The game is afoot: Konbini
In my last post, I ranted about a myriad of frustrations I have personally encountered whilst working for myself. In this post-rant post, I want to make it clear that I know that being an entrepreneur - especially an artist - is always going to be a tough gig. The bar is exceedingly high and there is a lot of competition out there.
However, I believe that the tools we use as artists should be there to truly help us. There will always be a learning curve but as time goes by our frustrations and worries should trend down rather than up.
I know I make good things. I know this because when I connect with people in person, my passion resonates with people. They are excited by the things I make. They tell me this. Yet a lack of financial success or huge social media following causes me to have a lot of doubts. Something is clearly being lost in translation but it is difficult to pinpoint what, whilst also getting to grips with the inner workings and idiosyncrasies of various platforms. The whole process is emotionally gruelling and I finally clocked why.
At their heart most ventures are not built with the success of the users in mind but simply the success of the platform. You might argue that the two are codependent; that happy users qualify a platforms success. Yet a quick look at Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and the latest studies on Social Media and Mental Health will demonstrate all they need is present users. Happiness and well-being have little to do with it.
Even if a hip new thing emerges with good intentions, it is often overwhelmed by the financial success to be gained. Whether the creators maintain control and leverage their creation for cash on an ongoing basis, or sell it to someone who doesn't care to continue the original mission. The users needs and wants tend to come last.
Now I'm not adverse to people getting paid for the work they put in. Let's face it, it's a long standing complaint of creatives who are frequently underpaid for their own efforts. However I am adverse to seeing this particular demographic be continually exploited only to be left by the wayside in the process.
The frustration that had been brewing, bubbled to the surface one day when I was particular stressed with a new platform. I off-handedly said to my web-developer boyfriend "can't you just make me something that actually works". He said "well, tell me what works...
So I told him...
First and foremost. A visual centric platform - much like Instagram - that allows you to sell directly. No need to go to an external store, no more link in bio or some shit. No more trying to hustle potential customers from platform to platform. Everything in a single place.
A platform that - unlike Depop or Etsy - doesn't enforce that every post is a product and unlike Instagram where every post is merely promotional. Somewhere you can pick and choose the context of each upload.
A place where product listings don't require a lengthy process of selecting categories but instead rely on thorough descriptions, hashtags and machine learning to sift through it all.
Selling clothing that fits multiple sizes? You can just put that in the item info rather than listing it as multiple items. If the clothing is unisex, fit for a King, Queen or Non-binary angel, you can describe it as such. No need to pick a side and miss a market, or double post to ensure you reach every potential customer.
No need for anyone to have to slog through piles of irrelevant shit before they find the piece that's meant for them.
A platform where you can sell physical products and digital products with equal ease. Regardless of whether it's merch, music, tickets or reservations.
Where postage costs are integrated as a matter of course not provided for an extra fee. Shipping merch is a basic requirement of online retail so why are integrated costs always sold as a premium service? A platform where you get to include your packaging costs, select your preferred shipping providers and add the item size/weight and the postage cost is calculated for based on the sellers/buyers locations.
Talking of 'premium services', Stats don't count. Detailed statistics on your accounts should also be par for the course. How can you be expected to find the light at the end of the tunnel if you're plodding along blindfolded with your hands tied behind your back? No wonder people stumble...
One of the biggest stumbling blocks are fees. I get that fees are unavoidable; the infrastructure to host these platforms costs money. The skill set required to do these things well costs money. But that doesn't mean fees have to be inconsistent, extortionate or shrouded in mystery. That is the choice of the platform.
Which is why we choose fees that are consistently low. Only applied when something is sold and are flexible.
Flexible because we understand how fickle this industry is. Having a tough month? Fees are frozen to allow you to build momentum. Having an incredible month? Fees are capped so you can maximise profit to help you through any potential tougher months to come.
A platform that is accountable to its users, not a board of investors.
Fees are transparent and you will know where they are going, whether it's to infrastructure costs or to paying the Konbini makers for the time they spend working on the platform.
A platform that is engaged with it's users, focused on helping them succeed in their chosen markets.
A platform that helps celebrate success with an integrated feedback system.
Where users who buy an item are encouraged to post when they receive it, to review it honestly and are incentivised to do so promptly. Where these pictorial reviews are easily reposted without the need of an external app or screenshots.
If a review is not posted within an acceptable time frame, the seller will receive a positive rating by default. No need to chase for reviews. The most enthusiastic reviewers get perks like curated collections on the 'Explore' page.
The 'Explore' page would also in part be curated by Kobini. To congratulate those who are doing well, shine a light on those who need an extra helping hand and welcome new users.
A platform where individuals are accountable for their actions. No private accounts. A hassle free conflict resolution process. A clearly defined set of Terms and Conditions accompanied by 3 strike and you're out system for those who misbehave.
Zero tolerance for inciting violence and harassment. Anything of this ilk clearly defined as a crime under UK Law will be reported as such.
A platform where infringements on intellectual property and copyrights are taken seriously, regardless how much legal firepower the copycat may have under their belt.
A platform that supports you in trying new things with a built in pre-order function.
A platform that you can connect with your existing social media accounts, so your existing fanbase can find you easily and you don't have to worry about rebuilding your reach.
A platform that champions you first. Forever and Always.
While it may not be on par with the late great Martin Luther King, I have a dream.
And while it sounds cliche as fuck, I need to hear from you to make it happen. Everything above, is just based on what my personal experiences and to make something valuable, we need more than just my two cents in the mix.
We are just two people and the ambition is massive, it won't happen over night. But with time and your help, we believe we can build something genuinely useful. A genuinely positive force for creatives, out in the world.
I want a creative career to feel like a real solid option for people from the get go, rather than having to spend years - like I did - miserable in a 'real' job. If I can do anything to help people make the jump to a full-time creative career sooner, then I want to do it. If I can do anything to help the people already out there, doing their best to keep their dreams alive. I want to fucking do it.
Let's do it together: Konbini.