How do U make money from your crafty stuff?

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Permalink Reply by Maria Moore on May 9, 2008 at 5:48pm

What a great idea! I heed help. I recently quit my job at a local craft store to work more on my own business. I am also vendor at a great local crop every three months. My classes seem to be popular. I recently started an online store. I have had quite a few hits but no sales as of yet. I am hoping to promote it more at my next crop.

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Permalink Reply by Cyndi on May 9, 2008 at 6:13pm

Yes I would love to do this full time but I am scared to leave my every paycheck a week job to risk it. I would probably have to pay down some of my bills first too!

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Permalink Reply by Tricia on May 9, 2008 at 6:26pm

I think making as many connections as possible and aligning yourself with complementary companies so you can all share contacts and leads is important. Finding an engaged and active consumer is key, and leveraging your connection to "so-and-so" only boosts your credibility.

As Maria suggested, being active within your community at local vendor booths is important. As she notes, taking her business online will prove beneficial in the long run.

One thing i've noticed is that a lot of people don't know how to attract business online. All these words are thrown at them (e.g. SEO, Google AdSense/Analytics), well i was confused in the beginning as well.

This is why I'm really liking Microsoft's Office Live Small Business. It makes getting online really easy (i'm definitely not a pro when it comes to design and HTML) so your "business card" online professionally represents who you are and your company. Also, Microsoft is giving out FREE ($14.95 for every year thereafter) web hosting and custom domain names out right now.

I am really impressed with their Email Marketing Beta service, that allows you to track and trend professional newsletters (that have the same look and feel as your website), see who's actually clicking on your mail and then it's all seamlessly integrated with your contacts manager. How can this be applied?

In Maria's case, she can add new and old customers to her mailing list and then send out newsletters keeping people informed about new classes coming up or any new crafts she's selling.

I'd definitely consider checking the website: http://smallbusiness.officelive.com/

I love that everyone here is talking about what works for them, i'm a firm believer in seeing what works for other people, doing your research and then applying those same best practices to your own company. Ultimately, i'm all about focusing on what i want to do, and using the right connections and services that complement the work i'm doing (instead of just adding more work to my plate).

Let me know if you'd like to talk anymore. I definitely have a few more suggestions, but right now i'll keep it quick.

Best of Luck!

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Permalink Reply by Jessica Barnett on May 10, 2008 at 11:51am

I have figured out that my best bet at selling things and making money is to make project kits to sell. My mini acrylic album went over well. :)
For now I was planning on setting up an Etsy shop to sell the kits and other things. Maybe completed projects and layouts for the people that don't want to make them themselves.
I will definitely check out office live and see what I might be able to do with that.
I have been lucky enough to be chosen for a few design teams, but the ones that really seem to get your name out there are those of the scrapbooking manufacturers. I am on the Xyron DT, but a goal of mine is to make it onto another manu. DT.
I am just so swamped with things to do. How do you all keep up?

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Permalink Reply by Jessica Barnett on May 10, 2008 at 12:50pm

Another question...
What should I call my business? I need a name for a website where I would sell my crafty stuff.
When I was trying to make and sell diaper bags I called it "Jessica's Fun Bags" Was a little concerned that I'd get the wrong kind of internet traffic, though

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Grant on May 12, 2008 at 10:46am

hey jess...what sort of stuff specifically are you going to be selling? are they all going to be project kits or will some of the items be finished pieces you have created?

I think the most important thing to consider when choosing a name for your business is to choose something versatile so your business can grow and change as you do. If you choose something so specific as Jessica's Cool Kits or something like that--but more cr8tv of course :0)--- you're sorta locked into kits as your primary biz kwim?

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Permalink Reply by Jessica Barnett on May 12, 2008 at 10:50am

I am thinking project kits, assorted product kits, also finished projects. I also make jewelry and things, so I guess I don't want to limit it to a scrapping related title either.

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Permalink Reply by ElizabethB on May 12, 2008 at 9:21am

I am looking at the internet as the best way to reach out to potential customers. Doing some shows locally, but I want to be bigger than 'local'. :)

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Grant on May 12, 2008 at 9:30am

I totally agree with you Elizabeth--here's my question though and hopefully someone has some ideas for me...

Is there a decently priced way to ship larger items such as wall canvases, small stools or tables, chairs etc? I haven't found any yet, but would be able to sell SO much more if I could....

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Permalink Reply by ElizabethB on May 12, 2008 at 9:49am

Jen - Have you tried hooking up with a local delivery service? Maybe truckers that run regular routes that have room and time to deliver 'extras'? Most of the men in my family in Illinois all truck and if I was working from there they would do it. :) I did find some amazing pieces there while I was visiting, but the shipping costs kept me from getting them home. :( If I find any other options I will definately share them.

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Grant on May 12, 2008 at 9:54am

Good idea--I'll have to look into that!

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Permalink Reply by ElizabethB on May 12, 2008 at 9:56am

Jessica - I hear you on being swamped. I try and fit it in whenever and wherever I can. If I take 20 minutes out of every hour and 'craft' I can accomplish alot. They may sound nuts, but it works for me. I have a 3 yr old that should be starting preschool in the fall, so that will free up a bigger block of time. I have set my goals to be building inventory, small local shows, boutiques stores and online until she starts kindergarten (2 yrs). They grow up all to quickly and this long term schedule fits my lifestyle. :)

Also, another idea my friend Becky and I are planning is for this fall. We are going to hostess and participate in a GIANT open house. We will have one vendor frome every driect sales company we can find in town and local crafters that sell different items (So no 2 sell jewelry or candles). We are planning on making it very cozy and shopper friendly. I will share more as we brainstorm more. :)

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