by Tracy Few

Created on: December 11, 2008

When starting out as a first time seller of my handmade crafts, I didn't have the use and benefit of the internet. I had to pretty much just play it by ear, on how and where to market my items. But, with the internet, and the use of forums and other sites, one can make the most of marketing. Having been in the handmade giftware industry for over 16 years, I have seen alot of different ways to market handcrafted merchandise...some ways good...some ways bad. And, please understand that by no menas am I professing to be an expert on the subject, or know all there is to know on it as well. I am just offering to share my personal experience in the field.

1) Flea markets-this is the way in which I chose to start my business, in a local weekend flea market. It appealed to me so much, that I was in it for 16 years, until the one I was lastly in burned down, and my business with it. The appeal of the flea market is three fold. First off, for a weekly/monthly amount, you not only get a stationary space, but your utilities are also included, as well as advertising, and minimal security. With increasing heating bills, this is very appealing to those on a budget. The second advantage being, that most flea market spaces are rented on a week to week basis. The vendor is not locked into a long term lease or agreement, and when sales decline, then the vendor may move out at his/her leisure. Lastly, the weekend flea market is just that...a weekend business. For those who have a Monday thru Friday 9-5 job, this makes it very convenient to have a little something on the side in the way of a family business.

2) Consignment-this is also a means of selling your handmade items, that doesn't usually cost you a dime. Although, more and more shoppes are asking both a booth fee AND a consignment fee, I have found that there are still a few out there that only ask EITHER a booth fee or a consignment fee. The booth fee, of course, is a monthly rental charge, on a predetermined amount of space. This is an option that you have, but if you are looking for the most economical way to go, the consignment side may be for you. With a consignment fee, you place your items in the individuals shoppe, and they charge you a set percentage, usually between 20-35% of your price. This is a more preferred method, because you have nothing really to lose, and if you don't make money, the shoppe doesn't make money. So, the shoppe owners tend to be more inclined to sell your stuff up for you.

3) Ebay-although

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