There's something special about homemade items. Unlike the mass-produced fare available in big box stores, there's something special about unique one-of-a-kind items. Although many people don't have the time to create items at home, they still appreciate and value the care that goes into homemade crafts.
Sell Crafts that Appeal to a Wide Variety of Customers
Whether or not one can make money selling crafts depends on what the item for sale is. It's important to have a product people want and the only way to be certain of that is to do some research.
Try to find out what items are selling and what aren't by visiting local craft shows, shops, and online sources (a site like etsy.com is a good place to start). Take note of what's popular, but don't immediately start making the same thing. Oversaturation of the market never benefits anyone. Be aware of what items are selling and then create something unique and original based on your research. Make sure it's something you enjoy making and feel passionate about.
Take outside factors such as the weather into account when deciding what crafts to sell. For instance, those cozy handmade mittens that sell well in the winter might not be so popular in the sweltering July heat.
Make choices that make good business sense. It's likely to be less risky to make many small items that sell for a lower price than to attempt to sell a few large expensive pieces. It's important to appeal to as many people as possible, and extravagant expensive items won't be as popular. Most importantly, be sure to offer good quality at a fair price.
What to Charge When Selling Homemade Crafts
Deciding what to charge when selling crafts can be tricky. Again, do some research and see what similar items are selling for. You don't want yours to be much more expensive.
Tally the amount of time it takes to make the item, the cost of materials, and any other incidental costs (don't forget to factor in things like electricity and gas for the car), and then price the item accordingly. If you're going to be selling at craft shows don't forget to factor in entrance fees and transportation to and from shows.
Try to sell items for as low a price as possible while still making a profit. It's better to build a base clientele who will become repeat customers rather than sell a few items at a high price and never see those clients again. Customers who remember getting a great item for a great price will come back and buy again. Try to keep in touch with customer. A good way to do this is with an email newsletter.
Where to Sell Crafts
- Craft shows – There are pros and cons to selling at craft shows. They can be expensive because there are entrance fees to pay as well as transportation. They're a lot of work and require a lot of packing and unpacking, and they are usually long days. They can be great though because vendors get the chance to meet with customers and develop a bond. They are also a chance to sell a lot in a short period of time.
- Online – More and more people are selling online. Sites like eBay and etsy are great for craft sellers (do an Internet search to find more similar sites). It's not as personal as selling directly to customers, but it can be less expensive and it can be done from the comfort of your own home. It's also a good idea to set up a website and sell from there. It can take a little time to build up a following, but with a little patience and some good advertising it can be a great way to get started.
- Retail stores – Storeowners are always on the lookout for new items to sell. Check out stores that sell crafty items and ask the owners if they would be willing to sell some of your products. Some stores will buy items directly and some will prefer to take them on consignment. This can be a great way to sell as stores already have a built-in clientele.
- Home parties – They're not just for Tupperware anymore. Home parties can be really fun for outgoing sellers. Take a wide cross-section of items and then be prepared to fill orders. Make sure to set a party atmosphere so that people feel relaxed and have a good time. Keep in mind that a living likely can't be made on home parties alone. It's best to combine these with one of the other methods.
Run a Professional Small Business
Remember that selling crafts is a business. It's important to treat it as such. Always carry business cards and give them to everyone who looks at your products. Always include one with each sale. Most successful businesses start small, and you never know when, where, or how a company will grow. Be professional, courteous, and fair. Offer customers great products at fair prices and be sure to have fun.
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