I’ve been to quite a few general craft shows (as opposed to just wood craft focused shows), both juried and non-juried, and it seems I’ve found arguably the best seller at these shows (other than food, of course), and I thought you’d like to know what it is.
Sadly, it’s not woodworking, though cutting boards usually do well.
Actually, it’s a photographic craft, but don’t despair, it’s something just about anyone can do, has a very high mark-up and woman love it.
Basically, what it is are 4×6 pictures of letters that are happened to be formed in your neighborhood. You take pictures of all the letters of the alphabet, and then arrange them into a word, such as “love”, “family” or other women-friendly words. Here’s an example:
They go for about $65 for 4 letters, framed! The photos cost next to nothing, maybe 25 cents each, and the frames I’m sure are bought in bulk, for probably $5 each. You do the math on that profit. Women LOVE these. They are unique, and thanks to being able to choose a word, emotional. Amazingly, they smash the usual $20 rule that is the usual at craft shows (things being $20 or less being best sellers).
You can read more about this – and other great selling craft show items – at my website blog.
-- Have a blessed day!
7 comments so far
tyskkvinna
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1294 posts in 1154 days
#1 posted 347 days ago
I’ve noticed this item too… it always kind of annoys me, especially when you can clearly see they bought stock photos to do it.
-- Lis - Michigan - http://www.missmooseart.com - https://www.etsy.com/people/lisbokt
BinghamtonEd
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#2 posted 347 days ago
This made me bust out laughing : “or other women-friendly words”. So true. You usually see words like Dream, Believe, Love, Friendship, etc.
My wife got one that has our last name spelled out, her Grandparents got it for us for Christmas. I don’t mind it, it’s well done (nice matting, solid hardwood frame), but I’m glad someone else paid for it.
-- - The mightiest oak in the forest is just a little nut that held its ground.
Greg The Cajun Box Sculptor
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#3 posted 347 days ago
I doubt that kind of stuff would get juried into a quality show. Seems more like work for low end shows and flea markets.
-- Every step of any project should be considered your masterpiece if you want the finished product to reflect the quality of your work. http://www.FineArtBoxes.com
albachippie
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#4 posted 347 days ago
Kinda clever though. Wish my work could have such profit margins
-- measure twice, cut once...... most of the time! www.custombuiltjoinery.co.uk
tyskkvinna
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1294 posts in 1154 days
#5 posted 347 days ago
Hey, don’t knock those “women friendly words”! haha. All of my engraving stuff – which sells pretty well at craft shows—is made up of that kind of stuff. Women generally like it and men generally don’t mind it.
-- Lis - Michigan - http://www.missmooseart.com - https://www.etsy.com/people/lisbokt
BinghamtonEd
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652 posts in 538 days
#6 posted 347 days ago
You should make one that says “Yes, dear” or “You’re right, honey”...would probably sell out in minutes!
-- - The mightiest oak in the forest is just a little nut that held its ground.
pashley
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833 posts in 1886 days
#7 posted 347 days ago
All I can say is, this lady took these pics locally, here in Rochester NY. I was literally in the booth next to her, helping my mother in law sell her knit goods. This lady was raking it in….I couldn’t believe it. Let’s face it, women buy at least 80% of the stuff at these craft shows, so you need to cater to them. They like emotionally-connected stuff, as opposed to practical stuff, or stuff that makes her “nest” more attractive.
-- Have a blessed day!
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