Capturing the Craft Show Market
by Natalie Goyette
Finding the right product to sell at a craft show is extremely important in
finding success on the craft show circuit. You may already have an excellent
craft product or line of products you are creating or even selling, or you may
be looking for a craft to produce in order to enter the business. In either
case, market research is going to help you find a craft show product that you
can produce at a low enough cost to net a profit - and one that you will enjoy
making. If you don't spend time looking into what everyone else has at their
craft show booth, you might repeat what others have, or create a product no one
really wants.
What exactly is a craft? The dictionary definition of "craft" is to make by
hand, therefore, theoretically anything handmade is a craft. Although that's
true, a craft typically falls into a category of items that are normally sold
under the umbrella of arts and crafts that are either decorative or useful or
both - and that consumers generally purchase for ornamental or practical use.
The endless creativity of new craft show items is nothing short of remarkable.
The product you choose will likely be one you enjoy producing or have a natural
affinity for. It might be a skill passed down from generation to generation in
your family, but you can also learn it on your own. You may decide to take
classes or apprentice to a master to learn a new skill for producing a craft
show item. Yet in order to make your craft business a success, you should consider
doing a little bit of homework about what craft show item to make, ahead of time.
Market research
What sells? Wouldn't you like to have the answer to that question before putting
all your resources into creating a product? How can you get the answer? Market
research. Any large company that manufactures products utilizes market research
before developing new products. You can use the Internet as well as common
sense. You can ask friends, visit craft shows, galleries, retail stores, eBay
and other websites to see what is selling and what isn't. Ask other artisans and
craft show booth owners. Study trends by reading consumer magazines, trade
journals, the fashion section of the newspaper or even watching TV.
Product ideas also come from everyday life - find a niche and fill it - and you
will most certainly find success in craft shows. But, you need to make sure you
stay on the cutting edge. Children, animals and nature can provide inspiration
as well. Jot ideas for craft show items in your notebook or computer whenever
you come up with something you think would be a hot seller. Compile a list of
possible items and compare it to what you might enjoy producing. Then ask
yourself if the craft show item is practical, decorative, unique, can be priced
right (for profit), has a personal touch, is of excellent quality and offers
exceptional value.
You might also want to check out the competition in any category you select.
How can you put a spin on your product to make it distinct and stand out from the
others? If you're a crafter, you're probably highly creative, so use your creativity
to come up with something imaginative. Without plunging into it full on, see if
you can make a few samples and solicit feedback from friends or store owners. Do
a small craft show and gauge customer response. If all systems seem to be saying
"go" then go for it!
Find a craft you enjoy making, that you can construct efficiently and cost
effectively, and one you can sell, and you have the craft show market cornered.
But, you probably aren't going to land the perfect product without some
groundwork done beforehand. If you want to find the utmost in craft show
success, then take the time to deliver a product that you have researched, and
watch craft collectors flock to your booth!
Natalie Goyette shows you how to make your craft show business profitable in
her best selling ebook: Craft Show Success Secrets. Visit her site:
www.craftshowsuccess.com
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