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Are trade shows, flea markets, and craft fairs good ways to introduce my own products that I create?
I am into making body scrubs and whipped shea butter, as well as other handmade products. What other ways can I increase my exposure for my handmade products?
If the tradeshows attract distributors and retailers who may be interested in your products, yes — you definitely to try those. I suggest you look up TSNN.com http://www.tsnn.com for shows in your industry.
In choosing the marketing or promotional strategy, the very first thing you need to ask is: will I be able to reach my target audience by participating or spending for that craft fair or other shows?
What you need now is a distributor for your products, and trade shows are the best way to reach them.
My quick answer is “yes.” But then I’m going to qualify that answer.
It all depends on what your big vision is for your business. If you want to sell your products to retail stores – trade shows can be an excellent way for you to get exposure to buyers. But if producing in mass quantities would take away the hand-made aspect of your products – then maybe not so much. If you just want to sell a few products here and there that you make for fun – then selling to retailers would be a nightmare and not at all what you had in mind.
First off – there’s a vast difference between trade shows, flea markets and craft fairs.
Trade shows are very professional and are attended by people in the industry you’re in – or you want to get in. If you want to produce in large quantities and you have the ability to do so – this is the place to be.
Flea markets are very often used products and usually are at yard sale type prices. It sounds like you make a high quality, handmade product and so a flea market would probably be the least likely fit for you. People generally want products for pennies on the dollar at flea markets.
Craft fairs are generally attended by people who appreciate handmade goods- and would be a good fit – if you just want to sell to end consumers – in small quantities. Most crafters don’t have the ability to create enough quantity to keep a retail store (or chain of stores) stocked with merchandise – so they typically will stay away from craft fairs. But if you want to sell a few bars of soap and jars of scrub to consumers – this might be perfect.
If you know anything about the network marketing industry and direct selling industry – this may be another option on how to get the word out about your products. Companies like Mary Kay, Tupperware and others use this method of marketing and distribution to get the word out and sell their products.
Hope this is helpful to you.
All the best,
Denise Michaels
Author, “Testosterone-Free Marketing”
Visit me online at http://www.MentoringwithDenise.com
Yes, they are a good way to get exposure, but they shouldn’t be your only way. Don’t forget to approach local businesses that sell these types of products as well. Local spas that may be interested in using them, local markets that would help sell and promote. You have lots of options, and the ways you list are a definite jumping off point.