Selling Handmade craft

Discussion in 'General Marketing' started by teohcl, Oct 26, 2010.

  1. #1
    Just wonder whether handmade craft can still be profitable? Any idea? Please let me know as I think this is something that I think is worth to invest and sell it online. What do you think? Please advise. Thanks
     
    teohcl, Oct 26, 2010 IP
  2. danparks

    danparks Well-Known Member

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    #2
    First, being "worth the investment" shouldn't be a big issue, as there are plenty of web hosts that will provide you with a easy-to-build website for $5 a month or so. So the site itself isn't a big deal.

    Next, your expectations. You're selling something you make yourself, so you won't be selling huge numbers of products. If you're hoping to make big bucks, then no, it won't happen. If you're looking for some extra income, then sure, it could work.

    Finally, to sell online you need to either beat other sites on price or service (if you're selling something that's also sold on many other sites), or you need to have a unique product that can't be found elsewhere. You match the second point - you're making a custom product. Whatever the craft is, there might be other sites selling something similar, but not exactly the same, as your product is hand made. If it's good quality, catchy, and of a popular topic (maybe you can make some items that are seasonal, such as Halloween-related, Christmas-related, etc.), then you can certainly make some money. Just don't plan on retiring with the profits!
     
    danparks, Oct 26, 2010 IP
  3. adexpert10

    adexpert10 Peon

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    #3
    To sell such products you should use ebayy you will get lots of buyers there.
     
    adexpert10, Oct 26, 2010 IP
  4. Jillycakes

    Jillycakes Peon

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    #4
    Etsy is another very popular option for people who create handmade crafts. Some crafters have turned Etsy into profitable full-time businesses. You will be required to pay fees for selling there (just like at eBay or virtually any other marketplace - including your local flea market), but you'll have a much easier time getting your work in front of many more customers than if you ALSO tried to build and market a website at the same time.
     
    Jillycakes, Oct 26, 2010 IP
  5. Artisan

    Artisan Well-Known Member

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    #5
    It depends on the craft. You should do your home
    work and research the market, in order to offer something
    what the people need instead of trying to promote
    something that people do not need.
     
    Artisan, Oct 28, 2010 IP
  6. k.mukesh

    k.mukesh Greenhorn

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    #6
    It's really a good plan to have a online selling of handy crafts.Usually it is a rare thing that we find handmade crafts online. I suppose it gives you the worth than what you expect. It makes something different in online marketing.
     
    k.mukesh, Oct 28, 2010 IP
  7. nPromote

    nPromote Peon

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    #7
    It can surely be a great business plan. but it entirely depends on your approach, target audience/visitors
    Here i am saying this presuming that you have all the backend logistics sorted out already.
    make a site, update it regular content, and try to do some SEO with selected keywords, thorough keyword analysis is really needed.. etc, if you want more, we can discuss in length
     
    nPromote, Oct 28, 2010 IP
  8. Barre Tire

    Barre Tire Peon

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    #8
    Don't be discouraged. If this is what you want to do then go for it. Only you can make it profitable.
     
    Barre Tire, Oct 28, 2010 IP
  9. Justin_Dupre

    Justin_Dupre Peon

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    #9
    The market is still there but the question is how do you get there :) try to find a few forum or contact a shop to see if you can work something out with them. I think its worth the time!
     
    Justin_Dupre, Oct 28, 2010 IP
  10. sassyface78

    sassyface78 Peon

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    #10
    I think selling handmade craft gifts is still profitable and creating a website will be a great way of generating sales. Think carefully about your site as it is is crucial to the success of your business. You need to make sure that it is unique and memorable but at the same time it's important that the website isn't overly complicated and difficult to use. A clear, concise and easy to use website will always be more successful than an overly complicated and confusing site. If people find a website simple and easy to use they are more likely to use that site again.
     
    sassyface78, Oct 29, 2010 IP
  11. dscurlock

    dscurlock Prominent Member

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    #11
    Do not listen to danparks. if you do, then you will give up before you should...

    Dan suggests it is beyond your means if you can not keep up with product vs demand...
    If you get past this part, then this is the start of your business, then you need to start
    thinking of expanding, getting others to help with your product creation, etc...You are not
    out of business just because you can not keep up with orders...you just have to expand
    to the level you need too.

    Two little girls come up with the idea of putting designs in bottle caps...do you think
    they stopped when they could not keep up with demand? no, they outsourced...who
    would have thought they would become millionaires....
     
    dscurlock, Oct 29, 2010 IP
  12. MayaLocke

    MayaLocke Peon

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    #12
    Sure look at etsy.com it caters to home crafted products.
     
    MayaLocke, Nov 23, 2010 IP
  13. nPromote

    nPromote Peon

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    #13
    Etsy.com, i dont htink that site is working, i cannot open it my end.. Can you guys?
     
    nPromote, Aug 1, 2011 IP