Sell Your Crafts
Bonjour tout le monde! Hello everyone! Hope all are enjoying or have enjoyed their much needed vacation time. In the previous post that was made discussion was on enjoying your time off along with getting inspiration from your trip(s) to create something that could be sold.
Afterwards attention shifted to some possible outlets for selling your goods for income. The main two selling sources that were mentioned: localities and online. Selling local maybe a little easier and more convenient for some.
As mentioned prior Farmer's Market, Flea Market, Fair Grounds, Carnival/Seasonal Festival and Neighborhood Block Party Events are some of the places you can go to sell your wares; again just a sampling of where you can go. Next Etsy, Shopify, Amazon, SquareUp and SquareSpace were mentioned for possible online venues. In addition to the outlets were mentions of familiarizing yourself with the rules of each location along with DOs and DON'Ts.
If you're aiming to sell some illustrations you compiled of some attractions while on vacay, please make copies of the illustrations. Personally I wouldn't sell originals but if you wish to, go right ahead; though its probably best if you don't. It would also help to frame the illustrations to help make them look nice; frame as in positioning on matboard.
Extra care and planning is needed when it comes to the photos you took. If you wish to sell some, you will have to get them printed in at least two different sizes; like standard post card and maybe some 8x10. Large format prints will look good in a matboard frame but if you're looking to keep things simple, create some size appropriate semi-transparent envelopes to slide the pictures into for easy viewing and handling (more on supplies later).
In regards to illustrations and photographs, a lot of care will definitely be needed as there are two methods of delivery: digital and print. With this medium, a definitive outlet for selling these online can be hit or miss especially with the resources not being provided by the host platform. Prints will definitely be a challenge as costs of getting them will have to be factored into the overall cost.
You're probably thinking digital is the way to go but that's tricky in itself. There are ways to sell digital imagery outside of 3rd party sites (i.e. stock sites) though loads of homework will need to be done before settling on a platform because not all selling platforms support digital content of this nature. From personal research as well as experience, I can say for certain that SquareSpace supports the selling of digital imagery however you must look things over to be certain that this is a fit for you.
There are costs associated with setting up a page and domain so check your budget to see if this will be a possibility for you. Of course if you have questions feel free to drop them a line as well as consult their Q&A section. Stock sites are another option but this calls for careful planning and research; stock sites aren't a one size fits all type of deal.
Going this routes means you will be playing by the stock sites' rules which will lead to some confusing moments of trying to understand why certain items were rejected during the review process. Not only that but the payout setup of which a majority have set at 50USD; the minimum needed in order to withdrawal funds. To top it off, you won't have control over the selling price; or at least not totally.
The displays don't have to be fancy but they do have to be functional. The transparent envelopes I spoke of for the pictures can be purchased at Staples and Office Depot; these two stores have the transparent envelopes of the tracing paper variety but if you want plastic, the art supply stores should have them.
For online selling you will need shipping supplies all of which can be obtained from your local mail distribution center or local dollar store. I shop Dollar Tree and other dollar stores. What isn't available at the stores is usually obtained from mail centers website; like USPS.com for example.
Hence the reason I mentioned the two outlets that you can explore as one may be more convenient than the other; especially for those with hectic schedules. Research, examine and break down all your options till you find a decent fit.
Recap
There was a little discussion that flashed back to the photography micro jobs post which highlighted the ups and downs of photography tasks. This was said in tandem with using your vacation destinations as sources of inspiration for creating things that others will buy. Pretty pictures, sketches/illustrations and even handcrafted items.Afterwards attention shifted to some possible outlets for selling your goods for income. The main two selling sources that were mentioned: localities and online. Selling local maybe a little easier and more convenient for some.
What Needs to Be Done - Local
For starters you'll need to compile a list of items you plan on selling followed by the amount you have of each if multiples were made. Next, set a price for each item; be reasonable and realistic. Depending on the type of item, you may want to create some displays to show them off when customers visit.If you're aiming to sell some illustrations you compiled of some attractions while on vacay, please make copies of the illustrations. Personally I wouldn't sell originals but if you wish to, go right ahead; though its probably best if you don't. It would also help to frame the illustrations to help make them look nice; frame as in positioning on matboard.
Extra care and planning is needed when it comes to the photos you took. If you wish to sell some, you will have to get them printed in at least two different sizes; like standard post card and maybe some 8x10. Large format prints will look good in a matboard frame but if you're looking to keep things simple, create some size appropriate semi-transparent envelopes to slide the pictures into for easy viewing and handling (more on supplies later).
What Needs to Be Done - Online
Physical items will be easier to sell as you can photograph all sides of the items so that potential customers can get a better idea of the items' dimensions. As stated above, plan accordingly by laying out all information on paper including the price. Depending on the platform and the rules associated with said platform, you may also need to incorporate sales tax and shipping costs.In regards to illustrations and photographs, a lot of care will definitely be needed as there are two methods of delivery: digital and print. With this medium, a definitive outlet for selling these online can be hit or miss especially with the resources not being provided by the host platform. Prints will definitely be a challenge as costs of getting them will have to be factored into the overall cost.
You're probably thinking digital is the way to go but that's tricky in itself. There are ways to sell digital imagery outside of 3rd party sites (i.e. stock sites) though loads of homework will need to be done before settling on a platform because not all selling platforms support digital content of this nature. From personal research as well as experience, I can say for certain that SquareSpace supports the selling of digital imagery however you must look things over to be certain that this is a fit for you.
There are costs associated with setting up a page and domain so check your budget to see if this will be a possibility for you. Of course if you have questions feel free to drop them a line as well as consult their Q&A section. Stock sites are another option but this calls for careful planning and research; stock sites aren't a one size fits all type of deal.
Going this routes means you will be playing by the stock sites' rules which will lead to some confusing moments of trying to understand why certain items were rejected during the review process. Not only that but the payout setup of which a majority have set at 50USD; the minimum needed in order to withdrawal funds. To top it off, you won't have control over the selling price; or at least not totally.
Possible Supplies
For selling on site at physical locations, many venues require you to bring your own gear as site provided items are disbursed on a first come first serve basis. You will need a portable table, some displays, price stickers and a pouch of some kind to wear on your person for fund collecting as well as change. A great deal of these are probably laying around your house so start there.The displays don't have to be fancy but they do have to be functional. The transparent envelopes I spoke of for the pictures can be purchased at Staples and Office Depot; these two stores have the transparent envelopes of the tracing paper variety but if you want plastic, the art supply stores should have them.
For online selling you will need shipping supplies all of which can be obtained from your local mail distribution center or local dollar store. I shop Dollar Tree and other dollar stores. What isn't available at the stores is usually obtained from mail centers website; like USPS.com for example.
Closing Words
Selling something you've created with your own hands can be exciting and stressful at the same time. A lot of planning can go a long way and the same can go for research. I know the selling illustrations and photos online bit was confusing and hair pull worthy but that's what I've come across while researching possibly venues outside of stock sites.Hence the reason I mentioned the two outlets that you can explore as one may be more convenient than the other; especially for those with hectic schedules. Research, examine and break down all your options till you find a decent fit.
