| Author |
Entrepreneurship:  Crafters Who Make Money  |
|
owwlady
True Blue Farmgirl
899 Posts
Jan
Tomahawk
WI
USA
899 Posts |
 Posted - Aug 24 2005 : 4:09:10 PM
|
| Are there any crafters out there who really make money selling their crafts? I'm talking about enough money to qualify as a part time job. I've been trying for about 10yrs and have never made much more than just covering my expenses and a little pocket change. I'd like to know how you do it. What kinds of things are selling these days? I've tried selling at both craft fairs and renting a booth in a store. I'm in a situation now that I need to start making some serious money. Any ideas would be more than welcome. Thanks |
|
|
therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Aug 24 2005 : 4:33:56 PM
|
Hi Jan -- yes I have made money from my crafts. I sew purses, aprons, pillows, etc. And I'm sure that I've made enough to qualify for a part-time job (around $500 a month). Here's what I do -- I know down to the penny what thing that I use to make my items costs. I have a spreadsheet in Excel and every time I buy fabric, notions, etc it goes into my inventory with the cost that I paid for it. I decided at the beginning I would pay myself $10 per hour for labor (that's probably what I would earn at a part-time job). So when I'm figuring the cost of a purse I take my supplies, add 40% to the cost of the supplies (to cover overhead and give me wiggle room), and then add $20.00 for labor. It takes me 2 hours to make a purse from the time I start cutting until I'm done sewing so I'm paying myself for 2 hours labor at $10 per hour.
If you do this for everything that you make to sell you will make money. I used to have a hard time with this because my purses would end being around $45 retail. I felt guilty for charging that much thinking that someone could go to Target, etc and buy one for $15. But then I woke up and realized that my purses are high quality, American made, one-of-a-kind items and they were worth every penny.
Hope this helps.
"If you are lucky enough to have a garden, you are lucky enough!" |
 |
|
|
quiltedess
True Blue Farmgirl
296 Posts
Nancy
Priest River
ID
USA
296 Posts |
Posted - Aug 24 2005 : 9:47:08 PM
|
Kay: I would love to see pictures of your purses. I've made purses, but mine take me 5 to 10 hours! Or maybe you could describe what they look like. Where do you sell all your things?
Nancy |
|
|
|
owwlady
True Blue Farmgirl
899 Posts
Jan
Tomahawk
WI
USA
899 Posts |
Posted - Aug 25 2005 : 2:12:07 PM
|
| Thanks Kay, Where do you sell your crafts? Do you sell anything over the internet? Your purses, etc. must be very unique, something you wouldn't be able to find at a store like Target. Maybe my things aren't unique enough. I make dolls, paint wood items, but they're always from a pattern in a book. Maybe my stuff looks too much like everyone else's. When the craft imports started showing up in the stores, that's when things started to go downhill. It's hard to compete with those prices. It sounds like you have a nice business going there. Good Luck |
|
|
|
therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Aug 25 2005 : 10:11:17 PM
|
I'm making some purses for a market that Missy (my daughter( & I are doing on Sept 17th. When I get them done I'll post some pictures. I started out selling my purses on eBay, have had them on consignment in stores, and have done craft shows and outdoor markets. I'm in the process of getting a website done.
I think that anytime you can come up with an original idea of your own for something unique it will sell better. Jan, just take some time to sit and figure out what it is you love to do. That will eventually lead you to what you should make. I love to sew and it was a natural for me to do something in that area.
"If you are lucky enough to have a garden, you are lucky enough!" |
|
|
|
The Farmers Daughter
Farmgirl in Training
46 Posts
Sherry
LeRoy
Kansas
USA
46 Posts |
Posted - Aug 26 2005 : 06:29:26 AM
|
I have to jump in here on this. I am on several boards where girls design and sell things, plus I watch a lot of e-bay items. My personal opinion on this is...In order to sell things you have to have something that no one else has or something that is slightly "different". You also have to have something that is "one of a kind" so all the import companies can't copy you. Another important factor is getting your product out there. E-bay is a wonderful place to start but it takes a while to get a "following". Do you live in an area where there is a lot of money to spend? We live in a rural community and unless the girls around here heard "you have to have one" nothing homemade would sell for a lot of money. Do your homework and then go from there. Oh, how you display an item is 50% of selling it!!!! By the way, I have seen Kays work and she's GOOD!!! Hugs,
Sher, The Farmer's Daughter |
|
|
|
katie-ell
True Blue Farmgirl
1818 Posts
Katie
Illinois
1818 Posts |
Posted - Aug 26 2005 : 06:50:15 AM
|
| Let me put in a plug for consignment shops! I volunteer at our Historical Society's consignment shop, and we sell vintage/ antique/ home decor/ linens, etc. Well-crafted vintage-look items are good sellers. And first weekend in December we have a Gift Fair, featuring handmade items suitable for holiday gifts. Last year we sold handknit scarfs, barnboard frames with country prints inside, chenille Christmas trees, sparkly pipecleaner snowflakes (a la Martha Stewart), felted handknit bags, etc., along with vintage Christmas items. I agree with previous posters; you need to get your items (which need to be 'unique' and well-crafted) out there and in a venue that will net you a decent price. In our community, some crafters also do an Autumn Open House in one gal's home. Lots of signage around, lots of word of mouth -- I think they do quite well. (Judging from the interest in aprons on these boards, by the way, I think vintage-looking Christmas aprons might be my project of choice this year!) Good luck to you. |
|
|
|
AnnieT
True Blue Farmgirl
287 Posts
Annie
287 Posts |
Posted - Aug 31 2005 : 08:00:29 AM
|
Therusticcottage,
I like your idea of the excell spreadsheet. I have been keeping my materials cost info in a notebook, though I really don't have it down to a science yet. What categories do you find most useful in your spreadsheet?
Annie |
|
|
|
connio
True Blue Farmgirl
535 Posts
connie
springtown
texas
USA
535 Posts |
Posted - Sep 06 2005 : 10:05:44 AM
|
Hey Farm Girls!!!!
Wanted to pass this idea on to all of you crafters. I was looking at www.craftsburykids.com and saw that they were selling teabagdolls for $18.00 each. Looks like there should be a lot of profit on this project. If you are interested, take a look.
Connie
cozycottage |
|
|
|
pursemaker
Farmgirl at Heart
1 Posts
sharon
springtown
texas
USA
1 Posts |
Posted - Sep 08 2005 : 6:24:33 PM
|
I also make purses and make anywhere from $500 to $1,000 per month. I also know to the penny how much I make on each purse. I mostly sell my purses by word of mouth and repeat customers. I have a lot of customers that have purchased as many as 8 purses from me. I have a website , but have not sold much from that but it serves really well as my show room. I have my purses in several boutiques and gift shops also.
Good luck with your craft , just keep trying different things until something sticks. |
|
|
|
Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Sep 08 2005 : 7:15:56 PM
|
okay pursemaker...what is your website address?? Sounds interesting! And welcome by the way!!
Jenny in Utah
The best things in life arn't things |
|
|
|
quiltedess
True Blue Farmgirl
296 Posts
Nancy
Priest River
ID
USA
296 Posts |
Posted - Sep 09 2005 : 09:32:08 AM
|
Yes, pursemaker Sharon. Website please!
Nancy
Oh and Welcome too! |
|
|
|
owwlady
True Blue Farmgirl
899 Posts
Jan
Tomahawk
WI
USA
899 Posts |
Posted - Sep 09 2005 : 1:57:53 PM
|
| Yes Sharon, please give us your website. I'm interested in what you make and also the prices. Do you sell on ebay? How long have you been selling purses? |
|
|
|
artzimom
Farmgirl at Heart
2 Posts
Molly
Ohio
USA
2 Posts |
Posted - May 15 2006 : 4:41:24 PM
|
Find out what crafts, hobbies people are doing in your area. There are always people looking to show off their hobby or talent with a bag that makes a statement. For example, alot of crafters are doing knitting and beading. SO, for a while, knitting and beading specialty bags are in demand. Find a small business owned shop which specializes in some craft or hobby and there will be a need for those types of bags. Another example is look at your local pet daycare center. I bet they could use some handmade things for the pet lovers there, like, Towels, crate slipcovers, doggy diaper covers, etc.
If you can think of any niche type bag advice for the rest of us, I'd like to hear it. |
|
|
|
Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
|
|
rabbithorns
True Blue Farmgirl
544 Posts
Allison
Fort Scott
KS
USA
544 Posts |
Posted - May 15 2006 : 7:11:00 PM
|
Don't mean to get off-track, but why are 3" teabagdolls made out of the cheapest felt priced at $18, and why is the raspberry one protesting jam factories? I'm mystified. If it was hand-dyed 100% wool felt, I could see the price - maybe. I think they're real cute though. I just don't think I could charge someone that much for 10 cents worth of felt and a bit of handstitching. I'm assuming they are handsewn.
I don't think $45 is too much to pay for a good, especially, handmade purse. I am one of the folks who buys the Target ones - but on clearance at $3! And even then, I only buy one purse every 5 years or so. But lots of folks can afford twice as much as that at Dillards and they are not even that pretty.
http://www.rabbithorns.etsy.com |
|
|
|
abbasgurl
True Blue Farmgirl
1262 Posts
Rhonda
USA
1262 Posts |
Posted - May 15 2006 : 9:59:28 PM
|
Hi everyone! Interesting topic. Now, let me say upfront that I have not looked at any of the items any of these posters make (yet). So this is not directed at anyone here-I have no clue about how well made or unique your items are. I don't want to offend, but I'm going to be brutally honest here.
I've recently heard a lot of complaining from crafters about low sales. Some blame it on the influx of imported items...some say the "craft market" has dried up. I had a retail business (herbs, dried flowers, potpourri, classes, plants and all that goes with that) about 15 years ago on our farm. People would regularly drive an hour to get to us and had no problem paying a fair price for our things. We had low overhead, did most things ourselves and made a lot of money! I closed due to terrible allergies & raising small children. 
Anyway...in recent months I entered back into the crafts market (no longer doing the herb thing). A LOT has changed-and a few things that SHOULD have changed-haven't!  I visited shows in my area to see which I would attend as a crafter. The SAME 'OL STUFF was being sold at shows today that was being sold 15 (!!!) years ago! The quality was, to be polite...not good. Sadly, a lot of folks have no talent for choosing colors/materials or displaying their things. If I put my things next to these things I would stick out like a sore thumb! Now...my prices are higher. But I don't feel bad at all, because I offer things that are very well crafted, from top of the line materials, and mostly one of a kind. There is a huge market for those kind of things, and I think always will be.
Now, the other stuff. As I said, some of it is in poor taste (OK, I'll go so far as to say most). I see too much jewelry, too many candles, too much scrapbooking, and too much bad handknit at shows these days. Not to say those aren't GREAT items, but when it's 50-60% of the merchandise offered at a show-it's too much! Next, some people are passing off imports as their own creations-and who would want to!? That stuff looks funky and cheap! End of story.
My advise is this. If you are going to do craft shows choose carefully. If you can find shows that specialize in something you do, that's great! Like fiber arts shows, alternative art shows, or historic reenactment type things. Otherwise do your research & talk to people who have been vendors at the show you are interested in. Go to those shows & watch. Talk to everyone. Ask about sales. Most vendors are happy to share-especially if it's slow (don't stand around in their booth when things are really hoppin' though!). As far as what to sell. Boths with variety draw people in. An entire booth of candles might be passed by when a booth with a variety of things, including candles, will not. Include a variety as far as price goes too. A few will purchase those big ticket items-most will not. But have less expensive, or smaller versions of your product for those folks. If someone loves your things, even a small item will make them feel that they have taken away a bit of your wonderful work. Things that are consumable seem to sell well too (soaps, food items, etc.). Display IS everything! You want to get people into your booth! And for heaven sakes, SMILE and be friendly! I see so many grumpy faces at craft shows-it's a wonder they sell a thing! I think people are more inclined to make a purchase if they LIKE you. Demonstrating your craft, or part of it, draws people in too.
For those who make bags & purses. I would definately spend $45 on a purse. But...it would have to be very well made & very special. There are a lot of people making tote style bags for $10-$15. Anyone who sews can make these.
Keeping track of time/expenses is essential if you want to make a profit. I love ebay, but not for handmades. I want to see what I am buying, the color, the materials. I see a lot of poorly made stuff listed, and the seller doesn't usually make much. I'm intrigued by etsy though.
Someone mentioned the open house type sale at holiday time. I think it's a wonderful option. I participate in one. My expenses are $400 (advertising mostly) for the weekend, and I couldn't travel to/sell at any decent craft fair for that price! This is a very high traffic event with great sales. It's a "Christmas in the Country" type event that people drive hours for & make a day of it. Starting out you won't get quite that kind of traffic, but it's something to consider.
OK, whew! There is also the "what has changed" topic. Anyone dealt with liability insurance for craft fairs? THAT is a whole new topic!
Rhonda
...and I will sing at the top of my lungs, and I will dance, even if I'm the only one! |
|
|
|
therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - May 15 2006 : 11:40:58 PM
|
Rhonda -- thanks for your input. I totally agree about having to keep current with the things that you make. Our Vancouver Farmer's Market is pretty big. Missy (my daughter) sells her soaps and bath products there. The process that she had to go through to get her items in the market was very intense. We even had to take pictures of her making her things so she could prove they were handmade. The first time I visited I thought I was going to see lots of quality things that were on the caliber of what Missy has. Wrong!
Lots of very nice things but I also couldn't believe some of the other stuff that, in my opinion, was tacky. And not very well made either.
I am selling most of my totes and purses for $35 to $45. I used to feel bad about charging that price and would put them at $25 because I didn't think people would pay the price. I spend at least 2 hours on each one, use the higehst quality fabrics that I can, put quality interfacing inside, triple stitch all my seams, put in a plastic bottom, and use either vintage buttons or magnetic snaps. And all the patterns are my original designs. Then I realized that people will pay for a quality product. I have tried eBay but just did not have much luck. I agree that people need to touch, feel, and see the items. I had to have my bags juried for an herb festival we're doing this coming weekend. The lady asked what I would be charging. I told her $45 and she didn't even bat an eye!
Handcrafted soaps and sundries at http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
http://www.homesteadblogger.com/therusticcottage/
|
|
|
|
artzimom
Farmgirl at Heart
2 Posts
Molly
Ohio
USA
2 Posts |
Posted - May 16 2006 : 06:25:11 AM
|
You are right. It doesn't make sense to buy a product that's overpriced. I make handbags that bring in decent money. But, wouldn't pay more than $10 for a mass produced bag because I know I could make it better. My mother-in-law says we have "disease" which doesn't allow us to pay for anything we can make better. .
So, it's a gift and a curse all in one.
Have a good day. |
|
|
|
abbasgurl
True Blue Farmgirl
1262 Posts
Rhonda
USA
1262 Posts |
Posted - May 16 2006 : 10:00:21 AM
|
Kay, I appreciate you thoughts too! Isn't it crazy that we now have to send photos of ourselves making our items!? I hear some folks dismantle imports & take photos with the item apart. That seems like more work than just making it yourself! LOL And frankly, I would be ashamed to be credited with most of those things!
I was once turned down for a juried show-this was years ago. The promoter couldn't believe I made all those different items myself. I was baffled at the time-had no clue what they were getting at! Being somewhat of a "jack of all trades" is just my thing. I have a low threshold for boredom so I try new things continually. I like mixed media things best-very mixed! I need to hop on over to Missy's shop & take a look. I'm a sucker for handmade soap!
Holly, don't we ALWAYS think we can do it better!? LOL I saw a sign in a little shop that read "Yeah, you can make it-but WILL you?" Thought that was pretty telling!
Blessings,
Rhonda
...and I will sing at the top of my lungs, and I will dance, even if I'm the only one! |
|
|
|
ladybugsmom6
True Blue Farmgirl
128 Posts
Tami
Horicon
WI
USA
128 Posts |
Posted - May 16 2006 : 10:42:18 AM
|
I feel just like you do! If I can make it for a fraction of cost, why buy it?? As for "yes I can make it but will I"... if I dont make it, I dont need it! My hubbyand I will often be shopping and see a piece of furniture or clothing item that we like and decide to make it our selves. I have found this to be a downfall though, because I can make things, I dont go to craft shows. I should go to see prices and types of things that are "hot" and start selling myself, just to get out from over all the little ones! ( and I always make bulk items at Christmas time to have extra gifts on hand and I really need to make space in the sewing room!)
-Tami
now ladybugsmom7 |
|
|
|
rabbithorns
True Blue Farmgirl
544 Posts
Allison
Fort Scott
KS
USA
544 Posts |
Posted - May 16 2006 : 1:26:41 PM
|
Tami, total agreement with the idea that if I can make it I will, but if I don't get around to it, I probably didn't need it in the first place. That's quite a bit how I live. Even sprout bags I saw online for $8.95 each, I just made from a $1 linen shirt from a thrift store. But if I weren't sprouting right now, I'd have just passed on the effort. (And I made 4 bags from the one shirt.)
http://www.rabbithorns.etsy.com |
|
|
|
westernhorse51
True Blue Farmgirl
1681 Posts
michele
farmingdale
n.j.
USA
1681 Posts |
Posted - May 16 2006 : 4:23:14 PM
|
Rhonda, your input is great. I have found at fiber shows (havent been to many yet) when we bring our table loom, a frame loom and spinning wheel, people love it because we let them try it. I spin, hook rugs & weave, my husband weaves & makes stain glass. I've even brought my many homemade breads & people seem to love it. We are now, just this year getting really serious about it. There are many fiber artists out there and I wanted to be a bit different, have a niche, Im working on that now. Didnt want to sell the same thing everyone else does. You hit the nail on the head w/ the DISPLAY!! That IS everything. great topic.
she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands Prov.31:13 |
|
|
|
ChicChick
True Blue Farmgirl
64 Posts
Joy
64 Posts |
Posted - May 17 2006 : 1:25:08 PM
|
Hmmmm, this is a very interesting thread. I would have to agree with several of you ladies, that display is important as is quality. I make lots of things: my passions are mixed media/altered art and making or re-making things with material (namely purses). I have done a few craft shows and never had much success. I have heard from an aunt who has done craft shows for many years that she has never seen such a bad market as it's been within the last few years. Other crafters have told me the same things, but maybe it's because I'm new and they are trying to be kind! :)
I definitely think having something novel or something that is "hot" and maybe trendy seems to sell best. I love making my purses but I'm still only a moderately good seamstress, so don't feel ready to branch out into making extravagent patterns. I've made a couple simple ones of my own which is fun. I also have a vintage home decor shop and am considering doing an annual or semi-annual sale with my older sisters. Marketing and advertising is a big expense and I think I would rather focus on one or two times a year, than on a continual basis.
I love reading all your thoughts and opinions~especially the candid posts! :)
Vist my shop at: http://chicchickbiz.etsy.com and my blog at www.chicchickbiz.blogspot.com |
|
|
|
Duchess
True Blue Farmgirl
109 Posts
Iowa
USA
109 Posts |
Posted - May 22 2006 : 5:33:36 PM
|
As a seller you can't put yourself in the buyer's shoes, so to speak. They are buying your unique item that you have put your heart into, not a mass produced item. It is not as much a matter of how pricey the materials are, as it is how good an item it is. I make wedding cakes and the materials cost little, but people are buying my joy in making something beautiful for their special day. People have more respect for products that costs a little more, they feel they have purchased something special for themselves. When I did hand painted tee shirts I felt guilty charging $35.00 for them, until I got the feedback that they had spent over $100.00 in the past. Well, that taught me, if people want something they will pay for it,lol.quote:
Originally posted by rabbithorns
Don't mean to get off-track, but why are 3" teabagdolls made out of the cheapest felt priced at $18, and why is the raspberry one protesting jam factories? I'm mystified. If it was hand-dyed 100% wool felt, I could see the price - maybe. I think they're real cute though. I just don't think I could charge someone that much for 10 cents worth of felt and a bit of handstitching. I'm assuming they are handsewn.
I don't think $45 is too much to pay for a good, especially, handmade purse. I am one of the folks who buys the Target ones - but on clearance at $3! And even then, I only buy one purse every 5 years or so. But lots of folks can afford twice as much as that at Dillards and they are not even that pretty.
http://www.rabbithorns.etsy.com
|
Edited by - Duchess on Jun 20 2006 07:18:27 AM |
|
|
|
ChicChick
True Blue Farmgirl
64 Posts
Joy
64 Posts |
Posted - Jun 04 2006 : 05:38:52 AM
|
Good point, Duchess. I am pretty frugal myself (I won't buy things that aren't on sale, I shop at thrift stores/flea markets, etc.) so it's sometimes hard to put a "big" price tag of even $35 on a purse! I participated in a Harvest Market last fall which was really fun and made me think of all those movies that portray New England...it was beautiful and I did better at that event. I got a lot of positive feedback and probably made $50 after paying for my booth...which sounds awful when you think of all the work involved (setting up, sitting there, tearing down), but it was a good way to get the word out about my work.
Now, I've decided to explore other options...but I may just do a show or two again someday!
Vist my shop at: http://chicchickbiz.etsy.com and my blog at www.chicchickbiz.blogspot.com |
|
|
|
Entrepreneurship: Crafters Who Make Money |
|
Crafters Who Make Money
