How to begin selling

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rwilkins

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I've only been at this fun for 3 months and love. They are finishing real nice and have accumulated quite a few. How does one get started at marketing my work and what prices do you charge? :eek: :confused:
 
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rwilkins said:
I've only been at this fun for 3 months and love. They are finishing real nice and have accumulated quite a few. How does one get started at marketing my work and what prices do you charge? :eek: :confused:
Click to expand...

I think that's a very good question. Some folks go the craft show route. Others place their pens in shops and stores. Others have some success using the internet like Etsy, Ebay and their own websites. And yet others go out and actively look for group sales, etc.

As far as prices go, it depends on the type, quality and material. But it also goes on the reputation, or "name recognition." I could never sell a pen in the price range of let's say Roy (Oklahoman) does because: a. he's a master; b. he is well established; c. he is well known. Barry Gross is another example. So is Neil (wolftat), Seamus, Curtis and on and on. We also have many members of the Penmakers Guild on this site. Look them up and look at their work. It is inspiring to say the least.

The other think you need to realize is that after 3 months you will not be able to compete with some of these masters. You need to read, inwardly digest, experiment, make lots of mistakes, ask lots of questions, etc. To me, it takes years to become a decent pen-maker/turner. Yes, I know some have a natural ability and it doesn't take them as long, but for folks like me, it's the learn/ask/try/experiment/blow up some/mess up some route that will hopefully, someday make me a good pen-turner/maker.

IMHO, getting prices is a matter of asking folks but also doing your research. A lot of folks have web pages. Go to them and look at the prices. Look at what they are making. After doing research you should have a good idea of what a decent price for your work is.

Another way is to search the IAP for a pricing formula. I remember a few months back someone posted an Excel spreadsheet type formula for pricing work.

Hope this helps a little.
 
Welcome to the IAP!!!
(I usually would address you by name, so you may want to sign a "first name" sometime)

You'll find dozens of threads on pricing--and, as Padre (Chip) says, experience and quality level make a difference.. Look in "marketing" and perhaps search for "pricing" (2 or 3 days from now, you may run out of reading!!!)

Welcome and if you have specific questions on a style you do, feel free to ask!!
 
Padre said:
I think that's a very good question. Some folks go the craft show route. Others place their pens in shops and stores. Others have some success using the internet like Etsy, Ebay and their own websites. And yet others go out and actively look for group sales, etc.

As far as prices go, it depends on the type, quality and material. But it also goes on the reputation, or "name recognition." I could never sell a pen in the price range of let's say Roy (Oklahoman) does because: a. he's a master; b. he is well established; c. he is well known. Barry Gross is another example. So is Neil (wolftat), Seamus, Curtis and on and on. We also have many members of the Penmakers Guild on this site. Look them up and look at their work. It is inspiring to say the least.

The other think you need to realize is that after 3 months you will not be able to compete with some of these masters. You need to read, inwardly digest, experiment, make lots of mistakes, ask lots of questions, etc. To me, it takes years to become a decent pen-maker/turner. Yes, I know some have a natural ability and it doesn't take them as long, but for folks like me, it's the learn/ask/try/experiment/blow up some/mess up some route that will hopefully, someday make me a good pen-turner/maker.

IMHO, getting prices is a matter of asking folks but also doing your research. A lot of folks have web pages. Go to them and look at the prices. Look at what they are making. After doing research you should have a good idea of what a decent price for your work is.

Another way is to search the IAP for a pricing formula. I remember a few months back someone posted an Excel spreadsheet type formula for pricing work.

Hope this helps a little.
Click to expand...
Thank you...You've given me a lot of useful information. I will do as you suggest.
I was told by a pen kit distributor that these kits are generally not flea market material and to go where the money is to market my product.
 
ed4copies said:
Welcome to the IAP!!!
(I usually would address you by name, so you may want to sign a "first name" sometime)

You'll find dozens of threads on pricing--and, as Padre (Chip) says, experience and quality level make a difference.. Look in "marketing" and perhaps search for "pricing" (2 or 3 days from now, you may run out of reading!!!)

Welcome and if you have specific questions on a style you do, feel free to ask!!
Click to expand...
Sorry...my name is Ron. Thanks for your input and I love this forum.
 
For me, things started with casual conversations with friends, relatives, neighbors. I just let them know that I am now hand-crafting custom pens. I always carry an example or two of my work and will show them off whenever anyone expresses any interest. I never say "pen kit", it's always "pen components".

I think it's important to always carry business cards with your web address on them to give to anyone that expresses an interest. Likewise, you need to have a web site that showcases your work, tells a little about yourself, and gives contact information for prospective clients. I just use a free website from Google Sites ( penandwoodart.com ).

I consider myself relatively new at this and have sold about a dozen pens so far over the past 6 months. I know I'm going to have to get more proactive if I want to sell more (I don't want this as a career, just want it to pay for itself). I'm anxious to see what others say about sales.

P.S. I've found that the process of setting up a small business is almost as much fun as making pens. So much I didn't know.

Dave
 
Howdy Ron,

I have been doing this for about as long as you have !!! I have sold a few to my co-workers, friends, and casual interacters ..... kinda spreading the word.

Some already know some of my flatwork, so I introduce pens (and bowls) as my ever expanding woodworking experience. I have a couple of craft shows scheduled for May, so we'll see how that goes for me!

If its not your primary income, do NOT sell yourself short ... big tendency to do that, and when you do get better, its harder to move up the ladder.

I started with selling slim-lines, so now I can increase my prices by offering better components, without compromising my original sales ...

there is so much information here, visit the Library and you will see things never thought possible :biggrin:
 
Welcome Ron. I started by making a few nice ( but inexpensive ) pens to give as Christmas and Birthday gifts. A few pens went to people with very public jobs. For example, My best friend works for a large car dealer. I can't begin to count the sales I have received from people seeing his pen. So follow the other advice you have received here, but also consider giving a few "Strategically Placed" pens away ( along with business cards ). You might just be suprised at the exposure you will get.
 
Welcome from northern Ohio Ron. I sell mostly by word of mouth. I always carry a couple of pens with me to show. Occasionally I will give a pen away and receive several sales from that person or his or her friends. Family members all have received free pens and are my best salesmen.
 
This may be the post you're referring to

Padre said:
rwilkins said:
I've only been at this fun for 3 months and love. They are finishing real nice and have accumulated quite a few. How does one get started at marketing my work and what prices do you charge? :eek: :confused:
Click to expand...

I think that's a very good question. Some folks go the craft show route. Others place their pens in shops and stores. Others have some success using the internet like Etsy, Ebay and their own websites. And yet others go out and actively look for group sales, etc.

As far as prices go, it depends on the type, quality and material. But it also goes on the reputation, or "name recognition." I could never sell a pen in the price range of let's say Roy (Oklahoman) does because: a. he's a master; b. he is well established; c. he is well known. Barry Gross is another example. So is Neil (wolftat), Seamus, Curtis and on and on. We also have many members of the Penmakers Guild on this site. Look them up and look at their work. It is inspiring to say the least.

The other think you need to realize is that after 3 months you will not be able to compete with some of these masters. You need to read, inwardly digest, experiment, make lots of mistakes, ask lots of questions, etc. To me, it takes years to become a decent pen-maker/turner. Yes, I know some have a natural ability and it doesn't take them as long, but for folks like me, it's the learn/ask/try/experiment/blow up some/mess up some route that will hopefully, someday make me a good pen-turner/maker.

IMHO, getting prices is a matter of asking folks but also doing your research. A lot of folks have web pages. Go to them and look at the prices. Look at what they are making. After doing research you should have a good idea of what a decent price for your work is.

Another way is to search the IAP for a pricing formula. I remember a few months back someone posted an Excel spreadsheet type formula for pricing work.

Hope this helps a little.
Click to expand...



Posted by Seer last August.
http://www.penturners.org/forum/showthread.php?t=66582&highlight=cost+worksheet
 
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