The crafting industry is blossoming and millions of people are trying their hand at making and selling crafts. Selling crafts can sometimes be trick though because the market is constantly changing and there are so many different types of people looking for different, unique items. The craft industry is funny sometimes and in order to make money you need to know what crafts to avoid if you want to sell your crafts; not just have them sit on a shelf and collect dust. Here are some tips on what crafts to avoid when trying to sell them.
Tip #1: Avoid any sort of Knock Off
When people go to craft stores and craft shows they are looking for items that are unique and that catch their eye. Most avid craft shoppers hate seeing a knock off; something that they can find somewhere else. They don’t want what everyone else has and they won’t even pay two dollars for it. Sounds harsh, but when it comes to crafts you need to come up with something that’s all your very own.
Tip #2: Stay away from Cheap, useless items
If you can’t afford to be quality items to make something right then don’t make it at all. You’re only wasting your own time and money. With that being said, obviously no one sets out to make a cheap useless craft but you and I both know that they’re out there because we’ve seen them: little knick knacks that will only take up space in your house and have no functional value whatsoever. They usually don’t even look nice anywhere. People who shop at craft boutiques and craft malls hate things like that. When you are thinking of a craft to make, always make sure it has a purpose or function. Don’t just make something that is good for nothing.
Tip #3: Avoid Crocheted and Knitted Items
Sewing is a craft but for some reason or another crocheted and knitted items don’t sell well. Most people think they can find it somewhere else for a better price; and usually they’re right. Not to say that crocheted and knitted items aren’t worth the spending and not functional, they just cost a lot to produce and you won’t be able to sell them for what they’re worth.
Tip #4: Avoid trying to sell things that “anyone” could make
This can be a tricky statement, as any craft item can be made by someone if they really want to learn the art. Let me see if I can show you an example of what I mean. I recently went to a craft show and saw some very cute baby bracelets. They obviously had taken some time to make and had spent money to buy good quality beads, etc. The problem with this craft was when I looked at them I thought to myself “I could make this at home.” There in lies the problem. Did I actually go home and make one? No I didn’t, but the fact that I looked at it and passed it by because I thought I could make it myself is the point. If you have an item that people think they will be able to make themselves they won’t buy it. There goes your sale and your craft.
Tip #5: Avoid using Patterns
Because so many craft shoppers like to buy unique things, anything that’s made form a pattern does not sell as well. This means any type of craft; sewing, wood, paint, etc. Try to come up with your own unique touch and it will sell much better.
Hopefully in your endeavor to find a craft that works for you these tips on crafts to avoid if you want to sell your crafts will help.
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