Selling Crochet is Hard
I keep hearing this yet I see people doing it quite successfully. So, if they can do it, why can’t more people? I’m not sure they really mean that the actual process of selling is hard but that they aren’t making a profit from it. That is the key right?
Welcome to the first day of the 31 Days of Crochet Business Blogging Challenge. The purpose of this month is to connect with other crochet bloggers who are business owners OR want to be business owners. Each day you will receive a writing prompt that you can use if you like. (you must sign up for the challenge mailing list to receive these)
This week I’m going to highlight some common frustrations I hear from sellers. I too had these very same questions until I was slapped with reality by a couple of good business mentors. You would think after nearly 10 years online I would have this figured out.
Don’t worry though the good thing is you haven’t quit. That means you are still in the game. You now need to stop what you have been doing and do something else. It’s hard when you put your time and energy into something to just up and stop. But, hear me out. If something is not bringing the return you want aka profit, then why keep doing it?
What’s the Biggest Challenge You Have in Selling Crochet Online?
Join me tomorrow in a webinar where I will answer 5 frequently asked questions about this very subject.
Register for Selling Crochet F.A.Q.’s Today [1pm Pacific Standard Time Tuesday July 2, 2013]
Leave a comment below with your answer and I’ll try to sneak a few in after the presentation.
What a fantastic challenge idea! I don’t sell my crochet items online, but I have thought about it at times just for extra spending money, and this would be a fabulous resource.
I haven’t sold anything on line. But I have buyers offline. I want to try selling my items on my blog so I don’t have to pay commission. Is that a good idea Sara?
Jei @ Cutey Patuty Crochet recently wrote…5 Things Every Crochet Blogger Needs to Know About Profiting from Your Talent
Jei, I think that is a great idea. You already have your blog so adding items to sell will be easy. I’m going to be doing a post on how to that soon.
Hi Gwynne. Thanks for stopping by and yes selling crochet can be a great supplemental income source for many.
Hi Sara, Not sure if you have time but I would love information on which is the best place to sell crochet ‘patterns’…for example I have heard that Craftsy is really the way to go as they have no ‘fees’ so you need only pay the ‘paypal’ fees for each transaction – I’m on Ravelry and Etsy too – if this doesn’t fit into your theme though I understand – I sell my finished objects too – just not online – I worry about shipping/customs and things like restrictions on types of fibres crossing borders via customs…Thanks for doing this challenge – it is getting me to use my blog – hopefully others will find what I have to share interesting…Rhondda
Rhondda Mol recently wrote…31 Days – Crochet Business Blogging Challenge
I sell my patterns online, and one of the biggest challenges is just letting it build, and balancing my hours so I’m making progress.
Chris Bridges recently wrote…Newsletter Winners for 6-21 and 6-28
Yes Chris that is a challenge. I recommend investing in “Craft Business Power” by Jason and Cinnamon Miles. They own Liberty Clothing a clothing line for the American Doll brand. In this book they teach you about some business practices to help develop scarcity and demand for your patterns. A must have for any craft business.
As far as balancing hours, I know how that goes. I try and set aside work time so I know what I have to get done and do it. I no longer have little ones so it is a bit easier for me now but I’m sure if you speak to other wahm’s who have littles at home they can give you some tips.
How ’bout that? I take it you’re here from the UBC challenge right?
I am doing the prompts all out of order it seems but I wanted to drop in a say Hi and thank you for the challenge. It’s nice to have some step by step help in getting my shop off the ground. I am still in the early stages of finding my thing but it’s a fun process and having a place to meet others who are where I am or who already have it together is great.
My biggest challenge is my shyness I think, that and maybe the being overwhelmed with what it is I want to focus on.
You are destined to open your shop so take it slowly. It will come. Take this time to learn about you and your product. Learn blogging and a bit of marketing. I totally know what it’s like to be shy. This is why I push myself out of my comfort zone. I’m doing a 30 day video challenge along with this in a private FB group for this very reason.
Confidence will come with time and overwhelm will be eliminated as you concentrate on one thing at a time. Get it down until you can do it in your sleep and then move on to the next thing.
It is so nice to have you Rebecca.
Hi Sara, Can you send me an email confirming how many other people are participating? I’ve visited 3 other blogs (Becky’s, Esmerelda’s and yours) – have I missed any? I only find Becky’s from scrolling through the comments! Thanks! Rhondda
Rhondda Mol recently wrote…My Crochet “Bucket List” – Amigurumi BB Doll
I would like a list or something also. I am not finding a linky to scroll through or even add myself too. I may just be missing it so if I am can someone please let me know where it is.
Thanks.
Rebecca
There are more people participating than are adding their post to the linky. Right now there are 6 people besides me in the linky. I can’t really give the email list out so unless they blog and link back here I can’t comment.
I think I’ll reopen the FB group I had just for this challenge. It might make it easier for you all to get to know each other. I’ll email you with the link.