If you’re planning on selling your handmade products at a craft show or market, there are a few key tests you need to run to ensure success. In this post, we’ll go over the four most important tests to run before you even begin making your products!
1. Product Type
The first test you need to run is to determine if your product can fit into one or more of the following categories: Can someone wear it? Can they use it daily? Can they gift it? Bonus points if your product can fit into all three categories! For example, beanies are wearable, can be used daily, and make great gifts.
2. Price Point
The second test you need to run is to determine the most popular price points for your products. Generally, products in the $5-$30 range sell best. Once you have a good selection of products in this price range, you can start offering products in the $30-$40 range. Products priced over $40 tend to sell less, so it’s important to draw customers in with these products but don’t expect to sell as many.
3. Colors
Offering a variety of colors without overwhelming your customers is key. Start with two neutrals and add a pop of color. If you have more time, add more color. Neutrals sell best, but it’s important to offer some variety! 4-6 color options tend to be a sweet spot!
4.Sizes
For apparel, it’s important to be inclusive of all adult sizes. For products geared toward different ages, start with one or the other (mainly adult or mainly newborn). Branch out to more sizes as you do more sales and get recommendations and feedback. The key is to offer as much variety in sizes as possible without having too many sizes to keep track of!
Pro Tip: Products shouldn’t take more than two hours to prep. The quicker the project, the lower you can price it, and the more you can end up making! Focus on quick makes in neutral colors.
Now that you know how to run these tests, it’s time to write down three items you want to make and sell at your markets right now. Then, sign up for the market prep challenge to learn how to build an inventory and get ready to sell!
