I am a crafter and want to sell my products but I'm not sure the best way to do so - private, flea market, etc. Any ideas?
2007-10-09 07:06:21 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Games & Recreation ➔ Hobbies & Crafts
Try local craft shows or flea markets. If you want to sell online, check out Etsy, best crafter buy and sell site ever!
WWW.ETSY.COM
2007-10-09 07:09:54 · answer #1 · answered by mischiefinthemoonlight 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
You didn't mention what products you make. This time of year there are lots of craft shows, at this late date it might be hard to get into one however. If you go the craft show route, besure that you have attractive displays. You have to catch the eye of the buyer as you are competing for dollars along with all the other exhibiters.
You could also try selling them on consignment at local shops, but be prepared to pay a sizeable commission for each item sold.
Why not impose upon your friends a little, and try the party route - you know like Pampered Chef? That could be lots of fun. You could offer the finished products for sale, or if you have some original designs why no market them as craft kits? Crafty people don't like to spend a lot of money on something they think they could do themselves.
Many years ago I organized a holiday bazaar, where 30 or so crafters got together and offered our wares at a model home owned by a contractor friend. We had a common checkout, all participants had to work shifts either monitoring each of the rooms, cashiering or whatever needed to be done. During our three day sale we sold several thousands of dollars of merchandise. The problem is that this takes lots of time and organizational skills.
Lastly, I see a lot of craft items listed for sale on ebay. Listing on ebay is easy and relatively inexpensive.
Just don't become so obsessed with selling that it takes the fun out of your crafting.
2007-10-09 19:10:49 · answer #2 · answered by Deb W 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know what crafts you create, and it's rather hard to tell you where to sell...
My parents got into crafting really big (hand-made items, wholesale knick-nacks, specialized canned fruits & vegetables, salsas & condiments. They had booths at Coomers, they did outside festivals, stock & rodeo shows, flea markets & garage sales. Eventually their retirement was eaten up paying bills for the business and they were destitute.
The one thing they didn't try, which might be worth looking into is e-bay or internet sales. Selling in boutiques or specialty stores or gift shops might work.
I was personally in the business for a while (hand-made crafts & wholesale ready-made items), and ran up my credit card, $20,000, and my husband put an end to it, and I shut down my shops.
The one piece of advice that I have is not to use a credit card to finance your business. Get a grant from the government for small businesses starting or a low interest loan from the government or a bank. The money you invest should not impinge upon the income your family needs to operate.
Debbie
2007-10-13 13:26:54 · answer #3 · answered by TX Mom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Flea Markets are ok but you would not get your asking price as people there tend to haggle. I would check for community events in your area to see if they offer spaces for people to sell there wares. I dont know if you have these in your area but Farmers Markets and more upscale open air markets are the best places for you. Years ago, I sold hand carved items at a couple of Farmers Markets and a couple of open air markets. I would also do special events in the area that offered selling spaces. By doing that, I earned a living selling my items for 7 years. Good luck!
2007-10-09 14:13:50 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
My wife and her partner did sculpty clay figures for several yrs and had succes in locally sponsored events more so than flea markets. Things like the large scale Sami shows and local city/county sponsored seasonal events - spring shows, christmas bizzares, harvest celebrations, easter, 4th of july, etc brought in the most bucks.
2007-10-09 14:20:01 · answer #5 · answered by wilecoyote 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have my own website. At first I had every single thing that I make on there, and then it distilled itself down to just a couple of things that sell well and that I enjoy making. It's cheaper than craft fairs.
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2007-10-09 17:42:01 · answer #6 · answered by Kacky 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
your own yard sales consignment shops flea markets but you have to pay for space local craft shows ebay
2007-10-09 14:10:03 · answer #7 · answered by clever1 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
we have a handcraft group who go to different town every couple of months, and it is a great place for selling crafts.
Also www.http://www.trademe.co.nz is a good place to sell on line.
2007-10-09 16:54:27 · answer #8 · answered by kiwiana 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
local markets are always good. or you can ebay them as well.
2007-10-13 09:45:51 · answer #9 · answered by nuggeteli 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
www.etsy.com is the best check it out, my friend sells her handmade quilts and purses on there and does really well.
2007-10-09 18:19:33 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋