Wanting to sell a few items as a little hobby

[user1478639495]

So for the last nearly 6 years now, I've played around making little craft items-I LOVE CRAFTS, I get so much pleasure out of creating little things. I've always wanted to sell a few items on the side, mainly just for fun so I can keep making but also to be able to afford new craft items to make, it wouldn't ever be a money making scheme as there's too much out there.

My snag is, I have all these great ideas and love making but I have minus zero confidence in actually hearing my ideas. I've made a socials page with my stuff on but haven't had the nerve to share it anywhere for fear ppl with think it's crap or laugh at my efforts.....I've thought about going to small local markets/craft stalls but again I get so frustrated with myself that ppl will laugh at my stuff and think it's uttter rubbish.

I'm sure ppl wouldn't and if they did so what.....that's what I would tell anyone else in my boat just go for it but I just can't seem to bring myself to do. Anyone else out there in a similar boat or just went for it....what was your outcome? Tia

You don’t say what sort of things you are making. Perhaps look at other people selling similar and have a good critique of their products, prices, page and blurb.

If you think you can do the same or better, maybe that will give you confidence.

Id also be showing the stuff you’ve made to friends and family and ask for honest feedback. Whatever it is, make sure your skill is as good as possible.

Years and years ago I had a knitting machine - I used to make lined baby blankets. I started giving them as gifts to friends and family. I got so much positive feedback I even toyed with the idea of making it a business. Back then the only way of selling was to go to actual craft fairs, there was no internet.

But then life got in the way, and I never followed it up.

So I suggest giving out freebies/ samples. Sometimes people start by word of mouth, as it progresses they then set up a selling page.

I don’t sell crafts but for my job all my work goes up on social media. You really have to get into an I don’t give a fuck attitude! Realistically most people won’t laugh (especially in person) but no matter what you post, even if it’s the most amazing thing in the world you will eventually get some basement dweller being like “that fucking sucks” on social media.
I’ve had some times when I’ve cried at awful comments, but you have to just keep going, don’t let some rude arseholes who probably don’t even hate your work they just post it for a rise on lots of accounts, stop you from doing what you like.

You could always put a few bits on Vinted, no selling fees and the buyer pays postage. What sort of things do you make?

Since this is an anonymous website - you are anonymous and so are we - why don't you put a few photos on here and we can make a few comments and you'll get an idea of what some people think?

What a great idea!! I will post a couple of things here thank you for this. Would like honest opinions like I say would never be an income for me as to many ppl out there do it but to have a small amount of pocket to cover my costs and maybe have some change left to treat my kids would be amazing

Great idea thank you I'll try that too! It's mainly
Just thoughtful things as gifts, like bridesmaid thank you
Gifts, I've made a couple of cards- very basic, name pictures I guess it's mainly
Pictures for Children's bedrooms and pictures to give as gifts to
Children/bridesmaids anything that can be given as a. Gesture really....

Very true, thick skin is needed indeed. I
Think I'm my own worst critic so they have a run for their money 😂 but
Still is upsetting to See horrible comments

Just be aware that even just selling a few items will make you a business so you'll have register for self assessment. You'll be allowed a turnover of 1k though before you need to submit a return. You will also need craft insurance.
The other thing you need to do is sort out how you'll take payments. If buying online people like to use PayPal goods and services because it gives them protection. If doing craft fairs, customers will expect you to have a card machine

Also a very very good
Idea thank you. I did give out a few freebies but as gifts myself to ppl, they said they liked them but I didn't ask too much as they were gifts I didn't want them to think I Was using them as a cheap way to gift them....again it's not probably cost me more actually to buy/do all the stuff but this my down fall constantly finding a negative to stop myself doing it

This is annoying can't seem to add photos can only take new ones....I'll keep trying

To add existing photos, click on the attachment icon, then it should display your camera but also give the option to "add more photos". If you choose that you can select photos you've already taken.

Look on Etsy at similar products and see if you can use that for ideas to photograph things in attractive ways. Once you have a few images you like you may find your confidence grown as it's 'proof' of your skills. I work in design and I didn't reach my confidence point until I had a descent portfolio.

Doesn't seem to matter what I do or what device I use I can't add pictures!! 😖😩

There was a thread in Site recently where MNHQ were asked about having a section for selling stuff. I think they are still considering it.