"Mission" incense burner
I first started out in my own crafting business, by providing a component that another company painted and finished. It happened, that at that time, there was a big company that started out in jewelry and expanded to tourism products, in the Native American slot in the market.
This company hired and paid Native Americans for their painting talents and signatures. Among the many things they turned out, was also ceramic pots.
I came up with the brilliant idea of miniaturizing the same designs they were already succeeding with and we struck a business deal. I started out with one design and just kept coming up with new ideas, designing and making the mold for it, and presenting it to the company and they kept buying more and more of my designs until they had me so busy, I was working 18 hour days to keep up. Continue reading Check Out All The Possibilities
Don’t be. First and foremost, pick the shops carefully. You don’t want that little shop that struggling just to stay alive, because it’s sitting on a lousy corner where nobody ever stops.
If you have a touristy area, one with lots of foot traffic, that’s number one on your list. Second, on your list, is that little shop that seems to stay busy all the time-it’s the favorite in the neighborhood. Next, would be that nursery that has all sorts of extras, scattered about. Things like statuary and fountains and decor. The florist that’s not just about flowers. Continue reading Nervous about getting out there and visiting the shops?
I was crazy enough to do it all but here’s an outline, clearing the picture of what retail and wholesale really mean.
For a crafter, or any manufacturer, retail is strictly you and the buying public. Where ever and when ever that happens to be. Continue reading Retail, Wholesale, or Both
Have a new idea but not sure about the market? Create a few prototypes (samples) in what ever variety can be offered. If it can come in different colors, sample those colors. If it can come in different sizes, create a couple different sizes.
Shop around and find the store you think your product might find it’s best opportunity. Now the good part. Continue reading Test the Market
