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Where To Sell Craft Items Locally – A Quick Guide to Kickstart Your Sales
Learn How to Find Top Venues to Market Your Handcrafted Creations Within Local Community
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When you are running a small craft business, one of your common queries is most likely ‘Where to sell my handmade near me?’ You spend time creating unique artisanal goods showcasing refined craft skills and your personal artistic interpretation, but after all that hard work, how do you tap into local market and gain more exposure within your community?
In this guide, we will list various potential venues where you can sell your handmade goods locally. We will also talk about craft shows, farmer’s markets, pop up events, consignment shops, gift shops, and other locations that can help you expand your business. Plus, you will learn about pros and cons of selling at each venue. This information should help you determine which place to choose to maximize your sales and ultimately your profit. Keep reading to find tips and tricks on how to set up your booth to attract more customers and boost your sales.
Hemptique: Manufacturing Premier Supplies for Genuine Craft Items
As one of leading suppliers of premium, durable supplies for arts and crafts, Hemptique has been helping crafters, artist, hobbyists, designers, and artisans all over US and across the globe to create distinctive products of exceptional quality. When you use our cordage supplies to make your unique creations, you can be confident that they will stand the test of time and exceed customer expectations, facilitating repeat customers, word of mouth marketing, and increased sales. Our assortment of craft supplies includes cords and threads made of hemp, linen, leather, cotton, and other reliable materials, offered in different colors, lengths, and sizes. The versatility in materials allows for use in a multitude of crafts, such as jewlery making, crocheting, macrame, knitting, weaving, furniture making, home decoration crafting, leather sewing, and many others. Take a look at our web shop to find which cord suits your needs best. We have supplies such as AZO-free, sustainable hemp cord, natural blend hemp yarn (1.75oz), multi-purpose leather cord waxed polyester threads, bamboo cords, cotton cord, and other supplies. Plus, we have great benefits for anyone who decides to partner with us. You can apply for a wholesale account or send us a bulk order request. For more information, call us directly at (760) 602-4864.
Why Is It Important To Sell Your Crafts Within Local Community?
You’ve spent hours beading beautiful hemp bracelets, days crocheting charming blanket throws, or weeks making jewlery pieces, but what is the best place to sell these handmade crafts? As you are probably aware, online marketplaces have the potential of connecting you with millions of customers, still you should explore local market, too, and here’s why.
- Quick sales on the spot – You are able to demonstrate the product and build trust and rapport for easier selling.
- Lower marketing & shipping costs – Compared to online selling, you will spend significantly less money on advertising and shipping.
- Less returns & exchanges – Ability to physically inspect the product before purchase minimize exchanges and returns.
Happier customers – When clients are able to view, touch, and try the items to assess how they fit them, they are more satisfied with their shopping experience.
- Direct interaction with customers – You are able to make personalized recommendations, answer questions, and provide advice on the spot.
- Instant feedback – Clients can provide immediate feedback on the spot. Use this information to improve and adjust your handmade products.
- Stronger community ties – Fostering a sense of community enables repeat business, word-of-mouth marketing, supporting local economy, and collaboration with other businesses in the area.
- Smaller carbon footprint – Less transportation means less greenhouse gasses and energy consumption. Often time, as an artisan, you can reuse/recycle, or use durable materials, thus reducing waste.
Where To Sell Your Handmade Products Locally
Below we have compiled a list of potential venues where you can market your handicrafts and sell them your local community. Carefully consider each of them to decide which one suits your needs and preferences the best. Before you make a decision, take into account your target clientele and what appeals to them.
When we talk about potential locations in your community, you should be aware that not every rental spot is the right place for you. To boost sales, pick the venue that fits the kind of craft you're selling. For instance, if you are making high-end jewlery pieces that are worth at $100 or more, you cannot expect to sell a lot of them in flea markets or festivals.
Craft shows & fairs
Not all craft shows and fairs are the same. Some require you to apply and be approved, while others are more open and almost anyone can display their products. Certain shows are intended for specialized crafts, like jewelry making, consumables, or crochet.
NOTE: Don’t forget to make adequate preparations for the weather, in case the fair is out in the open.
To determine whether you can market at fairs in your location, do your research first. See if any of those are suitable for your business and whether they permit your preferred art. After you pick the right show, you will have to do the budgeting and set proper prices which will appeal to the kind of clients visiting the venue. Bear in mind that you will also need to focus on how you display your items.
A fail-safe method of yielding lots of sales during at craft fairs is by promoting your presence and demonstrating excellent customer service.
Farmer’s markets
Farmers' markets typically have a lot attendees, and in certain cases you have the option of having your spot throughout the year. By being present in the same spot week after week, it will be easier for you to connect to local clients and they will easily find you. Other benefits are low fees and regular schedules. There are even farmer’s markets which run only in the evening during weekdays, which can be a great option for families who sped their weekends with kids.
Craft consignment stores & gift shops
If craft business is your side job and not a primary source of income, you may want to consider consignment stores and gift shops (at zoos, museums, and other places of interest). When you sign a consignment contract, it means that a store or gift shop displays and sells your creations, but the revenue is split. While in this scenario you don’t need to spend on marketing and you reach the already existing clientele, the downside is that the profit margin is low. When choosing the shop, assess whether what they are selling aligns with your products and how accessible they are to the consumers.
Flea markets
Flea markets are known for low vendor fees, versatility, lots of foot traffic, and strong competition. They are a great place to start if you have just launched your business. They can give you an opportunity to assess the market and see what customers are looking for. This way, you can adjust or upgrade the items you are offering.
In order for your work to stand out in flea market, you have to prep the booth so that it appeals to the right kind of buyers. Try to create an inviting atmosphere which will draw the visitors to approach your booth. You can include banners, music, and decorations which all follow the same theme. Your booth should be clean and organized, with clearly displayed prices.
Pop-up events
Pop-up event is a temporary gathering, typically in high-traffic areas, where crafters and artisans gather to sell their handmade products. It usually lasts for a few hours, or even days, which can help you add a sense of urgency and exclusivity. This method tends to attract larger number of buyers in a short period of time. Opt for pop-up event if you don’t have a lot of items at hand. To find such event, simply do a search online to figure out which event suits your needs.
Trade shows, festivals, & expos
Trade shows and festivals are large events, and they can have both small and large businesses exhibit their products. They are usually held to gather members of specific industry or craft together, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for small brands to make connections and display their handmade crafts.
Shopping parties
Shopping parties are small, intimate gatherings of family, friends, and their friends where you use the time to promote and sell your items. The great thing about a shopping party is that you can host it in your own house (for free) and there are no expenses for such events, unless you plan to serve refreshments and snacks.
Related local businesses
If you don’t feel confident setting up your booth and attending the craft show, you can partner with local businesses who would be willing to promote your work. For instance, if you are making fashion accessories, you could partner with apparel shops or designers and make personalized pieces according to the clients wishes. For example, buyers who buy a dress may want to have a personalized accessory that pairs well with their dress. Reach out to any local businesses that may need your handicrafts and see if you can make a deal with them.
Artisan shops & craft boutiques
Selling at artisan shops and craft boutiques enables you to sell your items to high-paying customers. Pick a shop that’s a good fit for you and be ready to present a distinctive product. You will also have to have a good pitch so that the local craft boutiques accept your request. In this business model, you can either sell yourself, or sign a consignment agreement where the boutique will sell your work for commission. Optionally, you could offer alternative services such as making them personalized on request.
Art galleries
For some artisans, exposure to art gallery clientele may be a great way to start, however you need to first have an excellent portfolio showcasing your best and most representative pieces. As with other venues, the gallery you choose should align with your craft. After you contact the owner or curator, be prepared to follow their admission guidelines, which typically include application submission and contract signing. To boost the sales, you will need to build relationships and attend art gallery events, networking with potential buyers as well as the gallery employees. Don’t forget to promote your work and your gallery through social media and other platforms.
Holiday markets
If you want to attend only one festival a year, holiday market is your best shot, because they are the most profitable events in a year. Holidays are typically the busiest times for retail, and there’s a significant increase in foot traffic. These markets can last for several days, giving you an opportunity to sell your whole inventory. To draw customers, you need to come up with a striking booth display which will attract visitors to see and purchase your crafts. Don’t be afraid to play with light, music, colors, and visuals to appeal to buyers.
Quick Comparison Of Local Venues: Pros, Cons, & Accompanying Costs
Picking where to sell your handmade creations is important because it may be a deciding factor of how profitable your craft business gets or how much money you can earn in a specific location. Different places have different features, visitor counts, and fees. To help you analyze the options and decide what’s the best place to market your crafts locally, below is a comparison table.
| Farmer’s market & flea market |
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| Local craft fair |
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| Your brick-and-mortar shop |
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| Consignment shops & gift shops |
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| Artist shop & Art galleries |
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| Home shopping parties |
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| Trade shows & Festivals |
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What Are The Bestselling Crafts?
Before we dive into some of the top selling handmade items today, we want to remind you not to get discouraged if you don’t see your craft listed below. Market demands fluctuate and with quality products made of premium materials you will always be able to sell your creations, especially to your niche market.
Clothing & accessory making (knitting, crocheting, sewing, leatherwork)
Jewelry making
Home décor (macrame, embroidery, furniture making, wall decor)
- Art
Health & beauty products (soap making, skincare products, haircare products, etc.)
Candle making
Pottery & clay crafting
Final Observations
If you are regularly crafting and started selling your handmade work, you have probably realized by now that you need to do more than just advertising on social media platforms. Although online market is booming, a large percentage of sales is still happening locally, and you should definitely explore this area to market and distribute your handicrafts. Popular places to sell locally include local markets, fairs, festivals, consignment shops, art galleries, etc. Find a place that corresponds with what you are creating and take advantage of local opportunities. Build relationships with clients, gain repeat customers, contribute to local economy, and be more environmentally conscious. The key to success is closer than you think. It’s right in your neighborhood.
