A new online buy-sell marketplace, Rita Edited, has reached New Zealand and it is proudly owned and operated by two Kiwi friends.

Jade Barber (Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Ngāti Kahungunu, Tainui) and Aleisha Roulston are longtime friends who started Rita Edited after identifying a gap in the market for supporting small scale producers, makers, artists and designers across New Zealand.

The problem for these small producers was that they weren’t able to achieve online exposure.

“We knew between us, we had the skill set and drive to solve the problem,” says Roulston.

Rita Edited is a marketplace that has over 120 sellers across a number of disciplines, from ceramics to fashion – by creators all across the country.

“Through our research and market validation, we knew a curated and considered online marketplace would be well-received for both sellers and buyers, so we set out to create one as another sales tool for the small businesses,” they say.

Using Roulston’s experience running maker markets in Hawkes Bay and Barber’s Masters of Technological Futures with a particular research project focused on small businesses and their connection to their communities, the friends knew exactly how to operate the marketplace that benefitted Aotearoa’s smaller creators.

“We see Rita Edited becoming a game changer for small producers and makers, especially those who may need a lift up,” adds Barber.

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They set out to make themselves unique from international platforms like Etsy where small creators get lost amidst drop-shippers and vintage resellers.

Both Barber and Roulston are focusing on the high calibre that Aotearoa creatives offer.

“We’re all aware that small businesses are doing it tough right now. We want to fight the tide of the mass produced, the big chain stores and international mega sites. We are passionate about supporting small businesses in our local communities and keeping money within our local economy,” they say.

“We want our makers to focus on creating their excellent products and to be rewarded for that. Being a seller on Rita Edited takes the pressure off maintaining a consistent online presence to drive sales or having to give a large profit margin to retailers.”

Rita Edited works on a commission structure of 10.5 percent, with an additional annual membership fee for those selected to list their products on the site.

Not only are the friends focused on creating a product the benefits smaller creators, but they are excited to develop Rita Edited to truly reflect Aotearoa, with ambitions to introduce a search capability in te reo Māori and have a dedicated Pakihi Māori collection.

Their efforts are about empowering both shoppers and sellers.

“We’re not looking to replace bricks-and-mortar boutiques, physical markets or other buy-sell marketplaces,” says Barber.

“Rita Edited is simply another tool for makers and artists to use to get exposure, and for customers to source beautiful new locally made or designed pieces to enrich their lives.”