Most Etsy shops get their beginnings when a crafter makes a product for friends and/or family, decides they should try selling it, and then discover Etsy. The maker creates listings on Etsy and waits for sales to start coming in. This route leaves most makers disappointed when it’s months later and they have few to…
Chances are, you’ve seen backdrop frames made from PVC of copper pipes and connector pieces. I wanted to play around with this structure to see if there were different ways it could be used, aside from a backdrop. I created a tabletop version of the PVC frame and below are a few ways it can…
Whether you sell your handmade goods through Etsy or craft shows, you should plan ahead and use common gift-giving holidays, such as Mother’s Day, to your advantage. Help shoppers find the perfect gift for their mom (or mother figure) and make it easy for them. Here are 7 ideas to get you started. 1…
When I started selling at craft shows, I added anything I could make to my table in hopes of selling to more shoppers. Did my pajama bottoms help me sell to people who weren’t interested in a handbag? Yes. But did pajamas help me: build a handbag brand increase the perceived value of my handbags…
The easiest (and most efficient AND profitable) way to boost your revenue is to sell more to the shoppers you’re already attracting. To do that, you need to think about your customers’ journey with you. Imagining your customer and what they’re thinking, wondering, and wanting, before, during, and after buying from you ensures your shop…
Unless you’re selling at a very small craft show, you’ll never get 100% of shoppers to stop at your table. Your products are not for everyone, nor should they be. However, some craft show vendors do a great job of grabbing the attention of more shoppers and drawing them in (giving them more opportunities to…
Imagine walking into a store and a sales associate stays within two feet of you the entire time. Most people prefer space while they shop. It takes the pressure off and lets them be with their thoughts as they consider a purchase. But most craft show booths don’t allow for space. You may have as…
If I could go back in time, there’s a lot of advice I would give myself about starting and running a business. Some of the most important information isn’t about steps to take, but rather, setting expectations. Business success relies heavily on being mentally prepared for what’s ahead. These are 10 things I think every…
When I was making Christmas dinner for the first time, I had a lot of questions for my mom. I asked how much poultry seasoning she puts in the dressing and she said: “I don’t know…until it smells like dressing”. It’s an odd way to determine how much seasoning to use, but it works. If…
Repetition is important in all aspects of your business. It creates consistency and familiarity your customers can rely on. Repetition is equally important in visual design and should be used in your craft show display. Imagine a living room with white walls and grey furniture. If you place one red pillow on the couch, it…