How to Sell Needlepoint
There are varied opinions on the value of handmade goods. Some people are of the opinion that anything handmade is somehow "less" than its mass-marketed, manufactured counterpart. Others are adamant that homemade items are better because of the time, effort and individuality put into each piece. Needlepoint is one such craft that is unprecedented: There is no equal to a handcrafted needlepoint item, making it a unique specialty item that should be marketed as such.
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Instructions
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Perform as much market research as you can. Who is your target market? What age are they? What gender? What do they like? What magazines do they read? What are they looking for? What types of stores do they shop in? Is your item different in some way from every other needlepoint object, and if so, how does that alter the market you are targeting?
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Create a name for yourself. Have friends and relatives wear or carry around samples of your work. Offer to teach workshops or seminars on the craft, or put out a pattern that is free or for sale. Promote yourself by making items for charity or by writing letters to publications that are relevant to needlepoint. People will begin to recognize your name and associate it with your work.
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Put together a portfolio of photos of your pieces to show prospective clients, particularly if you plan on doing custom work. Even if you are not open to commission, being able to show previous examples of your work can go a long way in convincing shop owners or gallery curators that your items are worth selling in their space.
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Set up an online presence. There are plenty of sites geared toward the sale of handmade items. A subscription to one of these sites costs a minimal fee that can go a long way toward upping your sales.
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Attend craft fairs and shows as a vendor. Do the same for flea markets. These small venues are often geared toward the market of those who appreciate hand-crafted items.
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Approach local shop owners that cater to your target market. See if they would be interested in selling your work on consignment or purchasing pieces outright for wholesale.
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Tips & Warnings
Treat the selling of your needlepoint as a business, even if it is just a hobby. Approaching it from a professional standpoint makes others see you as a professional as well.
Don't under-price your work. Many people don't understand that a handcrafted item takes time and supplies, both of which are valuable. Even if it seems outrageous, price your item at its worth.
Create business cards, and hand them out to anyone who inquires. It's free advertising for you. Similarly, assemble a press kit to send to your local papers.
Don't get discouraged by those who don't appreciate the value of handmade items. On the other hand, if plenty of people look but don't buy, consider creating smaller, less time- and material-intensive items for sale at a lower price. An "impulse buy" item might lead to more sales later on.
