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Marketing Your Chainmail
Article © MAIL User: Lotheus
Marketing your Chainmail
By Lotheus
Chainmail is an interesting thing. So many people think it is the coolest thing in the world, but many people have no idea what it is. I decided that it was up to us chainmail nuts to educate the general public on the beauty and variety in chainmail products, and to do this through sales!!
I took a poll and found that most artisans find two things particularly effective in marketing mail.
1. Wear your work! Whether it is armor or jewelry, always try to find an excuse to wear your chainmail. I always have on my stainless roundmail necklace, and I will often wear a bracelet or a ring. I also have my wife wear the pieces I have made her to work. The more exposure you can get for your work the better!
2. Take your work with you! If you are going to a public place, like a mall or a public park, and you are going to have free time, bring some mail-making supplies with you! I know from personal experience that this generates a lot of interest. Be sure that when you do this that you have some inexpensive pieces to sell, like some simple bracelets and necklaces. This is an excellent selling opportunity, and it gets your work out where others can see it.
These two things alone can boost your visibility as an artist greatly, if you do them faithfully, and there are other things you can do as well.
Be sure to take advantage of craft and art show opportunities in your area. These are generally inexpensive to enter and generate a lot of foot traffic. Try to get a consignment set up at local specialty stores, like used music stores and novelty shops. You can also offer to donate items to local charity auctions and causes like that. It only costs you the material and labor, and it will often generate some advertising through the charity.
Finally, make sure you have business cards! I cannot stress enough how important this is to keeping you in a potential customer’s mind. Often someone will look at your work and not have the money to purchase a piece at the time. Giving this person your card serves as an excellent reminder of who you are and what you do!
I hope these hints will allow you to make you obsession profitable as well as fun! Keep mailing!
By Lotheus
Chainmail is an interesting thing. So many people think it is the coolest thing in the world, but many people have no idea what it is. I decided that it was up to us chainmail nuts to educate the general public on the beauty and variety in chainmail products, and to do this through sales!!
I took a poll and found that most artisans find two things particularly effective in marketing mail.
1. Wear your work! Whether it is armor or jewelry, always try to find an excuse to wear your chainmail. I always have on my stainless roundmail necklace, and I will often wear a bracelet or a ring. I also have my wife wear the pieces I have made her to work. The more exposure you can get for your work the better!
2. Take your work with you! If you are going to a public place, like a mall or a public park, and you are going to have free time, bring some mail-making supplies with you! I know from personal experience that this generates a lot of interest. Be sure that when you do this that you have some inexpensive pieces to sell, like some simple bracelets and necklaces. This is an excellent selling opportunity, and it gets your work out where others can see it.
These two things alone can boost your visibility as an artist greatly, if you do them faithfully, and there are other things you can do as well.
Be sure to take advantage of craft and art show opportunities in your area. These are generally inexpensive to enter and generate a lot of foot traffic. Try to get a consignment set up at local specialty stores, like used music stores and novelty shops. You can also offer to donate items to local charity auctions and causes like that. It only costs you the material and labor, and it will often generate some advertising through the charity.
Finally, make sure you have business cards! I cannot stress enough how important this is to keeping you in a potential customer’s mind. Often someone will look at your work and not have the money to purchase a piece at the time. Giving this person your card serves as an excellent reminder of who you are and what you do!
I hope these hints will allow you to make you obsession profitable as well as fun! Keep mailing!
Original URL: http://www.mailleartisans.org/articles/articledisplay.php?key=9
