How to Sell What You Make

By Diane Ziomek

You have been a craftperson for as long as you can remember, and now you want to take it one step further. This book will help you get started in selling your handmade items both online and offline. Personal experience has given me the knowledge which I am now sharing with you.

Along with some straightforward business advice, there are several crochet patterns (of my design) that are included. The patterns come with the rights to make and sell the items, just not the patterns themselves. Feel free to use my designs to build your business. In fact, I encourage it.

Enjoy and may you find success in your new venture.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Apr 19, 2016
• ISBN: 9781365059476

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How to Sell What You Make

Diane Ziomek

This publication is the work of the author, and is intended for personal use only. It is not to be sold, given away or reproduced in any manner without express written consent.

How to Sell What You Make

© Diane Ziomek 2016

Foreword by Jim Swettenham

Fresh from the inspiring mind of an exceptional entrepreneur comes another amazing self-help book...this one aimed primarily at the home industry crafter.

Veteran craftspeople know that regardless of the caliber and quality of their finished projects no one will pay for the time involved in creating these cottage industry ventures. And because of the nature of the crafting industry it is imperative that crafters gain top value for their unique wares.

In the pages that follow, Mannville, Alberta writer and entrepreneur extraordinaire, Diane Ziomek explores and shares some secrets to realizing as much wealth potential as the home crafting industry might afford.

Ms. Ziomek is the epitome of the been there, done that home-based businesswoman and shares her experiences in hopes that you can by-pass some of the trial and error lessons that she has learned. Her late father always said if there is a hard way to do things Diane will find it. She has grown as a result of her life experiences and presents an abridged version of the entrepreneurial lessons that she has learned.

How to Sell What You Make is an excellent resource for cottage industry craftspeople and would be a welcome addition to the crafter’s home reference library.

Copyright

Foreword by Jim Swettenham

Contents

Introduction

Section One: The Planning Stage

Section Two: The Dynamics of Business

Section Three: The Three P’s

Section Four: What to Make and Where to Sell

Section Five: Patterns

Conclusion

Bonus Report

Introduction

I have been creating things from yarn and other supplies for as long as I can remember. My maternal grandmother was one of the most creative people I know, and she instilled a love of handmade in me that carries on. I can remember her with either a crochet hook or knitting needles in hand, or sitting at her sewing machine making clothes for my sister and I. She also made clothes for our dolls, which always fit just right.

Grandma taught me to knit when I was six, and to crochet when I was eight or nine. The latter is a skill that I have held onto through the years, and have made countless dishcloths, afghans, placemats, doilies, Christmas ornaments and so much more. The knitting factor hasn’t really stuck with me, but I am happy to say I am now using the knitting looms to get the same effect. Knitting needles and I agree to disagree.

My craft skills go well beyond the basics of knitting and crochet, as I have dabbled in a variety of techniques. I went through a plastic canvas phase, which was a lot of fun for me. I made coasters, magnets, games, storage boxes (for little items such as jewelry and coins), bookmarks and more. Then there was the padded picture frame stage (how many of you remember those?). Recycled cereal boxes worked great for the frame base and back, plus for making wreaths.

Quilting was also something my grandmother taught me, but only briefly. She was diagnosed with cancer and passed away at age 65. I know she had a lot more to share with me, but a Higher Power had other plans for her. When my son and daughter were little, I sold pre-cut fabric pieces via mail-order, and later opened a storefront selling fabric and quilting supplies. I made some mistakes along the way, which is why I have chosen to write this book. I want you to avoid the mistakes I made so you see a better return on your efforts much sooner. I could go on and on, but instead of telling you what I have done I will get to the point of showing you what YOU can do.

On a final note before I get to the first section, let me say that I have been selling my crafts off and on for at least 25 years. As with anything else, there are trends. Following the trend isn’t a necessity, but if you have some products that fit in with the latest it definitely doesn’t hurt. The main thing is to have fun with what you create.

This publication will not be long-winded, as I know you are anxious to get busy as soon as possible. When it comes to the tax, insurance and other policies, it is best to contact your local offices. There will be basic information given, and also advice on who to call for specifics. It is not feasible for me to research each country’s rules and regulations concerning owning/operating a business. Plus, the regulations change often so chances are the details I provide will be outdated before you read this. By letting you make the calls, you will receive the most accurate information based on your individual needs.

Note: Feel free to print off this file, as there is space alloted for your own notes, design and planning. There are several patterns enclosed which retail for $4.00 each, so please direct others in my direction if they wish to purchase the individual patterns or a copy of this book.

Bonus Report: At the end of this eBook you will find a Bonus Report which describes how you can get into the craft industry and profit without needing to make all products yourself. It is a win-win for