A lot of my crafting friends are always talking about how sometimes it is really hard to stay up with the times of the ever changing crafting and country decor. Top that with the hard task of trying to create a original design that will become a hot seller, and it can be a hard job. As a Craft Business owner you need to know what the current market trends are, these will determine your products and what your customers are looking for. Inside my article you will find advice and links to help you along the way of becoming a "Trend Setter in your Crafting Community."
Offer a Product that is in Demand:
Yes, I know easier said then done right? But if you think about it, if you were the customer visiting your site would you see current and up to date craft and country items that are in demand? If the answer is "No" then you will need to some research. Themes and Color Themes are always changing, you do not want to be selling last years crafts in today's market. While looking at your crafting magazines and visiting other crafting website do your research into what are the HOT country trends, you want to know your customer base and what their likes and dislikes are. A couple hours on the internet or pouring through Crafting Magazines that dramatically change, your orders and your repeat business.
Seasonal Items:
Make sure to offer your clients Seasonal items a few months before the actual season.You do not want to wait until December to start offering your Christmas decor items. But always make sure once that season is over with to remove those items. Leaving up Out of Season items will only take up added space on your website but it will also steal valueable bandwidth to add new fresh items.
What is your customer Base?
Do you know who your customers are? Are they country and folk art lovers? Work at Home Mom's? Business Professionals? Try to get to know your customers when they are placing their orders to try and get a better understanding of who is surfing your websites. Another great program to use is "SiteReader" this is a special counter that now only shows you where your traffic is coming from, but it also shows you what your customer was entering into search engines to try and find your site. This is a great way to try and figure out who your customer base is.
Research your products:
The best way to price your items is to research competitors pricing. You DO NOT want to steal your competitors pricing but you want to try and stay competitive. While looking at their pricing figure out what the cost of shipping and handling will be for you, cost of packing materials, and cost of making the item. Take all of that into considertation while trying to price your items. You do not want to offer a 16oz scented jar candle for $12.99 while your competitors are offering that same candle for well above or below that price. Always know your pricing guidelines to stay competitive and still be able to earn a profit.
Browse your Craft Fairs:
Take a small notepad with you and browse your local craft fairs! These are great sources for finding NEW Craft ideas. Look over the items and see if you could make something similiar while NOT stealing the original designers idea, also see if you could make that item and still be able to turn a profit. Write down the descriptions of the products and draw a small picture so when you get home the information is fresh and documented.
Browse Local Country and Craft Stores:
Same as above check out the local stores for ideas for products that you could make. Write down pricing, colors and information on the design of the products! Remember when browsing you will have to make your products DIFFRENT and better then what you saw. You DO NOT want to blatantly steal someone elses ideas but it enhance them or work on something similar.
Test Your Products:
The best way to see if your new items will be a hit is to introduce them to customers you serve or family and friends. Get their honest feedback on any improvements you may need, or changes they feel may appeal to your customers. Remember it is always better to get an unbiased opinion from your family and friends then to just guess this may be a product your customers will like.
Copyright © 2006 FREE Articles Written By Angela Wenke owner of Heartland Graphics and Resale Clipart.
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