How to Make Money Selling Your Crafts to Boutiques

So you’ve designed the next “must have” item that celebrities will be clamoring for and you’re anxious to share it with the world. Now what? If you’re planning on turning your designs into a business, you’ll need to find buyers- lots of them! For many aspiring designers the process is incredibly daunting and usually ends up running amuck in a craft show in Small Town, USA. The fact is, getting your product in front of buyers isn’t really that difficult at all. All it takes is a little guts and lots of persistence. Follow these four steps to start selling your crafts ot boutiques.

Step 1:  Once you’ve designed your widget, share it with family and friends. Solicit their feedback and then sit back and listen. Yes, she’s your Mom, but she is also a consumer. Would she buy it? How much would she be willing to spend? Ask these questions of everyone and anyone you can find. Once you’ve done this initial “market research”, consider the suggestions you’ve received and make the changes you feel are valid. With your “new and improved” product in hand, try comparing it to other products on the market and especially your competitors. How do you stack up? What makes you different? Do you have a niche? Can the market bear your price point?

Step 2:  After passing the test with family and friends it’s time to move outside of your comfort zone. Only when you start selling to “joe public” will your product, pricing strategies, and marketing be truly challenged. It’s wise to start small and focus on refining your product before you invest too much in the unknown. In other words, don’t go overboard buying packaging, displays, etc. that don’t pass the test with paying customers. The best way to start small is to start locally. Shop your local boutiques and look for a store that carries merchandise which compliments your product. Once you find a store that seems like a great fit, call to schedule an appointment with the store’s buyer. Be prepared to pitch your product on the phone and explain why you think she should see your design. Confirm the appointment and if needed, offer to forward more detailed information that day.

Step 3:  As you prepare for the meeting, expect to bring a couple samples with you to display, a product catalog showing all the variations, and sell sheets with wholesale pricing. Spend some time prepping your wares and determine a few different ways to display your widgets. Look for small props that will help get them noticed without overwhelming the product itself. In a crowded store environment your designs will have to be seen to be sold. Once at the meeting be sure to answer the question, “Why would customers buy this product?” This is the bottom line that all retailers need to know. Your ability to answer this question will help determine whether your designs are given an opportunity in the store. Emphasize the benefits-not the features, and always show confidence in your design. It may feel like your wearing your heart on your sleeve at times, but if you don’t believe in your product why should they?

Step 4:  Once you’ve demonstrated the product, talked up its benefits, and explained the options and pricing-ask for the sale. If they say yes, congratulations-you’re on your way to becoming a paid designer. If they say no, thank them for their time; make a note to call them next season, and move on to Plan B. If the store doesn’t want to take the chance on your widgets, you can always offer to sell your items on consignment. This means that the store agrees to display the designs for you and pays the wholesale cost only when an item sells. This eliminates the “what if it doesn’t sell?” excuse for the buyer and gives you a foot in the door to prove your products worthiness. Either way, the ball is in your court and you’ve gained valuable experience marketing your product. After the meeting, critique your performance and look for ways to improve your next pitch. You’ve succeeded in taking the next step and as you continue to grow professionally, so will your business. Don’t forget this is a creative process - have fun with it!