How to Make Multiple Streams of Craft Income

A friend of mine asked me the other day, "is it worth starting a website if I sell crafts at craft shows?".

YES, it is worth starting a website. In actual fact, it is best to start a online webstore if you want to sell your crafts online. This way you get all the goodies you need to have a customer look, order, and pay for the craft.

The best way to do this, is to sign up for a website package that includes the ability to sell products. This means it has to include a shopping cart and all the payment processes that go with it.

There are many packages online to choose from, and you no longer need to be a computer wizard or internet guru to understand how to use them.

The effort to start a website with a store is worthwhile for the crafter, as you can now showcase your products online. It is almost like a little art gallery of all your creations.

When someone asks me about my art, I give them my business card with my website on it, and have them check out all my creations. This does not put any pressure on them, I simply ask them to look.

This is the perfect setup for the crafter who sells at craft shows. Instead of packing away your products at the end of each show, take a good picture of it, so that you can now list it in your online store. What didn't sell at the craft show, may sell half way across the world tomorrow.

Just keep in mind the size of your products. It is best to only display items that can be easily shipped. This now makes your craft inventory available to the whole world, rather than packing it away in your basement until next year. This keeps your business going year round.

At your craft show, you can have some of the photographs of the items on the website displayed with your business cards, and explain that you have other great items online as well. Also have a sign up list for a free newsletter, this way you can grow your list at the same time. Now you have three possibilities for sales.. the craft show itself, your online store, and the newsletters you will send out offering products. A win win situation! open an online store now

open an online store now and take your business to the next level. Article and website by Diane Palmer