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Baby Shower for Mom and the Ladies
Baby Shower for Moms who just wanna have fun! This type of baby shower is not the only type of shower given today. Traditionally, baby showers have been thrown for mommy-to-be and the guest list was strictly women. These days, many families choose...
Choosing The Right Gemstone
Gemstones are one of this world's great miracles. They come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. Although I love them all, emeralds, especially, are very dear to me.
Besides displaying my favorite color, these wonderful green stones also...
Easy & Fun Craft! Make Ladybug Rocks
With summer coming many of us see ladybugs everywhere. Why not create some special ladybugs you can keep on the porch or even inside in some special places? This is a fun craft that kids can do. They may need some help with putting the tape on...
Take the Expense out of Your Easter Celebration
The Easter celebration can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some ideas to help you simplify and replace the commercial aspects of the holiday with activities that are more in keeping with the spirit of the season. * Do some...
What You Should Know About Scholarships
When it's time to go to college, the word "scholarship" is confusing for both students and parents. We automatically think about student loans, FAFSA, tuition and fees, EFC, grants, and work study. But what we don't realize is that knowing...
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Craft Show Profits - Away from Craft Shows!
As you gain experience selling your crafts at craft shows,
you'll be planning your schedule a year in advance. Although a
business plan isn't essential, a marketing plan is a good idea
to have as you plan your shows. You'll want to keep your
customers on your mailing list informed of new products, special
sales and upcoming shows. You may need to update your marketing
materials from time to time as well. In addition, between shows,
you may decide to pursue other paths to selling your products.
Some of these are: the Internet (your own Web site or eBay),
retail (your own store, space in a gallery or retail store),
wholesale (trade shows, distributors or sales reps), trade or
consumer magazine ads (extremely costly), mail order, catalogs,
TV shopping networks and home shows.
Selling wholesale at galleries, stores, trade shows or through
reps or distributors cuts your profit in half. The only way to
make it up is through large quantity sales—and then you may find
yourself in a bigger production mode than what you feel
comfortable with. Selling wholesale has other drawbacks, like
return policies, cancellations and late payments. And some shops
and galleries will only take you on consignment.
Although billions of dollars are spent by consumers buying
products over the Internet, online sales for craft items has not
been spectacular—and nothing compared to craft show figures.
However, it's relatively inexpensive to sell over eBay and for
under $1,000 you can have a decent Web site designed. Check out
eBay for yourself to see if anything like your items are being
marketed there. If you have to sell way too low to match the
competition that you won't make a profit, it's not worth it. Put
up your own Web site and let it be a virtual shop for you—for
existing customers to see what you're up to and to attract new
buyers. You can post your show schedule, have information about
yourself and your crafts and sell
whatever items photograph well
and ship safely.
Research other Web sites selling similar products, decide how
you would like your electronic store to look and find a
competent Web designer. Make sure you are quoted all costs up
front including monthly maintenance so you can keep your site
updated. Design your Web site with the same care you designed
your booth—so it represents you and your product in the best
light. Make it easy for people to buy and to contact you. Have
your phone number and e-mail address so they can ask questions.
If your Web designer is not marketing savvy, have someone help
you submit your Web site to search engines and do whatever you
can to make it visible to potential buyers.
Another way to promote yourself online is to join craft forums
or chat groups, where buyers and sellers gather to discuss
crafts. If you position yourself as an expert answering various
questions, people may visit your Web site to gain more contact
with you. Also consider having links and resources on your site
so people will see you as a source of knowledge about crafts. As
a creative person, you'll probably have so many ideas to enhance
your Web site—just don't become obsessed so it takes you away
from your first love—making crafts! Once you have a Web site,
put the address on all your marketing materials—from business
cards to show schedules.
If you are doing well selling your crafts at craft shows, that
may be all you need to do. The more avenues for sales you take
on, the thinner you spread yourself, and the less you're doing
what you love most and what you started this business
for—creating crafts!
About the author:
Natalie Goyette is the best selling author of Craft Show Success. Her e-book shows you how you can finally make money at craft shows. www.craftshowsuccess.com
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