If, after reading through these points, you find your handcrafted item does not seem to measure up, don’t give up. You have several options:
• Ask for feedback from the gift store buyers as to what would make your product work in their store. You might be surprised at the advice you may receive that can help improve the salability of your product!
• Ask the gift store buyer if there is another shop in the area that she could recommend for placing your product. Just because it did not work for one shop does not mean it would not work in another shop in the same town or area.
• And last, by not least, there are several types of craft shops, craft co-ops, or craft markets on the internet that would LOVE to feature your products (but that is a whole different topic that we can address at another time!)
I just want to encourage you to NOT GIVE UP after a rejection! Personally, I would be embrassed to tell you how many “NOs” I received before selling my first product! Each time I was rejected, I was able to find out a bit more on how to improve my line, my presentation or my approach to the different gift shops. Early in my sales training, I was told to expect between 5 to 10 rejections before you get a YES! Remember that when you visit gift buyers with your products!
Next, we will be addressing channels of distribution and sales reps. If you are looking to expand your gift business to the next level, don’t miss this series!