New Craft Business

[Drgnfly423]

I'm thinking of starting my own small, at home business. For now it will be supplimental income. Hopefully it will turn into something that I can do for extra money when I quit work.

I was wondering what type of advertising other people use and what works best for them. Also, is there a resource for finding craft fairs to join?

Thanks!

[FrugalMomof3]

I would say try selling items on ebay first since that will get your name and items out there to the world.

As for finding craft show listings in your area try: http://www.craftlister.com They are awesome!

Good luck!

[Kitten20]

Have you looked into Etsy (http://www.etsy.com)? That could be another tool, as well as Ebay and Craigslist for getting your name out there.

[boogiemum]

I would also suggest etsy.com they do a lot of advertising and networking for you. You might also want to start a blog/network about crafting- that seems popular and a good way to showcase your wares.

[dolphin]

I just wanted to applaud you for doing this. I wanted to start a craft business for years and put it off then I got sick and can't do it now. Go for your dreams!

I like those 8 1/2 x 11" fliers that come in the mail. If it's 'eyecatching' it will bring in business. You could also put a 10% off coupon on it and also have a grand opening sale. I found the local scrapbooking store that way.

[JustJoy]

Word of mouth! Tell everyone you know and tell them to pass the info on. I had a gift basket biz for years, and 90% of my business came from word of mouth.

[mommy4ever]

What I"ve been doing is using my creations as gifts. I've gotten an extra $300 in orders since 2 weeks ago that I wouldn't have gotten otherwise. Just make sure you're labelling everything.

Create a website. People need to see it. Make sure your pictures are clear. Descriptions should be accurate.

Prepare now for holidays craft sales next year. Everything you sell or gift should have contact information. Period. I sold only 1 of 1 style at my first sale. Disappointed about it. I got a phone call a month later, and the lady who's daughter received it as a gift bought 8 more plus a few different ones. People don't think it helps, that people peel it off. If they love it, they won't. I have wonderful results from my labels. And I print them myself. So cheap.

I gift them to teachers, to kids closes friends ,to the teammates and coaches. To friends to co-workers. So it's all good. I won't get many more sales for this holiday, but rest assured, I'll get more for next year!! I'm very seasonal right now, so my income is low, but I'm working on a couple new lines of items. Pet, Baby and custom shirts, so that should get me going for the rest of the year. But it won't take off until after my next round of craft sales. We're also looking at getting into the farmers markets.

The website doesn't generate alot of international sales, but it gets me tons of local sales, because they can pick up or I drop off. Or they've seen me and know what's up. But with out the website, I wouldn't get anything beyond the craft sales.

[Drgnfly423]

Thanks for all the advice. I'm slowly taking it all in. I'm still in development on my project...I tend think a few too many steps ahead. I guess that's a good thing. I'm starting to research some local bazaars and also we have a big Saturday Market here...they are farely inexpensive to get booth space.

[vm9799]

i just wanted to send out another vote for etsy.com! i have a shop on etsy and it's been WONDERFUL for making extra money! i've pretty much started myself a full-fledged business......and i love it! my shop name is vmdesigns. you should look into it.

anyway.....just wanted to give some input from one crafter to another!

[ilovechocolate]

Ask the principals of your local schools if you can display some of your crafts in their teachers' lounges.