My guide to what crafts sell

As many of you know, I have been running my own craft shop for two years. And the most common question I get is what crafts sell in the shop? This is such a difficult question to answer. Because in all reality, anything will sell if you find the right customer.  The key is finding that customer and how to put your products in front of them.

However, I have compiled a general list of what items are most common to sell in the shop.

Gift items

gifts for family this friends. Other people are one of the most popular items that I sell in the shop. This is as people believe that a handmade gift is a much more thoughtful gift as it has had the time put into it to be made. As a result, any sort of item that has specific names, or titles on them usually sell well in the shop. For example, sister, friend, Grandpa, Mr. Mrs. These are all examples of good sellers in the shop. However, it is dependent on a specific customer looking for that particular title or name.

Theme

Pets are always a good seller. Anyone who can purchase an item, which is connected to either their cat or dog is a happy customer.  Therefore usually these items sell quite well in the shop.

At the same time you have other people who have a favourite animal. Over the last two years, I’ve come to realise that sheep and rabbits are particularly popular amongst the wider public.

Therefore, if you have items that are themed towards those particular likes, or interests and appeal to the correct customer, these can also be a good seller.

Practical

Customers love an item that is practical and adds a purpose. Therefore, if you have a design that incorporates a useful product in a new or unique way, you’re likely to sell that product.

Unusual

Customers love an unusual item or an item that has been re-purposed into a new item.  For example, up-cycling of everyday household items always seems popular. Sometimes these household items are made into works of art or other practical items around the home.  Some of the examples in the shop at the moment are lamps or coat hooks.

People like to look at older items in particular vintage and see them in a new light where they be useful.

Decor

Customers are always purchasing items for their own decor or as gifts to match other people’s interiors.  Therefore if your product adds some personality and flair to a person’s interior, these items are likely to sell as well.  I find a quick scroll of www.pinterest.com under their interiors and decor searches usually gives me an idea of what decor trends are current.

It is a good idea if creating interior items to do them in a number colours.  As everybody has different decor.

In particular, I have found that items that are red tend not to sell as well as other colour variations.  Customers do not tend to have a red themed room. Therefore this item may take longer to sell as you are looking for a more niche customer.

So what crafts sell

At the end of the day, any product will sell if you find the correct customer.  A lot of your early research and discoveries will be where your customers come from, and where is the best place to approach them with new or updated product lines. Sometimes this requires thinking outside of the box, particularly if your items are quite unique or unusual.

At the same time, occasionally a customer who does not necessarily meet your demographic can occasionally buy a product. This could potentially open up a new line of customer base for you to investigate and tap into.

Let me know if you have any tips on finding the perfect customer and how to approach them and get your products in front of the right person. This can be different for everybody. So new ideas are always helpful.  Have a read of my blog post on how I grew my business to give you some more ideas https://www.claireyatfairycrafters.com/growing-my-craft-business-how-i-did-it/