I had an idea for a booklet with about 10 patterns in it. I pitched it to a publisher, who 5 weeks later sent the dreaded "thanks but no thanks" letter. I then sent it to my CGOA mentor, who encouraged me to self publish it.
What a wonderful idea! I thought. I was clueless about the amount of work I was putting on myself for this. I didn't know the first thing about self publishing. This began a great deal of research, which I am still doing.
It turns out that you can sell crochet patterns on Ravelry, Amazon, and Kindle. Apparently there is a market out there for various ebooks. You can also sell on Etsy and your own website. This has opened up an entirely new world for me to explore!
As I have written and sold patterns before, I think I have that part of the process down. It takes time - a LOT of time. I have to jot down pattern notes while I crochet what's in my head. Then, once the item is complete, I have to translate those notes into a readable pattern. Then comes the dreaded photo session. If a good picture is worth a thousand words, then my photos are worth about 3. Usually someone in my family will take pity on me and get a few good shots of the item for me.
Formatting is taking me a little bit of time to learn. As is setting up my own website and Etsy store. The process is slow, but once done, I won't have to do it again. This is keeping me motivated, even when frustrated!
Each of the 10 patterns needs to be completed, not just a sketch. Each pattern needs to be written, each item photographed, introduction text needs to be written, table of contents and cover pages need to be decided upon, online shops need to be set up, formatting needs to be done, and then, once the booklet is finished, it needs to be marketed. Sheesh!
My goal is to have it all done by March 2012. I still have to make time to work on Christmas presents!
Showing posts with label sell. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sell. Show all posts
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
What Crochet Sells at Craft Shows?
Crochet is by far my favorite craft. It is so versatile, one can make almost anything using a hook. It's no wonder that crochet in its many varieties can be found at craft fairs.
My primary medium of choice is 100% wool. I live in an area where I can purchase this yarn from local farmer's markets at an extremely reasonable price. People are willing to pay more for items made with wool than with acrylic. My best sellers at craft fairs are by far hats, mittens, and gloves. One year I made 30 pair of fingerless gloves in various sizes, and sold every one of them between the 2 craft fairs I attended.
Hats, mittens, and gloves are also popular items for knitters and fleece sewers. Therefore, I try to have some unique crochet items on my table as well - thread bookmarks, different styled wool hats, doll accessories that match child size accessories (ponchos, purses, etc.)
Sweaters are also generally a good seller at craft fairs, if you have the time to make them. Remember you should have a variety of colors and sizes for people to choose from. The days of having a sample for people to look at and order from are pretty much history. Customers want to be able to take home the items right then. The only exception I have found for this are items that are best when custom made: Christening gowns, dresses, and bathing suits.
Anything that is unusual or looks elegant generally sells well if it is priced well. Think crocheted lace, angels, Christmas ornaments, snow villages - all wonderful choices for fall shows.
When deciding what to sell at craft fairs, you need to keep in mind how much time it will take to make, material cost, and what you can reasonably sell it for. Cute little cell phone cozies make only take an hour and very little yarn, but they don't sell well. Electronics do not like to be kept warm. It may take you 8 hours to make a hat, but don't expect to sell it for $80.
The more craft fairs you attend, the more you will get a feel for what items sell and at what price. If you talk to other vendors and customers, you can get a better idea of what would be a good seller.
My primary medium of choice is 100% wool. I live in an area where I can purchase this yarn from local farmer's markets at an extremely reasonable price. People are willing to pay more for items made with wool than with acrylic. My best sellers at craft fairs are by far hats, mittens, and gloves. One year I made 30 pair of fingerless gloves in various sizes, and sold every one of them between the 2 craft fairs I attended.
Hats, mittens, and gloves are also popular items for knitters and fleece sewers. Therefore, I try to have some unique crochet items on my table as well - thread bookmarks, different styled wool hats, doll accessories that match child size accessories (ponchos, purses, etc.)
Sweaters are also generally a good seller at craft fairs, if you have the time to make them. Remember you should have a variety of colors and sizes for people to choose from. The days of having a sample for people to look at and order from are pretty much history. Customers want to be able to take home the items right then. The only exception I have found for this are items that are best when custom made: Christening gowns, dresses, and bathing suits.
Anything that is unusual or looks elegant generally sells well if it is priced well. Think crocheted lace, angels, Christmas ornaments, snow villages - all wonderful choices for fall shows.
When deciding what to sell at craft fairs, you need to keep in mind how much time it will take to make, material cost, and what you can reasonably sell it for. Cute little cell phone cozies make only take an hour and very little yarn, but they don't sell well. Electronics do not like to be kept warm. It may take you 8 hours to make a hat, but don't expect to sell it for $80.
The more craft fairs you attend, the more you will get a feel for what items sell and at what price. If you talk to other vendors and customers, you can get a better idea of what would be a good seller.
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