It is very tricky these days, when selling our handcrafted projects, to figure out the competition and how to beat it. It used to be easy. Cruise a mall or bazaar or church gift-booth sale and scout out the competition. Check out their quality and their prices. Easy.
Now with the internet, there are a bunch of online malls where we can post our handcrafted items, as well as eBay and similar places. We can also put up our own website, or try to sell from a blog. The problem is, there is a huge number of handcrafters selling their wares these days. It is very difficult to draw attention to our products, let alone find time to scope out all the competitors.
Word of mouth is, and always was, a good way to get new sales. Someone who has already purchased something I’ve made is more likely to get me more business. I have had people call me at home or email me, asking how much it would cost for me to make “a such-and-such like the one my friend, Julie, got from me.” I love this kind of recommendation and referral. It means they already saw the product, live, not just in a photo. It usually means they have probably also touched it and like the quality.
One way of getting the word out is to include a little business card or hang-tag with everything I sell, and even with everything I give as a gift. The tag or card can say something like, “Design by xxxx; Made with Love by Evie Mayfield” and include both email and street address or phone number. I admit I have not used this method to its full potential. I plan to change that, immediately.
Heavenly Father, please remind me of every opportunity to let “this little light of mine” shine and bring pleasure and comfort to more and more of your people.
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