5 NO-NO’S FOR SELLING YOUR CRAFTS

Quick answer: Avoid these five common mistakes when selling your crafts: waiting too long to list seasonal items, using images you don’t have a commercial license for, selling anything you wouldn’t buy yourself, skipping a deposit on custom work, and going it alone without support or training. For seasonal crafts, start no later than 6-8 weeks before the holiday. And for custom orders, require at least a 25% deposit before you make the project so you’re not left doing the work for nothing.

In this post, we are breaking down the things you shouldn’t be doing when selling your crafts. If you have a craft business or are thinking about starting one, this is going to be very informative for you. We’ve got 5 No-no’s for Selling Your Crafts to share with you here. These are the most common mistakes we see craft sellers making.

Here at Makers Gonna Learn, we have helped thousands of people get their craft businesses started and reach success with selling their craft projects. If you want a more in-depth look at how to sell your crafts, check out our 30 Days to Selling Your Crafts workshop.

5 NO-NO’S FOR SELLING YOUR CRAFTS

1 – Don’t wait too long to start selling seasonal crafts.

You want to start no later than 6-8 weeks before that holiday. If you start seeing Christmas items being sold in your local stores in July or August, you can feel comfortable to start selling them at that time as well. Set up a game plan ahead of time so you are ready for each holiday and season before it happens. If you start trying to sell fall crafts in the fall, you may find that many people have already purchased their items and that you have missed the boat.

Give people time to find your products, consider purchasing, and place their orders. Yes, you may still get those last minute sales, but by being ready ahead of time, you are optimizing your business to take advantage of as many sales as possible.

2 – Don’t use images for profit that you don’t have commercial licenses for.

Green Towel With Embroidered Text "jarnagin Est 2022" On A Black Background.

If you are a member of Makers Gonna Learn, you receive a commercial use license for our cut files and fonts. It’s so important to ensure that you have legal access to the files you’re using so that you don’t run into any issues. With our membership, you are making a minimal investment to gain access to thousands of files at your fingertips.

3 – Never sell something you wouldn’t buy.

A Fabric Pouch With "makeup" Written On It, Alongside Cosmetic Brushes On A Textured Surface.

You need to sell quality products that you believe in. When you are fully invested in your products and they are something you would buy yourself, you will be able to sell them with more confidence. If you don’t believe in what you’re selling, it comes across to your potential customers!

4 – Make sure to take a deposit.

It happens to so many people. They make an entire project without at least taking a deposit, if not full payment. We suggest that you require a deposit of 25% minimum before you make the project for them because at least that way, you’ll end up with some money to keep instead of doing all that work for nothing. If you have them pay in full, remember that then you’ll have the money you need to buy the supplies needed for the project!

5 – Don’t miss out on support and training needed to level up.

A Framed Floral Artwork With The Word "bloom" In The Center, Displayed On A White Surface With Decorative Items Including A Plant, A Crystal, And A Small White Vase.

At Makers Gonna Learn, our Design Make Sell Inner Circle program will help you! If you’re stuck and aren’t moving forward, Design Make Sell Inner Circle can help. With curriculum, coaching calls, and the support of a like-minded community, this can really give you that push you need to level up.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I start selling seasonal crafts?

Start no later than 6-8 weeks before the holiday. If you see stores selling Christmas items in July or August, it’s fine to start then too, so people have time to find and order your products.

Should I take a deposit on custom craft orders?

Yes. Require a deposit of at least 25% before you make the project, so you keep some money even if the buyer backs out. If they pay in full, you’ll have the cash to buy the supplies you need.

Do I need a commercial license to sell crafts made with cut files?

Yes, make sure you have legal access to the files you use. Makers Gonna Learn members receive a commercial use license for the cut files and fonts, so you can sell your projects without running into issues.