Home Made

Home-based artisans trying to draw an income from their craft have traditionally had just two options: selling direct to consumers at craft fairs and markets or selling through galleries or shops that charge a commission.

Today there are a myriad of other options available to those able to think and plan “outside the box.”

A Booth space at Farmer’s Market Online is an alternative form of marketing that combines direct sales with the kind of marketing assistance a retail shop or gallery might provide. Much like a stall or space at an open-air farmers market, a Booth provides an opportunity for displaying handmade crafts and artwork before a steady crowd (more than 2,500 per day) of folks eager to buy unique works direct from the artisan. The big difference is that the artisan or crafter doesn’t have to pack, load and travel to the market and sit in the booth all day waiting for customers. Interested shoppers contact the artist directly and the artist sells directly, by whatever method he or she chooses.

Unlike most galleries or gift shops, and many markets, Farmer’s Market Online charges no commissions and requires no sales reports. Aside from the Booth lease fee, which covers the setup of the Booth and any changes made during the term of the lease, there are no other costs. The Booth can serve as the “web presence” for the crafter’s product, or it can be linked to the crafter’s own website.

Setting up and maintaining a website can be time-consuming or costly, or both, but it is one of the new marketing alternatives open to crafters along with eBay and setting up a brick-and-mortar retail shop.

Other options include cooperative agreements with other crafters (”you sell and promote mine and I’ll sell and promote yours”), tie-ins with local organizations, promotional displays at retail stores, and barters for goods or advertising.