Expert: Shasta McLaughlin - 1/3/2010

Question
I would like to be able to  sell some of the crafts I do.  I mainly make decorative flower pots and decoupage.  I haven't a clue as to how to do this. Pricing, where to sell,advertising etc. are beyond my knowledge. I also make planters with cactus a succulents.  If you think my stuff isn't worth selling let me know.  If you think it's worth a try and what that involve I'd appreciate that as well.

Answer
First you have to determine if there is a market for your product. You need to find that out before investing too much money or time into it.

The key to having a profitable business is creating a product that solves a problem for a particular group of people, and then selling it directly to that group of people without wasting money trying to sell it to everyone else.

It sounds to me like your products are mostly for plants, and thus mostly for plant lovers/gardeners.  I would suggest you make up several and take them to a local farmers' market.

Farmers' markets can be found in almost every city, they are inexpensive to get into and would be the place I would think your most likely customer would be found.  Farmers' markets would be the ideal place to try out your products without a huge investment.

The next thing to work on is making your product both unique and very high quality.  For instance if you are making products for plants you don't want to put plants in them and have the plants die or the decorations come off, or rot.  You must consider air circulation, exposure to water, and how the chemicals you use might affect the plants.  Some research and probably testing will be required.

Some places you might go to ask questions are the county extension office, plant shops, nurseries, and farmers' markets.

You can get more information on how to get a good start on my blog.  See how to find farmers' markets and craft shows at Places to Look for Art & Craft Shows-A Getting Started Guide for the Beginning Artist or Crafter. Also see Attending Craft Shows Isn’t Just About Selling Arts and Crafts.

Hope that this helps and let me know if I can help you out again.

Have a very profitable New Year,

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