where do I start?

[alltangledup]

Hey all, I need some advice.... I love to crochet and have been doing so for about 7 years now. I would love to start selling my items but have no idea where to start. I do everything from housewares to clothing. The craft fairs in my area are few and far between and the big ones are a few hundred dollars to enter. I would like to start selling online but again don't know whwere to begin. I would love any advice.....Thanks!:manyheart

[CraftyShannon]

The very first time I sold my craft things, I literally had them in the trunk of my car. I was meeting some neighbors to go to a garden shop, and they bought stuff from me. At the time, I made a lot of garden painted things, so while we were there, I asked the shop owner if she'd take stuff on cosignment. She looked in my car and picked what she wanted.

I think the easiest way to get started is to sell to people you know. It's easier to show friends your stuff than to approach a stranger, and you can get honest feedback on what your friends like/don't like about your work, what they'd pay, and what they think people would buy. Most people who know me know I make crafts, so after a few years, they come to expect that when they see me, I'll have something to show off. Sometimes they ask me to make something. Other times, I'll have a catalog of my work, or I'll do an open house, and every now and then my dad sells to his co workers.

When you want to venture out to strangers, check out smaller mom and pop stores. Many of them are usually eager to take things on cosignment, since it fills their store without them having to pay for the merchandise. Ask to speak to the owner. Most will want you to schedule an appointment. Take a few samples and some pictures, and they will decide what and how much of your stuff they would like.

Those are probably the cheapest ways to start out locally. I don't sell online, so maybe someone else can elaborate on that.

[jimbo]

There are folks here who sell on Ebay. Hopefully they'll reply and tell you about that. Another idea on the net is Craigslist. Its free and might get you a start. Photos pinned up on notice boards might get you some action too. Consignment is ok except that you'll have trouble finding any who'll not want less than 30% and that makes alot of stuff hard to price.
I wish you the best of luck

[CraftyShannon]

Cosignment varies by store and probably by location. I know of people in different states have quoted cosignment as being on the high side. In the general area where I live, I've been quoted anywhere from 15-40 percent, with the average percentage being 20 percent. I never sell a ton on cosignment alone, but I use it a lot during the slow periods when I have a lot of stuff and am not selling on my own.

What is Craigslist? I've seen this mentioned in passing many times, but have never really heard anything about it. Just curious why everyone talks about it so much. :)