New to the group

[Cbuscemi]

I started a new business in crafting in February, Caterina's Creations. I am excited and apprehensive at the same time.  I enjoy crafting because it eases my anxiety but recently I am anxious thinking if my customers likes the final product.   I am happy to join this group.

[JK_Fiber_Art]

Hey there Cbuscemi,

Great to hear you going into business - are your plans to sell online or in person or both ?   Just curious as there are different strategies - there's no ideal solution for marketing and sales as there are a ton of options.  Would like to know more.

jk

[Cbuscemi]

At this time, I am selling in person.  I have a fair next weekend too.  I am hesitant to start a website and sell online right now.  

[JK_Fiber_Art]

Selling in person at events is great fun and provides good exposure to many people.  Selling online is totally different and takes time to get established.  What's nice about selling in person, you can also market your online site too if you decide to try that.  Take your time, as every day is learning experience.

[OPTAYLORS]

That is the best answer yet.  We have 3 brick and mortar toy stores and online.  We absolutely market online through the brick and mortar stores.

[geminirose]

I started last year selling at markets after year's of making just for myself. I make jewelry and was hesitant to start selling online so I waited til this year, partly because my biggest market last year during Christmas had so many people who were interested but unable to buy at that time so would ask about online so they could shop for themselves after Christmas. 

I also have a lot of trouble with anxiety so decided to settle in to selling in person first before moving online too and that really helped me with that.

[OPTAYLORS]

You could consider using the free square web builder, see how it goes and if it takes off, pay for the upgrade.  This way you aren't spending money to "see if it works" for you online.

[KaLyJwls]

I started beading to ease my anxiety too. And to tell you the truth I am still anxious with myself about listing my jewelry online again. I know it will only work if I work it, but I also am extremely affected by PTSD.