It´s an exciting new world for crafters. Handmade is hip, creativity is what
the market wants, and there are many profi table sales opportunities that
didn´t exist a few short years ago. For crafters who have more confi dence
running a sewing machine than setting up a Web site, The Handmade Marketplace
breaks down and makes sense of the global possibilities for marketing and
selling crafts. First, determine the right price for every item - not too
expensive and defi nitely not too cheap. Whether the product is beaded jewelry
or felted slippers, illustrations or tote bags, author Kari Chapin helps
crafters determine cost of goods, market competition, and the pros and cons of
wholesale and retail sales. If the price is right, customers will buy. Then
it´s on to selling. The boom in indie craft fairs and sites such as Etsy (Your
place to buy & sell all things handmade) is providing artisans with an ever-
expanding marketplace for handcrafted items. Chapin demystifi es every venue.
She explains the guidelines that craft fairs impose on exhibitors, the typical
yearly calendar of shows, and how to start a new craft fair. For the crafter
interested in online sales, there are tips on styling and propping crafts for
photographs and technical explanations of how the most popular Web marketplaces
run. Traditional brick and mortar consignment stores are still very good
options for many crafters. Chapin explains how to approach shopkeepers and
build strong relationships. Wrapping everything up with media advice and tips
on how to get the word out, The Handmade Marketplace is the sales and
marketing bible that today´s crafters need.
