AboutShasta McLaughlin Expertise I can answer many questions about the art and craft show industry. I can help with booth setup, advertising and marketing, increasing sales at shows, where to find shows, how to promote an art or craft show, and much more.
Experience I have always been an artist/craft person since I was a child selling crafts at shows with my mom. I have also promoted several craft shows, and publish a newsletter for artists and crafters.
Publications EzineArticles.com
Education/Credentials Salutatorian of my graduating class. Associates degree of Graphic Design.
Question I have a product that I want to try to get into local gift stores in the Nashville area. How do I approach the store with my product and what kind of commission/consignment/etc. do they usually expect? As you can tell, I have no idea how to market this product. I have just been told that I should get it in the local stores. Are there books I can read to help me make an informed decision on this? Thank you for your help
Answer I think the best answer to your question that I have is in an article I wrote in March of 2009. I have copied and pasted the article below.
Places to Sell Arts & Crafts
by Shasta McLaughlin
copyright 2009
In a down economy it’s more important than ever
for businesses to have multiple streams of income.
This way if one source of income dries up the whole
business doesn’t.
Artists and crafters often limit sales of their wares to
art and craft shows simply because they don’t know
where else to sell them or how to sell them other
places. There are many other places besides art and
craft shows to sell your crafts.
When making arrangements for other places to sell
your merchandise always call ahead it will save you
time, and shows courtesy to shop staff. Tell the
person you talk to that you are a local artisan
looking for other places to sell your art. Ask them if
they currently carry or would consider carrying
merchandise of local artists in their store. Ask who
would be in charge of deciding whether or not to
carry your items. Ask what time would be best to
meet with them and arrange a time. Ask if they buy
your product outright for resale, if they sell it on
consignment, or if they display your product but you
must buy back what doesn’t sell. Ask about their
payment policy, when you get paid, how much you
get paid, etc. Ask if they have their own contract
and inventory sheets they require of if you need to
bring you own. Ask how much they mark up items
for resale, so you will know what price to ask for
your items.
When meeting with the person in charge dress
professionally, be prompt and come prepared. Have
samples of your work and any forms that may be
needed to complete a deal. Don’t forget to ask
about their policy on returned merchandise.
Always be polite and thank the person for his/her
time even if they don’t decide to display your items.
Ask if they are willing to let you know why they
decided not to display your items. Ask if they know
anyone else who might be interested in displaying,
purchasing, or selling your items.
Where you sell your items will determine what kind
of contracts, inventories, prices, etc. will be
required. Always put things in writing on a signed
and dated contract that states who is responsible for
shipping, lost, damaged or stolen goods, etc.
Places that may sell your items:
Art Galleries
Specialty Stores
Gift Stores
Boutiques
Local Restaurants and Grocery Stores
Local Hotel Lobbies and Gift Shops
Local Stores (not Corporate)
Other places you can sell your art and crafts:
Your own website or blog
Ebay
Etsy
Online Craft Store
Online Craft Shows
Art and Craft Shows
Wholesale Trade Shows
Other Specialty Shows
Don’t forget art and craft shows they really are
inexpensive places to do market research, build a
relationship with your customer, sell your wares,
build online sales, and more.
