I have always had some trouble selling my bits and bobs online and on stalls because I worry that something might go wrong. I have spoken before about my lack of confidence, which can hold me back at times, but recently I have really pushed myself to tackle this problem and just go for it. I think anyone selling handmade has had these woes at some point, surely they must ask themselves, "Is it good enough?" "Will anyone want this?".
I decided a little while ago to have a list of rules, a bit like a guideline to selling my work, so that I wouldn't have the worries and concerns hanging over me. I should really give it a name like 'The Crafting Survival Guide' or 'Sew and Sell With Confidence'. To some people this might sound bonkers, but we are living in an age of low self-esteem, due to the media feeding us images of perfection and constant squashing of small businesses.
First things first, after making something that I intend to sell, I ask my self three questions. "Are you proud of it?". "Is it well made?". "Will people like it?". The first two are more important than the third, the third is really about if it will be popular. I feel if you're going to sell something it has to be well made, the people who buy something from you will expect quality and this is vital if you want to secure more sales. You should be proud of what you make! Every completed project should be an achievement and you should be proud of yourself, if you don't then ask yourself, "Why don't I like it?", "What could I do differently next time?", "Am I being silly and putting unnecessary pressure on myself?". There is nothing wrong with having high standards, in fact it pushes you, but if people around you are beaming with pride at your achievements you should listen to them!
The next thing I think about is, "Who will buy them?", "What should I call it?", "How much should I sell it for?". I always under price my work, unfortunately I was born with an over sensitive conscience and I dislike being greedy. I have always wanted to provide great crafts at affordable prices. We are in a recession! People can't afford to buy things at obscene prices! Ask yourself- "Would you buy that in a shop or a stall at that price?", "Is it worth the money?". The people browsing your shop or stall will more than likely have a tight budget, they wont buy something if it is over priced.
I recently took part in Frighten Brighton, where I had a stall, I sold the most I have ever sold at an event. I didn't really know how to react, I was happy of course, but also shocked that people really liked my work. I worked really hard making all my little treats, why shouldn't I be proud of myself, well for the first time I was and it felt great! I think having achievable standards and working hard will be the way forward for me. I think buy asking yourself fair questions and planning your work through helps enormously. Don't put pressure on yourself and look at your work and be proud of yourself because you made it!
