of years. She’s been designing and selling her own products, and she recently launched a course on the subject I Love Print on Demand.
She profits around $500 and $1,500 per month with her print-on-demand side hustle. She has made over 6,000 print-on-demand product sales too!
In this interview, I ask Jessica questions about how to start a print-on-demand business from home.
So, if you are interested in starting a flexible and in-demand side hustle, I ask her questions you may be wondering about, like:
What is print-on-demand? How does print-on-demand work?
What are print-on-demand items a person can sell?
How much can a new person make selling print-on-demand?
How much does it cost to start and run a print-on-demand business?
Can someone with no tech skills start a print-on-demand business?
Today’s interview will help you get started on your path to becoming a successful print-on-demand entrepreneur.
I recommend signing up for the freebie 17 Hot-Selling Print-on-Demand Products That Can Pay for Your Next Vacation and More! to learn more.
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This freebie will teach you about print-on-demand as well as give you a list of 17 hot-selling products you can sell via print on demand.
How To Start a Print-On-Demand Business
Below is the interview all about how to start a print-on-demand business.
1. Please give us a little background on yourself and how you got started with a print-on-demand business. How much do you earn monthly from print-on-demand?
Hi! I’m Jessica. I’ve worked full-time online since 2017, doing everything from food blogging to offering virtual assistant services.
In 2020, like many of us, I found myself with some extra time on my hands because of COVID. In my free time, I became a little obsessed with how well e-commerce was doing, so I decided it would be a good side hustle to pursue. In 2021, I started planning my e-commerce business with an early 2022 launch. I was so excited!
I wish I could say that this was the beginning of my print-on-demand journey, but unfortunately, I dove into e-commerce the hard way: I started an online gift company that carried physical inventory.
Seeing as I live in a 692-square-foot apartment, this did not turn out to be a great idea. Plus, I completely underestimated how long it would take to pull products, package them, print shipping labels, and take boxes to the post office. It was exhausting, and my fun little e-commerce “side hustle” became a nightmare.
One day, print-on-demand randomly popped into my head, probably out of complete desperation!
A few years prior, I had created a few print-on-demand products after hearing about the idea somewhere. I never took selling the products I designed seriously, but the idea suddenly sounded intriguing. It would solve all of my problems because I wouldn’t have to carry any inventory and wouldn’t have to pack, package, or ship anything.
I launched my first print-on-demand product on Etsy in May 2022 and quickly had a best-selling product on my hands. I was hooked and haven’t looked back since!
My profit averages between $500 and $1,500 per month. I’m pretty busy with my “day job” income streams, so print-on-demand has always been a side hustle for me. It’s a super fun creative outlet and a great way to generate extra cash every month.
2. What is print-on-demand? How does print-on-demand work?
At its core, print-on-demand means that products are produced “on demand,” meaning they aren’t produced until an order comes through. For example, a design isn’t printed on a blank mug until a customer orders it.
Print-on-demand has evolved into a term for a business model where regular people can team up with a print-on-demand production partner and sell a wide variety of products without ever holding physical inventory or doing any of the fulfillment.
Let’s say you sell on Etsy like I do. Here’s how the process would look for you:
You create a digital design file (much easier than it sounds; some of my best sellers are text-only designs!) and upload it to your production partner’s site; in this example, let’s say you’ve designed a t-shirt
You list your t-shirt for sale on Etsy
A buyer finds your t-shirt, loves it, and purchases it
The order is sent to your production partner, and you click a button to confirm the order
Your production partner prints your digital design file on a t-shirt in the customer’s preferred size, packages it, prints a shipping label, and sends it off to your customer
Your production partner uploads the tracking information to Etsy and marks the order as complete
That’s it! Etsy pays you (minus transaction fees), and you pay your production partner. You pocket the difference, typically about 30% of the price you listed it for on Etsy. Your customer pays 100% of the shipping costs.
As you can see, at no point during this process do you hold a physical item in your hands. Your production partner takes care of all of it for you.
Here’s a print-on-demand product example.
3. What are print-on-demand items a person can sell?
Pretty much anything! Although I don’t have any exact figures, I’d say there are thousands of different products available for print-on-demand.
Every production partner offers something different, and the vast majority of production partners are adding new products all the time. And within each product category, there are often many different variations. For example, there isn’t just one type of mug out there – there are different sizes, different shapes, different colors, different materials.
Here are just a few of the products available for print-on-demand:
Mugs
Tumblers
T-shirts
Sweatshirts
Tote bags
Makeup bags
Wall art
Blankets
Desk mats
Cell phone cases
Ornaments
Bumper stickers
Jigsaw puzzles
Pet bowls
Can coolers
If you can dream it, it’s probably available!
4. How much can a new person make selling print-on-demand?
As long as you dedicate yourself to the process, making ~$500/month in profit on Etsy within the first 3-6 months is possible.
I started making that amount only about a month in, but I was lucky to have a best-selling product very quickly. That wasn’t my intention (I was just excited to get a single sale!), but I just happened to release a product that really spoke to people.
After that initial start-up period, for a part-time effort on Etsy, $500 to $1,500 a month in profit is totally doable. For a full-time effort on Etsy, $40,000 to $70,000 a year in profit is achievable.
You probably noticed that I’m saying on Etsy. If you create your own store (Shopify is a popular platform for self-hosting) and start doing a lot of paid ads and/or social media, you can scale a lot higher. There are people making multi-six figures a year in profit!
5. How much does it cost to start and run a print-on-demand business?
If you’re starting your shop on Etsy like I did, here is a general overview of costs:
Etsy (sales platform): $0.20 per new item listing, plus transaction fees of 6.5% after you make a sale
Creative Fabrica (to source fonts and images to use on designs): $3.99/month
Printify (production partner): No subscription fee, although they do offer a Premium plan for $24.99/month that allows you to purchase the products cheaper (highly recommended if you start making more than ten sales a month)
*Some people use Canva, but I’ve found that Adobe Illustrator makes it easier to produce quality designs. That said, Canva is making improvements all the time, so switching over will hopefully be possible eventually!
6. What do you like about print-on-demand? Is it worth it?
I like to joke that I’m a mix of highly motivated and highly lazy, and I’ve found that print-on-demand, especially on Etsy, is perfect for someone like me!
I love that I can publish as many product designs as I want with minimal effort and minimal risk. If something doesn’t work out, it’s no big deal… I can just move on to the next product. After seeing the other side of things with an inventory-based business, print-on-demand is so easy and super low-stress.
I’ve also come to really love the creative process of designing new products. I’ve spent my whole life feeling like I’m not creative, but print-on-demand has ignited a creative flame in me that I didn’t know existed. My designs are pretty basic, but sometimes I’ll spend hours designing products without even realizing time is passing.
It’s 110% worth it. It’s such a fun hobby – one that makes me money! Print-on-demand is a great way to fund vacations, home improvements, “me time” things (like time at the spa), and to pay off bills. Plus, if taking it full-time is your goal, that’s doable as well.
7. How does a person get customers for print-on-demand?
I highly recommend starting with Etsy because they have a built-in customer base. Etsy has about 92 million active buyers globally, so the potential is enormous! People don’t go to Etsy for any other reason than to purchase something, so you can be laser-focused on acquiring customers.
Like many online platforms, Etsy heavily relies on SEO for listings, so as long as you optimize your listings for their search engine, they can be found by potential buyers.
Etsy is the “easy button” for print-on-demand customers, but there are other ways to get customers, namely organic social media and paid social media (ads). For these methods, instead of hosting your products on Etsy, you would likely have your own online store through platforms like Shopify, Wix, Woocommerce, etc.
TikTok Shops are also becoming popular ways for print-on-demand sellers to reach customers. With a TikTok Shop, you sell directly on the app, and customers can purchase directly on the app, so you don’t need to have a separate store somewhere.
TikTok has strict rules for selling through its shops, including the maximum number of days that can pass before the product is shipped to the customer. This used to be a barrier to entry for print-on-demand since some products can take a little while to be fulfilled (because they need to be printed before they’re shipped), but now more production partners are making sure their products are shipped within TikTok’s timelines.
8. Can someone with no tech skills do this?
Yes! You don’t have to be super tech-savvy to start; you just have to be open to learning new skills. People of all tech levels can be successful with print-on-demand.
Even when it comes to graphic design, you don’t have to be skilled. As I mentioned before, some of my best-selling designs are text-only! Plus, with an inexpensive subscription to a place like Creative Fabrica, you can source millions of images and fonts to use in your designs.
9. Which is the best print-on-demand platform?
I use Printify and love it.
The two biggest players in print-on-demand are Printify and Printful, and I decided to go with Printify because I preferred their pricing structure and product selection. They have been fantastic and I have zero regrets!
10. Can you list the steps needed to get started selling print-on-demand?
If you choose to go the Etsy route, here’s what you need to do:
Set up a Printify account
Sign up for Creative Fabrica or a similar site to source fonts and images
Choose a product or two to start with on Printify (mugs are always a good choice) and download the design templates
Download Adobe Illustrator, open the design templates, and start designing
Upload your designs to Printify
Open an Etsy account and connect Printify to Etsy
Upload your products to Etsy
Start selling!
This is just a general overview, of course. There are other important pieces of the puzzle like researching niches, choosing from different design styles, and crafting your Etsy listings in the right way so they show up in Etsy results.
11. Can you tell me more about the course you have?
I Love Print on Demand is the course I wish I had when I started my print-on-demand journey.
With it, you will set up your print-on-demand business for success from day one so you can skip the stress and start making money faster!
I honestly had no clue what I was doing when I started, and it’s a total miracle I figured out the eight steps listed above, let alone any of the other moving pieces and parts. It was a slow learning process for me, and I made a lot of mistakes at the beginning, which was a pretty stressful experience.
When I created my course, I thought about all of the questions I had and all of the things that slowed me down and then created a course that addressed all of those aspects.
I also made sure to keep it simple by narrowing the focus to the top three products that sell best for me. Print-on-demand can be a little like the Cheesecake Factory menu—there are so many product options, and you can easily get overwhelmed! It’s okay to branch out to other products later, but I keep you laser-focused so you focus on what works right from the beginning.
If you’re interested, you can check out my I Love Print on Demand course here.
You can also sign up for my free ebook, 17 Hot-Selling Print-on-Demand Products That Can Pay for Your Next Vacation and More!, here.
Do you want to learn how to start a print-on-demand business? What would you sell?
Note from Making Sense of Cents: I hope you enjoyed this helpful article on how to start your own POD business. There are many marketplace and ecommerce platforms (your supplier who does your order fulfillment) that you can get started with, as you learned above. And, there are many unique designs that you can sell to stand apart from the crowd. I have bought many items (a wide range of products such as apparel, accessories, and home decor) from POD businesses over the years, and I expect this to continue for myself and many others for the future. There are many ways to grow a print-on-demand business too (such as Facebook, Instagram, and even YouTube), so that can help you to make more money and maybe even increase your profit margins. I hope you see lots of success!
Your home is your sanctuary, a reflection of your personality, preferences, and lifestyle. “Discovering your ideal interior design style is a personal journey that can significantly enhance your living environment,” shares Deziner Tonie of Decorating Den Interiors. “By understanding different styles, navigating trends wisely, and identifying timeless pieces, you can create a home that is not only beautiful but also uniquely yours. Let your preferences guide you, and don’t be afraid to mix and match elements to reflect your individuality.”
Whether you’re drawn to the cozy charm of a cottage-style apartment in Montauk, NY, the breezy vibes of a coastal décor house for rent in Portland, Maine, the classic elegance of a traditionally designed house in San Antonio, TX, or the clean lines of minimalism, finding the style that resonates with you is key to creating a space you’ll love. This Rent. guide will teach you how to find your decorating style through expert tips, suggestions, and recommendations.
1. Understanding popular interior design styles
Before diving into the discovery process, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with some popular interior design styles:
Traditional: This style is timeless and elegant, featuring classic furniture, rich wood tones, and sophisticated textiles like silk and velvet. Traditional design often includes ornate details, such as crown molding, and a color palette of deep, warm hues. Furniture is often arranged symmetrically, creating a balanced and harmonious look.
Minimalism: Focused on simplicity and functionality, minimalism embraces clean lines, neutral color schemes, and a clutter-free environment. The mantra “less is more” is central to this style, with a focus on quality over quantity. Minimalist spaces often use a monochromatic palette and emphasize open, light-filled spaces.
Modern: Modern design is characterized by clean lines, sleek surfaces, and a neutral color palette with bold accent colors. It emphasizes function and avoids excessive ornamentation. Modern spaces often feature materials like glass, steel, and concrete, and furniture pieces that are both stylish and practical.
Industrial: Drawing inspiration from warehouses and urban lofts, industrial style features raw, unfinished elements like exposed brick, metal beams, and concrete floors. The color palette is typically neutral, with shades of gray, black, and brown. Furniture and décor often have a rugged, utilitarian feel, and vintage or repurposed items are common.
Bohemian: Also known as “boho,” this style is eclectic and free-spirited, characterized by a mix of colors, patterns, and textures. Bohemian spaces often include items from around the world, such as textiles, rugs, and furniture with a handmade or artisanal feel. Plants, macramé, and a variety of throw pillows and blankets add to the layered, cozy aesthetic.
Scandinavian: Originating from Nordic countries, Scandinavian design is known for its simplicity, functionality, and connection to nature. It features light, airy spaces with a predominantly white color palette, accented by natural materials like wood and leather. Clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and an emphasis on natural light are key aspects of this style.
Mid-century modern: This style, which originated in the mid-20th century, is characterized by clean lines, organic curves, and a focus on functionality. Furniture pieces often feature tapered legs and a mix of traditional and non-traditional materials. The color palette includes earthy tones and bold, saturated hues.
Modern Western: “Modern Western decor blends the rustic charm of traditional Western style with sleek, contemporary design elements,” Teri James with Teri James Photography shares. “This aesthetic often features natural materials like wood and leather, combined with more contemporary accents. Western wall decor, such as framed prints or canvas artworks of vast landscapes, horses, or cowboy-themed art, plays a crucial role in bringing the theme to life,” James shares. Key pieces might include a statement leather sofa, a reclaimed wood coffee table, and wall art inspired by the rugged people, animals, and landscapes of the West. By combining old and new, modern Western decor creates a warm, inviting space that feels both timeless and fresh.
Farmhouse: Farmhouse style combines rustic charm with modern comforts. It features distressed wood, shiplap walls, and vintage accessories. The color palette is often neutral, with whites, creams, and soft pastels. Chrissy Evancheck, with Countryside Home Decor, recommends decorating uniquely in this style. “Mix vintage with modern by blending rustic farmhouse pieces with contemporary decor for a cozy vibe,” Evancheck suggests. “Soften your decor with plush pillows and blankets in neutral tones. Have fun exploring and trying out these simple tips for adding a little farmhouse decor to your favorite spaces.”
Art Deco: Originating in the 1920s and ’30s, Art Deco is known for its bold geometric patterns, luxurious materials, and rich colors. This style often includes elements like mirrored surfaces, chrome accents, and exotic woods. Art Deco spaces are glamorous and sophisticated, with a strong sense of drama and opulence.
Eclectic: Eclectic style is all about mixing and matching different styles, periods, and influences to create a unique, personalized space. It allows for a high degree of creativity and self-expression, combining various colors, patterns, and textures in a harmonious way. The key is to balance diverse elements to avoid a chaotic look.
Understanding these popular interior design styles provides a foundation for discovering which elements resonate with you. As you explore, you’ll find that you might be drawn to a single style or prefer a combination of several, creating a space that truly reflects your individuality.
2. Reduce limitations by avoiding overthinking
“Consider your space style, which is influenced by location, culture, and lifestyle,” notes Dundee Deco. “Five styles to think about are rustic (farmhouse-inspired), French/European, Asian (including Japandi and minimalism), coastal (beach-inspired), and chic (feminine, usually amplified to glam). Choose what fits your lifestyle, mood, or personality.” Using this as a guideline, you can easily mix and match styles. “Combine your time and space styles to create unique blends like modern farmhouse or rustic vintage. Space styles can mix too, resulting in designs like coastal chic or Asian glam,” Dundee Deco suggests.
Starting with a blank canvas is a good place to begin if you’re overthinking what style suits you. “Create a neutral canvas, allowing you to explore bold colors, vintage finds, or minimalist touches – the choice is yours,” recommends Mouna Menebhi of The Boho Lab. “You can explore and personalize your space without sacrificing the environment, by ethically sourcing handmade furniture while adding character and story to your space.”
3. Don’t be afraid to mix styles
Discovering your design style with Katherine Mueller Design is all about embracing your uniqueness. “Katherine loves to mix styles because she believes every client is unique, and their spaces should reflect that individuality,” Bridget Caldaza with Katherine Mueller Design shares. “Start by identifying what you love — colors, patterns, textures — and how they make you feel. Experiment with different design elements to see what resonates with you and makes your space feel like home. Ultimately, your design style should be a reflection of who you are.”
Spouse-ly echoes this sentiment, encouraging following your preferences.”When it comes to discovering your design style, don’t limit yourself,” shares Spouse-ly. “Combine 2-3 traditional styles to create your own unique look. For example, have you heard of the style coastal luxe or transitional farmhouse? Probably not too often because they are inspired by different colors, decor, and textures that make up their own vibe. Don’t forget to add pops of handmade decor to truly make your space one-of-a-kind.” Mixing and matching styles is a great way to expand your design horizons while determining what your preferences are.”
4. Reflect on your personality and preferences
Consider your lifestyle, interests, and daily routines. Are you someone who thrives in a structured environment, or do you prefer a more relaxed, carefree atmosphere? Do you enjoy being surrounded by keepsakes and mementos, or do you feel more at peace in a space free of excess items?
“Discovering your interior design style begins with exploring your preferences and inspirations. Start by collecting images, colors, and textures that catch your eye, creating a mood board for visual reference,” Dawn Bremer of The Bremer Team shares. “Pay attention to your lifestyle needs, ensuring the design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Experiment with different styles and elements in small areas of your home to see what resonates,” Bremer shares. Reflecting on these questions can help you identify the elements of a design style that align with your personality.
Alex Solonsky, Founder of Artificial Paintings recommends considering spaces that make you feel at home in your decorating process. “To find your design style, start by reflecting on your favorite spaces — be it a cozy cottage, a sleek modern loft, or a charming coastal retreat, Pay attention to what elements make you feel at home,” Solonsky recommends. “Don’t be afraid to incorporate unique pieces that tell your personal story. Trends come and go, but a space that resonates with your personality will always feel timeless,” Solonsky adds.
4. Explore inspiration
Gather inspiration from various sources to see what resonates with you. “In order to identify your interior design style, thoughtfully consider what you’re drawn to in movies, TV shows, and magazines — vintage or modern, eclectic or classic,” Connie Strazzeri, Digital Marketing Manager for Vogt, shares. “From Architectural Digest house tours to Nancy Meyers movies, aesthetic inspiration abounds online, and you can hone in on your specific taste by Pinteresting images that correspond with your source of inspiration.”
Magazines and books: Design magazines and books are treasure troves of ideas and visuals. Tear out or bookmark pages that catch your eye.
Online platforms: Websites like Pinterest, Instagram, and Houzz are excellent for discovering and saving design ideas. Create boards or collections of spaces that you love.
Moodboard: “To find your design style, start by creating a mood board with images, colors, and textures that you naturally gravitate towards,” Sandy with Home By Keira recommends. “Experiment with different styles by incorporating elements you love into your space and see what resonates with you and not ‘trends’. Trust your instincts — your personal style should reflect who you are and what makes you feel at home,” Sandy concludes.”Once you’ve created a mood board, it’s helpful to turn to the experts, like our in-house team at Vogt, to help you bring your vision to life,” Strazzeri recommends.
Showrooms and stores: Visiting furniture showrooms and home décor stores can give you a tangible sense of different styles. Pay attention to what draws you in and feels right.
Your closet: “Finding your unique decorating style is important so that you can create a home that reflects you. I like to recommend that you start by looking into your closet and taking note of what clothes and accessories you usually would wear,” suggests Rachel Beeman. “By doing this, you can get a good hint from your wearable style and translate that into what you might like in your home. For instance, love wearing bold and colorful? Then chances are you might love that style in your home as well.”
5. Identify timeless pieces
While trends can be fun to incorporate, timeless pieces form the foundation of a lasting interior design. “Rather than following trends, buy items you love and then find a place for them,” Pamela Wingard suggests. “Then use them, whether eating dinner on your wedding china or displaying your favorite collection on a bookshelf. Then donate items in your home that you don’t really love or pass them along to a family member (That’s probably how you got them anyway),” Wingard notes. “Curating what you already have will give you a fresh perspective on what you really like and help you determine your design style.”
Your style, your sanctuary
Discovering your interior design style is a rewarding process that allows you to create a space that truly feels like home. “Choosing your own interior style is all about experimenting until your home feels uniquely yours — a place where you can relax and thrive,” Teresa with Mindful Cements reminds us. “Go for elements that you gravitate towards and bring extra uniqueness to your space, such as geometric prints, furry rugs, or warm-cherry wooden furniture. Creating your own space should reflect your personality and lifestyle, so experiment with colors, textures, and scents until it feels just right,” Teresa concludes.
By exploring different styles, reflecting on your personality and preferences, and incorporating timeless pieces and personal touches, you can design a space that not only looks great but also feels uniquely yours. Happy decorating!
Wesley Masters works on Redfin’s stellar Content Marketing team as a content writing specialist. She has been with Rent. since 2023 and her previous experiences include non-profit communications, graphic design, and content creation. Wesley lives in Atlanta, GA, and loves outdoor walks, hanging out with her loved ones, and finding new recipes to try on Pinterest. Her ideal home is a brownstone with contemporary interiors.
THOMASVILLE —The High Point resident has taken her passion for home decorating to the next level, opening Simply Elegant Home Decor at 24 E. Main St. in Thomasville.
“Doing home decor has been my inspiration for years,” she said. “I’ve been working toward opening my own store for 10 years probably.”
Journeying to a new place lets you try on what living in another culture feels and looks like, whether you’re exploring the adobe house-filled streets of Santa Fe or the lantern-lit alleys of an ancient Moroccan city. Many travelers, dazzled by the rug sellers of Istanbul or the pottery workshops of Oaxaca, return with worldly housewares or art to decorate their homes.
“A textile, a clay bowl or an object you pick up at a flea market connects you to a time that you’ve enjoyed, a memory of a place,” says Hilary Robertson, a Brooklyn prop stylist and author of “Nomad At Home: Designing the Home More Traveled.” “If you can’t move to Marrakech or Kyoto, you can at least recreate something of the feeling.”
But snapping up the best items for your particular home requires a bit of strategy and advance planning. Here’s how to shop smartly, how to get your treasures back in one piece, and what to do with them upon your return.
Do your homework
You usually won’t turn up Indigenous handicrafts or interesting local art at an airport store or the hotel gift shop. “So do research before you go, looking up artisan networks, finding out which days flea markets operate, and figuring out what you might even be able to buy in a given place,” says Rachna Sachasinh, owner of Tikkiwallah, an online shop selling fair-trade Thai and Laotian pillow covers, blankets and other textiles.
Seek tips on what to buy and where to shop from your hotel concierge (or short-term rental owner), and via the websites and social media accounts of official tourism boards. You can also flip through old-school guidebooks (Lonely Planet, Rick Steves), which tend to concentrate on local retailers, rather than the location of every West Elm in Mexico City. TikTok and Instagram also offer potential shopping info, but be wary of paid brand placements.
While cool art and vintage home decor are available at most destinations, “you’ll find more handmade items like textiles, rugs and baskets if you travel to places like Morocco, India and Mexico, which still have living crafts cultures,” says Sachasinh.
Consider hiring a shopping pro
To get straight to the treasure hunting, you could hire a tour guide who specializes in shopping for a few hours. Look for market- or retail-specific experiences in your destination on travel booking sites such as TripAdvisor and Tours by Locals; using the name of a specific place (“Istanbul Grand Bazaar” or “Oaxaca pottery workshops”) can further winnow your search.
You can also try a simple online search to turn up market-savvy private guides such as Buenos Aires Shop Hop (guided jaunts to leather workshops and vintage markets in Argentina) or Maryam Montague, the proprietor of Peacock Pavilions hotel in Marrakech, who takes travelers on daylong expeditions through the city’s souks looking for fuzzy tribal rugs, bright pottery and leather poufs.
Or go on a crafts- or shopping-focused trip. Tour companies such as Ace Camps and Thread Caravan host weeklong trips to meet artisans and make things alongside them in destinations such as Perú (try weaving in the Sacred Valley near Machu Picchu) or Japan (learn how to use shibori indigo dyes or make pottery).
Luxury trip-planning company Indagare offers frequent style-centric small group tours to Mallorca, Rajasthan and Paris with dinners in designers’ homes, market excursions and meetups with artists. Grant K. Gibson, an interior designer, leads small groups to destinations such as Jaipur, India, and Oaxaca, Mexico, where they visit showrooms, learn about block printing and woodworking techniques, and usually come back with suitcases full of merchandise.
“Design touches on so many passion points — art, history and culture, food and wine — that trips like these are a great linchpin for learning, exploration and meeting fellow design enthusiasts,” says Indagare founder and chief executive Melissa Bradley.
Know what to look for
To support local artisans, look for fair-trade crafts stores, which pay creators fairly for their products and tend to stock goods representative of a destination. Other top bets: flea markets focused on handmade or antique goods, museum shops, and government-sponsored artisan boutiques or networks. For instance, Artesanías de Colombia shops in Bogotá and Cartagena hawk rope hammocks and palm fiber baskets produced by Indigenous weavers.
“And visiting an artisan workshop might give the deepest connection to something handmade, since you get talk to the crafter or even make something beside them,” says Sachasinh, who recommends the weaving workshops and the blanket- and table runner-stuffed store at Ock Pop Tok in Luang Prabang, Laos. At the Seattle Glass Blowing Studio, artists create the delicate bowls and glasses the Pacific Northwest city is known for — and teach beginners how to make their own.
Think about how you’ll get it home
Serendipity and impulse inspire many souvenir purchases. But if you want a Turkish rug for your living room or a vintage Parisian painting to match your bathroom tile, be sure to travel with photos and measurements of the space you have in mind. “I always bring a measuring tape and swatches of any fabric I want to match, too,” says Montague.
Planning on carrying a lot of items home on the plane? Stash a collapsible duffel (Paravel makes a clever zip-down one) in your luggage, or, for larger purchases, pack an extra, empty hard-sided suitcase. “It’s usually cheaper to pay for an extra checked bag than to ship a lot of things home,” says Montague. Know that oil paintings can be taken off their stretchers and rolled up, and that you can purchase a throw pillow cover that takes up little luggage space and buy the bulky insert when you arrive home.
“I’m wary of checking a bag with breakables, though,” says Bradley, who has ferried glass and pottery back from Cambodia and South Africa in a hard-sided carry-on.
And whether you are two hours away by car or five time zones away by plane, retailers that sell bulky items can generally guide you toward a shipper, even though it’s often not cheap. “I had this great farmhouse dining table shipped from the Paris flea market, and I’ve had people on my trips to India send home inlaid dressers,” says Gibson.
Get creative
Many housewares bought on your travels can be repurposed, and even ordinary goods found in other countries can seem special or elevated compared to what you’d get at home. “I go to Mexican hardware stores, because even basic items like door hooks or storage bins can be so colorful and fun,” says Robertson.
A Navajo rug can serve as a tablecloth; a beaded Maasai collar morphs into a sculpture when displayed on a wire stand. Even the simplest souvenirs — a vintage postcard of Yellowstone National Park, a scrap of fabric — look terrific when nicely framed.
Grouping disparate travel finds on a gallery wall can make them seem cohesive. “I have the most random … stuff hung on the wall of the staircase at my house — a painting from India, a brass bowl I got in Turkey,” says San Francisco interior designer Chelsea Sachs. “It’s like a chronicle of my life, and these things remind me of special moments when I get back home.” Indagare’s Bradley arranges Iranian tiles, Burmese boxes and Peruvian ceramics amid the novels and art books on her shelves.
Fabrics, buttons and other easy-to-transport materials you snap up on the road can turn into home accents, even if you aren’t especially crafty. Bring home a couple pieces of washi — a Japanese mulberry paper so storied it’s recognized by UNESCO — to hot-glue onto a lampshade or inside a wooden tray. A basket or other object can be turned into a light fixture. “I carried a huge antique rattan bird cage home on a ferry from Provincetown once, and now it’s a chandelier,” says Robertson.
And almost any textile — a striped Peruvian blanket, a vintage quilt from a flea market — can be fashioned into a throw pillow or shower curtain by your drycleaner or used to reupholster a chair seat. “Sometimes stuff has to hang around for a while before you know what you’ll do with it,” says Sachs.
You might not want to amass a cabinet full of souvenir teacups, spoons or snow globes like your great grandparents did. But the concept of picking up one small object everywhere you travel still has some validity; it might save you from overbuying, and even kitschy trinkets can summon memories. Think about scoring a holiday tree ornament or small flower vase every time you go on a trip, or save a few coins from each foreign country you visit to pile into a bowl on your coffee table. “Pieces from different places become integral to your home and allow you to reconnect with a destination and its aesthetic,” says Bradley.
Is it just me or have we all been sleeping on the TJ Maxx website?! I went down an absolute rabbit hole recently…. So. Many. Tabs. Of course, I had to share all the great TJ Maxx home decor finds with you guys!
By the way, if you like this, you’ll love my recent roundups of inexpensive home decor under $50 and coastal decor under $50 on Amazon.
Herringbone Bolster // Scalloped Sheets (so many options in the carousel!) // Grasscloth Nightstand // Block Print Swivel Chair ($200!) // Rattan Floor Lamp
As I was scrolling through all the TJ Maxx home decor, I realized that their site has SO MANY sets of scalloped sheets. This blue set is honestly just the beginning. Grasscloth nightstands are usually pretty expensive, but this one really isn’t. You can get (at least) two of them for the price of one elsewhere! The block print swivel chair is too cute. I’d scoop this up in a second if I had a vanity in my bathroom. You could also put it in a walk-in closet.
I LOVE THIS RUG. That one is 5×8 but it also comes in 2×8, 10×14, and 4×6! Off the top of my head, I can think of a handful of bloggers who already own it, which I’m taking as a ringing endorsement (ha). I can’t tell exactly whether this nightstand is gray or green, but I’m stunned that it only costs $130. It looks WAY more expensive.
How darling are these scalloped bunny pillows?! I think they were intended for Easter, but they would also be so, so sweet in a little girl’s room. The gingham on the back is the perfect finishing touch. I would obviously be thrilled to have this blue scalloped outdoor umbrella in my backyard– especially for $80! It also comes in a classic navy and white stripe. This patchwork quilt looks like something you’d find at thrift store or craft fair. I’d fold it at the foot of my guest bed or keep it downstairs for cozy movie nights.
Amazon Prime Day isn’t the only major sale happening this July. The retail giant Target have also joined in on the summer-ready festivities by kicking off their famous Target Circle Week sale, running from now through Saturday, July 13.
Promising huge savings for this week only, the only catch is that you need to be a Target Circle member to shop the deals. But don’t fret, it is totally free and all you need to do is sign up with an email to get access to the very best savings. And in addition to all the weeklong savings, Target are spotlighting the hottest deal of the day items that you can find further knockdowns on. It really isn’t one to miss.
So as a seasoned shopper (both personally and professionally) I’ve sat down and scoured the Target home sale for hours, so you don’t have to. Here is my edit of the very best home deals to be found.
Shop the Target Sale by Category
Target Circle Week Best Sale Finds
Target Circle Week sale: home decor
22″ Pleated Shade Metal Arch Table Lamp Brass/Cream – Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia
Nuloom Christana Traditional Checkered Jute Area Rug
Woven Block Print Square Throw Pillow – Threshold™ designed with Studio McGee
Nancy Meyers aesthetic to your table. Complete with a padded seat and an angled backrest, it keeps you sitting comfortably and can be machine washed for easy care.
Ogden Nightstand Brown – Threshold™ designed with Studio McGee
Vivian Park Slipcover Ottoman – Threshold™ designed with Studio McGee
Modern Turned Bed – Threshold™ designed with Studio McGee
transitional, vintage-inspired bedroom. Built with a rubberwood frame, this bed features a sleek design with turned legs and comes with a stylish, modern headboard.
Shiffer Console Table Brown – Threshold™ designed with Studio McGee
Tangkula 3PCS Patio Rattan Furniture Set
Portable Outdoor Patio LED Tabletop Lantern – Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia
portable lamps are a must for summer hosting. This LED lantern from Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia comes with a top handle for convenient carrying, and a base dimmer switch that helps create the perfect outdoor ambiance.
Nuloom Candace Traditional Vintage Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug
best outdoor rugs are the ones that look like they belong indoors. This timeless rug however ensures durability and long-lasting beauty thanks to its UV-resistant, durable blend of polypropylene and polyester.
Kylie Rattan Bistro Table – Safavieh
66″ Bold Stripe Inflatable Pool Cream/Light Blue/Green – Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia
Best Choice Products Wicker Egg Chair
An egg chair feels like the ultimate garden luxury. The bohemian style, water- and UV-resistant wicker with weather-resistant cushions make this seat a long-lasting addition to your lounging spot.
What is the Target Circle Week sale?
Target ‘Circle Week’ is a regular sale held for Target’s Circle members – both free and paid. You can find deals across all categories both in-store and online so you’ll be able to shop clothing, homeware, appliances, and more for less.
Circle 360 members (Target’s paid membership subscription) is also reduced during Circle Week, making it just $49 for the first year. Plus, members can get same-day no-fee delivery on orders over $35.
When do Target have sales?
Just like most retailers, Target tend to hold sales throughout the year to help you celebrate big landmark dates like the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Black Friday and Christmas holiday sales.
Keep an eye on this page for updates and the very best edit of all Target sales held throughout the year.
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
Amazon’s Prime Day is just around the corner, but you don’t have to wait to start saving. Discover some of the best early deals on home decor items that combine style with functionality, all at prices that are easy on your wallet.
Featured early Prime Day home decor deals
These early deals are a great opportunity to upgrade your home decor before the official Prime Day rush. Whether you’re looking to revamp your living space or optimize your storage solutions, these items offer both quality and value.
Martha Stewart Fires Back at ‘Harsh Judgment’ of Maine Home Decor | Us Weekly
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By Laura Rizzo
July 4, 2024
Martha Stewart is defending the transformation of the living room in her Maine vacation home after receiving “harsh” criticism from social media followers.
“I rarely read all the comments that come in after I post, but because I was so happy at the transformation of my Maine living room, I did go through many of the comments and was surprised at the harsh judgment so many displayed!!!” Stewart wrote via Instagram on Wednesday, July 3, to caption a photo of her updated space.
The celebrity chef said she and her “Maine helpers” only spent “three hours” swapping out the furniture, explaining, “We were pleased that the pieces actually fit the room and were proportionate to the large size of the space. [This] was not a ‘decorator’s’ professional installation. It was an attempt to change quickly and efficiently.”
Stewart agreed that a full room makeover would take much more time, promising she would add more details.
“Making a house a home — or a room a beautiful livable space — takes a lot more than three hours,” her post continued. “Of course, there will be color, plants, mirrors, a new rug or two and other art and objects Stay tuned!!!! And by the way, the birds are chromo lithographs by Carroll Tyson known as the ‘6 Audubon of Maine’ — so beautiful!”
The room featured 11 large drawings of various birds surrounding a brick fireplace. Stewart added various cream-colored chairs and couches with black detailing into the sizable space, which featured several smaller seating areas.
Stewart purchased her vacation home, called Skylands, located in Seal Harbor, Maine, in 1997. Originally built in 1925 for auto executive Edsel Ford, the sprawling estate features 12 bedrooms and a pink granite driveway, according to her website.
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The author has kept most of the charm of the original home, which may come as no surprise as the estate was sold with nearly everything included, like the linens and the Fords’ silver and glassware.
“I didn’t have to buy a plate,” Martha told Architectural Digest in 2017 about purchasing Skylands. “Although I’ve certainly added my fair share.”
Despite any internet criticism, Stewart will most likely always keep the classic charm of Skylands, telling AD, “I look at myself as the caretaker of an American treasure.”
Hello! Today, I have a great article to share about how to become an Amazon Vine Reviewer from a reader, Nicole Nicolet. She is a member of the Amazon Vine program and she has received over 100 free products from Amazon and has saved over $4,500 in the last 6 months. If you want to…
Hello! Today, I have a great article to share about how to become an Amazon Vine Reviewerfrom a reader, Nicole Nicolet. She is a member of the Amazon Vine program and she has received over 100 free products from Amazon and has saved over $4,500 in the last 6 months. If you want to learn how to get free products from Amazon, this is a very helpful read!
Did you know that you can get hundreds of free products, worth thousands of dollars every year from the Amazon Vine Program?
It’s surprisingly easy to join, and once you are a member you have access to thousands of everyday items that you can use, gift to friends and family, and even make money from.
Though there are certain rules that you will need to follow to maintain good standing with the program, it is worth all the effort.
So, if you’re looking to save, and maybe even make a little bit of money, the Amazon Vine Program may be a good fit for you.
How To Become An Amazon Vine Reviewer
Below is what you need to know if you want to become an Amazon Vine Reviewer.
Recommended reading: 7 Ways To Get Paid For Amazon Reviews
Here’s a screenshot from Amazon showing how much free stuff I’ve received so far.
How I’ve saved thousands with Amazon Vine
I have been a member of the Amazon Vine Program since November 2023. During this time I have received over 100 products from clothing to home decor, to health and beauty products, and even some electronics.
Just the other day I got a pretty awesome projector that looks and works amazingly! And, I also got a pretty sick electric guitar too!
Because the Vine program allows you to request 3-8 items per day, I have been able to find gifts for friends and family, start new hobbies (like making sourdough bread!), and even find nearly all of the decor I need for my wedding.
Over the past 6 months, the total value of all the items I have requested comes out to a little over $4500.
So, as you can see how easy it is to save money as a Vine Voice.
What is Amazon Vine?
Amazon Vine is a program that Amazon offers to its stores and businesses to help them get product reviews for their products sooner than they would have otherwise.
This helps businesses make more sales since most customers read reviews before they decide to buy.
When a business or store decides to put some of its products into the Vine program, Vine Voices (like myself) will test out the product and leave an honest review.
As a Vine Voice, you get these products for free. However, there are some legal requirements that may affect your taxes, depending on your tax situation. More on this in a moment.
So, who does Amazon choose to become Vine reviewers?
The Amazon Vine program is an exclusive program where they will hand-select people to join the program. These people will need to have written consistent ‘helpful’ and insightful reviews from their previous Amazon purchases.
You may be eligible to be an Amazon Vine Voice Reviewer if:
You have written consistent reviews of your previous Amazon purchases
Your reviews are considered ‘helpful’ to other customers
Your reviews are honest and trustworthy
https://www.amazon.com/vine/about
How do you join Amazon Vine?
If you are eligible to join the program and Amazon has decided they want you to become a Vine Voice, you will receive an exclusive invitation by email.
Once you join the Amazon Vine program, you will have access to the Vine Voice dashboard where you will find thousands of products from houseware to beauty products and more.
All Vine reviewers start in the Silver member status and have the ability to upgrade to Gold member status (that’s where I’m at now!)
Tips to increase the likelihood of receiving a Vine Voice invitation:
Go back into your previous purchases and write a thorough review
Include pictures or videos in reviews of your previous purchases
Provide helpful insight into your reviews (include both pros and cons)
Include tips on how you use the product in your reviews
When Amazon has decided they would like you to join their Vine review program, they will send you an invite through your email. So, keep an eye out for whichever email account you have connected to Amazon.
Check your spam folder if you think you missed the invitation.
Here’s a screenshot of some of my reviews.
How to become a Vine Voice (how to become an Amazon Vine Reviewer)
You can become a Vine Voice once Amazon has decided you provide trustworthy reviews. This is important because they only want members who provide honest, relevant, and insightful feedback.
Anyone is eligible to join the program as long as they have left enough reviews that other customers have rated as ‘helpful’.
So, unfortunately, there is no exact or magic number that I can give you as this varies by the quality and quantity of your reviews, as well as the number of visits those products may get.
However, when I was invited, I had just caught up on about a half dozen reviews and received the invite in my inbox about 2-3 weeks later.
Does it cost anything to be a Vine Voice?
No, there is no membership fee, or one-time fee to join the program. However… it is important that you know that taxes are involved in the process.
While you are never charged for the products themselves, Amazon is required by law to account for the value of products as ‘self-employed’ income. If you have requested products for a total amount over $600, Amazon is required to send you a 1099 form.
You can check in your Vine account dashboard to keep track of your total running amount.
How much are you taxed for the products?
Each product will have an ‘estimated tax value’ that Amazon has to report. This value is totaled up on your 1099 tax form.
However, as for what percentage you are taxed all depends on your specific financial situation. The percentage you are taxed will vary by state and your tax income bracket.
One tip though, to avoid higher taxes, is to request more health-related items that have no estimated tax value. Or, otherwise try to keep your total value down so that you pay less in taxes.
Unfortunately, this can be difficult when you become a Gold Member as the items can be any priced value and are usually better quality. Plus, some products are hard to turn down. Like that projector screen I mentioned earlier.
Here are some of the items I’ve received for free through Amazon Vine.
What are some of the best products you’ve received from Amazon Vine?
Well, for one, a projector that works great for indoor and outdoor entertainment.
But, here’s a list of some other really neat products I’ve gotten from Vine.
3 shade lamp ($90 value)
Shoe rack bench with a cushion ($60 value)
That cool projector I keep talking about ($160 value)
Gorgeous blue electric guitar ($140 value)
Camping gear ($100 +)
Wedding decor and gear ($500 +)
Leather car seat covers ($173 value)
Wing shaped book ends ($40 value) (P.S. these look super cool!)
Brand new silverware
21-piece knifeset ($199 value)
Stationary ($100 +)
Gifts for friends and family ($400 +)
Clothing ($100 +)
Automated pet feeder ($60) (My cat’s an absolute unit, so he eats through his food quickly)
Rainfall showerhead ($55 value)
Christmas projector lights ($60 value)
I could keep going with this list, and I will keep adding to this list as long as I am still a member of Vine. But, needless to say, there are some great finds on here that will save you money on many household items, gifts, and more.
And, if you’re a parent, I will mention that I have seen tons of baby items and things for kids. So, if you’re looking to save money on your kids, becoming a Vine member can be a great way to save some money.
When I searched for “baby”, almost 2,000 items popped up.
How to get free products from Amazon Vine
Requesting free products through the Vine program is both fun and easy. You can select from a list of thousands of products in just about any category.
After becoming a member, you can follow these steps to request products.
Log in to your Vine account, navigate to your dashboard and locate the “Recommended for You”, “Available for all”, and “Additional Items” tabs.
The ‘recommended for you’ items are based on your previous Vine searches. And, if I’m not mistaken, may also be partially based on your regular Amazon purchases and searches.
There was one time that I looked for, and eventually purchased a specific lamp on Amazon. And, not one week later that same exact product showed up on Vine. You win some you lose some, right?
You can also search for a specific product using the search bar. But, if you don’t find what you’re looking for, try broadening your search or using a different but related keyword.
Sometimes a product is ranked under different keywords than you might expect.
Once you have found the item you want, you can look into further detail by clicking through to that link, or by reading the details when selecting the “see details” button. Then, once the product pops up, hit the “request product” button.
Now you just wait for the product to ship to you!
You will find the shipping information in your item orders on your Amazon account or Amazon App. There is no special place for just for shipping information of Vine products. It’s all on your regular Amazon account.
Do you get paid with Amazon Vine?
You do not get paid in cash as a Vine Voice. You do, however, receive free products that you can later sell if you choose.
There are some restrictions as to when you can get rid of the products you have requested.
Amazon requires you to keep the products you request for at least 6 months before you get rid of the product you’ve requested. This means you are not supposed to gift, give away, sell or otherwise toss the product for 6 months.
How Amazon can track this, I don’t know. How strictly do they monitor this, I don’t know.
But, what I do know is that you definitely shouldn’t sell any of your Vine products online within the minimum time frame if you want to remain in good standing as a member of the program.
What countries have this program?
The Amazon Vine program is available in the US and a few other countries.
Unfortunately, the products that are available are only the products that ship within that country or may be stored in local distribution centers.
Some larger items may also only be shipped very locally to where they are stored.
So, if you live outside the U.S. you may still be able to join the program but may be much more limited on what products you have access to request.
Process of reviewing Amazon Vine products
In your Amazon Vine dashboard, you will be able to find products recommended specifically to you, products for all Vine reviewers, and any other product that is available to request for all members.
It’s best to check back frequently for any items you want as this changes daily, and sometimes hourly.
There have been times when I’ve found an item I wanted several weeks or even a month or two later than when I first checked. Give it time and most likely what you want will become available.
Once you find the items you want, go ahead and request the products. Most products will be shipped to you in a couple of days, or within a month.
Being an Amazon Prime member does not change how quickly something is shipped to you though. But, there are tons of other great benefits as a Prime Member other than free 2-day shipping.
Step-by-step process to review Vine products:
Request the product you want
Test the product within a thorough, but timely period
Write a complete and honest review of the product (include pictures, video, and/or other information you feel is ample for that product). Real reviews are great, they aren’t just looking for positive reviews
Submit the review and wait for it to be approved (usually a few days to a week)
Update the review if you feel this is necessary
If you struggle to find the products you want to review, try using different keywords. Rather than looking up “bridal shower gifts” try just looking up “bridal” or “wedding”.
This will greatly broaden your search as some items may be ranked under a certain keyword, but not another.
If this does not work, try also using another term for the product.
For example, when I type in ‘tumbler’, I see an insulated thermos, and I also see some stickers that go on thermoses. When I type in ‘cup’ I see thermoses again.
Contrary, when I type in ‘bookends’ with no space, I find a dozen products. But when I type in ‘book ends’ with a space, I only get one product. This is because of how businesses add their products to Amazon when using keywords.
What is required to maintain Amazon Vine membership?
To be in good standing with the Amazon Vine program you will need to write reviews in a timely manner. For some products, a thorough review may require several weeks of testing, whereas other products can be reviewed almost right away.
Some products I really try and include an image of. Things like electronics, clothing, and other things that are difficult to see in scale from a product image alone. Real life images work best for buyers to make an informed decision.
As a Silver Status Member, you will be able to request up to 3 items per day and up to $100 value each. You will need to review at least 80 items, and 90% of your items by or before the end of your evaluation period. After your evaluation period, you can get upgraded into the Gold Status.
As a Gold Status Member, you will be able to request up to 8 items per day with any price value. The review requirements are the same with at least 90% of 80 products reviewed by the end of the evaluation period.
You will need to have at least 60% of your products reviewed at any time to stay in good standing. However, this will take some time while you are getting enough products to review, so don’t worry too much about this in the beginning.
If you do not keep up with your reviews, your account may be placed under review (no pun intended here). I had this happen to me at one point around last Christmas when I became too busy for a while to write any reviews.
But, I got caught back up and was able to return to good standing status as a member. And, I was still able to request items during this period, just in case you were wondering.
I have noticed there is some confusion among many Vine Voice members as to when you get upgraded to Gold Status. At one point I thought if I reached the minimum requirement of 80 products with 90% of reviews I would be upgraded.
But, you will not be upgraded until the end of your evaluation period, unless you are somehow an exception to this rule.
I recommend catching up on your reviews about once a week. Or, more often if you would like. This helps you to avoid getting behind.
How to make money from Amazon Vine
According to the rules of the program, you cannot sell, gift, or otherwise give away your Vine products for a 6-month period. After this period, you may do with the items as you wish.
At this point, you may turn or flip the products and sell them for profit. However, if you decide to make some extra cash with this, please do not sell a product for more than it is valued on Amazon.
This is wrong, deceitful, and may cause bad blood among those involved. So, it is best to sell the items for less than the original value.
You may also use any products you get in your business if you wish. They are still just products, so if you use a Vine product in your business to make money, then more power to you.
Example: One item I had requested was an off-brand KitchenAid mixer attachment. I could easily use this to make money from baking.
When can you sell the products you get?
There is a required 6-month waiting period before you get rid of any products by any means. It is best to wait this period before you decide to gift or sell any product.
If you decide to gift or sell any products sooner than this period, you can and may be removed from the program. So, if you are concerned about this, make sure to date the products you receive so you don’t forget.
You can also look in your account to check on those dates.
It’s best to not sell any products for more than the taxable value. You also should not market any products as any brand other than what they actually are.
So, when I mentioned I got an off-brand KitchenAid attachment, it would be wrong and deceitful for me to market it as an ‘official’ brand attachment.
Can you gift the products you get?
Yes. After the 6-month waiting period required by Amazon. If gifting an item is necessary for a thorough review, however, and the product is within your family, in most cases this should not be too much of an issue.
But, this does not guarantee that you aren’t breaking the program rules. So, do this at your own risk.
Can you be both an Amazon Affiliate and a Vine Voice?
As a blogger, I am also a member of the Amazon Affiliate program, and I am also a member of the Amazon Voice program.
As of June 2024, I am not aware of or have been informed of any restrictions that an Amazon Affiliate can’t also be a Vine Voice. Nor, have I found any information that states otherwise.
So, I say the more the merrier!
Final thoughts on how to become an Amazon Vine Reviewer
The Amazon Vine program is a great program for companies, customers, and Vine Voices alike. It’s actually a fairly easy program to join and can be a great way to save and even make money.
While there are some important requirements you’ll have to follow as a Vine Voice, the benefits far outweigh any negatives.
So, if you’re looking to save some money this year, start reviewing your previous Amazon purchases to increase your chances of becoming a Vine Reviewer, and keep an eye out for that email!
Did you know that there was a way to get free stuff from Amazon?
Author bio:
Hey there! My name is Nicole Nicolet and I am a blogger at Let’s Make Life Great. When I first learned that blogging could make you money full-time I was skeptical, but decided to give it a try as a way to make passive income on the side. So, after taking Michelle’s free blogging course, I jumped in!
I started writing and researching different ways to save money, make money, and budget better. I also tried different side hustles like making digital printables, online courses, and more. Even though I’m still learning and growing, I enjoy writing posts about my blogging journey to help me document the tricks and tips I’ve learned since I started.
I aim to help my audience make more money, grow a business, and reach their financial goals through the content I create. And I even have a free resource page on my site, because who doesn’t love free stuff?
So, one day, when I stumbled upon the Amazon Vine program I decided to try it and see if I was eligible. And, sure enough, I was.
I’m inspired to share my journey with you in hopes that you too can learn different ways to save thousands each year as an Amazon Vine Member.
Making Sense of Cents Note: I hope you enjoyed this article on how to become an Amazon Vine Reviewer. This invitation-only program looks for high-quality reviews to help improve a product’s visitibility. This can be a great way to get free stuff from Amazon and save some money! I’ve read that there are around 5,000 to 10,000 Amazon Vine reviewers currently, and it looks like they are still accepting many new product reviewers.
Placing a smaller rug over a large neutral one is an excellent solution when you have a rug you love that’s too small. The layer acts like a border to extend the rug, says rug expert Jess Evans. (Courtesy of Annie Selke)
My friend, Susan, and I disagree on just about everything except home design — until now. Yes, I understand that an 8- by10-foot area rug would have worked better size-wise in my 10 by 13 living room. But I already had the 5 by 8 rug. I loved the pattern and colors, navy and burnt orange, and had decorated around it.
She persists. If I insist on keeping the small rug (yes), I should get a larger solid rug to layer underneath it, she said, and extend it under the furniture to pull the room together.
So when the rug arrives, I spread out the large, navy rug, lay the smaller one over it, replace the furniture, and text Susan a picture. “Happy now?” I asked.
“Yes, but I think the deep orange would have been better.”
Good thing she lives six states away because I might have strangled her.
So I text the same photo to Christopher, a designer friend I often consult with. Unlike Susan, he does not have a dog in this fight. His reply: “That blue rug just makes everything in the room look cheap. Maybe try a burnt orange one?” He does not know what a loaded topic this was.
Fine. I order a solid, burnt orange wool rug online. I roll up the blue rug and drag it out of the living room like a dead sea mammal. I unfurl the orange rug, which I am determined to like.
I stand back and squint. The orange is pretty bright. Plus, now the smaller rug keeps bunching up and rumpling no matter how I try to smooth it. I text photos to Susan and Christopher.
“Way too bright,” Susan said. “It needs to be a deeper color.”
“I am not doing this again,” I text back. “Your choice is either with the orange rug or without.”
“I cannot in good conscience choose between two bad options,” she writes.
Christopher is more tactful. “Try putting the orange rug in your bedroom. Better to have no rug under the smaller rug than one that detracts.”
In search of closure, I call Jess Evans, vice president of design for Annie Selke, a Massachusetts-based rug company, and ask if I can interview her for a column about rug sizes. Little does she know what she is getting into. I send her a picture of the living room.
“When you have a small rug in a room with no surrounding furniture on it, it can showcase that the rug is too small for the space,” she said. “While I recommend getting a rug that’s the right size from the start, I also love the look of layered rugs, and so do many top designers.” (I am not telling Susan.)
“But won’t putting a small rug over a larger one just emphasize the fact that the top rug is too small?”
“Not at all,” she said. “Layering rugs is an excellent solution when you have a rug you love that’s too small. The layer acts like a border to extend the rug, and the combination is in no way inferior to having one rug.”
Since my first two layering attempts flopped, I ask Evans for suggestions on how to get the right base and for solutions to other rug-size problems. Her advice:
Go lean: To prevent layered rugs from bunching, look for a thin base layer with a pile height of ¼-inch or less, she said. You also want a flat texture. Thinner sturdy rugs can be made of jute, sisal, wool or polypropylene.
Avoid patterns: Choose a base layer with little to no pattern in a neutral color that works with your flooring. The base should act as a frame and not compete with the feature rug.
Add legs: Ideally you want a rug big enough to allow at least the front feet of the room’s main furniture to sit on it. If you put only the front legs on, the rug should extend several inches underneath. If you can’t get all the front legs on, it’s better to have no legs on than some legs on and some off.
But don’t go too big: Leave at least eight inches between your rug and your wall. Eighteen inches is ideal, and fewer than six inches is too tight. “A rug that’s too big looks like wall-to-wall carpet and defeats the purpose of an area rug,” Evans said.
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