There are a lot of web-savvy buyers who just don’t like to shop online. Even those of us who do purchase manufactured products, books or music  online, want to see and touch art in real-life. For many shoppers, meeting the craftsperson face-to-face is part of the attraction of buying hand made pieces.

It’s mid October and definitely time to be getting your work out there for early holiday shoppers. So, how can you get your work in front of the people who value made-by-hand? If you shy away from the large seasonal craft fairs like Harvest Festival, I don’t blame you. The booth fees are hefty and the whole experience is exhausting. Many artists who previously exhibited at the big festivals report more sales and a better bottom line when they exhibit at smaller venues such as school, church or community craft fairs. If there aren’t any small festivals in your area, you can approach schools, churches or clubs and offer to set up an exhibit of your work and give a percentage to the organization. (Think of it in place of a booth fee.)

House parties are another good way to sell your work. Ask friends, relatives or co-workers to host a party where you can display your work for their friends. Maybe partner with a caterer who is willing to make appetizers just for exposure to new clients.

Retirement homes are often happy to let you set up a display at no charge. It gives their residents an activity and chance to do their shopping independently. Look for upscale independent living communities, not nursing homes. Many of these residents have good disposable income, are educated in the arts and thrilled to have unique gift options without having to depend on anyone to take them shopping.

Corporations and hospitals are open to people setting up a lunch time or after work sale for their employees. It cuts down on personal days or “sick days” which are commonly used as shopping days around the holidays.

Ask gallery owners or boutique retailers to host a trunk show of your work for a percentage of the sales. Particularly if you make jewelry or smaller gift items, it benefits them as well. Galleries sell fewer large pieces of artwork before the holidays so this is a way for them to offer something to their clients that they may not show the rest of the year. If it ‘s a success and your pieces sell well for them, they may agree to carry your work year round.

For more ideas on how to sell your craft, download a free copy of “13 Easy Low-Cost or NO Cost Tips to Turn Your Crafts into CASH NOW” on the right side of this page.

There’s probably never been a better time to test the waters if you dream about your own craft shop or gallery. In a recession, you ask? You bet! Right now is the easiest time to get in with very little capital. So many premium storefronts are vacant and commercial landlords who previously wanted high rents and long leases are anxious to just get some cash flow. For the first time in decades it’s a lessees market and landlords are willing to negotiate like never before.  Whether you want to go solo, or co-op with partners, right now you can work out a temporary, even month to month lease on a prime spot with an option to eventually sign a long term lease. Landlords are hungry so it’s never been a better time to realize your dream of having your own gallery. This is a strategy that I normally suggest for the fall holiday shopping season but going into summer is also a an ideal time. If you live in an area that gets summer tourists, find the best vacant spot and approach the landlord directly. Don’t be afraid to offer much lower than you think he might want. Remember, whatever he gets from you is more than the nothing he’s getting right now. If you live in the Sunbelt, go to the management of an upscale mall and approach them about temporary rental. This is a usual protocol for mall management. I could go on for pages about HOW to negotiate your lease, how to source merchandise, market your gallery and even the pros and cons of co-op. (There is a reason co-ops frequently fail and if you know the right way to set up a co-op, it can be a profitable for everyone. But that is material for a whole report or e-course-coming soon!) Has opening your own craft gallery, selling your own crafts and other artists work been a dream of yours? What questions do you have about it? What’s holding you back?  I’d love ot hear your concerns and answer your questions..

The easiest solution is to design a 

new version of what you already make but in a spring-summer material. At a craft fair in Florida this past weekend  I met a woman who is crocheting fabulous sun hats in cotton. I will be purchasing several for myself and gifts. They are washable, crushable and summer friendly.  How can you take what you already do and make it four season friendly? Feel free to post your questions and let’s see what we all come up with. 

Now, let’s assume you are absolutely married to your current textile-say you make felted wool items. Well, short of completely changing what you do, how can you find a market for your craft year round. My first thought is, “Are you forgetting that this is a global economy-you are on the World Wide Web.?”  Your customers no longer have to share your zip code let alone continent. Remember, while spring is sprouting in your corner of the world,  there is a whole southern hemisphere just heading into a long cold winter. I think a great idea would be to work an exchange with some fellow crafts Down Under. I know they are in our network because I am hearing from them.  Let’s brainstorm some ways to share talents and market one another’s crafts. Remember, when the sun is shining where you are,  our crafty friends in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa are shopping for scarves, mittens and hats. And you might want to think about also doing a materials trade as well. They have amazing fibers that we don’t and we have some they covet. Get into the conversation and say G’day!