I know nothing about online webpages, etc. How can I set up my own business to sell my handmade recycled crocheted rag rugs. I know what I want to name it. I have 20 made already. Please tell me where to begin and the cheapest route.
Thank you.
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This is wonderful and I'll try to help you out. I'll list some sites that you can check out. Some are free and others charge a fee. I wish you all the luck in your adventure.
Aftcra - this site encourages crafters to sell their crafts online.
Articents - here you can sell handmade and vintage items online.
BigCommerce - if you have your own name and want to set up your own online store this is one site you can check out. They have options to help you out and teach you how to make your store and how to sell your work.
eBay - you can always go there and put your work on eBay to sell. You'll need to set up your online store through the platform.
Bonanza - this is yet another great platform that is similar to eBay where you can sell your crafts there.
Cratejoy - I like this platform it helps you to sell your crafts worldwide.
Etsy - many people find this site a good way to sell their crafts. It is like eBay and you can creae your store and sell here.
This is only a few of the ones that I like and they are a good start for you to check out.
Your work is lovely!!! I am a sucker for a crochet rug! A crochet anything just about.
So my response is coming from my personal experience...please take it for what it is worth. This is my story which maybe can help you.
Several years ago, I approached my Small Business Development Center about selling my pieces (I make OOAK crochet blankets) online.
The first step they had me take was to look at sold prices on places like eBay and Etsy for comparable to what I make.
Your items (and mine) sell (sold prices) not asking prices) for under $30 (on average). I was shocked as I put more than $30 in materials into a piece, not to mention the time spent. I was crushed. Now I was looking at this as a business...not a hobby, so maybe the rest of my story will not be helpful. If you are going down the hobby path, poehere gave you some good suggestions.
But there is money to be made at what you do and you do not have to be crushed as I was.
My counselor does not let people get crushed. They tell offer solutions and suggestions!!!
They had a bunch of suggestions that included starting small and developing sales in an person venue where I could develop relationships with people so they could connect me to my craft...like at craft shows.
Then once I mastered that, move on to sell in local stores that specialize in OOAK and handmade, and then develop my own website and Shopify account which I could promote on my social media (Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest).
I started to go down that path and realized that it was not right for me, but it is right for a lot of people and they are VERY successful at it. I still make my blankets but now it is just for family and friends, but that is just what works for me.
There is success to be had!! Case in point, a year ago September I went to a SBDC conference specifically for craftswomen (I still dream of going back down that path so that is why I go to any and all related conferences).
Each and every gal there was making money (some a full time living) from their pieces because they worked with the SBDC and made it work!
They were inspiring. Now if you are a gentleman, I am sure there are conferences for both men and women--I just happened to attend one that was very specific for women entrepreneurs.
So my point to my story is to be successful at selling your pieces it will help you to have an SBDC working with you.
They can help you find your supplies at wholesale, they can help you develop the confidence to sell your pieces (they will teach you to do things like an elevator pitch and how to find your target audience.
If you decide to sell online, they have counselors to help you get this set up and marketed correctly.
There was one gal at the conference I went to sells OOAK quilts that are truly amazing--the SBDC helped her set up a Shopify account and she sells so many of her quilts that she had to get help doing the backings. I mean WOW!!! I was so amazed!
Another gal didn't get started in her crafting business until she retired in her late 60s. She said she could barely Google before she went to the SBDC and now she has staff helping her sell her paintings.
I can offer you some tips to help you build a social media presence if you want to go this way. I am happy to share what I learned!
You can do it!!! Blessings and all good wishes for your success!!!
Lets not forget Etsy and Ebay! Its easy and has lots of veiwers and online sales!
I would sell on Etsy. You will reach a large audience.
Most popular handmade items to sell on is Etsy. You could also try to sell on Mercari.
Try Etsy or put it on your Facebook Marketplace (for local sales, no shipping). Be sure to take clear pictures and provide a detailed description for your buyer. Good luck!
I'd go with Etsy -- they have great tools for making your store shine :)
I have tried Etsy and Ebay with no luck. I have made sales by posting my items on local online yardsale sites and Marketplace on Facebook. Best of all, no fees! You can choose meet buyers at a mutually agreeable location, or pick up at your home. Please be safe either way.
I have tried Etsy and Ebay with no luck. I have made sales by posting my items on local online yardsale sites and Marketplace on Facebook. Best of all, no fees! You can choose meet buyers at a mutually agreeable location, or pick up at your home. Please be safe either way.
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