Hello
Stampers! Over the years I've been asked, "How Can I Sell My Handmade
Cards?" So why not take your card making a step further and start
planning a handmade card business. Now, first let me say you can do this
easily by becoming part of a multilevel marketing card company or just
start your own. Did you know that the greeting card market is a $7.5
billion annual industry. We all know that people love to give cards for
various reasons, we also know people love to receive homemade cards and
will probably keep those. What I would like to do is share with you how
you can get started selling your cards. So come back tomorrow for part
two.
Hello Stampers! Today I'd like to continue with part 2 of "How To
Sell your Handmade Cards". First, let me say it doesn't happen
overnight! I have tried for over 10 years to make my small card business
grow, through research, trial and error and hard work. There are lots
of helps out there from Books, Online Groups, Tutorials, Workshops, etc.
Something to keep in mind is that this industry is always changing.
Before you start - make a plan. Ask yourself questions like: Wher
e will I sell my cards? What group of people do I need to target? What makes my cards unique?
Now let's break these down. Where am I going to sell- Am I going to
physically sell my cards or sell them online with my own store, like:
Etsy, through a local business or craft fairs just to name a few.
Research these options out. Did you know there is an Etsy Seller's
Handbook? One more thing I might mention here is don't foget Social
Media! This is a great way to showcase your handmade cards. How about,
You Tube, Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, etc. Be sure to look for FB
Sales Groups which allow you to sell to members. This is turning into a
big post-so come back tomorrow for part 3. Thank You!
Hello Stampers! Are you ready for part 3 of How to Sell your Handmade
Cards? Ask yourself, What makes my cards unique? What's different
about your cards than the next persons. How can you make them stand out?
Here again do some research and check out other card makers cards.
Yours need to offer something a bit different. Find your niche.
Next, Know your product. You need to show how versitile your product is.
One thing I like to do is see how many projects I can create out
of
one stamp set. Like: Tags, Scrapbook pages, Home decor, boxes, mini
albums, etc. Create a variety of themed cards: Birthday, Thank You, etc.
The way you package your
cards matter. For example: a card in a cellophane envelope looks more
professional, what about a gift box or a purse. Oh, and don't forget to
put a label on the back of your card with your phone number or website.
This could help generate orders. one thing I might mention here is pass
them out as a thank you to your grocer, mail person, etc.
An
improtant thing to remember is if you use artwork from another designer,
whether its in a stamp form or ready printed, check to see if the
artwork is copy written or comes with a commercial license. You may have
to pay or get permission to use it. Some companies have restrictions.
Set Your Price. Think of the cost of materials-you will never get paid
for your time. Look at how much cards sell for in stores-WOW! I usually
sell mine for $3.50 each.
Most Importantly-be committed to your
business. It will take time and lots of it! So start creating those
projects-and have FUN! 😄
