8.15.2010

In Need of Advice

For a few years, Ronell has been telling me I should sell my quilts and other random stuff I've dabbled in (burp clothes, binky clips, nursing cover, car seat canopies, etc.). I'm a little overwhelmed with the Etsy shop idea (I think I'd get lost in the oodles of talented people). Now that I live in Arkansas, there's a bigger market for people willing to pay for this stuff (they're not the super saver crafty Utah folk), but I don't know how to market. I've got information for wholesale stuff. But I'm a bit of a wuss who fears total rejection (and losing $$$$$ in overhead for supplies). So here's where you come in. Any ideas on how to get started in marketing my stuff? Should I stick with quilts? I've had random strangers ask me where I got my nursing cover, binky clips, canopy, etc. Should I start small and do matching burp cloth sets? Any advice on localized marketing? Feel free to just email me.

P.S. I am aware that some of you already make and sell these great things. No hard feelings if you don't want to share trade secrets. :-)

3 comments:

california smiths said...

I'd try a blog and make business cards to handout to people who ask. (http://shannascarseatcovers.blogspot.com/) maybe even throw a party to let people come see what you have and spread the word....

Chantalle said...

I found a shop around here and asked if they would sell my car seat covers (like canopies). They liked them and I get $28 for each, and they sell them for $48. Yup. And they sold 9 in the last two weeks! I had to hurry and make more. Which brings me to- care to divulge your wholesale secrets? I've gotten some fabric in LA but always need more.
I have an etsy shop and my idea was to fill it up and then do a giveaway on a popular blog so people would look through it. But I have been stocking the stores so I haven't built up etsy yet. Etsy is tough cause you are just waiting for people to find you. I am going to also look for a holiday boutique or something to go in. Good luck!

Anne said...

i would also advise going around to boutiques and seeing if they are interested in selling your stuff. that's what i did in the beginning. the downside to that is that you don't get as much for your stuff as if you were selling them yourself but the upside is that it's a good way to get your name out there.


and teya is adorable!