A Message from Our Founder
When we launched Crafts Cymru in 2025, our vision was clear: create a dedicated platform celebrating Welsh craftsmanship and connecting talented artisans with customers worldwide. Today, I'm writing to share an important update about our journey and the exciting evolution ahead.After extensive market research and direct feedback from the 124 Welsh craft businesses who joined our community, we've discovered something profound: whilst the marketplace model served as our starting point, what craft businesses truly need is comprehensive business management support. This insight has led us to make a significant decision—Crafts Cymru will transition into Craft 360, a revolutionary business management platform designed specifically for craft enterprises.
Understanding Our Journey
Over the past three years, we've had the privilege of working with incredible Welsh artisans. Whilst 124 businesses signed up to join our marketplace, only 7 listed products—a telling indicator that revealed the real challenges facing craft businesses today. Through countless conversations with our community, we learned that artisans don't just need another selling platform; they need integrated business management tools, marketing support, financial planning assistance, and operational guidance.This wasn't a failure of vision—it was market research in action. Every interaction, every piece of feedback, and every challenge faced has informed our understanding of what craft businesses genuinely require to thrive in today's market.
Timeline & Key Dates
October 31st, 2025: Crafts Cymru marketplace officially closes
- All product listings will be removed
- Customer-facing website will display transition notice
- No new orders will be accepted after this date
November 30th, 2025: Final data deletion
- All personal data will be permanently deleted (except where legally required for retention)
- Vendor accounts will be deactivated
- Historical transaction data will be archived in compliance with GDPR
December 2025: Craft 360 beta launch
- Early access available for former Crafts Cymru vendors
- Comprehensive business management tools go live
Existing Payments & Financial Matters
Commission Payments
All outstanding commission payments will be processed by October 25th, 2025. If you have pending commissions:
- Payments will be made via your registered payment method
- Final commission statements will be emailed by October 20th
- Any queries about payments must be raised before October 28th
Refunds & Returns
For any customer refunds or returns:
- All refund requests received before October 31st will be processed normally
- Vendors remain responsible for their refund policies until final closure
- We'll facilitate communication between customers and vendors during the transition period
Final Payment Processing
- All payment processing will cease at 11:59 PM GMT on October 31st, 2025
- Customers will be notified of the closure via email and website banners
- Alternative contact methods for vendors will be provided to customers for direct transactions
Existing Orders & Customer Service
Pending Orders
All orders placed before October 31st will be fulfilled normally:
- Vendors are responsible for completing all confirmed orders
- Customer service support will remain available until November 15th
- Tracking information and order updates will continue as usual
Customer Communications
We're implementing a comprehensive customer notification strategy:
- Email notifications to all registered customers by October 1st
- Website banners and pop-up notifications throughout October
- Social media announcements across all platforms
- Individual vendor contact details provided for ongoing relationships
Data Retention & GDPR Compliance
What We're Keeping
In accordance with GDPR and UK data protection laws:
- Financial transaction records (7 years for tax purposes)
- Legal correspondence and dispute records (6 years)
- Anonymised analytics data for business development
What We're Deleting
- All personal contact information (names, addresses, phone numbers)
- Marketing preferences and communication history
- Product images and descriptions
- Customer browsing data and preferences
- Vendor business profiles and personal details
Your Data Export Rights
Before November 30th, you can request:
- Complete export of your vendor data
- Customer contact information for your direct orders
- Product images and descriptions for your own use
- Sales history and analytics data
To request your data export, email: [[email protected]] by November 15th, 2025
Website & Technical Access
Access Timeline
- October 1st-31st: Limited access for data export and final order management
- November 1st-30th: Read-only access for data retrieval
- December 1st onwards: Complete deactivation
Search Engine Removal
- We'll implement proper redirects to prevent broken links
- Search engines will be notified of permanent closure
- Historical SEO value will be preserved where possible for vendor benefit
Outstanding Issues & Support
Dispute Resolution
Any outstanding disputes or issues must be raised by October 15th, 2025:
- Customer complaints will be handled through our standard process
- Vendor concerns will receive priority attention
- Legal matters will be resolved before final closure
Continued Support
Our support team remains available:
- Until October 31st: Full customer and vendor support
- November 1st-15th: Transition support and data queries only
- November 16th onwards: Legal and compliance matters only
The Future: Introducing Craft 360
Our journey with Crafts Cymru has taught us invaluable lessons about what craft businesses truly need. Craft 360 represents the evolution of these insights into a comprehensive business management platform designed specifically for creative enterprises.
What Craft 360 Offers
- Integrated Business Management: CRM, inventory, and financial planning in one platform
- Marketing Automation: Social media scheduling, email campaigns, and SEO tools
- Multi-Channel Selling: Seamlessly manage Etsy, your own website, and craft fairs
- Financial Planning: Cash flow forecasting, tax preparation, and profitability analysis
- Learning Resources: Business development courses tailored for craft enterprises
Exclusive Transition Opportunity
As a valued member of the Crafts Cymru community, you'll receive:
- 50% discount on Craft 360's first year (normally £29.99/month)
- Priority access to beta features and new tools
- Free migration support for your existing business data
- Dedicated onboarding with our craft business specialists
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is Crafts Cymru shutting down?
A: We're not shutting down—we're evolving. Market research showed craft businesses need comprehensive business management tools, not just another marketplace. Craft 360 addresses these real needs.Q: What happens to my customer relationships?
A: You'll receive contact details for all customers who purchased from you, enabling direct relationship continuation. We're also providing guidance on maintaining these relationships independently.Q: Will my products appear in search results after closure?
A: We'll implement proper redirects and work to preserve any SEO value for your benefit. You'll receive guidance on maintaining your online presence independently.Q: Can I get a refund for my monthly subscription?
A: Yes, any unused subscription fees will be refunded proportionally. Refunds will be processed by October 25th, 2025.Q: How do I access Craft 360?
A: Former Crafts Cymru vendors will receive exclusive early access invitations in November 2025. Beta testing begins in December with full launch in early 2026.Q: What about my product photos and descriptions?
A: You can export all your content before November 30th. We'll provide simple export tools and guidance on downloading your materials.
Moving Forward Together
This transition represents growth, learning, and evolution—not an ending, but a new beginning. The challenges we've faced with the marketplace model have provided invaluable insights that directly inform Craft 360's development.Your feedback, patience, and trust have been instrumental in this journey. Every conversation, every suggestion, and every challenge has contributed to building something better—a platform that truly serves the needs of craft businesses.We're excited to continue supporting Welsh craft enterprises through Craft 360, providing the comprehensive business management tools that will help your creative business thrive in an increasingly competitive market.
Contact & Support Information
During Transition Period (Until November 15th, 2025):
- Email: [email protected]
- Live Chat: Available Monday-Friday, 9 AM-5 PM GMT
For Craft 360 Information:
- Email: [email protected]
- Early Access Registration: www.craft360.net/early-access
Legal & Compliance Matters:
- Email: [email protected]
Thank you for being part of the Crafts Cymru journey. We look forward to supporting your craft business success through Craft 360.
Matt Lewis
Founder, Crafts Cymru & Craft 360
