Gift and independent retail stores, unlike big box stores (i.e. Wal-Mart, Costco, etc.) or grocery stores, prefer new and unique products. They are not interested, necessarily, in a “proven product” that has great sales volume, but would rather buy locally-made…
Tag: professional crafter
Appropriate Pricing for the Gift Industry
Over the years of selling gift products I have noticed one particular area that is critical to selling to gift shops: Appropriate pricing! Each gift shop can be different, but shops often follow certain criteria when purchasing and pricing gift…
“Newbie” Shares on Her Experiences at Wholesale Trade Show
Newbie show exhibitor (but experiences professional crafter/artisan), Kristen Stein, recently conducted a booth at the Buyers Market of American Crafters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She shares her experiences in a five part series of posts on her blog, A Painting Day…
Suggestions for when Buyer don’t Buy
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…
When Gift Buyers Don’t Buy
Sometimes gift shop buyers don’t buy products! No matter how great and unique your product is or no matter how professional your packaging and presentation is, there will be times when you won’t even be able to interest a buyer…
Matching Your Product to the Gift Shops Motif
Another way to make your products more appealing to gift shop buyers is to make sure that your items fit the particular store’s motif. Like I have said before, gift shops are all different. Some specialize in a particular type…
Make a Professional First Impression
You can make and sell some of the hottest crafted item on the market, but if you or your presentation does not look professional, you are not likely to sell your products. Sounds harsh, but true! Gift buyers are approached…