Sometimes we get into a rut when it comes to selling our handmade goods. We sign up for the same art/craft fairs for several years in a row, have a steady following of friends and family that purchase from us and on occasion sell to a friend of a friend.
Maybe it’s time to get out of our bubble and offer our goods to new customers. But how do we find those customers?
Here is a list of other places you might find customers:
Do you sell items of a religious or spiritual nature? Don’t forget to look at churches for new customers. Candles, banners, candle holders, alters, alter coverings, baskets and more. Start with your own church or the church of a friend to reach this market. Don’t forget to include religious stores in your search for new customers in this niche.
The college crowd. Universities or colleges may offer art/craft fairs sponsored by a student association. The university or student association will usually take a cut of the sales from these shows. Check the websites of local colleges and universities to find out more information.
Ask around or search the internet for shows that you’ve not attended. Either scope them out for future bookings or take the leap and get a space. If you don’t have to travel far and already have inventory on hand it might be worth your while even if you only make new contacts.
Ask a friend if she may be willing to host a trunk show in her home to introduce you to her friends and family. Offer an incentive if one of the attendees will also offer a trunk show in her home.
Your own downtown shops may offer opportunities to find new customers.
- Check with shops that sell gourmet food items and/or gift baskets. You may be able to include some of your items in the gift baskets or as an “add on” to other purchases.
- Small maternity boutiques may be a great place to offer your newborn or mommy themed items.
- Local museums may offer sale floor space to local artisans.
- Galleries
- Coffee shops
- Large campgrounds may offer customers to those who create with natural items or with a nature theme.
- Beauty shops or day spas might be places to offer your jewelry or accessory lines
- Gift shops at local marinas, hospitals, and airports might be worth a try.
- Check with your local year-round Christmas shop to sell your goods that have a winter or winter holiday look including wreaths, candles, table coverings and more
- Farmers markets are popping up in towns all across America and many don’t charge (or only charge a small amount) for a space. Check with the organizer to see if the goods you create will fit in at the local market.
Even though selling your handmade items may be going well in the usual places, maybe it’s time to get out and talk to different people and open up local markets to your handmade goods. Besides, you may just make some new friends!
