I'm a woodworking hobbyist who's not really looking to make a living off my projects, but my wife thinks it'd be nice if they could at least pay for themselves. I usually give my creations as gifts or keep them around my home, but I'm running out of people to gift to and don't want to turn this hobby into a job. I have around a dozen items that are comparable to what's sold on Etsy, but selling online just seems like too much work. I'm wondering what the options are for selling locally without having to invest a lot into branding or setup. Any suggestions?
5 Answers
You could check out Facebook Marketplace, but I totally get that you might want to avoid it. Just showing up at local shops and asking about selling your pieces could lead to some opportunities. They often want locally made goods, especially high-quality stuff!
Have you thought about doing local art fairs? You could get a booth a couple of times a year without needing to invest heavily in tables or other equipment. Just bring a few pieces and see how it goes!
That sounds interesting! I’m not super keen on the setup and cost of a booth though; I'd prefer something low-key.
Local consignment shops might be worth exploring. They often take a cut but might be open to selling your unique pieces without the hassle of full-time inventory. You just have to reach out and pitch your things!
If profit isn’t the end goal, maybe consider donating your items for charity events. It's a great way to share your work and help out a good cause, plus you’ll feel good about it!
That could be a good way to go! I’ll look for local groups that might host fundraisers.
Don't be shy about pricing your items higher since they’re unique and handmade. You’ve put in a lot of labor, which some people might not appreciate. For other craft items, it’s common to include material costs plus a labor rate. Just remember, while you might not sell for high dollar amounts, recouping the material costs would be great!
I get that. I’m okay with just covering the materials, which can get expensive. But the idea of charging high really gives me pause.
Right? I face the same issue in my chainmail hobby where labor costs make it hard to be viable, but at least it sounds cool!
Sounds easy enough, it might be worth a shot to just see what local places are looking for!