Visit craft shows in your area, local retailers that sell crafts, and websites that specialize in selling handmade items. What are other crafters trying to sell, how much are they selling it for, and do they seem to actually be making sales? Depending on your situation, you may be seeking validation of the possible profitability of your chosen craft, or inspiration on the type of crafting to focus your energies on.
If you find that hand-weaved baskets seem to sell well, but you hate basket weaving and much prefer working with ceramics, you’re probably best served to follow your passion. At very least, you’ll “go down swinging,” as they say. Some of the work involved in selling crafts can be repetitive drudgery, so it is helpful if the creation component of it is at least stimulating and enjoyable.
You need to do a reality check — is your crafting good enough to stack up to the competition? Your birdhouses or vases may be good enough to give your niece for her birthday, but are they good enough for strangers to pay real money for them? You may want to take some time mastering your craft before jumping into sales. It is better to build a reputation for high quality craftsmanship right from the start.
When establishing the “price point” for your craftwork, you need to consider the cost of materials; supplies, equipment, and possibly workspace; advertising; stocking your items for sale; shipping (especially if selling online); labor (yours and possibly others’); and the retail markup, which should probably be at least in the 30-35% range. [5] X Research source If you cannot produce your craft for a reasonable price while still making a profit, then you need to change your craft, streamline your methods, or forget about making money this way.
Don’t go into the process expecting to make big money right away, or you are bound to be disappointed. It takes time to start making money selling crafts, and even that is not always enough. So, there is no guarantee of success, but there is also nothing that says you cannot be successful. A positive attitude can go a long way, especially during the lean times early on.
When selling at a craft fair or other locale in person, distribute professional-grade business cards. Also try to build a “mailing” list — although email or social media accounts may be more appropriate these days. [6] X Research source Create a business website where people can visit and learn more about your little enterprise. Spread the word on social media via friends and family. Emphasize personalized customer service, regardless of sales venue. Ship orders promptly, and provide contact information for service or questions. Consider providing refunds, exchanges, or repairs. [7] X Research source
Etsy. com is probably the most well-known of numerous sites that focus on the sale of handmade items. There, you have the opportunity to create your own little online “shop. ” Make the most of it by creating an enticing name, logo, images, and descriptive stories of your business and your product(s) for sale. [9] X Research source Professional quality photographs of your crafts are now the standard for sales on such sites. Take the time, or pay the price, to get the best shots of your product. If you don’t know much about search engine optimization (SEO), learn. You need to choose the right titles and tags in order to direct search engine traffic to your page. Sites like Etsy take a cut of your profits, of course. So, if you are web savvy, you may want to consider selling over your own site. This may serve you better after you have developed a solid customer base, however.
There are many online resources that can provide information on festivals and shows nationwide and in your region. [11] X Research source Start with festivals in your local area, and start small. Perhaps you can “sublet” some space in another vendor’s stall, for instance. Don’t go “all in” until you see how your product sells. Scout festivals first whenever possible. Get a feel for the atmosphere and whether items like yours are likely to sell well. Festival ads and reviews are helpful, but cannot replace the value of seeing things with your own eyes. Be a people-person in your booth. Talk to people. Tell your story. If possible, conduct demonstrations of you creating your crafts, or show videos of the process.
As with craft shows, starting small and starting local in the retail setting can help you “get your feet wet” and better determine the profit viability of your craftwork. [12] X Research source Look first for businesses in your area that focus on selling local handmade products. Then consider retailers that sell products that are comparable or complementary to yours. Prepare a sales pitch for owners or managers of potential retail shops. If you can provide specific information on sales projections, anticipated profits, etc. , you will likely increase your odds of success. When possible, try to negotiate an arrangement that lets you set up your crafts as a virtual shop-within-a-shop. Display your crafts together, along with business cards or other promotional materials.
Advertise with flyers, social media posts, and so on for a craft party to be held at your home. Display your product line(s), show where they are made, and work to build up an interested potential customer base. Wherever you are selling, at home, online, or at shows or stores, make sure you know the rules. [13] X Research source When selling from home, you may need to deal with local business licensing and permitting regulations. Craft shows and websites like Etsy will have their own lists of rules and regulations that you need to know and follow to continue selling there. Wherever you sell, you probably need to know how to collect taxes on your sales. The website or craft show may be able to help you out with advice on the process, or you may have to navigate the process alone. Don’t just skip this step, assuming that no one will ever notice You could very easily regret it down the line.
