How to Market Homemade Woodworking Products
After the discovery of toxic paint on wooden toys and other products made in China a few years ago, handmade wooden items crafted in the United States became very popular with American consumers. The trick is to connect the woodworker and his products to potential buyers. If you are a woodworker, you need to put some effort into marketing your pieces to the American public.
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Things You'll Need
- Computer with internet access
- Digital camera
- Paypal account
- Large folding table
- Outdoor canopy
- Camp chair or other folding chair
- Business cards
- Flyers
Instructions
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Create your own website. A website increases your potential customer base to anyone with a computer. There are several places on the internet where you can create your own website for free. Be sure to include photos of your work, prices including shipping, and contact information in case someone has questions. A Paypal account is the best way to receive and process customer payment.
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Build a shop at www.etsy.com. Etsy.com only allows homemade items, vintage items, or craft supplies to be sold on its site. People looking for the kinds of things you make will likely look at Etsy, so make yourself easy to find.
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Rent a booth at local craft shows, farmers markets and street fairs. Set up your outdoor canopy for shade, your table to hold the products, and make sure you have a good supply of business cards for people who are "just looking." You want them to find you later.
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Offer classes and demonstrations. Talk to local scout troops and woodshop classes to see if they'd like a demonstration of your techniques and a tour of your workshop. Contact your local community college and sign up to teach a woodworking class through its continuing education program. The more people who know about you and your work, the more you'll sell.
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Post flyers in relevant businesses. If you primarily craft toys, post flyers where parents are likely to see them, like children's consignment clothing shops. If you make kitchenware like wooden spoons or cutting boards, post your flyer at the grocery store.
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Tips & Warnings
Be sure to post your craft show and street fair schedule on your website so local potential customers know where to find you.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit wooden toys image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
