When it comes to selling online, many small businesses and creators often start with popular marketplaces like Etsy, Amazon, or eBay. These platforms are great for gaining initial visibility, but after years of experience, we realized something important: owning our own store is the best decision we’ve ever made for our brand and our customers.

Here’s why 👇

Freedom to Build Our Brand

Marketplaces are crowded. When customers shop there, they see thousands of sellers offering similar products. It’s hard to stand out, and even harder to create a unique brand identity.

By running our own website, we control everything—from design and storytelling to how our products are presented. Every detail reflects our vision and values, not just a product listing on a massive platform.

Closer Connection With Customers

On marketplaces, customers usually remember the platform, not the seller. They might say, “I bought it on Etsy”, but rarely, “I bought it from Best American Gift.”

With our own store, the relationship is direct. We know our customers, we can communicate with them, and we can provide a personalized experience that goes beyond a transaction.

Creative Freedom & Flexibility

Marketplaces have rules—lots of them. From how you display your product to how you communicate with buyers, everything is controlled by the platform.

Running our own store gives us the freedom to:

• Create unique collections
• Run special promotions and discounts
• Share stories, blog posts, and behind-the-scenes content
• Launch products on our own schedule, without restrictions

Better Customer Experience

Our store is designed for you. That means:

• Faster checkout
• Multiple payment options (PayPal, credit card, etc.)
• A seamless, mobile-friendly shopping experience
• Direct support from our team whenever you need it

This way, we ensure you enjoy shopping just as much as you enjoy receiving your order.

Building for the Future

Marketplaces can change their rules overnight. Fees increase, algorithms shift, and accounts can be suspended without notice. That’s a risk for any small business.

By owning our store, we’re building something sustainable—a place that belongs to us, and more importantly, a place where our customers know they can always find us.

Final Thoughts

We’re proud to have started on marketplaces, and they will always be part of our journey. But Best American Gift is more than just products—it’s a community, a story, and a vision.

That’s why creating our own store was the natural next step. It allows us to give you the best experience possible while ensuring our brand continues to grow authentically.

👉 Thank you for supporting us on this journey, Best American Gift. Every order means the world to us, and every customer becomes part of the Best American Gift story.