Art and Craft Small Business

Wholesale Advice

2008-07-09T08:36:00.000-07:00

Here is a wonderful article
with lots of great links and advice
on selling your crafts at wholesale.

Etsy Banner Maker - Sneak Peek

2008-01-27T07:43:00.000-08:00

Check out this Sneak Peek of a new Seller Tool on Etsy!

It's a Etsy Shop Banner Generator and it is super cool.

Follow the Directions on the page to save the banners you create (note: On my Mac I had to change the file type initials at the end of the file name manually, i.e. it said filename.php and I retyped it as filename.jpeg or else it would not upload when I tried to put it up in Your Etsy > Appearance)

Also check out these great prefab banners, avatars and buttons for your Etsy shop and/or blog or website.

Product Images

2007-12-26T08:50:00.000-08:00

Here's an image of my new photography set-up that I use to take product images of my pottery, jewelry and buttons. I use 'Daylight' light bulbs in ordinary inexpensive clip lamps along with a couple of light reflectors. 99% of the images I take these days are digital, which allows me to take images of my clay work quickly and inexpensively.

Source for Gradient Grey Backgrounds for Juried Show Images

Tasha's Craft Show Survey Answers

2007-11-18T09:38:00.000-08:00

Here are my answers to Mymy's Craft Show Survey:

+ why do you sell at craft shows vs. other selling venues?

Selling at Craft Shows allows me to sell lots at one time and I like getting direct feedback from customers/potential customers.

+ how do you decide what shows to do?

I look for shows where my work will be a good fit and that either a reasonable driving distance from home or are in a town where I have friends :)

+ what makes a show a "good show"?

A 'good show' is one where:

- the other vendors are showing high quality handmade work

- the attendees show respect & appreciation for you & your work (as in, you don't get a ton a really offensive/stupid comments or questions about your work and/or your career choice)

- A good show is well-run and the organizers are friendly & helpful

- I take home a reasonable profit (as in, I *make* money far above & beyond covering my expenses - I like to make a profit of at least 10 times the booth fee)

+ for juried shows, how do you know what photos to send?

Indie Shows differ from Fine Art and Craft Shows on this point - the images that get you into a Fine Art and Craft Show can keep you out of an Indie Show in some cases - I send images that represent all the different types of crafts I make & sell (pottery, jewelry and handmade buttons) but I choose an image of each type of work in the same color scheme so the images still look related to each other.

Here's a link to more of my advice on Images for Juried Shows.

+ what preparations go into planning for selling at a craft show?

- I plan way ahead of time to make sure I will have enough inventory for a show.
- I make travel arrangements ahead of time
- I try to keep my show supplies and equipment well-organized so packing takes less time

+ do you have a check-list of items to bring? if so, what is on it?

I do have a checklist (but it tends to be more in my head these days because I do so many shows in row)

Things You Need to Bring to a Craft Show:

* enough of you artwork or craft work to fill a booth (or table at Indie Shows and Flea Markets)
* a tent, stakes and/or weights (outdoor shows only)
* display equipment (shelves, tables, table covers, hanging system for 2-D work, jewelry display items, mirror, etc)
* business cards
* signage (some shows provide signs with your name, booth numbers, etc)
* packaging materials (bags, paper or bubble wrap, tape,boxes, etc)
* change ($1's, $5's, $10's, $20's and coinage)
* sales tax permit (some shows provide a temporary permit for vendors)
* ability to accept credit cards (optional)
* drinking water and food (or buy festival food - I do like festival food on occasion)
* baby wipes (you get dirty at shows)
* glass cleaner (your work gets dirty at shows)
* a vehicle big enough to fit all your show stuff in (I fit all my pottery stuff in a Subaru wagon)
* a hand cart (some shows let you drive up to your booth, others don't or are inside)

+ how much money do you bring for change? what do you keep your money in at shows?

I bring at least $50 for change in mostly $1's and $5's and I keep it in my lucky wooden cigar box, but I used to use a small file folder (coupon organizer) that fit in my apron.

+ do you accept credit cards? why? why not?

I do accept credit cards because so many people use a debit card or credit card with a 'rewards program' these days - not too many people carry cash or a check book anymore.

+ do you accept checks? why? why not?

I do accept checks, but am careful to check identification.

+ what about charging tax?

I always check what the local sales tax rate is and make sure I am set up to collect it - I really love show organizers that provide a temporary permit for vendors because if you are from out-of-state the process can be a lot of paper work . . .

+ if a crafter has a wide price range of items is it smart to bring them all? or stick to a certain price point? why/why not?

I bring a wide range of price points to my shows especially new shows because you never know what will sell. I almost always bring too much work.

+ do you price each item or have a price list on hand?

I price each item because almost all of my work is one-of-a-kind.

+ do personalized items sell at craft shows? (do you ever take orders & then send the item to the customer afterwards?)

I do take orders at shows for items I will custom make later and ship to the customer.

+ what do you use for a table cover? sign?

-I use differ fabrics for table cover - depending on the show - sometimes plan black and sometimes a fun retro print.

-I have my own sign with my name and logo on it.

+ how do you display your items?

I have shelves & table-top pedestals for my pottery, earring & necklace racks for my jewelry and small flip-bins for my handmade buttons on cards.

+ do you bring bags/packing supplies for customers?

I reuse paper grocery bags & newspaper for my pottery, pretty gift boxes & little paper bags for my jewelry.

+ how do you transport your items to & from the show?

In my station wagon in big 'Rubbermaid' containers.

+ do you need a business license to do a craft show? what about a permit?

In most cases a 'Resale Permit' to collect sales tax is all that is necessary, but I always check to make sure nothing else is required.

+ any other advice/ideas?

Get to the show on time especially if it is your first show - don't show up 30 minutes before it starts. You will not be ready when customers arrive and will annoy your neighbors.

Your Input: Mymy's Guide for Newbie Craft Fair Sellers

2007-11-18T08:08:00.000-08:00

Mymy is putting together a guide for first time craft fair sellers and would love some help!

If you have a moment, answer the questions below then email your responses to mymy@girlswirl.net. Your answers may be used for the final piece which will be posted to http://www.indiecraftfairguide.com. Be sure to include your contact info (along with a website link) when responding!

Feel free to post this to your blog or forward to anyone you think might be interested in taking part. Be sure to include your contact info (along with a website link) when responding!

Questions

+ why do you sell at craft shows vs. other selling venues?
+ how do you decide what shows to do?
+ what makes a show a "good show"?
+ for juried shows, how do you know what photos to send?
+ what preparations go into planning for selling at a craft show?
+ do you have a check-list of items to bring? if so, what is on it?
+ how much money do you bring for change? what do you keep your money in at shows?
+ do you accept credit cards? why? why not?
+ do you accept checks? why? why not?
+ what about charging tax?
+ if a crafter has a wide price range of items is it smart to bring them all? or stick to a certain price point? why/why not?
+ do you price each item or have a price list on hand?
+ do personalized items sell at craft shows? (do you ever take orders & then send the item to the customer afterwards?)
+ what do you use for a table cover? sign?
+ how do you display your items?
+ do you bring bags/packing supplies for customers?
+ how do you transport your items to & from the show?
+ do you need a business license to do a craft show? what about a permit?
+ any other advice/ideas?

Tips for Craft Show Application Images

2007-08-08T00:51:00.001-07:00

Craft Show Workshop

2007-06-12T08:20:00.000-07:00

I'll be in Brooklyn at Etsy Labs on July 22, 2007 giving a workshop on participating in Art and Craft Shows.

All About Art and Craft Shows

Date: July 22nd, 2007 Time: 1-3PM
Location: Etsy Labs, 325 Gold Street 6th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201.

Description:
Learn all about doing shows - from picking the right shows for your work, to photographing work for juried show applications, to product packaging, to building or buying display equipment, to day-of-the-show checklists, to accepting credit cards at shows - everything you ever wanted to know about doing shows. Digital and film photography of craft products for juried shows will be demonstrated during the workshop - participants are encouraged to bring an example of their work to photograph during the workshop (and their camera is optional, too). Participants will take home a full-color booklet compiled by Tasha McKelvey on selling at Art and Craft shows.

Note: 10% discounts to "PAL" members of the Etsy Labs

There are only 15 spaces available in total so sign up quickly! Class fee is $50.00 ($10.00 booklet printing fee included in this price).

This class will be led by Tasha McKelvey. Tasha McKelvey creates functional clay works - both pottery and jewelry. She currently resides in Richmond, Virginia and exhibits her work in galleries and shows across the Mid-Atlantic region. Tasha has worked as a full-time studio artist for the past seven years and has extensive experience participating in Art and Craft shows. Tasha has written art and craft business articles for Croq Zine and for her own arts and crafts business blog. Tasha holds a degree in Studio Art and is currently pursuing her teaching certificate. She is also a member of the Richmond Craft Mafia and the Virginia Artisans. More about Tasha McKelvey at www.tashamckelvey.com

Business Week

2007-06-12T08:16:00.000-07:00

Business Week did an article on Etsy and I was interviewed to be a featured Etsy Seller for the accompanying slide show.

Art and Craft Business Blog Article Published in Croq Zine

2006-08-11T22:01:00.000-07:00

An abridged version of "Good Beginner Art and Craft Shows" by Tasha McKelvey is featured in the Summer 2006 Issue of Croq Zine.

Good Beginner Art and Craft Shows

2006-04-09T09:44:00.000-07:00

Good Beginner Art and Craft Shows
written by Tasha McKelvey

Craft Shows are a great way to start selling your work to the public (and sometimes to find shop owners who want to carry your work). There are a variety of shows to choose from and not all of them are the right choice for someone just starting out. There's also a lot to consider when you're getting ready for your first show.

Different Types of Craft Shows:

Fine Art and Craft Shows - Juried Art and Craft Shows often organized by a non-profit group as an annual fundraiser; most are in the mid price range ($ 150- $500+) note: most are held outdoors *Good for a Beginner*
Indie Craft Shows - Usually juried craft shows for up-and-coming craft designers; usually organized by other emerging craft designers; lower price range ($0 - $50+) *Good for a Beginner*
Flea Markets - Shows that are usually not juried and are held on a regular basis; the type of items sold at flea markets can vary (some craft items will sell well here others won't); most are in the lower price range ($5 -$50+) *Good for a Beginner with inexpensive items*
Commercial Craft Shows - Shows for crafters who have delveloped a more "commercial" line of products - not nessicarily mass-produced crafts, but these show often allow importers into their shows - these shows are organized by for-profit businesses; most are in the upper price range ($275 - $1,000+)
Wholesale Craft Shows - Shows where shop owners order crafts at wholesale price; these shows are usually juried; only recommended for full-time crafters; most are in the upper price range ($1,000+)
Non-Craft Trade Shows - Shows that aren't craft shows, but some crafters with items that relate to the theme of the trade show might consider doing this type of show (someone who makes comic book related craft items might set up at a comic book convention); most are in the mid to upper price range since trade shows are a commercial venture

Note: Most juried shows have strict application deadlines that can up to be six months before the show date.

A Good Beginner Craft Show:

has an affordable price tag (under $200 for Fine Art and Craft Shows, under $50 for Indie Shows and under $20 for Flea Markets)

is local (within an hour or so of where you live - so you don't need to pay for a hotel and you can get lots of your friends and family to come to the show)

has friendly and helpful people running the show

accepts photo prints or digitals of your work instead of requiring slides (shows that don't require any images of your work are usually not of the highest quality - there are exceptions)

doesn't require a booth set-up image (this is good because you would have to set-up your booth way ahead of time, which can be difficult/a lot of unnecessary work)

hopefully provides a temporary sales tax permit (so you don't have to get one your first time out - I know Virginia requires that you register for a sales tax ID if you do four or more shows in the state a year - check your local laws) note: a few State's don't have Sales Tax, like New Hampshire

Where to Find Out About Craft Shows:

the internet
ask other crafters you know
your local paper
trade magazines

Questions To Ask About a Show:

indoor or outdoor?
hardtop surface or grass surface? (outdoor shows only)
will you be able to drive up to booth to unload and load out? (outdoor shows only)
is there overnight security for multiple day shows?
temporary sales tax collection permit provided?
is there judging? with prizes? (Juried Art and Craft Shows only)
is anything provided? (tables, chairs, signage, coffee, etc)
will food be available for purchase on-site?

Things You Need to Bring to a Craft Show:

enough of you artwork or craft work to fill a booth (or table at Indie Shows and Flea Markets)
a tent, stakes and/or weights (outdoor shows only)
display equipment (shelves, tables, table covers, hanging system for 2-D work, jewelry display items, mirror, etc)
business cards
signage (some shows provide signs with your name, booth numbers, etc)
packaging materials (bags, paper or bubble wrap, tape,boxes, etc)
change ($1's, $5's, $10's, $20's and coinage)
sales tax permit (some shows provide a temporary permit for vendors)
ability to accept credit cards (optional)
drinking water and food (or buy festival food - I do like festival food on occasion)
baby wipes (you get dirty at shows)
glass cleaner (your work gets dirty at shows)
a vehicle big enough to fit all your show stuff in (I fit all my pottery stuff in a Subaru wagon)
a hand cart (some shows let you drive up to your booth, others don't)

Advice for a Successful Show:

Learn how to talk about your work.
Get enough sleep the night before.
Get set up on time.
Always be friendly and helpful to potential customers.
Don't set yourself up for dissapointment (it's your first show - you're not going to make a million bucks).

Links About Doing Craft Shows

Craft Shows - Should You? from Casto Creations

The Average Show Experience- Getting Set-Up from Casto Creations

Good Beginner Art and Craft Shows

Miami, FL
Black Sheep Craft Fair
recommended by ragamufyn.etsy.com

Savannah, GA
Mutation Craft Fair
recommended by wingnut.etsy.com

Portland,OR
Crafty Wonderland
recommended by lisa
under $50 to participate and really cool, friendly other crafters

Portland,OR
Handmade Bazaar
recommended by lisa
under $50 to participate and really cool, friendly other crafters

Seattle, WA
I Heart Rummage
recommended by lisa
under $50 to participate and really cool, friendly other crafters

Fredericksburg, VA
Fredericksburg Art Festival in May
recommended by Tasha McKelvey
I did this show a month after I graduated from College - I'm going to be doing it for the 7th time this year; low entry fee, photos accepted instead of slides, they do require a booth set-up image, lots of prize money and my pottery sales have been good at this show. Application is due in mid-March.

Richmond, VA
Arts in the Park in May
recommended by Tasha McKelvey
This was one of my first shows: its reasonably priced, you can enter with photos instead of slides, no booth photo required, my sales are always good at this show - going on my sixth year at this show. Application is due in early January.

Know a Good Beginner Show?

Please leave the following Information about the show as a comment and I will incorporate it into this blog entry:

show name
website, e-mail or other contact info for the show
month it takes place
your name and website link address

(optional - this will be listed with the show info)

booth photo required?
photos or digital images accepted instead of slides?
how were sales at the show?
when's the application due?

Thanks for your help!

Starting Out Checklist

2006-03-28T11:03:00.000-08:00

written by Tasha McKelvey

Things to Do When Starting Your Own Art or Craft Business
(assuming you already have the skills and/or talent to create your art or craft)

read books about starting your own art or craft business

research and decide where you will sell your work (online, craft shows, galleries, wholesale, consignment, your own retail shop, etc.)

research and determine start-up costs (studio expenses, business fees, craft shows fees, production costs, marketing expenses, display equipment, photography expenses, etc.)

determine how you will pay for your start-up costs (your savings, a loan or credit cards)

name your business

rent or buy studio space if needed and/or retail space if you are going to have a retail shop

set up a checking account for your business (separate from your personal checking account for tax reasons) to make expense payments from and deposit sales into, it doesn't have to be an expensive"business account" it can just be a regular checking account with your business name on the checks

set up an accounting system to record sales and expenses

research and apply for legal registrations required for your locality and the federal government (taxes, business license, fictitious business name registration, sales tax collection license, and many many more if you plan to have employees)

research your business insurance needs (car insurance, liability insurance, health insurance, etc.)

research wholesale sources for materials you need to make your work - this will help keep your expenses low

have business cards made - also consider getting letterhead, postcards and/or brochures (these items come in handy when establishing yourself as a real business for such things as obtaining loans, setting up wholesale accounts for supplies and equipment, obtaining gallery representation)

photograph or hire someone to photograph your work (good photographs of your products are necessary to get into shows, sell your work online, promote your work to galleries and shops, etc.) note: most large art and craft shows still require slides of your work; some are now transitioning to digital photography

apply for art and craft shows, wholesale markets and gallery jury processes early if you plan to be selling your work through these outlets (many art and craft show application deadlines are 6 months or more before the show date)

design and purchase display equipment for art and craft shows and/or for your own retail space (tables, shelves, hanging racks, table covers, show canopy, jewelry display items, pedestals, carpet, etc.) be creative in designing your display

decide what methods of payment you will accept for retail and/or wholesale sales (cash, check, credit cards - for credit cards you must set up a merchant account through a bank - see resource links)

determine shipping methods if you will be shipping products (carriers, packaging for shipping, etc.)

set up a website (your website might include: images of your work, basic info about your business, products for sale, a calendar of events, your biographical info, wholesale information, shops and galleries that sell your work, etc.)

don't forget to have enough inventory of your work so you don't seem unprofessional to buyers

*This list was made with Artist living in the United States in mind, but will still be useful to those of you in other countries*

*This list is meant to get you thinking about the business work involved in setting up a new art or craft business*

*The web has many resources available to find out more information about any of the items on the list*

*Before you sign up for any business service on the internet, I recommend doing research on the company providing the service - this might include talking to people who already use the service*

Warning: This blog is designed to be a forum for suggestions on Art and Craft Business Issues, not legal advice.

Naming Your Art or Craft Business

2006-03-23T21:59:00.000-08:00

written by Tasha McKelvey

Naming your art or craft endeavor can be difficult . . . or really easy. I think it's a lot like naming a band, it can be really fun or a chore. A chore that you put off until you have to have a name for your first gig - then you make something up on the spot.

I made up my business name my last year of college with my first real art show just weeks away. It's a boring name, but its functional - Pottery by Tasha McKelvey. It tells you who I am and what I do.

It also saved me some paperwork.

My choice of a business name included my full name - so I didn't have to file a fictitious business name registration. If a business name does not identify by name who is responsible for the business, then the government wants that business name registered. This process also keeps two business within a certain area from operating with the same name, which would lead to confusion. Back to the naming a band thing - two bands with the same name equals bad.

Note: I have read that a business name must have first and last name or just last name in order to be exempt from filing a fictitious name registration, so please research your local laws on the matter.

Now days, you can usually look up local laws on the internet for your individual localities. There are a lot of other registrations you might need to fill out: business license and sales tax collection registration to start.

With all that said, a made-up name for your business can be really fun. My all time favorite business name is Fat Beagle Pottery. It's in North Carolina and they do have a fat beagle (or at least they did at some point). I have a fat beagle and I'm a potter, but they got the cool name before me. It's in a different state, so I could use the name in my state (unless its copyrighted), but I wouldn't. It would be like stealing in my opinion, but I do love the name.

Warning: Local laws and regulations differ from state to state and even county to county or city to city. Always check to find out what your local laws require of a business owner. This blog is designed to be a forum for suggestions on Art and Craft Business Issues, not legal advice.