Make Big Money Selling Crafty Stuff

When producing food doesn't generate enough income...

Check out this million dollar Etsy seller.

http://www.fastcodesign.com/3042352/how-one-knitter-makes-almost-1-million-a-year-on-etsy

I'm sure there are lucky crafters who hit it big, but in my experience, most of them are just barely getting by or use their crafts as supplement income. My area has lots of artists and crafters who sell via farm markets, craft fairs, galleries, and the Internet. Every one of them is struggling, some more so than others. Just something to keep in mind if one is intending o get into this sort of thing.

The article addresses exactly that issue, and discusses specific things that this particular seller is doing to stand out from the crowd.

"Many Etsy shop owners feel lucky to sell 10 pieces a month, and 65% of Etsy sellers make less than $100 from their shops in a year. Crafters usually need day jobs to support their hobbies."

I sold things at craft fairs for a few years, and while I did not get rich, I did make enough to cover the mortgage on the farm in December/January (months we always had trouble with). When the US increased trade with China the craft market really suffered. Few people want to buy a $15 ornament when you can buy a 'prettier' version at your local store for $5. If you do hit on an original idea that sells well, it will be copied en masse by the next fair.

If you do get into crafting, follow the rules of staging/marketing and become a good sales person. The key (for fairs where there are lots of booths) is having that stand out item that is not seen in every other booth, and pricing it right. To make it work, it has to be a business, know what I mean? The people who dabble never seem to do well. the people who think they can give 10% effort and get 100% return never seem to do well either.

It was great for me at the time because I had small children, and could work on crafts while they were asleep or playing. I also took them to shows more often than not. As soon as my kids got old enough so that they did not need constant tending, I headed outside! The craft volume dropped off sharply at that point