Comments on: How Do I Get Started Selling When It’s Just Me?

By: Ro

Ro — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 19:21:27 +0000

Flea Markets …. Farmers Markets …. Obtain a Sellers Permit

By: Lynn Lloyd

Lynn Lloyd — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 13:07:24 +0000

I have found this really interesting. I started making jewelry this year and I love doing it, whenever I wear a piece I get compliments which is a real boost. My husband and I will be moving to Florida next year and my dream is to be able to do this for a living if I can. I am in a similar position, I’ve only been in this country (USA) for a couple of years and don’t yet have a network of friends that I can rely on for support or help in selling what I make. The thought of doing a craft fair or show fills me with dread because I don’t have much confidence, but I know I will have to overcome that if I want to be successful at this. This site has been absolutely invaluable and has taken the place of having a best friend for support and encouragement when I need it. Rena’s book has been invaluable and will be my bible when I move to Florida. Thank you for everyone who posts on this site you are my inspiration and it gives me a lot of hope that I could be successful at this as well.

By: Jennifer Holt

Jennifer Holt — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 00:38:18 +0000

How do you make you set up minimalistic but attractive for buyers also???

Where do I get those table covers that cover the table & legs like a fitted sheets?
Thank you again!

By: Jennifer Holt

Jennifer Holt — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 00:32:30 +0000

Thank you ALL for the wonderful suggestions. Have tax ID, business cards, & banner. Have set-ups to show jewelry & tables now. Just need to follow the other suggestions now & get to some shows & go to businesses. Also, need to get a tent. We got the square to plug into phone so we now take credit/debit cards as well. Was trying to build a Web with them but every time I check it, it’s gone. I have been super sick so we haven’t been able to get the business going; just ordering displays & such.
Any other suggestions would be greatly welcomed!!!! 🙂

By: Susan

Susan — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 23:55:54 +0000

Hello, the comments above are wonderful ideas. I actually did a craft fair, out here in Iowa, was pretty fun. I would recommend that you also check into ebay and some other websites. And remember that if you want to do craft fairs you will want a friend to come along with you, that way you can get up and go to a restroom or something if need be. Also, find some stores that you can get to know the owners, and maybe one will let you get some stuff put into the store. Business cards are a must when you have a business. I am working on getting mine up and going. In my town there are stores that you can post business cards on bulletin boards, your town might possibly have that as well. Also check out a site called Linked In, that site helps to spread the word about a lot of things, and might be able to help you out.

By: Dorothy R. Casey

Dorothy R. Casey — Thu, 07 Nov 2013 10:03:05 +0000

Maybe you can start by going around the neighborhood or the nearby stores or shops like salons or grocery stores or maybe you can create a website for your products. A craft show can be a good idea, you can meet people there and you can offer them your products.

By: Lisa W.

Lisa W. — Thu, 24 Oct 2013 03:14:55 +0000

I agree with finding small businesses locally, and and etsy shop as well. My first sales were at craft shows, and they were a major reason that I decided to keep going and try to make more of a business out of jewelry. I got great feedback from people and had a blast (my first show was a wine festival, lots of fun and camaraderie). So I would strongly suggest trying some craft shows. Get business cards and a free or inexpensive banner from Vistaprint, get an easy up from Sam’s Club or other similar store, set up a few tables at a likely venue, and see what happens. You will learn a lot, and you can decide if this is a good avenue for you. The tent will be your biggest investment, and if you are lucky, your first show will pay for much of your set-up investment. Doing shows alone is hard work, but I think they are a great way to get immediate feedback about what you are doing.

By: Kim

Kim — Wed, 23 Oct 2013 15:15:04 +0000

Hi Jennifer, If you go on Etsy and find the place to where you can shop locally you may be surprised at how many sellers there are in your area. I live in a small town in the middle of nowhere and when I did this search, I was shocked at how many people locally there were that were making and selling. If you start an Etsy shop you can then start a team and set up meetings for those locally to meet. This is what I’ve done and it’s been a big help. Best of luck to you!

By: Marcelle

Marcelle — Wed, 23 Oct 2013 14:11:05 +0000

Jennifer,

Nancy Bailey’s comment is right on track with some very good information for you. Hopefully you can put those into action very soon!

I also wanted to add a few suggestions: If you’re computer savvy, I would suggest setting up a blog or website if possible. You can showcase your jewelry with large, beautiful photos, customers can leave comments and you can interact with them. Also, once you’re comfortable with the website/blog you might want to do social media. This is a choice you’d have to make; some experts think it’s mandatory to do social media if you have an online business but I think it’s up to you. I believe getting your items out in the public is better and you’ll instantly make friends and gather more customers. Good luck!

By: Nancy Bailey

Nancy Bailey — Tue, 22 Oct 2013 15:10:18 +0000

Hi Jennifer,
I think the first thing I would do is get some business cards made (we get ours through Vistaprint, very reasonable) and suggest you go to places like hair stylists businesses, bridal shops, etc. and start passing your cards out to start your marketing and let people know you are out there and have a business. I would then investigate any art and craft shows in your area and maybe do a few of those so you can start getting exposure with your product. As time goes by, and you start meeting new people, you could investigate doing some jewelry “home shows”. Also keep in mind, once you start your business, depending on which State you live in, you may have to register with the State and get a Business License and also if there is sales tax in your State, you will have to do that as well. Good luck!