Bit of a market research post!

Viva Suzi
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  • Bit of a market research post!

    I'm starting up my own business making homemade pictures out of felt.  I have done 6 commissions so far for Hitchers. 

    What i'm really stumped on is where to advertise - would you think a card in local shops would be a good idea?

    I'm hoping to make some more seasonal things like small personalised stockings/Christmas hangings.  Would you aim for taking commissions at a craft fair or something else?

    Thanks!

    Baby girl Emily ~ September 2006

  • Re: Bit of a market research post!

    What about etsy?

  • Re: Bit of a market research post!

    • sparky
    • Not Ranked
    • Joined on 30-Aug-2003
    • United Kingdom
    • Posts 929

    Well done you, that sounds fab. Have you thought of advertising on Netmums? I think that craft fairs sounds like a good idea, especially all the christmas ones.

  • Re: Bit of a market research post!

    Sounds fab - can you post some pics so we can see what you've done?

    There are so many ways you can go about marketing your stuff - I do a bit of marketing consultancy so do PM me if you'd like a free session...

    You really need to decide how you're selling - direct and/or through intermediaries (Ebay, Etsy, Folksy, Notonthehighstreet etc). Intermediaries take a commission but will expose your work to a much bigger audience.

    For direct selling, you need to set up a website really, and a facebook presence will really help too (esp if Hitchers can post links). Then local marketing like cards in shops, going along to local events, even doing leaflets for schools to put in book bags, posters to go up at nurseries and flyers to be inserted into letters to parents. Really think about who your target market are and where they're likely to be/what they're likely to be doing.

    Craft fairs are good, but watch for the costs - you might not end up with any commissions so check you can afford it anyway. Personally I'd take a few generic products along that you can sell on the day as people often want to take things home with them.

    A good place to start at this time of year is Christmas Fairs - check with local charities, schools, community groups etc as they may let you have a stall for free (or next to nothing anyway).

    And this might sound a bit like marketing speak, but make sure your brand and direction are clear before you start out - you need a memorable name and look so people will notice you and remember you.

  • Re: Bit of a market research post!

    i would love to see some pictures of them as well they sound great!

  • Re: Bit of a market research post!

    Thank you all

    Suzi - I hadn't actually thought of Etsy - have been having a look now!

    Sparky - netmums is a brilliant idea thank you!  Am just wording up an advert now

    SL - thank you so much for taking the time for all that!  i really appreciate it.  I have a website under construction and will make a FB page.  I really like teh idea of leaflets through school - I'm going to speak to her school and see if I can advertise in the School newsletter.  Thank you again

    Here are some pics

    I did these for Emily's room

    I did these for a Hitcher

    I have also made these toys for E

    Baby girl Emily ~ September 2006

  • Re: Bit of a market research post!

    • jemago
    • Not Ranked
    • Joined on 31-Jul-2005
    • United Kingdom
    • Posts 2,190

    Hecate - they are just gorgeous

    Can I be cheeky and ask what size they are, and how much you would charge for a dinosaur one?

    Another place you might try if you made a dinosaur one is http://www.shop4dinosaurs.co.uk as they have a fab choice of dino stuff

    (can you tell the nursery theme???)

  • Re: Bit of a market research post!

    jemago:

    Hecate - they are just gorgeous

    Can I be cheeky and ask what size they are, and how much you would charge for a dinosaur one?

    Another place you might try if you made a dinosaur one is http://www.shop4dinosaurs.co.uk as they have a fab choice of dino stuff

    (can you tell the nursery theme???)

    Lol can I have three guesses Wink

    Are you talking about the toy or the pictures?

    The pictures themselves are 6 inches by 6 inches and the frame is a couple of inches wide around.  Its actually a box frame so it has relief.

    The toys can be any size you want!

    Do you want to mail me on rachel.peapod@googlemail.com and we can have a chat?

    Thanks x

    Baby girl Emily ~ September 2006

  • Re: Bit of a market research post!

    • SAM83
    • Not Ranked
    • Joined on 23-Jul-2005
    • Sunny Wales
    • Posts 4,030

    Wow - they are fab! I really like the ones you done for Emily's room. 

    No idea where to advertise though sorry x

  • Re: Bit of a market research post!

    • jemago
    • Not Ranked
    • Joined on 31-Jul-2005
    • United Kingdom
    • Posts 2,190

    It was the picture I was thinking about, but the toys are fab too.

    Have you seen http://nitnac.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=29&products_id=89 they are quite different as made of fleece, but thought the site might give you ideas for marketing. Also I'm sure you know you can't sell the toys as toys but as 'decorations' due to selling regulations, then parents can use their own judgment as to whether they sit on a shelf for decoration or allow their children to play with them.

    I will email you too, thanks,

    J.

  • Re: Bit of a market research post!

    Wow thank you for that site I love those!  They have really lovely dinosaur shapes don't they.

    Yes I did know about the having to sell them as decorations.  Thank you.  I call those 3 toys as E plays with them!

    Look forward to your mail

    Baby girl Emily ~ September 2006

  • Re: Bit of a market research post!

    Have you thought about doing christmas tree decorations? I bet they'd be gorgeous and would sell really well too. You could maybe even do personalised letter ones too?

    It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine!

  • Re: Bit of a market research post!

    Very pretty Hecate!

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