Hello. I am a crafter just starting out and wondering how you got started selling your crafts?

[cherokeepride]

I just found my passion in making crafts. And I was wondering how did everyone get started in selling their crafts. I have tried Facebook, Etsy, Tedoo, and word of mouth. I have set up a giveaway which has gotten me noticed somewhat. I'm hoping that is the beginning of a good thing. I hope everyone has a great day.

[TBeall]

Amazon will waive the monthly fee for artisan sellers.

[abitperplexed]

Have you had any success with Amazon?

[Kelzblogs]

I just opened up my Etsy store also used to still be on the next-door app but they've got a little more strict about posting repetitive things. Hope I get some orders soon. 

 

[SFurer]

I also got started selling on Etsy, it has a lot of pros and cons in my opinion but after three years I just left and built my square site Here Social media can be helpful for networking for sure, for me getting a booth at local markets and joining an artists co-op has lead to the most growth for my business.

[Purple777]

Hi SFurer - Making sure I understand as I really like your work and sounds like you created your website via square.  Is that correct?  I wanted to make sure I wasn't missing out on an opportunity for marketing on square as I have my website through GoDaddy, but is yours for marketing purposes and something I should try but it's not a website builder?  I don't need two websites of course.  Would like some guidance on marketing as I've found Instagram incredibly frustrating as it won't allow me to have a business account and there is no way to get in contact with anyone.  Thanks 

[SFurer]

Yes my website was a website builder through square and is my only website so if you already have a website that you are happy with that’s probably unnecessary. That’s so strange that instagram wont switch your account to business. Social media marketing can be incredibly frustrating I totally understand that. I’m also just getting started on Pinterest as I’ve been told that can be a great free marketing platform. Jess Van Den from Create and Thrive also has some good free videos on YouTube and a free set up shop mini workshop that could be helpful. Marketing is for sure the hardest part for me, but I hope that helps! 

[joe72]

hello i ws thinking pinterest too but not sure how to go about it will look at you tube for info

[Adontelina]

Hello and congratulations on getting started! I think the one thing i have learned over the last year is to stop trying to be everywhere.  I opened the doors of my business "so to speak" about 11 months ago.  I have learned over the last year to narrow my focus and pick a direction.  Your direction will have a lot to do with the type of community you live in and your marketing platforms.  I did not want to sell under someone else's name only to have to rebrand myself later so I accepted slow growth in the beginning to allow my brand to be what my customers always see.  With that, let me explain.

When marketing your products there are lots of ways from craft booths to websites to seller sites like amazon and Esty to name a few.  I did not want my customers going to a different site full of other crafts and crafters that could distract them from my products.  I wanted them to learn the name of my business and come to me for my products.  This....is doing it the hard way.  However, i started the business to stay in business so i want my customers to always be able to go to the same website to find my products etc.  I purchased my domain name and started my site.  its very simple and needs lots of work! lol. I'm a sole proprietor and sometimes keeping up with state and local paper work is enough to bog me down.  

I started an Instagram, Facebook, and tiktok page.  too much! i narrowed it down to FB for now till i get that down then move on to the next one.  i do not sale on fb i only advertise there.  everything i use directs people to my web page.  Something Really Nice LLC is my passion and its easy to dive in headfirst.  I am learning to back up and look at it from a distance to get perspective.  

I live in a small town and nothing is sweeter or more complicated, lol.  You have a great opportunity with small towns but the learning curve is steep.  Small businesses thrive on word of mouth and small towns love to talk.  i try to make sure as i begin setting up booths to have my brand out there, my presentation neat and tidy, and my products in good quality so that even if i dont sale (as can be the case with new businesses in a small town) they see I'm consistent.  Then as my community gains trust the products will move.  

hope that offers some insight. 

[Nocturnne_Tarot]

This is a great answer, and I completely agree with what you said about "trying to be everywhere." This is what I'm struggling with at the moment myself, whilst also building up my inventory. I'm a Tarot Reader by trade, and have just ventured into the online world after 20 years of in-person work, so I've definitely got my work cut out for me! I have been wondering if I need a Pinterest, or Tik Tok, and it seems so chaotic! Like you, I also enjoy the Festival/Market/Expo approach, as word of mouth is invaluable to any business. 

Best!!

[abitperplexed]

Love it!

[Fibernatic]

We are natural fiber artisans and we raise Alpacas and use their fiber for spinning and weaving. We dont sell anything with the Big 3 on line folks. We did the craft fair circuit for 7 years and If your in it for the long haul, you can build a clientele and they will seek you out at various events you attend. BUT, retail is tough so heres what we learned. Be personable and talk to folks but dont hover, dont hide in a corner. Make sure your craft has consistent quality and customers will come back and seek you out. Your items are hand made and unique so I'm sure they have a story, let folks know, ex: "This shawl has 60% alpaca fiber from our boy we raised from birth" it starts a conversation and draws your customer in. We started with just a cheap 10x10 canopy and a couple of tables and folding chairs. Get some business cards and pass them out like candy, even if someone doesnt buy something now, they may call back, we have gotten a lot of secondary sales just from business cards. Use Facebook Events and let people know where you are/will be at.

And dont forget your Square so you can process credit cards, did you know you can do cash transactions also? Great way to track sales. We used the little plug in thing for years and worked great and still does.

Check out you tube if you decide the craft fair is worth a try for you. There is a lot of good suggestions.

Good Luck