Finding the Best Marketplaces for Artisans
As a skilled crafter you will know that creating beautiful, high-quality products is only half the challenge of running a successful crafting business. You need to get your stunning products out in the marketplace for customers to see and buy. Marketing is an ongoing process and it’s good to evaluate and update your strategies periodically. With a wide range of online platforms as well numerous crafts, fairs and markets to attend, there are plenty of options to explore in order to find the best market places for artisans.
You might like to ask yourself whether your products would sell best online, in person or whether a hybrid approach would work best. This would focus your efforts and allow you to concentrate on a strategy which would lead to the greatest number of sales. How then, do you decide which avenue to pursue? There will be many variables but here are a few questions which might help you in the decision-making process.
Firstly, think about yourself. The products you create flow from your own natural talent and your hard work … you are personally invested in them…so you need to be comfortable in the venues in which you sell. Some crafters may love meeting new people and enjoy the buzz of a fair. Others may find the thought of this quite a challenge but be very IT savvy and be excited at the multiple opportunities to sell online. Which sits most comfortably with you? You will have to put in hours of work either way and will probably opt to use both online and in person platforms but it’s helpful to be aware of what your natural tendencies lean towards so you can offer yourself some extra kindness if you are pressing into a space which does not necessarily feel easy.
If you are thinking of booking in some fairs, there are a few rules of thumb which might help.
Craft fairs are a great option for products which have a sensory aspect to them, for example bath bombs and soaps which have a delicious fragrance or toys which are soft to touch. It’s always worth doing a little background research before you attend a fair, to guide you in what stock to bring.
Some will be more exclusive, offering customers a luxury shopping experience; for these it is worth taking a good supply of your higher budget ranges. However, many are fun places for those of all ages to shop, maybe to enjoy some locally produced food or to meet up with friends. For these, you are probably looking at products priced at low to mid range. You could take a selection of pocket money purchases and items which would make great gifts. It’s also worth remembering that you are more likely to get impulse buys when people are relaxed and enjoying a fun trip out, so put a few bargains or irresistibly gorgeous products in pride of place!
Small items such as jewellery often do well at fairs. They are visually appealing and customers can hold up pieces to check for length and colour against their skin tone in a way they cannot do if buying online. Offer lots of encouragement and remember to explain your eco credentials.
Pet accessories also often do well at fairs. We Brits are fairly besotted with our pets, whether they be pampered pooches, spoilt bunnies or much-loved gerbils! Pets are an integral part of many of our families, offering good business opportunities in individually crafted pet accessories. Whether you make leather collars and leads, ceramic bowls or warm coats, pet accessories are a tempting impulse buy for many.
Breakable items such as glass or ceramics, while they can be carefully packaged for posting, also do well at in person events. Customers can see the colours and also get a feel for the weight, shape and texture of a hand thrown or blown piece.
As you explore the best market places of artisans you will want to consider the wide array of online options. The world really is your oyster when you jump on here. From Facebook and eBay, through specialised platforms for handmade goods such as Etsy and Folksy to building your own website, the opportunity is limitless! The big advantage of online selling is that you reach a far larger audience very quickly. In addition, the overheads are low and you will receive data analytics which will help direct your marketing strategy.
Just about any goods can be sold online but do check out postage costs and any special requirements. Light weight products such as jewellery, home decor and paper goods are all well suited to online sales, as too are small cosmetic and bath products such as shampoo bars, soaps, lip balm and hand cream as well as candles and wax melts. As you can see, there is much crossover, and many crafters will find they use a mix of online and in person sales.
Whatever you decide are the best market places for artisans and in particular for your beautiful products, you will need to consider insurance. Our basic package includes both product and public liability insurance. Product liability covers you in the event of a claim being made that your product has caused harm to a member of the public. Public liability covers you if a member of the public makes a claim for harm or damage caused on your property or as a result of your business.
As the summer months may offer you a slightly slower pace, this could be a good time to review your marketing strategy; and if you need any advice regarding insurance, we are here for you!