The Made Cleveland vendor lawsuit involves several legal disputes between former vendors and the owner of Made Cleveland, a local consignment shop and marketplace for artists and small business owners in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. The vendors alleged that the owner, Ashley O’Connor, failed to pay them their rightful earnings from sales made through her store, leading to multiple small claims court victories but ongoing difficulties in recovering their funds.
Background of the Made Cleveland Vendor Lawsuit
Made Cleveland operated as a retail and online consignment space where local artists could sell their handmade products. Under the contract terms, vendors were entitled to 60% of their product sales revenue, with the remaining 40% retained by Made Cleveland. Payments were supposed to be disbursed monthly on the seventh day. However, beginning in mid-2023 and continuing through late 2024, multiple vendors reported long delays and an absence of payments despite their merchandise sells.
After repeated attempts to secure payments through communication and demand letters went unanswered, several vendors filed small claims lawsuits against Made Cleveland. These suits claimed breach of contract and sought compensation for withheld earnings totaling over $5,500 collectively. Despite winning these cases in early 2025, many vendors have still not received their money.
Parties Involved
The plaintiffs are former vendors and artists who sold products through Made Cleveland, including Gina Wilkolak, Krystal Cain, Allie Morris, Lucy Bailey, and Levaille Eitzman, among others. The defendant is Ashley O’Connor, the owner and operator of Made Cleveland.
Details of Allegations or Claims
- Failure to Pay Earnings: Vendors allege Ashley O’Connor delayed and ultimately failed to pay revenue earned from product sales as per contractual obligations.
- Lack of Communication: Plaintiffs claim the store management ignored repeated requests for payment and failed to provide updates on payout schedules.
- Mismanagement and Financial Impropriety: Allegations include possible misuse of vendor funds and misrepresentation about the financial health and operations of Made Cleveland.
- Property and Merchandise Issues: Vendors report products and inventory remain locked inside the store after its permanent closure, complicating merchandise retrieval and financial settlements.
Legal Claims and Relevant Laws
The vendors’ lawsuits primarily allege breach of contract for nonpayment of owed commissions. Additional claims touch upon business torts such as unjust enrichment and possibly conversion relating to withheld merchandise. Small claims court proceedings have been the primary forum for dispute resolution.
Health, Financial, Social, and Industry Impacts
The nonpayment of earnings has caused financial hardship for many small business owners and artists reliant on Made Cleveland as a marketplace. Socially, the dispute has eroded trust in local consignment businesses and highlighted vulnerabilities independent artisans face in third-party retail arrangements.
Industry impacts involve increased scrutiny on consignment store practices and contracts, catalyzing calls for clearer policies and vendor protections.
Current Status and Recent Developments
Made Cleveland permanently closed its physical location in early 2025 amid ongoing financial difficulties. Vendors who filed lawsuits won judgments awarding them over $5,500 plus fees and interest collectively. Despite these victories, many vendors report not having received payments yet. The City of Cleveland Heights has intervened to facilitate merchandise recovery for vendors.
Ashley O’Connor has provided limited communication, citing pandemic-related challenges and business complexities. However, multiple vendor accounts describe ongoing frustration, lack of transparency, and financial losses.
Consumer Advice and Legal Guidance
- Artists and vendors should negotiate clear payment terms and maintain thorough documentation when entering consignment agreements.
- In cases of nonpayment, filing small claims lawsuits can provide an effective recourse.
- Seek legal advice for contract disputes and pursue communication through official channels and demand letters.
- Proactively engage local business bureaus or municipal authorities for support in vendor-related disputes.
Conclusion: Significance and Future Outlook
The Made Cleveland vendor lawsuit highlights the risks associated with consignment business models, especially for small vendors dependent on transparent and timely payments. This case underscores the importance of legal protections and due diligence for independent artisans engaging with consignment-based retailers. As the litigation landscape evolves, affected vendors continue pushing for restored payments and reforms ensuring better vendor security in local retail environments.
