Selling your arts or crafts used to mean going to street fairs, bazaars, festivals, etc. Of course you still can do that, but maybe you do not have many of those opportunities where your live, or your circumstances do not allow you to do that, or you simply want to increase your market reach. In that case, the following online resources can help.
Online Marketplaces
1. eBay - The largest auction site, with a huge customer base. Be aware, though, that the competition can be fierce and that many people are looking for ultra-low prices. Furthermore, keep a close eye on the various fees eBay charges for listings, upgrades and sales. Go on the eBay discussion boards or buy an book such as "Starting an eBay Business for Dummies" to avoid newbie mistakes.
2. Etsy - An online marketplace limited to handcrafted articles and supplies for these. Lower fees than eBay, nice, uncluttered interface, but also a lot of competition.
3. RubyLane - An online marketplace offering "independent shops showcasing quality Antiques, Collectibles, Fine Art and Jewelry items from around the world." Charges various fees for listing, maintenance and advertising.
4. ArtbyUs - An auction site offering various media, but focusing on painting.
Discussion Boards
5. Bead and Button: Ideas for marketing your work. The community forum on the beadandbutton.com site is a great resource for beginners. Just reading through past postings will answer many of your questions, and the community is very supportive of newcomers.
6. Reasonable Insanity - Don't be put off by the strange title. These forums at reasonableinsanity.net offer advice about many artistic techniques and media, as well as on selling your creations.
Collections of Articles, Tips, etc.
7. Home Jewelry Business Success Tips - Rena Klingenberg's website home-jewelry-business-success-tips.com is an incredible storehouse of advice about selling your handcrafted jewelry.
8. About.com Arts and Crafts Business - The about.com website is huge, and the Arts and Crafts Business section not only contains useful articles, but also a lively discussion forum. Just make sure you have a pop-up ad blocker activated.
9. Craft Business - the craftbusinesshome.com website offers a wide array of tips and articles on making money with your crafts.
10. The Artful Crafter - This website also offers numerous tips on crafting techniques and on marketing your products.
There you have it. These resources should help you get started selling your beautiful creations online.
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