Craft shows can be a great experience, but many vendors give up on them. Some of the things mentioned in this article may be the reasons why. Knowing about common vendor frustrations can make you more prepared to deal with the uncertainty and unique selling/shopping setting craft fairs create. 1) Low profits When I…
If you don’t bring the right selection of products to a craft show, it will absolutely impact your sales. Your craft show product selection should: Show shoppers what you’re an expert at making (and that you are indeed an expert so they can justify spending their money with you) Introduce shoppers to something new/different (if…
Many small business owners think a brand, or branding, is reserved for big corporations with recognizable logos. That building a brand is too expensive or complicated for a small handmade business. It can be expensive and complicated. However, this article will explain a simple way to look at your brand and how you can start…
Using vinyl for this project makes it quick and easy to complete. Vinyl won’t fray, so you don’t need a lining (but can add one if you like). It’s also a durable material that is water resistant, so marks can be wiped right off. This pencil case pattern takes my basic rectangular pattern (which can…
When sending emails to your subscribers, you can (and should) send two types of emails: Promotional (asking the reader for something, i.e. to buy) Non-promotional (offering the reader something, i.e. valuable information) Your newsletter needs a healthy balance of promotional and non-promotional emails so your subscribers feel they’re getting value and aren’t simply being asked…
There are two types of emails you can send to your newsletter list: Promotional Non-Promotional An easy way to think of promotional vs. non-promotional emails is: >> Promotional focuses on asking the reader for something >> Non-promotional focuses on offering the reader something Your newsletter needs a healthy balance of promotional and non-promotional emails so…
This DIY project is quick and easy and uses minimal materials so it may be a good item to add to your Etsy shop or craft show table (depending on your target market and current product line). You can easily alter the size of this pouch. This one is 8″ x 3″ once finished. Materials…
I love working with vinyl because you don’t have to serge edges and often don’t need to line your bags. Vinyl works great for a lunch bag because the outside and inside are wipeable (perfect for cleaning up spills) and it’s durable, so your lunch bag will look like new for years to come. Sewing…
Tania owns a business called Geometric Illusion Ceramics. She reached out to me after reading my article: How to Develop a Product Line Using the 3 – 5 Strategy She knew she needed to reign in her product line but didn’t know how to get started. Tania agreed to let me use her Etsy shop and…
The sales channel you focus on will determine the marketing channels and methods you use. Online marketing channels and methods are more effective in driving traffic to a website or online marketplace than a flyer will be, since the flyer reaches people when they’re not at a computer or ready to online shop. Who you’re…