Craft Business Marketing Aids

Posted By: Sharon G (Oklahoma)
Date: 2004/3/30 3:03 p.m.

I found this little tidbit while reading a while back.
I have never used this technique but it might be interesting to try and see if it makes a difference on sales.

Statement of Purpose.
-Usually an 8 1/2x11 paper hanging in the booth.
-Usually includes a photo of you working and your name and address.

The rest of the page is designed to acquaint the public with you.
-How your craft is made.
-What types of materials are used and something about the motivation and purpose of the craft.
Customers love to read it completely and it can generate more interest and questions. Others might want a copy and you can run off unlaminated sheets for that purpose.

Ok now for feedback...is this a good idea or not? please leave feedback on the boards (please leave feedback on the boards)
I might just try this on the next show this weekend and see if it attracts any interest.
Had anyone else ever done this? I understand a lot of the larger, juried shows require this now. I have not done a juried show so am not familiar w/it personally .



Re: Marketing Aids
Posted By: Tilley
Date: 2004/3/30 8:38 p.m.
In Response To:

Well, other than the photo, I guess this is what my brochure does, though they usually take it with them instead of reading it there. Sounds similar to the "About the artist" pages on a lot of the websites that they use because you aren't actually meeting them in person.

Speaking of that, saw a really cute one the other day on a website--the lady was describing how she started selling her jewelry because she wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. At the bottom of the page there was a picture of her little girl and the caption said "All proceeds from this site go to a very worthy and adorable cause--our daughter."

I usually take a different approach to this idea, but it seems to generate the same type of results. When at all possible I demonstrate while I'm set up (yes, I realize some people can't do that). I work on pieces that don't involve a lot of thought, materials or tools and can be put down easily. I think that especially with jewelry it helps that people can see that I actually am the one making the pieces.

Great tips Sharon
2004/4/12 12:08 p.m.
I'm going to make up business cards this year. I didn't last year, and I think it was a mistake. The big show I'm doing I won't be at my table, but at least the people could take a card if they were interested in contacting me.
If I sign up for any others, I'll keep you ideas in mind. Patti

Patti, flyers work well, too, when
2004/4/14 10:52 a.m.
Patti, flyers work well, too, when you don't man your own table. Even a half sheet with pics would work well for you!!! Then attach a card to the products. Karen