Hi there. My husband and I (of 13 months) were both laid off this last year and also had a beautiful surprise baby boy (a week before our year anniversary). Sufficed to say, we are financially stretched thin (who isn't now a days though) We started our own business and it's slowly taking off, but we need more to supplement our meager income. Neither one of us wants me to go back to work, but it may be our last resort. I knit for fun and have sold pieces in the past and thought that maybe I could start selling again, especially since the holidays are here. My question is, where would be a good place to do that? When I sold items in the past, it was to people I knew and asked specifically for it. I would love some idea's. Thanks!
Etsy.com and craigslist would be a great websites to try. Also word of mouth advertising. I get a lot of business through facebook.
I would honestly start up a facebook page for what you want to sell...you can set up a free store that is on the facebook page and links right to your paypal account.
You can also check out etsy.com they are a site that sells homemade products, but I think there is a fee for using etsy.
There are other facebook pages that help you sell or promote your products. Oh So Shabby Boutiques is one that you pay to have her help you. Freebies and Giveaways is one that you just give a product to and they send people to your page. You can private message me if you have anymore questions. I have my own little boutique on facebook and I really feel that Social Marketing is the way to go. You do have to devote a lot more time to it than I do to make it successful. A friend of mine sells almost exclusively through Facebook and she is doing very very well.
Hope that helps
Etsy.com is a good website - like a craft fair on line & you could try
www.napervilleyardsales.com
This time of year there are oodles of Craft Fairs, Gift Bazaars, etc. Knit up a couple of pieces that can easily be finished in time for Christmas and take them to the Bazaar to sell but also to take orders.
You can sell on Amazon.com as well as sites such as Craig's List. A friend thought to make items and see if she could sell them at the Made in Oregon stores. She didn't follow thru and so I don't know if that would be a possibility but you could ask at a Washington store.
knit wool pants for ladies who cloth diaper and sell them on etsy... if you do really cute patterns and spread the word (and probably use craigslist and maybe even some local business that sell cloth) I bet you could do alright.
www.etsy.com!!!! I call it the EBay of everything handmade. I am so in love with this website! I have already ordered 15+ christmas presents on this site. The one thing I really love is that you can shop for already made items or if you like something you see but want it a little different you can ask the seller do do a custom order. I have had great experience with this. I even ordered 13 monkey knit hats for all of my nieces and nephews. The seller was so gracious to work with and I gave her an idea of size and color and let her go with what she thought looked best.
open an etsy shop! Also, check out everythingetsy.com for ideas on how to market using etsy. Kim is super sweet, and has some great ideas. If you can find a niche market, you will do really well. Is there something in particular that you do well? Something a little different from the others? Check out the other etsy stores and see if something clicks for you. And then market it like crazy. Visit blogs, advertise if you can afford it (some blogs charge a small fee, but it is worth it to get the word out), have your etsy address in your email signature line, include it when you comment on blogs (and comment on lots of blogs!). I wish you well!
You didn't mention what you and your hubby's biz is but to get word out, check out http://www.meetup.com It's free. Put in your zip code and seach "business networking". Lots of groups come up and will say if there is a fee or not. Most are just business owners meeting for breakfast or lunch and sending each other business. All you need is some business cards and a few bucks to pay for food! I own an insurance agency and this is how I spread the word. Same thing for my husband. Good luck!
Etsy and Hyena Cart are perfect for someone like you! You can do custom work and actually get paid the real value for your products rather than undercutting yourself or not getting paid for the labor involved.
I agree with all those who talk about Etsy.com and especially the idea of knitting wool pants/shorts for cloth diapering mommies. Those sell like hot cakes! Especially if you're willing to do custom orders for not a million dollars. If you do decide to do the wool longies/shorties than I highly recommend also trying the cloth diapering communities on LiveJournal.com.
For example: http://community.livejournal.com/clothdiapering/
I am a member and it is a very, very active community that does a ton of selling/buying. There are two major posts a week, posted by the moderator, specifically for buying/selling/trading.
Another outlet you may try is a Farmer's Market, if you have one (or three) in your city.
Hope that helps!
you should sell on Etsy. That's where tons of people buy homemade goods, and you can receive payment via Paypal. Check it out: www.etsy.com
Have you looked into Etsy? It is an online carfty gift store.
http://www.etsy.com/
There are many Christmas and Holiday fairs this time of year. You might try to get a website up showing some of your items and listing prices.
etsy.com is THE place for handmade items!
