Comments on: Selling Labor-Intensive Products http://handmadeforprofit.com/2009/04/selling-labor-intensive-products/ How to start, manage and market an art or crafts-related business at home. Wed, 07 Jul 2010 22:09:05 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Akrista L. http://handmadeforprofit.com/2009/04/selling-labor-intensive-products/comment-page-1/#comment-4447 Akrista L. Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:34:33 +0000 http://handmadeforprofit.com/?p=564#comment-4447 Hi Barbara, I have almost everyone of your books and was considering selling them, but just can't seem to let them go. I have you to thank for my "success" as a crochet pattern designer. Although I have yet to make my "millions", I have a steady income each month from the sale of my patterns on Etsy. I am now considering making up kits and selling the patterns to yarn shops, and recently opened your books to refresh myself on what you had said about those methods. Decided to look you up on the web, and voila! Here you are. Looking into how to actually do the packaging by finding other examples. I stopped selling the custom items because of wrist problems about 2 years ago. Even with my limited "marketing" efforts, I still do well and people seem to love my patterns, so I know if I put a bit more effort into it, I could do better. I'm even planning on writing a book, since crochet is so popular right now - hopefully I won't miss the wave. Thank you so much for your continued advice - through your books and now here on the internet. Akrista Hi Barbara,
I have almost everyone of your books and was considering selling them, but just can’t seem to let them go. I have you to thank for my “success” as a crochet pattern designer. Although I have yet to make my “millions”, I have a steady income each month from the sale of my patterns on Etsy.

I am now considering making up kits and selling the patterns to yarn shops, and recently opened your books to refresh myself on what you had said about those methods.

Decided to look you up on the web, and voila! Here you are. Looking into how to actually do the packaging by finding other examples.

I stopped selling the custom items because of wrist problems about 2 years ago. Even with my limited “marketing” efforts, I still do well and people seem to love my patterns, so I know if I put a bit more effort into it, I could do better.

I’m even planning on writing a book, since crochet is so popular right now – hopefully I won’t miss the wave.

Thank you so much for your continued advice – through your books and now here on the internet.
Akrista

]]> By: Louise Saulnier http://handmadeforprofit.com/2009/04/selling-labor-intensive-products/comment-page-1/#comment-1332 Louise Saulnier Tue, 14 Apr 2009 21:56:27 +0000 http://handmadeforprofit.com/?p=564#comment-1332 Hi Barbara, I found your article most informative. I have been crafting for years(knitting, embroidery, rug hooking, etc.) and never knew how much to charge for things I've made. As you said in your article, it seemed that either no one would buy my products or I didn't make any money. I never thought about selling the product "indirectly" by selling through other media. You've given me something to think about. Thanks very much. Louise Saulnier Moncton, NB Canada Hi Barbara,

I found your article most informative. I have been crafting for years(knitting, embroidery, rug hooking, etc.) and never knew how much to charge for things I’ve made. As you said in your article, it seemed that either no one would buy my products or I didn’t make any money. I never thought about selling the product “indirectly” by selling through other media. You’ve given me something to think about. Thanks very much.

Louise Saulnier
Moncton, NB Canada

]]> By: Anonymous http://handmadeforprofit.com/2009/04/selling-labor-intensive-products/comment-page-1/#comment-1328 Anonymous Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:36:02 +0000 http://handmadeforprofit.com/?p=564#comment-1328 Great article, Barbara. Every time I watch Antiques Roadshow and see a wonderful creation of old, I think "I want to make something as lovely that stands the test of time and is worth something in memory and as a collectible." This to me is true art, and worthy use of time. I think love is a very key factor. Sue D Great article, Barbara. Every time I watch Antiques Roadshow and see a wonderful creation of old, I think “I want to make something as lovely that stands the test of time and is worth something in memory and as a collectible.” This to me is true art, and worthy use of time. I think love is a very key factor.

Sue D

]]> By: Traci Vanover http://handmadeforprofit.com/2009/04/selling-labor-intensive-products/comment-page-1/#comment-1327 Traci Vanover Tue, 14 Apr 2009 12:27:44 +0000 http://handmadeforprofit.com/?p=564#comment-1327 Great advice, as usual! This post reminded me of all of the hours my gram used to spend making her beautiful quilts. When she passed away, all eight grandchildren were fortunate enough to receive one of these treasures. While some would certainly suggest storing this heirloom away, I use that quilt (like others she made for me), as often as I can. There's something uniquely comforting about having that quilt draped over me, and it's the closest thing to a hug from my gram now that she is gone. Because of the love that I know goes into handmade quilts, I have "collected" quite a few over the years. Some are from other family members, and others are from estate sales and antique stores. It's fun to try and imagine the stories behind them. Thanks for reminding me of those fond memories with this post. Great advice, as usual! This post reminded me of all of the hours my gram used to spend making her beautiful quilts. When she passed away, all eight grandchildren were fortunate enough to receive one of these treasures. While some would certainly suggest storing this heirloom away, I use that quilt (like others she made for me), as often as I can. There’s something uniquely comforting about having that quilt draped over me, and it’s the closest thing to a hug from my gram now that she is gone.

Because of the love that I know goes into handmade quilts, I have “collected” quite a few over the years. Some are from other family members, and others are from estate sales and antique stores. It’s fun to try and imagine the stories behind them. Thanks for reminding me of those fond memories with this post.

]]>