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If there’s nothing you like more than getting out your craft supplies and making things with your own two hands, you’ll know just how relaxing and fulfilling creating art can be.
Maybe you’ve even considered turning your fun craft hobby into a legitimate side hustle – after all, there is a growing market for handmade items on sites like Etsy.
Well, the answer is yes, you can!
If you’re toiling away on one of your beginner sewing machines in your free time or you have so many essential oils that your home is beginning to look like an esoteric fair, you might as well use your skills to bring in some extra cash.
Here are four ways you can do what you love and make some money, too.
1. Attend Craft Shows
To grow your hobby into a money-making side hustle, you need to put some work into getting your product out there. A great way to get your items seen is to travel to craft shows and markets to display your wares.
Selling your crafts at fairs and shows is a good way to reach your intended market because the people who attend them are already looking for handmade craft items like yours.
Another way you can benefit from attending these events is by looking for ideas, and you can also scope out your competition.
2. Open a Store
Opening a brick-and-mortar store in your area is an excellent way to build a reputation and client base among the locals. Opening up a storefront will allow you to interact with your customers, and it’s a great way to get some word-of-mouth publicity.
Being able to promote your products in person may also help you make sales because customers can see the passion you have for what you do.
3. Sell Your Crafts on Etsy
Starting a craft business in the digital age has become easier and more accessible to everyone – mainly due to online shopping sites like Etsy and Amazon Handmade.
All you need is an internet connection and a way to send parcels out – if you already have these, you’re good to go. The best thing about selling crafts online is that you can send your items to anyone in the world!
The best site to start selling your wares is Etsy – creating a listing only costs around 20 cents. Go ahead, open an Etsy account and see if it works for you. An online shop is also a good way to see what the demand is like for your goods, so you can test the waters before you start crafting full-time.
4. Network, Network, Network
The best way to create interest in your product and grow your sales is to network. For instance, asking your friends and family to promote your products to everyone they meet is the best way to get the word out.
Attending events for business owners is also a good way to get advice about how to grow or start your business from other creative entrepreneurs. As a bonus, you can also meet entrepreneurs at various stages of their company’s lifecycle and potentially even find commission work.
