Hi - I make my own greetings cards and sell a few to friends and family. I used to sell through work to colleagues but now I work from home, obviously I cant do this! Anybody got any sensible ideas how I could sell them? I make so many (because I enjoy it!) that I need to sell them to make some room to keep making lol!
I tried my local charity shops, florsists and beauty parlour but they all said no. The cards are not cheap to make so carboot sales and eBay are not an option (been there, tried that, lost A LOT!).
Anybody done this before?? Thanks in advance
2006-10-02 03:32:51 · 7 answers · asked by Secret Squirrel 6 in Games & Recreation ➔ Hobbies & Crafts
Should have added that I dont want to make a living out of it, I already have a job. Just would like some money to buy more materials, that would be nice!
2006-10-02 03:37:38 · update #1
i know someone who did this but really you aint ever going to make a living or very much money from doing this as people just are not willing to pay what you ask for your cards....cards are so cheap these days. you could aproach a shop and ask if they will put some of your stock on their displays...
2006-10-02 03:35:28 · answer #1 · answered by The Banshee 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could try carft shows. Most have a card making person these days but you shoudl still be able to get into the circuit.
Either visit shows and get the organisers name/phone from a stall holder
Or, for about £25 you can buy the craftworkers year book which lists many major shows around the country. That would give you 50 shows in Herefordshire area to choose from.
How about a stall in the shopping precinct. You could book one on the run to Christmas to see how things go and keep your options open for the new year. You can often get these stalls for Saturdays only.
How about Garden Centres ?
tourist information centres often have a 25% commission area.
Unfortunately for you, card making is now very popular and the toppers are very professional so its not difficult to put together a great card very quickly.
I'm not saying you haven't got a skill, my wife makes them from scratch without buying toppers. But it takes her a lot longer.
2006-10-02 03:48:58 · answer #2 · answered by Michael H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only way I can think of that you havent tried is to set up your own website. If you want to make a buisness out of this rather than it just being a hobbie then this is the best way. I enjoy making cards myself but I only sell them to friends and family so I dont have this problem. I would if I where you go and look at setting up a website that people can purchase from. Failing that open up a stall in your local market or a shop, depends how much money you want to put into it.
Good Luck!
2006-10-02 03:38:01 · answer #3 · answered by Jo. 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are there any privately owned gift shops in the area or maybe within a half day driving distance? Instead of selling them singly,put them up in packs of 6 with matching lined envelopes and tie up with a pretty ribbon and some sort of small charm or decoration and take them around to the shops and sell yourself to the owner...perhaps you can offer him or her a free packet and be willing to sell them on commission rather than an outright sale to the shop. Major bookstores often sell handmade cards especially if they are unique and maybe convert easily to a bookmark. Even small bookshops may be willing to try them out. I agree with the others who suggested craft shows,but timing is critical....Easter and Mother's day cards sell better in the spring and of course, Halloween,Thanksgiving and Christmas cards sell better in the fall. Again,presentation is key. If they look irresistible they will be irresistible. I have sold lots of cards and other craft this way.
2006-10-02 10:31:09 · answer #4 · answered by jidwg 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a visual artist. I have been in your situation before. What I did was to go rent a table at a craft fare and get a website up with my work on it so people could order right on line. I also produced a catalogue of my work and got a vendor's permit in order to be able to sell my stuff. You may want to look into trying this first and if successful you could get yourself incorporated so that you could have a legitimate small business.
You may want to check out these websites as well. I looked over them and they go into more detail about what I was descibing to you.
http://www.doubletakeart.com/how2sellci3.html
http://www.wildlife-fantasy.com/networking12.html
Hope this helps you. Unfortunately due to my schedule, I have had to put my work on hold. But I hope to get back to this soon.
2006-10-02 03:39:13 · answer #5 · answered by Zsoka 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had the same problem. It wasn't until I went to my local library that they offered to display my craft in the window!!!! Might be worth a try. I embroider cushions, by the way.
2006-10-02 03:41:56 · answer #6 · answered by Say It Like You Mean It 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
why not advertise in local shop windows, post offices, newsagents ect.
2006-10-02 03:38:32 · answer #7 · answered by david429835 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋