I continued to do two mini markets a month and with the run up to Christmas increased my sales month on month. With this boost in confidence I got into my first shop.
It actually happened in a spontaneous, unplanned way. I went into an independent shop that sold handmade glass coasters and enquired if the owner knew where I could get plain glass coasters. I wanted them for my pet portraits. This led me to showing her some photographs of my work that I had taken on my mobile phone. A few days later I came back with my best selling product flower tealight holders and some knowledge of selling to retail, after scouring the internet!
An order was made on sale or return. I was getting less than I sold them on the stalls but would still make a profit, factoring in time spent painting them as well as materials cost. Definitely worth it and six months on I still supply Panorama in Topsham with tealights.
Spurred on by this success I approached another independent shop Exetra in Exeter. This time I was more professional and prepared! They sell gifts, including a lot of animal ornaments. They were great and not only ordered a variety of products but offered to take orders for my pet portraits. Sadly I wasn’t able to supply them in time for Christmas 2011 but I have a wonderful window display promoting my work. Despite the recession and doom and gloom there have been sales but just a steady trickle so far!
My next blog will be expanding into cyber space!
Hi, just discovered you on the Folksy forum and thought I’d pop over and say Hi. There are not too many wordpress bloggers on there and I find it so much easier to follow a WordPress Blog than Blogger one. Well done for getting your products in a shop, it’s not something I’ve even attempted yet, mainly because I like going at my own pace and making what I want when I want! Linda x
Hi, thanks for popping over and I’ve now discovered the crafty network, which is a great site. I’ve not done a proper craft fair yet, just half day mini markets. Unfortunately due to a long term health condition I think I’d find it too tiring being all day but congratulations on your success. Hence selling in a shop suits me – paint my glass, deliver it and leave the rest to them!
I agree craft fairs can be very tiring, I certainly feel it when I get home! They are also very hit and miss and you can make a loss! At least if you are selling via a shop you can do it all year long, without upfront expense, you are vey lucky to have found such a good way of selling that suits you. Linda x