SolveYourProblem
Article Series:
How To Start
A Craft Business
Crafty
Venues For Hand Made Promotions
by SolveYourProblem.com
You are the creator of lovely and impressive
hand made crafts that always draw their share of glances. So
you’ve decided that you want to start selling your hand made
crafts and launch your own business, but you aren’t sure where
to start. Here’s a list of six crafty venues to promote your
craft business:
1. Get started with home parties. By far the easiest way to
get your feet wet is by hosting a home party to promote your
hand made craft business. Start by inviting close friends,
family members, and co-workers who are supportive and have
previously expressed an interest in your craft. You might want
to consider putting on a demonstration, if this is feasible.
Most people enjoy watching craftspeople at work, and this is
no exception.
A home party is a good way to unofficially announce that you
are in business. Enlist the help of your guests by asking them
to spread the word about your new endeavor to anyone who might
be interested. Create or purchase unique party favors, and
attach your business cards to them.
2. Craft or Street Fairs. Another great starting point to
launch your hand made craft business is by renting a booth
at a local craft or street fair. Craft fairs generally receive
a lot of street traffic, and are a great meeting point for
individuals who like and appreciate handcrafted gifts and items.
Have business cards printed up and give them out during the
fair.
If you are just starting out, you may want to avoid the craft
fairs that are aimed at more established businesses, as their
booth rental fees can be quite high. Instead, focus on smaller
fairs where you’ll receive an equal share of attention, and
where fees are generally more manageable.
3. Nonprofit agencies or local charities. Consider donating
some of your crafts to your favorite nonprofit agency or local
charity. This allows you to meet new people and make important
contacts while doing something positive for your community.
Donating your crafts can also boost your confidence in your
work. Knowing that someone is enjoying your craft can add a
whole new dimension to your business.
4. Set up your website and online store. These days, almost
all well-established craftspeople sell their wares online.
Setting up your own website is easier than ever. Provide potential
customers with descriptions and large, clear pictures of your
crafts. Be certain that your website is updated frequently.
The internet is also important in connecting with other members
of the arts and crafts community. The internet has been instrumental
in perpetuating a vibrant community of craftspeople. Websites
dedicated to crafts and the business of crafts are innumerable,
with busy bulletin boards and e-mail newsletters always going
in full force. Become familiar with these valuable internet
resources, and learn to use them to your advantage.
5. Brick and mortar retail stores. If you’re serious about
promoting your hand made crafts business, consider visiting
a retail crafts store that carries items similar to your own.
Make an appointment to meet with the store manager. Discuss
your burgeoning business, and ask if the store would be willing
to help you by carrying your products.
If the store personnel seem hesitant, try to reach a compromise.
Ask them to carry your product for a limited run, just to see
how customers react to your work. Even if the store decides
not to carry your crafts, you will have received invaluable
feedback on your work. Always be courteous and professional
when dealing with store personnel—you’re craft business depends
on these kinds of professional relationships.
6. Open your own retail store. Yes, this is a big step, but
if you’re serious about your craft business, and you seem to
be steadily growing, you may come to point where you will consider
opening up your very own retail store. Remember that a large
percentage of small businesses fail in their first year. You’ll
want to consider this decision very carefully, and make sure
there’s a market for the type of crafts you produce. Selling
your home made crafts on a part-time basis is one thing, but
running your own store full-time is quite another. # # # # # SolveYourProblem.com : 2007
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