Welcome to our Shop Talk series.
When getting started in the world of handmade this is the first question you should ask yourself:
Would You Buy It?
You came up with an original work of art, something practical and beautiful, would you buy it? Yes? Continue...
How much would you pay?
Good business sense is very important, without it you may very easily go out of business. Spending a penny more than you earn ends your business. Being original and passionate is what handmade is all about. Revolve your shop name, logo, and blog around your core products. It can be the products themselves or a feeling you get when you see or use the products. Keep it simple and uncomplicated.
coke=easy
super shiny glitter gloss purses by sara=complicated
Sometimes I see something I like but is already being made and sold. I can make one for myself or a friend or for my girls. But I don't need to turn around and sell it - to me that would be stealing. Online social networking and sales is a see-through world. You are fully exposed. The most successful are always the most scrutinized - like under a microscope! Honesty is always the best policy. Good character, believe it or not, gives amazing peace of mind!
Is your product you? Does it match your personality somehow? This makes it easier to sell. Part of marketing your wares is about selling yourself - not in the sense "you sold out! what a sell out." In the sense people like you, they want to be like you or look like you or feel like they are a part of your super cool life so they subscribe to your program, drink your kool-aid.
Time to do some research.
download and print out this worksheet to help you get started
Good business sense is very important, without it you may very easily go out of business. Spending a penny more than you earn ends your business. Being original and passionate is what handmade is all about. Revolve your shop name, logo, and blog around your core products. It can be the products themselves or a feeling you get when you see or use the products. Keep it simple and uncomplicated.
coke=easy
courtesy of coke
apple=easy
courtesy of apple
Sometimes I see something I like but is already being made and sold. I can make one for myself or a friend or for my girls. But I don't need to turn around and sell it - to me that would be stealing. Online social networking and sales is a see-through world. You are fully exposed. The most successful are always the most scrutinized - like under a microscope! Honesty is always the best policy. Good character, believe it or not, gives amazing peace of mind!
Is your product you? Does it match your personality somehow? This makes it easier to sell. Part of marketing your wares is about selling yourself - not in the sense "you sold out! what a sell out." In the sense people like you, they want to be like you or look like you or feel like they are a part of your super cool life so they subscribe to your program, drink your kool-aid.
Time to do some research.
download and print out this worksheet to help you get started
Thank you for joining me today!
See you tomorrow for Time Management :)
xoxo,
krystina
i love this, krystina!
ReplyDeleteJust wanted you know that I nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award on our blog! Come check it out if you get the chance. :)
-emily
great series Krystina! These are all good questions! Can't wait to read more.
ReplyDeleteAwesome start to the series!! Tomorrow's topic is one that I struggle with. Can't wait!!
ReplyDeleteyou are fabulous and this is awesome. i constantly need to remember this... :)
ReplyDeletei do love my items but I think the pricing/marketing thing is not down pat yet. You know?