Expert: Shasta McLaughlin - 6/13/2008

Question
I'm closing my hand-made greeting card biz after 3 years.  I have a
warehouse of quality papers from around the world, high quality blank cards
and envelopes, unusual embellishments, charms, beads, stickers, ribbons,
and much much more.  How would you suggest that I go about selling off my
inventory?  Currently I am contacting scrapbooking stores & organizations &
advertising on Craig's list.  Thanks in advance.  Connie

Answer
Connie,

It sounds as if you are doing many good things already.  

I suggest making theme kits including every thing someone would need to make several cards.  Take pictures of the kits with the items spread out so customers can see what's included.  

Advertise/sell the kits on:
  A website or a Blog-I suggest Word Press because they are free and easy to use, and can include a shopping cart.
  E-Bay-don't use the word wholesale unless you expect to sell them at or below wholesale prices.
  Organize an art, craft & jewelry supply expo and invite others to come sell their supplies.  Make money renting out booths and clearing out your inventory.  Advertise really well.
  Attend craft shows that allow retail sales and sell supplies from your booth.  Be sure your product is cleared with show promoters first.
  Attend craft shows and pick up business cards of people who use the supplies you're selling, contact them after the show and offer to e-mail them your specials.
  Advertise the kits in magazines, publications, forums, websites, blogs that artists and crafters frequent.

You might also set-up and offer card making classes at your location, include the supplies in the price of the class, offer kits on the side.

Contact your previous customers and let them know you're going out of business ask them if they would like to purchase any of your card making kits, or attend classes.  Ask if they would be willing to host a home party and earn some free merchandise.

Teach customers at home parties to make a few cards, then offer the supplies for sale.  Reward your hostess well and ask each customer if they would like to host a home party.

Make fliers/posters or postcards and advertise your supplies in places local crafters frequent.  Many local businesses have bulletin boards that anyone is allowed to post on including grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, and banks.  Always ask before hanging your posters.

Advertising should include a headline targeting exactly who you want to respond to your ad.  Make sure the ad and headline are placed where that person (the one you want to respond) will see it.

Tell everyone you meet that your card making business is Going Out of Business and ask them to send potential buyers of art, craft, scrapbooking, rubberstamping, and card making supplies your way.  Give them a business card so they will have a way of contacting you.

I would include words like Scrapbookers, Rubberstampers, Card Makers, Artists and Crafters, Art and Craft Supplies, Wholesale Prices, and Going Out of Business Sale.

Be sure and include that all deliveries will be charged actual shipping on all advertising methods.  You don't want to lose money on that.

You might also consider making donations to Salvation Army, Goodwill, Local Women's and Homeless Shelters, church groups, art teachers.  Remember to get a receipt including the value of items donated for the tax write off.

If you know lots of people who like to do scrapbooking, rubberstamping, and card making don't forget to set aside the supplies for Christmas and Birthday presents.

Good luck,

Shasta McLaughlin
The Extravaganza Craft Productions
http://www.extravaganzacrafts.net