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Where can I sell and how much do I charge for my crafts?

© Lisa A. Hamblin

These are two of the biggest questions a crafter faces in regard to their merchandise. Crafters spend countless hours meticulously designing and creating beautiful works of art. Sometimes is seems that the decision of pricing and where to sell takes as much time as the creation of the actual product itself.

Consignment

Consignment is a great to sell your crafts if you do not have the time to sell them yourself. Placing items on consignment will render payment only if the sale of the product is made. If an item does not sell it may be returned to you. Keep in mind that consignment does not have to always mean a discount shop. Some specialty shops offer a consignment type services. A local shop near my home sells many high priced home décor items and caters to the person who will pay a higher price for quality items. I stopped by to discuss the possibility of a consignment type agreement and was happily greeted by one of the partners of the shop. I showed her my merchandise and we worked out an agreement as to how much I would be paid once the merchandise sold. If you do not have the time to sell your crafts but you can manage the time to make them, look for consignment specialty shops in your area.

Retail

Retail sales are for the crafter who makes large quantities of specialty items. Make a list of stores in your area in which you would like to see your product. If you have trouble making the list, refer to your phone book. The yellow pages may yield the perfect venue for your crafts. As an example of a specialty item you might make a bed doll that looks like a beautiful bride. You might approach a specialty shop in your area that sells wedding supplies and/or gifts. This would be the perfect retail outlet for your dolls as it caters strictly to those involved with weddings. Approach the store manager with confidence and be sure to have a sample of your product in hand. Sell the idea of your product and answer any questions he or she may have.

Auctions

Auctions can be a great way to sell your product. One of my family members attends an annual church auction at which she offered some of my hand crocheted dishcloths. She was surprised at how much the members of the church were willing to bid. If you do not have auctions in your area but you have access to the Internet, Ebay.com is a great auction site through which you could offer your merchandise. Be sure to state if shipping and handling is included in the price or if it will be an extra charge.

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