Synopses & Reviews
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 and 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.
Review
"The Handmade Marketplace is the first small business book I have seen that is written to, for and by the Indie Crafter.....also a real page turner and enlightening read for someone who has been in the crafty biz for years." Jennifer Perkins, designer
Review
"The Handmade Marketplace gives you all the answers to the D-I-Whys, Whats and Hows of being a crafty-preneur." Betz White, designer and author of Sewing Green
Synopsis
Since its original publication in 2010, Kari Chapin's The Handmade Marketplace has inspired thousands of crafters around the world to find the courage and know-how they need to make money -- and even to make a full-time living -- from doing what they love best. Now, this best-selling guide has been completely revised and updated to include solid information on the latest on-line and social media opportunities for sales and marketing, as well as fresh advice and invaluable tips from successful crafters and artists. With Kari Chapin at your side, you can live a more creative life and enjoy a lucrative career at the same time.
Synopsis
Turn your craft into a successful business! Even the most expert crafters may find it challenging to market and sell their wares, but with Kari Chapin you have an experienced guide at your side. Learn to determine your cost of goods, set prices, identify the competition, and understand the ins and outs of wholesale and retail sales. Explore the various sales venues available, including independent craft fairs, Web sites such as Etsy, and traditional stores, and learn to maximize your visibility and sales in each one. Want to start your own website? Chapin shows you how to style and prop your crafts for photography and explains how the most popular Web marketplaces operate. You'll find everything you need to turn your talent into profits.
About the Author
Kari Chapin has worked in marketing and publicity for a variety of arts and nonprofi t organizations and managed a retail store featuring artisan goods.
Table of Contents
Introduction
My (All New!) Creative Collective
Part 1 Getting to Know Yourself and Your Business
Chapter 1: Setting the Scene for Success
Setting Goals, Build a Nurturing Space, Staying Inspired, Translating an Idea into a Reality
Chapter 2: Branding Your Business
Who Are Your Customers?, What's Your Message and Look?, What's in a Name?, Developing a Logo
Chapter 3: Establishing Basic Business Practices
What Kind of Business Are You?, The Next Steps, Collecting Money, Pricing Your Work, Hiring Help
Part 2 Spreading the Word -- and Images
Chapter 4: Marketing Basics
Marketing Defined, Essential Marketing Materials, Photographs are Key
Chapter 5: Your Craft Community
Making Connections, Online Communities, Reaching Out to Your Fellow Crafters