The Handmade Marketplace

by Chapin, Kari

• ISBN13: 9781603424776
• ISBN10: 1603424776
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-02-27
• Publisher: Storey Books

Summary

It's an exciting new world for crafters. Handmade is hip, creativity is what the market wants, and there are many profitable sales opportunities that didn't exist a few short years ago. For crafters who have more confidence running a sewing machine than setting up a Web site, The Handmade Marketplace breaks down and makes sense of the global possibilities for marketing and selling crafts. 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.

Author Biography

Kari Chapin has worked in marketing and publicity for a variety of arts and nonprofit organizations and managed a retail store featuring artisan goods. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband, two dogs, and one cat. Visit her at www.karichapin.com.

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. 1
My Creative Collective	p. 4
Getting to Know Yourself and Your Business
Setting the scene For Success	p. 12
Setting Goals
Build a Nurturing Space
Getting Unstuck
Translating an Idea into Reality
Branding Your Business	p. 27
Who are you Customers?
What's Your Message and Look?
What's in a Name?
Develop a Logo
Establishing Basic Business Practices	p. 37
What Kind of Business Are You?
The Next Steps
Colleting Money
Pricing Your Work
Hiring Help
Spreading the Word - and Images
Marketing Basics	p. 64
Marketing Defined
Essential Marketing Materials
Photographs Are Key
Your Craft Community	p. 76
Making Connections
Online Communities
Community Swaps
Blogging	p. 84
Blogs and Websites Defined
Basic Setup
Writing a Successful Blog
Give and Take
What Makes a Blog Successful
Create an Online Newsletter
Advertising and Publicity	p. 107
Advertising Online
Be Your Own Best Ad Agency
Attracting Media Attention
Approaching Print Media
Putting Together a press Kit
Writing Press Release
More Online Marketing Networks	p. 128
Podcasting
Social Media
Getting Down to Selling
The Craft Fair Scene	p. 146
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
Selling in Online Stores	p. 171
Evaluating Marketplaces
Setting Up Your Online Shop
Customer Service
Answering Customer Questions and Comments
Selling in Brick-and-Mortar Stores	p. 191
Getting Your Foot in the Door
Persuasive Leave-Behind Materials
Meeting with the Store Owner/Manager
Selling on consignment
Get Creative: Other Selling Options and Opportunities	p. 202
Join a Co-Op
Teach a Course
Hold Trunk Shows
Host House Parties
Offer Kits and Patterns
Parting Advice	p. 208
Resources	p. 211
Craft Show Supplies Checklist	p. 214
Index	p. 215
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