I have been selling odds and ends on eBay and now would like to sell crafts I make as well.?

Question

I would like some objective opinions. Right now I am making usable crocheted potholders and will try to sell them for $5.99 each which is twice the cost of materials even though it is said that you should ask 4 times the materials. I have been told that I should make dish towels and dish cloths and sell them in sets. The cost would be about the same for each piece which would bring the cost for the set up to roughly 17.98. My pieces are of good quality but I am concerned since they are for use and not decoration that they would not sell. I though maybe making them up and selling them individually but listing in the description and details that there are matching pieces. I would like other peoples opinion.

Just so you will know I am doing this to supplement my income since I lost my job due to illness.

Answer 1

Actually I have found that useful things sell much better than decorative. Are you well enough to do craft fairs on the weekend? I know I always stop to pick up things like that because I don't want to take the time to make my own.

Ebay shoppers are bargain hunters. They can buy washcloths and potholders in the dollar store and even though they're terrible compared to a crocheted one, they don't mind because when it wears out, they will get to go shopping again. So I would go ahead and try, and if they don't sell, I would suggest that you make up your own baskets of kitchen items with your nice crocheted things as the feature. Very nice for shower and housewarming gifts.

And if that doesn't work, you may want to move over to Etsy, which is mostly crafters buying from each other. Someone who does gift baskets might want to pick up some of your items to add.
http://www.etsy.com
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Answer 2

hi, You've been given some good advice here! Just to round it out, don't list your work at less than the minimum you want to get for it! Don't sell anything that takes too long to make - I used to reckon on 1 hour max, after that I was only working for a few cents! Factor in all your fees, including bank or paypal, and use gallery so that people see your stuff as they browse. Create a "Me" page and link it to your shop on Etsy or elsewhere where you can list the more arty and expensive items. Make sure you have covered all your postage costs including packaging ( you need electronic scales for this) and try selling internationally - its amazing how much you can sell that way! Offer to make special listings and custom made items, I state this in the body of my own listings. Think of trialling a store for a month - its free and this sets up your brand name. And last, but very important - only answer anything via "My Messages" even if it pretends to come from Ebay/Paypal. If you can't verify it, report it as spoof before doing anything else. Good luck!

Answer 3

I personally shop eBay and shop for quality and price and have gotten some fantastic deals. I would rather have the quality at a slightly higher price then have like the other writer said run down to the dollar store every time you turn around.Something in-between. Try several different types of items sets and separates and see how they sell. See what sales the best and go for that market. Right now it is getting close to the holidays and everyone will be shopping for others so it will probably be for the pretties. I hope your health improves and your business takes off and is successful.

Answer 4

Kacky's half right. There are actually two kinds of shoppers on eBay - the bargain hunters AND the things you just can't find locally or in a regular store (in my case, historical costuming). Sometimes you just have to carve out a small niche. I list smaller stuff (under $20) on eBay to drive traffic to my other, larger auctions. And just because it's listed on eBay doesn't mean your job as a seller is done - you can still promote your stuff to everyone you know, and on similar topic forums. Drive customers to your auctions!

Also, if I've made something that didn't sell very well, then I'll usually gift it to someone appropriate. Don't forget to factor in your seller fees when you're pricing your items.

Answer 5

You won't know until you try. Take Kacky's advice.