Is Crafting In Trouble?
Sunday June 4, 2006
A good thread in the forum this week is about the state of the craft industry. Is the craft business world in decline or are things just fine? Actually, it depends on your marketing methods and your choice of venues for selling. Yes, the days of selling tons of products at $5 booths in the church basement are gone. But I would hardly say that the craft industry is doomed!
Comments
Have to disagree that it depends on marketing and choice of venue; after 7 years of weekly direct selling, I think the days are over for both low end and high end craft shows and venues, and in 10 years, they will be gone from the event listings. It is impossible to sell and with the price pressures of big box stores and 24-hour internet availability, craft shows and fairs are on their way out.
I have to disagree. I handmake everything I sell. I am totally against this buy/sell crafts that people try to tell me they handmake. So far this year, my sales have been great. I thought with gas prices sales would be down. But not for me. Yes, I can not compete with Sally who buys her things and can sell them at a smaller price, but I can say proudly I handmake my things. And that is a great selling tool.