Five alternatives to selling at a craft fair
Selling at a craft market or fair is just one way to sell to the public. Think laterally; what other opportunities might there be in your local area? Here are some ideas about alternative places you could sell your work!
- Gallery or jeweller
The most traditional route is to approach relevant galleries or jewellers. Research your options carefully by visiting the shop on more than one occasion to see how busy it gets. Also look at the types of jewellery they currently sell and their price range. You want to ensure your pieces will fit in with the products they already stock but still stand out.
- Rent a shelf
Check out local options to rent a shelf in a cafe, hair salon etc. If they don’t have the option available why not make an appointment to speak to the manager about trying it out?
One shop that works on a rent a shelf basis is Things British who sell items (not just jewellery) designed and made in the UK. The company currently has three shops – in St Pancras station, London, Greenwich market, London and Chatham, Kent. You pay a weekly shelf rental charge and anything you sell is yours (minus any card transaction fees). You don’t need to be based in London to sell at Things British, you can send items in by post.
- Pop up shops
A pop up shop is an empty shop that is used as a short term sales space. You can do this alone or share with other designers. Search for these in your area or check out We are Pop Up or Appear here which lists opportunities to rent and share.
- Hotels
Hotels have a lobby area where a display cabinet of jewellery for sale could be successful as they have a steady stream of different customers through their doors. Find out who the decision maker at the hotel is (by asking at reception) and make an appointment to see them.
- Museums
Many of the larger museums have a competitive application process for selling your work but a first step could be to consider smaller, local museums especially if you have a range that would fit in with an exhibition they have. They are often receptive to work from local artists and makers.
Have a think about where in your local area to approach and start doing some research. What other ideas can you share with us? Let us know in the comments below
Look out for a coming blog post ‘Step by step guide to successfully selling your jewellery range to a retailer’
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Author: Anna Campbell
