Markets to Sell You Crafts

By Susan Hutson

If you are in the business of making crafts, then you probably might have already sold some of your pieces. However your business cannot just succeed or run on an occasional piece sold every now and then. If you are looking at this as a long time career option then you need to have knowledge and access to markets which can ensure continuous sales.

Here are some of the most lucrative markets for a small or home craft business setup.

Retail stores

Retail stores such as gift or specialty/boutique stores are great avenues for selling your crafts. Since most customers visiting these stores are on the lookout for artifacts that they can use as either decorative items or for gifts, the chances selling your creations are relatively high.

What you can do is first compile a list of stores in and around your area. Make an inventory of the kinds of goods that these stores sell and if you feel that your crafts or creations would sit in well with what the store offers, then go ahead and approach the store owners. Owners of these stores are always on the lookout for unique and creative pieces. There is a cut off percentage that will be charged in lieu of shelf space for your goods.

A lot of craft business owners usually sell their goods to these owners at discounts, if the owner offers to buy several pieces. Before you go ahead and sell your products, you should familiarize yourself with a few legalities pertaining to insurance coverage or government regulations.

Consignment stores

If you don't mind a 20% to 60% cut in your sales prices, then do consider Consignment stores. Some consignment stores also require you to sign a yearly contract and expect a set monthly fee structure. This is exclusive of the commission figure that they earn from selling your products. The only drawback (if you can call it that) with consignment stores is that you get paid only after your products have been sold.

Craft and flea markets

If you want a market that optimizes exposure while offering a great opportunity to sell your products, then you should go with Craft shows, flea markets and local fairs. Flooded with all kinds of people from different sections of the society, you can definitely expect to sell a majority of your goods.

To get information on schedules you can look up professional craft associations as well as your business information center. Local and regional flea markets are common place and you shouldn't have any trouble with getting in touch with the concerned people. You could always set up stalls in partnership or get yourself an independent stall. The rates for these stalls range from $25 upwards. Crafts shows and flea markets are also great if you want to capitalize on getting to know your customers personally. And since in all likelihood your competitors will be setting up stalls too, this is a perfect opportunity if you want to size up your competition.

Internet

One of the reasons why small and home businesses have flourished in recent times is because of the internet. Eliminating the need to have a physical area to sell, the internet also facilitates selling on a much larger scale since distance and locations don't really matter in cyber space. While the internet is a great market, it does take a lot of time and patience as well as effective online marketing to accomplish the desired levels of success.

Bizymoms has been helping women start work at home businesses for over 10 years. It is easy to start a Craft Business with their work at home business kit that includes everything you need to get your Craft Business up and running. ---------------------------------------------------- To see more information on Marketing Crafts, see www.myguidetocrafts.com.