Posted by Steve | Posted in Carving Tools and Techniques | Posted on 23-07-2010
Tags: hand carving tools, hand_tool_leather, lacing_craft, leather_carving_patterns, tools, wood hand carving tools, woodworking
How do I market my hand tooled custom leather projects?
I am 52 years old and have recently (1 yr ago) been disabled. I’ve taught myself how to tool leather and make projects of any kind.
I can make almost anything from leather including: checkbook covers, book covers, wallets, business card holders, custom tool boxes, bracelets, purses, briefcases, watch bands and etc. I can put any finish on them and can carve almost any picture or emblem on them. I can put any kind of background on the work as ordered.
The problem is, I can’t find a good way of trying to sell my product. I’ve tried e-bay, but I didn’t even get a bid. My prices were not high by the standards of other e-bayers. I don’t make mass products, but by order only. I can produce pictures of any or all of my work. What am I doing wrong, or better yet, what can I do that is right? Thanks in advance.
Serendipity has some good suggestions
I would add advertising or checking with your locale scrapbook shops, Journal and stationary shops.
Shoe/leather repair stores(this is where I found a card for a leather crafter). Check with your locale woodworker shops. Car shops, Motorcycle shops.
Offer a class at your library
.Example
“Caring for your leather items.” This is a good way to get your name out in the community.
Check with your locale community centers, library senior centers, parks recreation centers for space.
Street fairs are not to bad. These types of shows can be tiring so I had to know my limits. Take someone with me and be willing to call it a day.
Hook up with biker(motorcycle) blessings. Shows. +leather clothing suppliers/shops.
Networking is going to be your best asset. When you can get someone to assist in developing a website.
Think of Finding a SBA volunteer to assist you in marketing.
I would keep exploring all your avenues.
The market for disabled artisans is pretty good these days and many communities have meetings, galleries and shops to hook up with for marketing your wares.
Take photographs of your work get feed back from your customers and put into a portfolio. Use this to assist you.
Get some cards made up. I still have my leather seamstress addy for my motorcycle riding clothing after 11yrs. I carry a business card portfolio so I don’t lose my favorite connections.
I know a business card is a good advertisement. Carry yours with you at all times. Never know when a possible customer will be about.
If your locale library is doing a display on leather/or book making get involved.
Don’t forget your senior citizens centers.
Our hospitals has display cases and many disabled or seniors use them for a business advertisement leaving examples of there work on display. (including veterans hospital)
Disabled and seniors also hold classes at our collages here which they use for advertisement .
Example: Weaver holds a class in basic weaving.
A dulcimer maker holds classes in basic playing of the instrument.
In all the places I mentioned ask to be able to advertise leaving business cards in those places. bring your own card holder.. perhaps something you design yourself out of leather.
I don’t know if any of these will apply for you I do hope this gives you some practical ideas.
My own marketing experiences have all been locale sometimes a city over and have served me well.
Some of these strategies may not work for you some will.
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