The Handmade Marketplace: How to Sell Your Crafts Locally, Globally, and On-Line

One of the most informative works I've read so far in terms of handmade marketing has to be The Handmade Marketplace: How to Sell Your Crafts Locally, Globally, and On-Line by Kari Chapin.Not only is this book beautifully illustrated, the information is presented in a way that makes marketing actually quite interesting and understandable. How to decide if your craft is in demand, how to set up your online presence, how to build your brand, even how to get involved in selling your creations at local fairs and markets - it's all here. While I'm no book reviewer - nor do I really feel the need to try to be - once I read this book, I knew I had to tell people about it. I first handed my copy off to Alex (a fellow misc*maker, whom you shall meet soon) as she was just beginning to sell her crochet masterpieces. Next, the book was passed to Elizabeth, another collaborator here. pssst - Liz, give me back my book. Now I've taken my praise to the internet - Do you see what you've done, Kari Chapin?! What I'm getting at here is that if you're interested in learning how to market your work as an artisan, this book will definitely take the edge off that big "M" word - Marketing. If you're on the search for a sort of text book for crafty business models and resources, I'd highly suggest taking a look at this book. This book is definitely my friend :)

I purchased this book from Amazon; it arrived in pristine condition and looked really cute sitting on my bedtable. The book is a great size for a medium-sized bag while not being too small.The writing is fun and easy to read; not too much clutter on the page and enough content to give the feeling that you are getting something substantial for your money.I learned a lot from The Handmade Marketplace. The author speaks to you as though she were in the room with you, which in my opinion always makes for a happy read. She gives a lot of information on varied topics that relate perfectly to the genre.I am just beginning the process of starting a crafts business, and this book has really helped me clarify what I want and need to do to get things started.She gives great insight into the world of marketing crafts while not overwhelming the reader.Because of this book I now realized that creating a business blog is a necessity and that opening an Etsy account, or something like it, can introduce your crafts to the world.I don't have any negatives to report, and most certainly recommend this to anyone who is starting a crafts business or is looking for ways to expand one that is already existing.

I am a beginner in the craft sales field and was looking for a book to give me some step by step guidelines. This book is filled with lots of good advice about what to do when getting started with sales, like branding you item, joining groups of crafters, bookeeping, etc.However, I felt that even with the little short stories from people who are selling their crafts/handmade items the information was very general. I was looking for something more detail oriented. It does give you some websites for some of the information written about in the book, which was VERY helpful.As an example, I was interested to find out which was a preferred method to generate more sales, specific websites devoted to a specific artist vs. commercial sites like ETSY. I also wanted to learn more about things like PAYPAL since that is the preferred method of payment for internet sales. I know I could just go to some of the specific sites like PAYPAL and ETSY but I wanted feedback from people who have actually used the systems. I was also hoping to learn more about shipping methods and what is the best for large vs. small items, and any tips for saving money on shipping costs.Overall, I would recommend this book for beginners, it does give you a lot to think about that one probably wouldn't consider when just starting out. I liked the way the book is structured and it was a very easy read. Good reference material.

I purchased "The Handmade Marketplace: How to Sell Your Crafts Locally, Globally, and On-Line", by Kari Chapin, from Amazon.Com and downloaded it onto my Kindle.I have been making handmade greeting cards for over a year and I am in the process of opening a store on Artfire.Com. I bought this book to learn more about selling and marketing my cards and I was not disappointed.The author covers setting goals, branding and basic business procedures. She interviews many successful crafters who share their tips for success. I found Part 2 of the book on marketing your crafts very informative and helpful. Kari gives detailed information about joining online communities, blogging, putting together a press kit, podcasting and social media. I have never tried podcasting so I found this part of the book especially interesting.The author gives information about selling at craft fairs, setting up online stores and selling at brick-and-motor stores. She also provides ideas for "creative" opportunities such as joining a co-op, teaching courses, house parties and selling kits and patterns.There is an excellent "Resourses Section" at the end of this book that will provide you with tons of additional information, ideas and opportunities. This book offers up-to-date information that will help crafters take their business to the next level. Highly recommended!JanetteFuller.Com ~ Books, Inspiration & Life

I love the suggestions and stage process Kari details in the book. While this is seemingly outdated, as technology advanced so quickly (i.e. there aren't strategies related to Apps, Pinterest, YouTube, etc.), it is a great foundation to understanding handmade business practices. There are some great resources listed in the index, however, some links have been deleted to due bloggers deleting their accounts. I would probably buy one of Kari's current books in general, unless you're a complete newbie. Another plus, the delightful illustrations in the book are from one of my favourite Etsy sellers The Black Apple.

What a brilliant book. I'm usually quite skeptical about books offering guidance and advice as I tend to find that they state the obvious and therefore I don't learn anything new. This book has changed my opinion.Whilst there were elements that I already knew and practiced, there were plenty of others that I didn't (or, that I didn't have the confidence to try). There were also tips that seemed quite obvious, but for some reason I wasn't doing them. Somehow having them explained in writing has helped me understand them better, and have the desire to try them.With its mix of tips, suggestions and advice from other successful makers, I've been given the boost I needed to re-engage with my craft and its audience. Excited to see what lies ahead!

Indispensabile per poter avviare con successo una piccola attività, consigli utili e testi di facile comprensione seppur in lingua inglese.

Lo que buscaba y necesitaba. No sé por qué obligan a escribir más, se quitan las ganas de opinar; con las estrellas debí ser suficiente, y más para un libro.

Un livre indispensable à la bibliothèque de tout créatif qui souhaite se lancer, ou même qui a déjà démarré son activité.Les conseils donnés dans le livre peuvent s'appliquer à des domaines très variés : art, illustration, artisanat, fait-main, musique...Le livre comporte de nombreux exemples, des exercices, et des contributions de nombreux professionnels réputés.A lire et à relire.