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First, determine the right price for every item — not too expensive and definitely not too cheap. Whether the product is beaded jewelry or felted slippers, illustrations or tote bags, author Kari Chapin helps crafters determine cost of goods, market competition, and the pros and cons of wholesale and retail sales. If the price is right, customers will buy.
Then it's on to selling. The boom in indie craft fairs and sites such as Etsy ("Your place to buy & sell all things handmade") is providing artisans with an ever-expanding marketplace for handcrafted items. Chapin demystifies every venue. She explains the guidelines that craft fairs impose on exhibitors, the typical yearly calendar of shows, and how to start a new craft fair.
For the crafter interested in online sales, there are tips on styling and propping crafts for photographs and technical explanations of how the most popular Web marketplaces run. Traditional brick and mortar consignment stores are still very good options for many crafters. Chapin explains how to approach shopkeepers and build strong relationships.
Wrapping everything up with media advice and tips on how to get the word out, The Handmade Marketplace is the sales and marketing bible that today's crafters need.
Part 1 Getting to Know Yourself and Your Business
Chapter 1: Setting the Scene for Success Setting Goals, Build a Nurturing Space, Getting Unstuck, Translating an Idea into a Reality
Chapter 2: Branding Your Business Who Are Your Customers?, What's Your Message and Look?, What's in a Name?, Develop a Logo
Chapter 3: Establishing Basic Business Practices What Kind of Business Are You?, The Next Steps, Collecting Money, Pricing Your Work, Hiring Help
Part 2 Spreading the Word -- and Images
Chapter 4: Marketing Basics Marketing Defined, Essential Marketing Materials, Photographs are Key
Chapter 5: Your Craft Community Making Connections, Online Communities, Community Swaps
Chapter 6: Blogging Blogs and Websites Defined, Basic Setup, Writing a Successful Blog, Give and Take, What Makes a Blog Successful, Create an Online Newsletter
Chapter 7: Advertising and Publicity Advertising Online, Be Your Own Best Ad Agency, Attracting Media Attention, Approaching Print Media, Putting Together a Press Kit, Writing Press Releases
Chapter 8: More Online Marketing Networks Podcasting, Social Media
Part 3 Getting Down to Selling
Chapter 9: The Craft Fair Scene First Things to Know, The Fair Application Process, Getting the Word, Preparing for the Fair, Designing Your Booth Space, Fair Day Etiquette, Starting Your Own Craft Fair
Chapter 10: Selling in Online Stores Evaluating Marketplaces, Setting Up Your Online Shop, Customer Service, Answering Customer Questions and Comments
Chapter 11: Selling In Brick-and-Mortor Stores Getting Your Foot in the Door, Persuasive Leave-Behind Materials, Meeting with the Store/Owner Manager, Selling on Consignment
Chapter 12: Get Creative: Other Selling Options and Opportunities Join a Co-Op, Teach a Course, Hold Trunk Shows, Host House Parties, Offer Kits and Patterns
Parting Advice Resources Craft Show Supplies Checklist Index
frenchaccentbymagali
Posted March 27, 2010
This book is an immense source of guidance, encouragement, inspiration and friendship!
A lot of the writters are friends and share their findings, wisdom, insight and laughters to this wonderful guide!You feel like getting on their blog and strick a cyberfriendship with them!
This very updated book is more than a guide to begin or perfect your steps toward selling your creations, it is a fun companion too! They list everything you need to know and where to join them, how to improve this or that with ladies who are expert in those domaines. This is the book I always wish was out there, understanding of where I come from and where i wish to go, I don't feel like a struggling crafter anymore, this book has equiped me with all the info, tips and encouragements I needed to not give up and insteads knowing what I need to improve, work on and so on!
All the references, websites and blogs are up to date, the graphics, text and overall design is very appealling to me, and I am considering this book a strong reference to anyone.
You have a sense of a friendship, like you have joined a new sisterhood of creativity and it is extremly encouraging, uplifting and cheerful!!
I LOVE this book!
frenchaccentbymagali.etsy.com
8 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Books_And_Chocolate
Posted February 8, 2011
I've sold crafted items off and on for many years and can't help but wonder how much better I would have done had I known the information in this book. Chapin does a great job informing the reader about things such as determining the cost of goods, pricing items, identifying the competition, navigating through the business side of selling crafts, and selling in various venues available to crafters today including Internet stores like Etsy.
I like that the author keeps the tone of the book upbeat and conversational as she sticks to the facts about the craft business. Chapter topics include basic business practices, branding your business, marketing, making connections in the crafting community, using blogs to promote your craft, advertising and publicity, and using marketing networks and social media. Also covered are the pros and cons of venues for selling such as craft fairs, online stores, brick and mortar stores, and other selling opportunities.
The tips on how to create a good craft blog and taking photos for using online were helpful. The author includes the advice of successful crafters as well as that of experts in specific fields such as an accountant's general advice on what can be deducted as an expense when filing taxes, etc.
Although this isn't a detailed business book and won't address every issue one might encounter in running a business, it is one that will answer basic questions specific to the craft business and minimize having to learn from mistakes. I've learned a lot and look forward to implementing the ideas for more success in selling my own creations.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review but the opinion of it is my own and wasn't solicited. If I didn't like the book, I would say so.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.cg10
Posted March 26, 2012
I enjoyed this book so much. It is filled with valuable information!!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted November 10, 2011
This is the complete starter guide to seeling your handmade goodness. I am a teen,though,and I can't do most off the stuff she talkes about in the social networking chapter.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.6575227
Posted February 11, 2011
I paid a few more dollars but the book is so cool that i couldn't help it. But no matter which one you decide for. It's a great book, great ideas to run your own business and super helpful. If you are into the world of crafts you really need to get it.
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Overview
First, determine the right price for every item — not too expensive and definitely not too ...