Painless selling techniques for the frightened craft seller

The idea of selling your hand made crafts can be so dauntingly terrifying for some.  You are taking a small piece of your personality and putting it on display for the whole world to love/reject it.  Just the thought of giving someone else the opportunity to critique something that is so personable as a hand-created product, can be enough to turn some people away from the prospect of selling their crafts.  I am here to tell you to take courage and consider these *painless* selling techniques to get started.  Don’t worry, I know you can do this!!

• Sell directly to people.  This means that you will be most vulnerable to any attack, but keep in mind that while these people may dislike your craft, they don’t know you at all.  It is not personal!  One of my favorite craft show moments happened at my very first show with my very first customer.  She was a little old woman, obviously not in her right mind, and had her daughter with her.  When she saw what I was selling, the first words out of her mouth was, “oh my, those are ugly”.  Cracks me up STILL, because what she considered ugly are my best selling products.  Everyone has an opinion.
• Be unique.  Having a unique craft will create a bit more opposition and more opinions.  However, it is also the best way to gain the most recognition.  There will always be *someone* out there who will LOVE it!  I have had customers request a specific product that I think is absolutely horrifyingly gawdy, but that’s what they want, that’s what they like, I don’t have to like it, I’m not going to be using it.
• Be professional, always!  Conducting yourself seriously can play a huge role in how your audience will perceive you.  Don’t underestimate the value of professional etiquette.
• Be prepared.  Go ahead and play out the possible reactions in your head, and be prepared for a polite and courteous come back.  If someone says that they don’t like one of your products, direct them to another.  Obviously you can’t be ready for any and everything a person might say, but being prepared for a few of the “what ifs” can do wonders to ease your mind.

I can definitely relate to the nervousness associated with selling your hand-made crafts, but I can also assure you that most of those fears are self-inflicted and usually exagerated.  MOST people are courteous enough to keep their ugly opinions to themselves.  Always remember that while your craft may not be as appreciated by some as you think it ought to be, it is not a rejection of you as a person!

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