Getting your crafts into shops...how do you do it?

[Katianne]

Can you please help...next year I want to approach some shops to see if they wil sell my mosaics. I did start doing this over the summer but got a bit deflated as all the ones I tried told me they don't sell handmade crafts or 'already sold mirrors' so weren't interested. How do you find shops that do or is it a case of perserving and knowing your local area?

Any tips appreciated!

If anyone lives in the midlands and knows of any places, I would love to know.

Oh, and I think this is post 1000!!!

[Poppy4lee]

It really is soo difficult to find outlets that will sell your work!! I was really lucky and found a local studio that's run by a lady who's passionate about selling local crafts - I found her by accident, on the Internet. Other local crafters have also been really helpful - if you chat to people at craft fairs it's amazing how much information you can glean about local craft outlets etc. Or, what about trying tourist shops in your area? I know when I go on my hols, I like to by stuff that's been handmade locally (rather than mass produced abroad!) - it's a really good selling point. Also, could you contact your local Chamber of Commerce, or, Business Link? - they may know of shop owners who are looking for hand crafted items.
Just a few ideas, sorry I can't be more helpful! I wish you lots & lots of success.

[swirlyarts]

Sheer balls I think!! The two wholesale orders I have had came via Etsy - people just browsing for products and they found me there. JBJB is the one to ask about this as she has got her stuff into shops I think. There was a blog article I found about it although some of it may not be useful as it is American but some points were good - I'll try to find it.

Ah here it is http://rosylittlethings.typepad.com/posie_gets_cozy/2006/01/wholesale_retai.html

As I say it's US based soi some things might not be relevant but it gives a general overview. Part 2 is linked at the bottom of the post.

[Neesey]

I am having the same problem.I am american and in the states it is sooooooo easy to get into the shops. We have a lot of comission shops that carry only handmade crafts on commission.They give you your own space and take 10% for doing it.You decorate your space and maintain it.They cut you a check every 2 weeks for what has sold.Some shops are in unused food stores so you can imagine how big they are.We need something like that here. Even on a small scale it would be good for crafters.I may not work here in the wilds of Scotland but would work in England.

[Blooming Felt]

I've had some success getting my stuff into shops.

2 are local shops who I called up and asked if they would be interested in seeing any of my stuff, fortunately both said yes and I got some pieces in both. One just displays my stuff and takes 10% commisson on anything that they sell, the other is slightly different and I'm not too keen on doing business this way but I have to give them wholesale prices and they sell at whatever they feel like - it's also on a sale or return basis which is a pain because some of the unsold stuff comes back "shop worn" and is then difficult for me to sell on myself.

Another shop in Cornwall that I approached when I was on holiday there last year bought a whole load of stuff and I've had 2 enquiries directly via my website from retail outlets, one in the North of England and the other in Channel Islands, both of whom have had lots of bits and pieces from me on a wholesale basis and keep coming back for more !!

Basically, it's just a lot of hard work to get your stuff out there. But I think having a website does help because it works as both a showroom and a marketing tool for potential retailers.

There was a great item on Whip Up a few months ago about how to get your items into stores etc., but I can't find it now. I'll keep looking and post it here though when I do !!

[youyours]

Hello,

What would you say is the normal commission rate, is it 10% like mentioned in this thread or do anyone have any other information. For me it sounds great but also not very profitable for the store owner. Maybe I am just being soft and a cowered.

[Blooming Felt]

I wouldn't be worried about the store owners !!! The cheaper the commission they charge, the better for you !! ;)

[youyours]

Have one last question on this subject. :D

Do you think phoning the local shops as a first contact or talk to them face to face?

[0103media]

Do you think phoning the local shops as a first contact or talk to them face to face?

Face to face... Most phone calls and emails are ignored..

imho pick a quiet time of day so you don't get in the way of the customers..

[youyours]

Thanks. Ouhh, getting nervous now, gonna get my stuff ready and go down later this afternoon, not easy being a shy person.

[Debeadz]

Thanks. Ouhh, getting nervous now, gonna get my stuff ready and go down later this afternoon, not easy being a shy person.

Good luck! Let us know how you get on.

Fingers crossed for you :)

[youyours]

Well, they didn't bit my head of :p was easier than I though, but none of the staff owners or managers was there when I called by. I gave the person there a printed paper with info about who I am, about SoR basis and how they can get in contact with me.

If I don't hear anything from them I think I might go back and ask them if they have had any chance to take a look at my stuff and if they are interested or not.

So, tomorrow I think I will go to some more stores.

Have a nice evening.