The crafting business has literally taken off. All walks of people are getting involved in a business that has almost limitless opportunity to make some extra cash or (if you’re good enough) possibly give you a second part time income. Depending on what you make and how well it sells making crafts can be a great opportunity to have fun and make some good money. If you want to jump on the crafting boat here are some ideas on how to craft for cash, a list of easy crafts to sell, and who to sell to in order to make the money you want to.
There are a few different things that contribute to higher profits when making and selling your crafts. The two most influential contributors to whether or not you make a profit is if you are targeting the right market, and if the price is right.
Your Target
You can have the coolest craft that is completely functional and useful to its users but not make any money if you are marketing to the wrong audience. Make sure you do your homework on who’s buying what. For example, if you are into wood work and want to make kids toys who will your market be? In some places toys are high marketable among older people because they have grandkids to buy for. In other communities your best market would be to parents and kids. Your market will sometimes depend on where you live and who’s in the community. That’s why it’s so important to do your homework; attend craft shows and see who the majority of people are there and what they’re buying.
The Price
The second most influential part of making a profit by selling crafts is the price. If the price is too high you kill your chances of selling anything; trust me word travels fast if you’re overpriced and something similar to it isn’t. The best rule of thumb for selling your crafts is to keep it at $20 or less. Why $20? Because people don’t have to go home and “think it over.” It’s not too much to make you think about buying it.
Now that you’ve figured out who your selling market is and what price will be right for the sale let’s take a look at a list of easy crafts to sell; just ideas remember, because in order to sell you want to create something unique and different from everyone else.
Accessories- they’re usually easy to make and people can always find a use for them. Things like handbags, purses, belts, wallets, etc.
Interior Design- People love finding unique crafts to decorate their home with and sometimes go to great lengths to find what they’re looking for. Some interior design ideas would be candles, picture frame and pictures, place mats, or some type of wall art. It’s easy to make and people love them.
Wood Work- this type of craft work may not be the easiest to make but it sells like crazy. Those that have a wood working hand and exquisite talent can sell some really unique pieces of art work. For those who are naturally gifted with wood these can bring in a lot of extra doe.
Kid Stuff- I realize that this is a pretty general title, but the sky is the limit here. Make sure in making kid crafts that you are unique and creative. Think like a kid and you’ll come up with some fun things that will sell quickly.
Now for the difficult part; who and how to sell it. There are a number of different ways to get your craft out there and see. There are also a number of different ways to sell it.
Use the Internet- The internet is quite possible one of the best ways to market to your specific target audience. Creating your own website is a great way to market your product, but think about hiring a graphic designer to help get you up and running.
Craft Shows/ Boutiques- Consider buying a booth at the local craft show. You may think it’s a waste of money, but you’d be surprised at how many people go to those shows. And even if you don’t sell a ton of stuff you still get the craft seen by millions of people.
Craft Mall/ Store- There are stores out there that will let you purchase a spot in their store just so people who come through it will see your item. You keep the booth up and stocked with all your stuff and hopefully when people see your stuff they buy it.
Friends and Family- You can always target your friends and family when you’re first starting out. What better way to get the word spread than with people who know you and like what you’re making.
Hopefully these crafting for cash ideas, list of easy crafts to sell and who to sell to will help you start what you’ve been wanting to do for so long.
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