How to Find Marketing Information for Wholesale Crafts
According to the Craft and Hobby Association, the U.S. craft industry generates nearly $30 billion in annual sales. Thanks to popular daytime television show celebrities and dedicated cable channels, craft products are permanent fixtures in retail stores, large and small. The cocooning of Americans has helped to fuel the industry growth as baby boomers have taken on craft projects such as scrapbooking, sewing and creating decorative accent pieces for their homes. A license as a craft retailer, wholesaler or manufacturer will allow you to attend trade shows and obtain more information.
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Instructions
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Go online to make yourself smart about who's who in the wholesale crafts industry. Start by visiting the major trade industry websites such as the American Crafts Council to see which companies always tend to be in the news. The Council's website also includes vital links to resources about the industry, sales data, industry projections, articles, and listings and profiles of major wholesale manufacturers in the crafts industry.
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Read articles on industry trends online, and subscribe to major crafts industry publications. One of the leading industry trade publications is "The Crafts Report." This monthly publication provides information and covers topics related to marketing, growing a craft business enterprise, and building retail relationships.
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Get on mailing lists for online newsletters. This is how you will get information on consumer trends, retail sales projections, new product introductions, and profiles on top-selling craft products.
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Consider joining a professional organization such as the Craft & Hobby Association. As a member, you will have more privileged access to industry data, marketing strategies, success stories and sales information. You will also be able to contact the association's staff members directly who will help you obtain the marketing information you are seeking, because it is their job to service information requests from members.
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Attend major industry trade shows to gain a national and global perspective on how crafts are marketed. Major shows include The American Craft Retailer Expo, held annually in May in Las Vegas; The Buyers Market of American Craft, held twice a year in Philadelphia; and The New York International Gift Fair, a bi-annual global trade show held at the Javitz Convention Center.
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Put on your marketing researcher's hat when you attend shows; gather literature and take copious notes. Craft manufacturers' representatives will be eager to tell you about their top-selling products and share information on sales volume and how many units of a certain item the company sold. They will also be able to give you insider information on consumer demographics and profiles of craft consumers to add to your arsenal of marketing information.
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Tips & Warnings
Get a sales permit and sales tax ID number if you are preparing to launch or grow a business and to develop a business plan or marketing strategy. This will serve as your passport to obtaining vital marketing information about the wholesale market for crafts. A license is also required to attend trade shows. Contact your state and county sales franchise board for information on what is required in your area.
References
- Photo Credit craft a card! image by Shirley Hirst from Fotolia.com
