Diversifying Your Craft Sales

[Former_Member]

Hey Team,

I've been a little MIA, because I just started selling my items in my 4th Brick-And-Mortar location, and am meeting with a 5th this week!

I thought it might be nice to start a thread about other streams of selling your merchandise - how to do it, what questions come up, and how to use Etsy to reinforce the sales you do elsewhere.

Any of you partake in craft sales? Sell wholesale? Or anyone starting to consider pursuing other revenue streams?

[ColourandCotton]

Congrats, that's awesome! Honestly I haven't given much thought to sales outside of Etsy (though one day I'd like to sell more crochet patterns that I've designed via my website, too). Mainly, I struggle to decide which local stores around here might be a target for crochet items. Realistically, crochet is not very "high end" or boutique (at least what I make) but I've still thought about approaching some local stores with my handmade blankets or kids' items, as those are probably the most appealing things I make to local B&M stores.

I haven't participated in a craft show because at the moment I don't have a huge inventory built up, but I'd like to.

How did you get established with your B&M sellers? Just curious. That's awesome! Hopefully it opens up future opportunities for you.

[Former_Member]

I think a lot of your items would do super well, specifically your kids' items! They are so cute and emotional!

Each B&M location started differently - one I shopped at regularly and so I reached out to see if they were interested, one found me on etsy, one on instagram, and the one I started with last week is a local store who asked for interested artists in our local etsy team stream!

I did one craft fair during the holidays last year, and it was fun. They do take a lot of work and inventory, but I would like to do 1 or 2 more this coming fall.

It's definitely a hard balance to determine how much inventory to build up. It's unfortunate when the items are unproductive, but it can also hold you back from pursuing other opportunities. Anyone else have ideas about how they choose how many finished pieces to have on-hand?

[Former_Member]

Wow, that's awesome well done!
I've done a fair few craft fairs and I'm hoping to do a couple this year, I find them so much fun! I have a little post here about them, if you're interested :P
http://www.jicsisjewellery.co.uk/blog/craft-fairs-checklist-and-basic-tips

I'd love to start selling in other places, ideally those wonderful little handmade boutique shops that seem to pop up everywhere nowadays. I really would have no idea how to go about approaching them though!

[Former_Member]

Great post, Jessica!

I kept thinking that reaching out to handmade boutiques would be intimidating, but it hasn't been at all! Most of them have a website, that also clearly states how they look for new vendors. The majority that I am working with right now are on consignment, but have clearly laid out expectations and the process, and have been great at communicating when I need to bring additional inventory, and what has been selling best!

I'll going to refer to your checklist next time I have a craft sale!

[Former_Member]

That sounds really awesome! I might have a check around for websites of handmade boutiques near my area! You've inspired me Brian! :)

Also, ooh yes do! and let me know if there's anything you think I've left out.

[Former_Member]

I have participated in craft sales and they are okay; I'm starting to now reach out to retailers (which would be a dream come true)