Choosing the right product or service to sell can be one of the most important things to consider when you’re starting your handmade business. Having a product that stands out can set you apart in a room full of crafters and get your company the attention it needs to strive. When you go to craft shows and farmers markets you can usually find a similar selection of vendors at each market. There’s a million people out there selling jewelry but the ones that make the headlines and sales are the ones who have found a niche and focused on it. Find something that will be your signature and think of it each time you are creating a new product or line.
But how do you find a niche that will set you apart from all the other designers? First you should look at your personal interests. If you’re trying to follow a trend or mimic another successful designer, you’re always going to be playing catch up. Start with a product or style that you love; chances are you’ll know enough about it without hours of research. Not to mention you’ll enjoy creating it, which will come across in the end product. Techniques can be taught and perfected over time, but you can’t change your likes or dislikes. People always excel in areas they have an interest in.
Now that you’ve chosen a product to make that you’re passionate about, think of how you can make it stand out. Adding your personal style to it is a start but you may need to go one step further. Does your product have a subcategory that you can focus on and really make it great? Instead of trying to make a product that will appeal to everyone or carry a large selection of items, try to tap into a smaller more specific market. You might not be able to make a customer out of every person who visits your table, but you will build a name for yourself as the expert in your niche market.
Combining your passion for a product with the right market will set your company up so it can hit the ground running. What’s really great about the vendors at markets is the fact that everyone brings their own unique style to the table. It’s not so much about keeping up with the trends as it is about starting your own. Crafters aren’t looking over their shoulder to see what their competitors are doing; they’re focusing on their talent and making products that come straight from their heart.
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