How to sell my stuff.

[BrightNewBeginnng]

I posted this in Chat but someone pointed me in this direction for some 'been there done that' advice.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/_chat/2018255-How-do-I-approach-a-shop-to-see-if-theyll-sell-my-stuff-please?msgid=45577578#45577578

All suggestions gratefully received

Are you on face book?

Some people sell their things on Facebook pages. One mumsnetter in particular I remember made keepsake bears (chocolate & ginger keepsake bears) on Facebook. I ordered from her!

I'm very much a Facebook beginner.
20 friends and I don't really know how Facebook works tbh

I'll have a look at it though - thanks.

Have a look at sites such as Folksy - which is for UK makers. Their fees are reasonable. If you are selling online though, you need to be prepared to promote your products, so you may find you will also need a Facebook page too.

My mum used to have a craft shop and often had people coming in with things they had made.

She would usually charge 30-50% commission depending on the size of the things. She only ever did sale or return, and if things hadn't gone in 2-3 months she would call people to ask them to take them back.

You have to be prepared to trial your things and also for stock to "walk" or get damaged. Do you have a display stand, how often will you come in to check, replenish, remove? Make sure you listen to the shop owner as they tend to know what their customers look for/buy.
If they aren't keen to stock your stuff, don't be put off, just be glad you aren't wasting your time with stock sitting unsold and therefore costing you money.

I am on Etsy which is the US version of Folksy -much bigger and lots of support and tips from the community.

Thanks for that info. I'm making a list of all the websites I need to look at and that's really useful insider knowledge Chocolateteabag

I'm really at the very beginning of all this. I don't have stock as such, just stuff I've made for myself that got me thinking about starting up. I had a thanks but no thanks email from our local gift shop but there we go. She said she liked it but isn't looking to stock it and I can kind of see why, space wise.

I'm coming around to the idea that it's best to do craft fair and online stuff anyway - at least to start with.

One of my friends has just started making lampshades and cushions. Commission stuff to begin with over the past two months - she has a stand on the Living North fair in a couple of weeks and is now stocking up. It's risky to make that jump to pay out for materials on spec, but you also need to see how your stuff is received.

You could try smaller fairs first but be wary of the costs to have a stand. You don't want to pay upfront and then have a wasted day/evening if no one turns up or it's the wrong type of fair. Better to go to a few and speak to some of th stall holders.

Is there anywhere here on MN where people can share websites etc? I would quite like to get some impartial constructive criticism but wary of looking like I am advertising...

You've always got here or you could try your local site.

do you mean the Arts and Crafts board confuddled? I assumed I would get bollocked told off if I linked to my site

Why don't you post pictures of what you've made on your profile and then people can tell you what they'd be willing to pay and where they'd go to buy your items?

If you're just asking opinions I don't see why you should.

Oooooo!!!

Very excited!

I was in my local deli/cafe this morning and noticed a staff member cutting some old and tired-looking seatpads off the chairs. I emailed pics of mine and they emailed me back.

I sent quotes for 32, personalised for their cafe!

Fingers crossed that they liked the prices.

I'm so excited. And a bit scared.

Also mumsnet local has an artisans section - you can list for free

Thanks Sauce I will.

remember to involve the tax man... at the first opportunity

I will be doing that on Monday thanks. I had a look at their website and I found it confusing so I'm going to try to speak to a real person

Try stallfinder.com for your local craft fayres and markets.