How to Sell Your Crafts Online
If you make handmade crafts, you may think that family and friends, flea markets and consignment shops are your only options for selling your creations. However, the Internet provides a wealth of opportunities to put your crafts in front of buyers and make money from sales. Whether you want to build a substantial part-time income or simply make enough money for more craft supplies, simple strategies can allow you to start a business marketing and selling your crafts online.
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Instructions
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Call or visit your local small business development office to determine whether you need to register your business or obtain a tax license to sell your crafts online. Complete any registrations and license applications for state or local regulatory offices before you begin marketing your items. Requirements and fees vary by state, county and city.
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Take images of each of your craft items with a digital camera, making sure to use a tripod to prevent image blurring. Upload the images to your computer's hard drive for use in your sales and marketing strategies.
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Build a gallery website to showcase the crafts you have available for sale. You can use a variety of website templates to create an online gallery without the need for coding or website design skills.
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Post your crafts for sale on art websites such as EBSQ, Etsy and Deviant Art. Include links to your gallery website on your listings---this allows visitors to choose to either buy crafts directly from the art website or visit your website to browse and buy other available craft items.
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List individual craft items for sale on online auction websites. Place a minimum or reserve bid price on each item that reflects the lowest amount you will accept for your craft items. Include your gallery website address on your auction pages or profile, depending on the rules of the auction site.
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Start a blog and post articles and images related to your crafts to help increase your online presence in search engine listings. You can start a blog through platforms such as Blogger, TypePad or Wordpress in less than 15 minutes. Link to your gallery website, auctions and art website listings from your blog posts.
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Tips & Warnings
Do your research
Check for hidden fees
Open a PayPal account because that's where you will get paid.
Be professional in work and attitude
Be friendly - let folks know about your site.
Avoid offering to pay for shipping of your craft items unless a buyer is willing to purchase multiple items at once. Shipping costs can significantly reduce your profits from craft sales, particularly if you sell to international buyers.
References
- "Sell Your Crafts Online"; James Dillehay; 2009
- "Starting an eBay Business for Dummies"; Marsha Collier; 2011
