What would I do differently if I started selling now

[@ezb6798]

Although I am not interested in selling my weaving and other hand-made items, I do give them as gifts. But I recently went through a similar thought process about whom to give to. I find that some people really appreciate the creativity, time, work and attention to detail that goes into them, and others just react as if I had just bought a cheap machine-made dish towel or whatever. So I’m going to give hand-made items to those who do appreciate them and find other gifts for the rest. Same with selling - you want to sell to people who understand the full value of hand-made items and don’t just think “I could buy a dish towel for half the price at Target.”

[@KellyCasanova]

Absolutely!

[@jenm4721]

I completely agree! I've been making handmade gifts for a long time now and have found myself making the same decision. Some people are just more aware than others.

[@ljatsoh]

100% agree. I have family members that cherish the hand-made items I gift them, and others who receive a gift, say thank you and then I never see the item again. The 2nd group no longer receive my hand-mades.

[@debmoffett-hall5380]

Interesting experience: when I was in high school I would draw pen and inks of people's homes for $50 not bad for back in the day lol but when I started college And a "real" job I didn't have time to do as many drawings so I raised my fee to $125 and got so many more orders I could quit the other job and concentrate on school and sketches. The perceived value of the drawings went up so they were considered excellent gifts at the higher price point. Lesson learned!

[@KellyCasanova]

Yes! Love this! ❤️❤️❤️

[@dalmatink223]

I’m so glad you stayed for the long haul. I’m weaving because of you. Thank you.

[@KellyCasanova]

Thank you! 🥰

[@ThreefoldDesigns]

Yep, totally agree about only doing 'design markets' rather than craft markets - I started off with a couple of small markets, but now I only do one large design market per year. Yes, it's expensive, but I do make enough sales to justify it - plus I get return customers who assume that I will be there every year :)

[@KellyCasanova]

Exactly, it's as much about getting your name out/brand recognition as it is about the sales you might make on the actual day.

[@hellencumber562]

So many excellent points to be aware of. Thank you for giving this one for free.

[@KellyCasanova]

My pleasure! 😊

[@annabellejohnstone4766]

Great advice Kelly ... couldn't agree with you more about not undervaluing what we do in terms of creativity, time and quality. Also your advice about choosing your markets carefully and ensuring that you are amongst other makers and creators. The customers at these types of markets are there because they appreciate the value of what we all do. Thanks again for reminding us all of this🙂

[@KellyCasanova]

Thanks for watching! 😊

[@Knitilda]

Thank you Kelly for this great video. I really enjoyed watching it and I’ve taken some notes as well. You always share so much in such a positive manner which is hugely appreciated ☺️ I love watching your videos and the online school (I’m a member) is just fantastic. Especially for people who are starting out as new weavers, the tips and inspiration is second to none! Thank you ☺️

[@KellyCasanova]

Thanks so much for your lovely comment Matilda 🥰

[@leaholson2309]

Hi Kelly, I'm thinking about firing up my loom again, really appreciate your video.

[@carolgarland7479]

I give my handwoven as gifts and often get told “You should sell these.” My response is always “No one would want to pay what I would have to sell them for to cover materials and time.” You are so very spot on as to boutique vs craft markets. If I ever decided to sell a high end market would be a must. Thank you. Your years of experience provides valuable advice on so very many aspects of weaving!

[@KellyCasanova]

Thank you Carol!

[@CherrieStevens-ri7lx]

Thankyou Kelly that's very helpful. I'm a long time weaver but due to illness I've been out of the game for some time and now feeling the urge to get back. Your immensely sensible approach is very helpful. 😊

[@KellyCasanova]

Thanks Cherrie, I'm so glad you're feeling well enough to jump back in!

[@jennifercongdon4583]

As always Kelly, you are thorough and knowledgeable. Thank you. You are a Star.

[@KellyCasanova]

Thanks Jennifer 😍

[@taprobanna]

Great tips and advice. I'm just getting started with selling my handweaving and struggling a lot with my self-confidence. Mostly comparing myself a lot to more "professional" weavers with years of experience making & selling. Definitely needed the reminder to be patient with the process. Thank you :)

[@KellyCasanova]

"Comparison is the death of joy". Mark Twain It's very hard to avoid, perhaps impossible, but try to use your tendency to look at what others are doing as inspiration rather than something negative. How did the weavers who have all the experience get to where they are now? They just kept doing it!

[@TLL65]

Speaking of beautiful hand knit items- your red and blue coverlet turned out to be gorgeous! ~ Tami

[@brooks8792]

Customer service has changed so much, I like your focus on this.

[@heatherstuart-wp4wh]

Great presentation, thank you so much. I love your tutorials too and have learnt so much. Thanks again.

[@KellyCasanova]

Thank you!

[@learnwithlillian8509]

I think your strategic thinking is very useful. Thanks!

[@KellyCasanova]

Thank you!

[@jenm4721]

I think you're right on point. Great advice!

[@KellyCasanova]

Thank you!

[@worksofhands]

I agree the point about confidence: We all have to work on improving our low self-esteem as soon as possible. If it's deeply rooted in early childhood, it is more difficult to reprogram the brain into self-love and self-worth. Low self-esteem affects all aspects of our life. In dating it signals not sexy. At the workplace, it signals failure in accomplishing given work, in business it signals low quality product etc.

[@nicolettetheunisz9155]

You give a TON of good advice !

[@KellyCasanova]

Thank you!

[@Suebwan]

Thanks Kelly! You are such a great inspiration for selling my handmade items.

[@KellyCasanova]

I'm so glad, thank you!

[@angelikaheinz5296]

I totally agree with the “ market “ theme !!

[@gaibutler3254]

Excellent points Kelly, thank you for the benefit of your experience!

[@KellyCasanova]

Thanks Gai!

[@worksofhands]

Thanks for these very good tips for a good start of a successful small business.

[@KellyCasanova]

You're very welcome!

[@yarnaboutyarn]

Lots of great advice, thanks Kelly

[@KellyCasanova]

You're so welcome!

[@TLL65]

Great information and advice. Thank you Kelly! ~Tami

[@KellyCasanova]

Thanks for watching!

[@trisha1562]

So many valid/valuable pieces of advice. I have a hard time with pricing my products as I know that as I get better I start weaving faster and how much I should be charging hourly. I live in a state with a very high minimum wage compared to the national average so idk if I should be going with one or the other or if I should go for middle ground.

[@KellyCasanova]

Ultimately it's your decision what hourly wage you are happy with and there are many factors that will help you to decide. Things like - what is your time and expertise as an artisan worth to you? How many hours a week do you want to work? Would it be a sustainable wage for you long term? Lots to consider, but you don't have to get it right straight away, you can always alter your pricing as you gain more experience and get a feel for working for yourself 😊

[@trisha1562]

@@KellyCasanova thanks! Yeah. Those were some of the things I have considered.

[@mammaearly]

Thank you for this video

[@KellyCasanova]

My pleasure! 😀

[@priscillaatwell6771]

I used to sell at my church's Christmas Bazaar. Handknit scarves, up to 5 yarns of their choice for $30. Barely got any sales until I listed them for $50, discounted to $30 for this sale. Really crazy! Target's China made went for $30 and that's what they were buying--what a crock! Don't do that anymore--need any yarn? Hahaha