How do you market handmade products?

Question

Currently I make soy candles (absolutely delicious) and handmade beaded jewelry. I have developed a small following of dedicated clients through my job and I am interested in taking the next step into making my hobby a business. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Look for local craft fairs or street fairs. These can be excellent events for selling unique, handmade products. You can call your local Chamber of Commerce to find out about events in your area.

Best wishes and good luck.

P.S. if you do these types of events, be sure to have business cards and flyers to handout for 'follow-up' sales.

Answer 2

If you are serious in turning your hobby into a business, things could get really exciting for you!

I think that one of the things you should focus on is getting your products out there. Get more clients and see what specific candle market you will going for. Obviously to have a business running, there are all sort of things you should think about.

This is a link to a good overview about starting your own candle making business written by the known Bob Sherman:

http://candle-making-update.blogspot.com/2006/11/give-business-try.html

Here you can find tons of articles about marketing and advertising for the candle making business. I'm sure at least one can help you:

http://www.candlebusinesscorner.com/articles/marketing/

Here is another good link with selling tips like: candle route, real estate agents (great idea!), candle parties, swap meets, flee markets and ebay.

http://candle-making-update.blogspot.com/2006/11/where-to-sell-your-candles.html

This page can help you with pricing your candles:

http://candle-making-update.blogspot.com/2006/11/this-is-priceless.html

For more tips, ideas, projects and business information about candle making, you are welcomed to candle making blog:

http://candle-making-update.blogspot.com/

Hope this helps,
Eran
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Learn the secrets of making great candles
http://www.candle-making-secrets.com/
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Answer 3

Commercials,webisodes. definetly either both. and you can sell it at a discount or have a special in jewelery.