Deciding where to sell your products can be a tricky process. Options include selling at community markets, online via Etsy or Facebook, or inside retail shops. Where to sell will depend on your personality, skills, budget and the time you have available. With so many options, choosing the right outlet can have a huge effect on the success of your business. Because of this, it’s important to thoroughly research each market before making a decision. It’s also important to remember that you can sell your products more than one way!
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Guest Post: From Gel Phase to Sell Phase
It’s many soapers’ dreams to be able to open up a real storefront. Our guest blogger Dawn gives us an excellent recap of a 2014 Soap Guild session by Charlene Simon, a small business owner who has opened up three storefronts (!!!) in 6 years. Read on for some small business tips from an expert! — A.M.
How do you take your best bath and body products and turn that into a successful business? That is what Charlene Simon presented to us in a fun, inspiring session.
In under 6 years, Charlene Simon has successfully brought to life three retail storefronts, Bathhouse Soapery, Fat Bottomed Girl’s Cupcake Shoppe (as seen on Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars”), and evilO Oils & Vinegars. Charlene shared her experiences of making these hobbies into income producers.
Charlene Simon has successfully brought to life three retail storefronts in 6 years.
Charlene explained that in her storefront, customers get to physically see the products and she showed us a great shot of her storefront where she showed how she displayed her products.
Earlier this year we interviewed Kensico Soap Bar, which also opened up their own storefront. Click here to read about how they opened their beautiful shop.
Selling Success at Fairs and Public Markets
By now the holiday craft season is in full swing, and you may be experiencing a bit of “seller’s fatigue” – it can be exhausting remembering to pack all your supplies, set up and take down your display, and be on the ball and ready to go week after week. Bronwyn Bacon, a soapy enthusiast who has worked in customer service and business management for more than a decade, has amassed a wealth of tips and advice for being successful at craft fairs and markets. Read on to learn how to sell for success! — A-M
Before You Go
If you’re still new to fairs, I strongly encourage you to set up your booth at home (or in your backyard) from top to bottom. Don’t guesstimate on how much time you’ll need; by setting it up for real, you’ll know exactly. Just to be super prepared, add a half hour for “issues” that always seem to crop up. Once you have as much of your booth set up as you can and it’s arranged to your liking, take photos so you have a reference to easily recreate your setup.
Expect the unexpected when taking your products on the road. Time yourself so you know exactly how long it takes you to set up and tear down your displays.