Popshop.live - Video Shopping ١٢+

I signed up for PSL for DesignerCon 2020 and was so impressed with the service that I decided to stick around for several of the vendors. There’s really something for just about everyone! The app is remarkably easy to use, probably too easy based on my purchase history. It gets a little competitive, and I’d imagine that’s part of the attraction to this app. The other part is the sense of community that has come together. I’ve become friends with some of these people that I’d have otherwise never met or interacted with, and that’s the coolest part of PSL to me.

As for shopping, I stick to the art/toys shows mostly, like 3DRetro (Ben and the gang have AMAZING stuff!), Depressed Monsters (what can I say about Ryan and the work he does for mental health awareness!?), Scott Tolleson (my favorite designer), Eric with Giant Robot, and so many others; but I also check in on some of the other shows like Elevated Weirdo. It’s an eclectic group of personalities, it overall has been a great experience as a social platform and as a purchasing platform. Although I wish my wifi was a little faster sometime haha.

The team directly reached out to me to sell my products on the app. They mentioned all of the benefits for sellers and I was super excited to host my first live show. I did a video call with them and spent time emailing them and asking questions. I also spent a lot of time making the commercial and posted it on Popshop Live as well as my Instagram business page. I was confused why my commercial wasn’t getting any engagement on the app. Eventually the product manager emails me and says “great! You have a few new people following your store on PopShop Live! You’ll need to get 30 people to join the app before it can go live on the Popshop Live.” This floored me. I spent hours talking to them, preparing a commercial, and promoting this ridiculous app for them to tell me that in order for me to even reach buyers on the app, I have to convince 30 of my own followers to download it and join first. Seriously? I wouldn’t have been as disappointed if they were transparent about this from the beginning. But they told be just days before my show? Absolutely stupid. I deleted the app after that and decided this wasn’t for me. I’d rather host live shows on Instagram and not bombard my customers with commercials and pressure them to download this app in order for me to even be displayed on their main page. I want all of my wasted time and energy back. Be more transparent with your sellers next time. Bye.

1.) what’s a cart? Purchase items in REAL TIME and one at a time! You want it? BUY IT. On the fence? Better snatch it before it’s gone! Small businesses mean low stock and each purchase is a diamond. Just remember transactions are FINAL - no buyers remorse!!
2.) this is a community! Meet new people who share your interests. Form relationships with sellers to understand their business and how much they appreciate your support. Everyone on this app is HUMAN. Speak to others the way you would speak to someone on the street. Be happy for someone who makes a purchase you weren’t able to get. Be patient with sellers using new technology. Be kind and spread joy.
3.) Be patient. Sellers do not have control of shipping or payments once the products leave their stores. Popshoplive is a small business similar to these sellers and understand that they are rapidly growing in popularity. Patience is key! Every customer is important to them and they will help you out with ease no matter what! Sellers also do everything in their power to satisfy you. Understand that the entire community has your best interests at heart and will do what they can to help you out.