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Ten Often-Overlooked Craft Markets
Great ways to boost sales and advertise your wares!

1. Area Schools
Every school has school colors and logo or mascot, so customize your jewelry, t-shirts, notes, scrapbook creations, tote bags, knitted hats, and more for your area schools and colleges. Some schools allow you to sell items on commission at their games and programs. Others may use your products for fund raisers. You'll find a great market at local craft fairs when parents, grandparents, or students purchase school-spirit items.

2. Area Churches
Can you offer jewelry for a First Communion celebration? Religious items for Bible School? Baptisms? Contact the local rectory or church office and request an events' calendar.

3. Neighborhood Clubs, Associations, PTA, PTO
Often these groups allow you to set up a small sales' table in exchange for providing a door prize.

4. Birthday Parties
Tailor your arts or crafts to provide age-appropriate activities for a group of children or adults. I have yet to encounter a person who refuses to participate in a hands-on activity where he or she creates something to own.

5. Retirement Homes
Offer to sponsor an afternoon activity in exchange for setting up a sales' table. Activity coordinators welcome a new event, and residents enjoy a variation in their routine. Accommodate for limitations- use magnetic clasps in jewelry, provide large-handle brushes for decorating, avoid projects that requires a magnifying glass or excellent coordination. Residents, their families, and even the staff prove to be good customers.

6. Animal Shelters
Many shelters run small gift shops to raise funds. They welcome unique animal-related or themed merchandise.

7. Restaurant Private Meeting/Dining Rooms
Reserve a meeting room yourself or split the cost with another artist. Advertise beforehand or simply post a sign (with permission, of course) encouraging patrons to visit while waiting for their entrees. Don't forget to display signs in the rest rooms. A free raffle often draws those who don't intend to purchase, but once they are in the room, they can't resist buying something.

8. Adult Education Courses
If your community college or school district provides adult education classes, offer to teach one on the basics of your art or craft. Display some of your best creations the first night and watch them sell.

9. Chamber of Commerce/Welcome Wagon
Does your community greet new residents with a goody bag? Contribute promos -a small bag with your business card and an inexpensive gift will introduce your wares to a growing market.

10. Area Businesses
Obtain the name of the person who purchases the employee holiday gifts, thank-you or appreciation tokens, or who coordinates a secret pal or Sunshine program, and let them know you can provide a product customized to meet their needs. Provide samples or a portfolio and stress what sets your item apart from mass-produced, merchandised items.

Happy Sales to You!

Learn more about this author, Mary Lee Anderson.
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