Frequently Asked Questions - For Shoppers
Made in the Lehigh Valley is a great way to learn about new maker-vendors and manufacturers. We offer some neat new alternative ways to shop too!
Currently we set up Maker Spotlight Table schedules within our system and allow monthly or weekly vendors to come and sell to employees and patrons of local workplaces, schools and restaurants! Here is a photo of a fun school market we recently did for teachers! You tell us the parameters, and we'll see if any makers are available to do it. 🙂
We also partner with local organizations to collaborate on events! Most recently, our members participated in the SouthSide Arts District Cocktail Crawls in December and June!
In short, to give local shoppers the ability to find local makers and manufacturers easily, without having to poll their friends and rely on word of mouth. Our local makers deserve a platform to receive local attention! We want MiLV to be the central location to learn about all things made right here.
The Lehigh Valley is a tourist destination, a thriving location for universities, and a GREAT place to live and work. If you want a handmade souvenir of the Lehigh Valley, but don't have time to shop at a craft show or Christmas market, we'd like you to find your new fav artisans right on here! Email them, visit their online stores, and shop with THEM!
Because many hobbyists and makers operate out of their homes and just sell online, their businesses don't show up in Google searches unless they are substantially developed. Even larger businesses and manufacturers can be difficult to find, when really they're operating right in "our own backyard".
If you need something customized, you can use our directory to find someone who makes something similar to what you are interested in, and contact them via their e-mail address, which is on the red stripe in the center of their directory page.
Keep in mind that custom items take time!!
You will have to check with individual members. Manufacturers make their items in bulk, and the smaller makers may or may not have that ability. It all depends!! We recommend checking with them by messaging them using the contact info on their directory pages.
YES! It contains all of the information from our online directory. You can purchase one here.
Frequently Asked Questions - For Makers and Creators
Made in the Lehigh Valley (MiLV) is a privately-owned website serving Lehigh Valley makers and shoppers. Makers pay a subscription fee to list their businesses and products.
First and foremost: A listing in Made in the Lehigh Valley exposes you to hundreds of customers who might never have known your work/products existed!
There are thousands of Lehigh Valley shows, events and markets for shoppers to enjoy. In the end though, did you ever consider how "hit-or-miss" it is for you to link up with YOUR preferred customers on the right day at the right time?
This website was started by a frustrated shopper, who was going to vendor events and markets, but found it impossible to find her best-loved items after those events were over! Many of your customers are likely experiencing the same frustration.
Made in the Lehigh Valley is being built with the knowledge that makers are stronger together. Someone looking for local handmade or custom items could spend months looking for a creator just like you! OR, they could spend a few seconds searching on Made in the Lehigh Valley.
You list yourself, and MiLV will bring all kinds of new customer traffic -- realtors, healthcare workers, visitors, tourists, students from local colleges, new businesses, and even people who have just moved here. The Lehigh Valley adult population is well over 650,000 and growing. This is a great way to access as many of them as you can, and increase your exposure to your ideal customers!
Every MiLV member gets a full page featuring their business. This includes a 2-3 paragraph description, shop and social links, contact information, addresses, booking information, and a gallery of up to 12 photos showing representative work.
When you're on Etsy, customers have to filter through thousands of sellers and "Sponsored Ads" to find you. When you're on Made in the Lehigh Valley, your customers will have to do one simple search, and they'll find you immediately.
OTHER BENEFITS:
Our site will also allow you to reach out to other makers and start collaborations. It helps customers request custom or one-of-a-kind items. It helps you garner exposure to the events where you'll be, via our calendar. It will give you even more exposure through your complementary 1/4 page ad space in our biannual newsletter.
Whether you're a skilled hobbyist or a full-fledged business: MiLV is an investment in yourself, your business, and your community, all with one subscription!
The directory is typically for vendors who already have their shops/sales in other places, like online/markets/stores and social media. Our website drives traffic to individual members' links, gallery and information.
The marketplace is a way for vendors to sell their items directly to Lehigh Valley shoppers. Our marketplace is mainly full of products that are directly linked to members' private web stores.
- All prospective members must be 18+ years of age.
- We ask that all makers have been making their products for 2+ years. That doesn't necessarily mean that you need to have been selling for that long.
- We ask our members to use little-to-no Artificial Intelligence (AI), and not advertise any "designed imports" on our site.
For more information, please visit our Terms & Conditions.
Yes! We list hobbyists and full-fledged businesses.
New members can join our directory for $12/month.
No we do not. The marketplace is a flat monthly fee.
Generally, we ask that everyone be within a 20-mile radius of Bethlehem. Municipalities included in this conceptual area include: Phillipsburg, NJ, Fogelsville, Quakertown, Palmerton, Bangor, Riegelsville, Alburtis, Kunkeltown, and Belvidere, NJ.
Unfortunately, no. Our aim is that all of the items on our website are those made or manufactured here in this region.
Yes! Services can join our directory, and also are included in our Supporting Businesses directory and posters at events.