Return to: 5 Things to Know When Getting Started
Many amateur craftspeople wonder if they should start selling crafts professionally but do not know how to find out if there is a market for their craft. The answer may be easier to find than you think. Start out with these tips and by the time you are finished, you should have a good idea whether you should begin selling your crafts professionally.
Family, Friends and Coworkers
Start by talking to the people closest to you. Ask what they think about your crafts. Would they be willing to buy something like this and for how much? Make sure you start by telling people you just want their advice. You do not want to come off like a newbie insurance seller who markets to people they know to get a few easy sales. This is a fact-finding mission only at this point. And also make sure you only approach people who will offer an honest opinion. Your mom and dad may love you very much, but maybe so much that they will tell you what they think you want to hear versus what you need to know.
Small Shows
Attending a small show can be one of the best ways to gauge buyers of crafts.
While this may sound like putting the cart in front of the horse, it actually works. Try attending a couple of inexpensive nearby shows. Make sure the booth fee is not too costly and definitely avoid traveling long distances for this test run. You can not only find out what people think of your crafts, but also get a feel for selling at shows. Remember, this is a trial show to see if you should start selling to the public on a regular basis so no high-dollar canopies and display materials. Get a card table, some covering, put together enough products to fill your display area and have at it! Keep a record of comments you hear as you talk to people. While you are there, be sure to ask the advice of other exhibitors. You’ll find that other crafters are almost always willing to help out people who are considering selling crafts.
Online Forums
Last, but certainly not least, visit a few online craft-related forums where you can pose questions and post some pictures of your crafts to others. Make sure you simply ask what people think and do not try to sell your items! Many forums ban commercial postings and you will not receive advice, just resentment, if you try to sell in these types of places.
If you try all of these tips, you should have a pretty good idea of whether your crafts are marketable or not. If you are still on the borderline after trying these suggestions, go ahead and attend one or two larger shows. If you have no sales at all, you may need to change some of your items, or the marketplace may not be right for your individual craft. However, if you are curious about selling your crafts to people professionally, the only way to find out is to try!
