Starting with a recent article on retailers moving away from free returns, our gals explore what’s driving the change and why customers are increasingly valuing smooth, reliable post-purchase experiences over cost-free convenience. They dive into the realities of shipping costs, the environmental impact of returns, and the growing importance of logistics, tracking and after-sales systems.

Along the way, they discuss what this shift means for makers competing with large retailers, how returns policies can become a strategic decision rather than a default, and why reducing friction after the sale matters more than ever.

We also share a round-up of upcoming markets and events across Australia, along with opportunities for makers to apply for exhibitions, grants and markets. Whether you’re looking to shop, exhibit or do a bit of research, there’s plenty happening.

Segments include:

• From Scroll to Cart
• Events Breakdown
• Making News
• This Week I…

We chat about:

• Why free returns are disappearing
• What customers actually value now
• How your returns policy impacts your bottom line
• Why a smooth post-purchase experience matters more than ever
• Upcoming markets, events and opportunities for makers

Head to the MGTH website for show notes, transcripts and links.

Instagram: @mgth.com.au

Brand artwork by Mel Baxter Moonshine Madness

Brand photography by Maja Baska Photography

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we produce this podcast, that of the Wadawurrung People, as well as the Gayamaygal and Garigal people. We pay our deepest respects to Elders past and present.

Content disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and are not being shared as facts. Guests opinions are their own and not of Make Good Things Happen. Make Good Things Happen, our podcast hosts and distributors are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Drawing on insights from Angela’s recent Ballarat Craft and Design Week practitioner workshop, the conversation explores common website mistakes creatives make online. From gimmicky pop-ups and poor mobile design to missing contact details and location information, they share practical guidance on building a trustworthy online presence that helps audiences connect with your work.

The episode also revisits the changing landscape of online platforms. In From Scroll to Cart, the pair unpack Pinterest’s evolution from inspiration tool to AI-powered shopping platform and discuss what this shift means for artists and makers trying to share authentic work online.

Finally, Renée introduces a surprisingly useful productivity tip hidden in plain sight on the iPhone: the Shortcuts app. With a few simple automations, everyday digital friction can be reduced so you can spend more time focusing on creative work.

What we cover in this episode:

• The importance of treating your website as your professional home online
• Common website mistakes that frustrate visitors and damage trust
• Why gimmicks, pop-ups and excessive plugins can hurt usability
• How mobile browsing has become the most important website experience to design for
• Why contact details and location information matter for discovery and opportunities
• How Pinterest is evolving into an AI-powered shopping platform
• The growing presence of AI-generated imagery online and its impact on creative discovery
• A simple introduction to Apple’s Shortcuts app and how automations can reduce digital friction

Head to the MGTH website for show notes, transcripts and links.

Instagram: @mgth.com.au

Brand artwork by Mel Baxter Moonshine Madness

Brand photography by Maja Baska Photography

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we produce this podcast, that of the Wadawurrung People, as well as the Gayamaygal and Garigal people. We pay our deepest respects to Elders past and present.

Content disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and are not being shared as facts. Guests opinions are their own and not of Make Good Things Happen. Make Good Things Happen, our podcast hosts and distributors are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After nearly ten years in business together, Angela and Renée reflect on the pressures of sustaining a values-led business partnership while life, family and capacity shift around them. They talk candidly about the reality of running a small creative business, the importance of pausing when something no longer feels sustainable, and why honesty matters when sharing business advice.

They also dive into a big topic affecting many makers right now: their evolving relationship with social media. From algorithm fatigue to the emotional toll of constant online engagement, they explore whether the platforms that once built creative communities are still serving the people who rely on them.

Along the way they discuss sustainable ways of communicating with your audience, alternatives to social media marketing, and why sometimes the most honest answer in business is simply: we don’t know yet.

What we cover in this episode:

• Returning for Season Three and reflecting on nearly ten years in business together
• Why running a creative business partnership requires constant reassessment
• The reality of capacity shifts when life circumstances change
• Why honesty and transparency matter when mentoring other makers
• Whether social media still serves creative businesses the way it once did
• Algorithm fatigue and the emotional toll of constant online engagement
• The pressure to overshare content in order to stay visible on platforms
• Exploring alternatives to social media marketing for makers
• Tess McCabe’s book Self Promotion Without Social Media
• HBO's The Pitt and Kitiya Palaskas' Spotlight range

Head to the MGTH website for show notes, transcripts and links.

Instagram: @mgth.com.au

Brand artwork by Mel Baxter Moonshine Madness

Brand photography by Maja Baska Photography

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we produce this podcast, that of the Wadawurrung People, as well as the Gayamaygal and Garigal people. We pay our deepest respects to Elders past and present.

Content disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and are not being shared as facts. Guests opinions are their own and not of Make Good Things Happen. Make Good Things Happen, our podcast hosts and distributors are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.