If you’ve been selling your custom pens and other lathe projects at craft markets then you know that sometimes it’s hit or miss; what flies off the shelves at one event sits untouched at another. So how are you supposed to know what inventory to make, and who is going to buy it? Here are some ways to hit the craft market scene prepped and ready to sell.
Selling pens and other lathe projects at craft fairs
First and foremost, put yourself in a customer’s shoes. At this time of year, there’s a very good chance they’re holiday shopping and have a list of people to buy for with a range of interests. However, if they see something they really love they might just buy it for themselves. While every shopper may not be looking specifically for pens as gifts, they might change their minds when they see the possibilities.
Surprise them. Outside the world of pen turning, many people just don’t realize how beautiful custom handmade pens can be, so make your display eye-catching and noticeable. After all, not everyone has heard of a dragon pen or other novelty kits that target niche interests. Sometimes it’s not just about the pen! Put your most interesting and unique items in a place they can’t be missed to make people curious and draw them to your table. Once there, they will look at all your offerings so have lots to choose from.
Tell a story. Every holiday shopper has that person on their list who already “has everything” and is hard to shop for. Wood turning provides plenty of options for functional and artistic products for this person. In addition to pens, you could try bottle stoppers, key chains and pipes. Sometimes it’s the story that sells, so have signage explaining what makes your products special. Those who enjoy whiskey might appreciate something made with a Jack Daniel’s barrel blank, while those who are into nature might like 5000 year old ancient bog oak. It’s not just a pen, it’s a keepsake.
Offer a range of products. Even if you’re selling exclusively pens, have different materials on offer. Try mixing up your designs, platings and colours. Remember there are many different tastes out there, so even though you may not be a fan of pastel glitter pens, someone else might be! Experiment with expanding your product line to include something out of the ordinary, like new colour choices.
Reach for new customers. It’s known that one of the best-selling products at craft markets is jewelry, so if you haven’t tried it yet, give it a shot. The great part about turning jewelry is that the kits available can be quite affordable and some are quick to make. What only takes a little bit of time in the shop can be someone’s favourite gift of the season by far. You can turn secret compartment jewelry, memory pendants or aromatherapy necklaces. There is also the option of turning wooden or inlaid rings.
How wood turners succeed at selling their products
You might not be a mind-reader who knows exactly what every customer is looking for at a market, but there are a few rules of thumb that can help you have a profitable experience.
- Have a broad price range. It’s hard to tell what price point people are searching for, so it’s a good idea to have many options. Price your fancier wood turnings higher, while having some small, simple things as well. These less expensive items make good stocking stuffers and tend to sell quickly. They’re also great for making sure you cover your table fee even if people aren’t spending a lot.
- Make a good presentation. Maximize your vertical space by using crates or attractive boxes as displays. You could put more expensive items in a glass case to accentuate their value and remember to show a few of your items in gift boxes. People are shopping for others, and knowing there is a nice gift box available could be the deciding factor for them.
- Use price tags or signs. People like to browse and compare. Something that helps them decide is a clearly marked price. Many people aren’t outgoing enough to ask for prices, or if you’re really busy, they may not even have an opportunity to ask! Having clearly marked prices means there is one less step between the customer and the purchase.
- Get business cards. Some customers have trouble making decisions on the spot and prefer online shopping. Having business cards on your table for people to take ensures that they can find you and your items later. This doesn’t mean you have to have a professional website; just a simple social media page is a great way for people to locate you and ask about your products.
- Bring lots of inventory. The good thing about having items left over after craft show season is that you will always be prepared for the next year. A full table will attract customers, so keep it stocked but not cluttered.
Get started selling your wood turnings
Get everything you need to sell your handmade pens and other lathe projects at William Wood-Write. We have you covered from start to finish, with turning tools, project kits, display stands, boxes and more. And don’t forget our gigantic inventory of exotic wood, acrylic and artisan-made specialty blanks.
