The decision to market your handmade items in wholesale is a bold one not only because it can double-quick your success but also because it connotes you need to be well organized. A foolproof plan is necessary before you start offering crafts in wholesale – you can’t let things fall through the cracks when your customer could make a lot for you. To help you start vending your handicrafts in the right manner, ArtistryBazaar has put together top tips and tricks that you should be aware of before selling your handmade items in wholesale.
1. Build connections instead of waiting for them
Reach out to the people who have no clue that you exist yet. Search for retail stores that you feel would be a perfect match and offer them an affordable but quality package with a catalog/brochure or branded merchandise. It isn’t mandatory to give samples, except for items with a good scent or a flavor.Â
When you present a sample, try to create a good presentation, but there’s nothing wrong with going overboard. Before you get in touch with them, do a little bit of R&D on their website, shop or Facebook business page (if they have one) and leave a short note, sharing something unique about them. This personal touch and mindful approach will set you apart.Â
2. Keep costs low
There is no fixed formula to keep the price low, but the following points are crucial:
- Refine your buying skills. Keep on looking for better pricing to cut costs. You can only make dough by buying smart.
- Use creative ways to reduce production time and cost.
- Exhibit your handmade products in stores that are ready to take a smaller profit margin on sale.
- Also, develop a second, lower-priced line that will possibly boost sales of expensive products.
3. Balance production and creative flow
Wholesale business can be profitable if you put the right terms & costs together. A wholesaling approach for a handmade business is quite different from a machine-made business because creativity and production time have to be considered. It is not as simple as a costX2 situation. Calculate all costs such as labor, research, marketing, resources and any other set costs to get the accurate wholesale price.
4. Connect with like-minded retailersÂ
Only work with retailers whom you think have an impressive rapport and sense of kinship. If you collaborate in this way, then you and your retailers will start investing in each other. Cold calling and emailing stores are still the best strategies to connect with like-minded retailers.
5. Crystal Clear Communication
Communication is imperative in terms of things like delivering bulk orders of wholesale home accessories. As a wholesaler, you may already know that the creation of handmade items takes more time than manufacturing items. Therefore, before confirming an order, clearly inform your client about the delivery time. Also, if you are planning to rebrand, update the retailer store owners in advance. When you reach out to retailers, make sure to provide a working link to your site, include some pictures and take some time to proofread.
6. Wholesale can opens doors to new buyers & provide feedbackÂ
For a new brand, wholesale clients can be a key source of feedback. This is 100% true if you offer different products of retailers (brick-and-mortar vs. e-shops, home decor wholesale, gift retailers vs. toy retailers vs. office decor, etc.), which means the comments you get from each product are valuable and varied. As a wholesaler, one of your biggest strengths is the ability to get feedback and be flexible while employing it back into your products or processes. Improvement is a never-ending process.
7. Dare to be different & never back down
Retailers often search for products that are unique and match their store’s inventory. There is a thin line between following a trend and not being trendy. For instance, if you approached a shop about carrying your line and you think that it’s a suitable match, but you haven’t got a response, it’s worthwhile to follow up.Â
8. Support and Sync with Store Owners
It is not enough just to have a wholesale site and having different payment options is very helpful for shop owners. Make it convenient for retailers to partner with you. You can offer full payment after delivery or half before the order and after the delivery. The payment options can include credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and sometimes even alternatives such as invoice payments or buy now, pay later.
9. Packaging
Packaging is a major factor for shop wholesalers. Well, it is not mandatory to have a luxurious package, but you must consider the kinds of stores you want your product on the shelves and the packaging has to fit. More than this, packaging should function properly, as many paper labels fade away so it’s crucial to test it.
Packaging needs to express to buyers what they are going to buy without using too many words. For example, tissue holders need to be labeled as tissue holders, and it is very helpful when dimensions are given so buyers won’t have to guess or unfold everything.
In the end
To sum up, running a wholesale handmade business demands strategic pricing, strong retailer relationships, and better production. You have to understand the wholesale market, maintain quality, and market smartly; you can easily grow your brand while staying true to your craft. Platforms like ArtistryBazaar are prime examples of wholesalers that sell quality artisanal and handmade products in bulk. If you have any query or need more information, feel free to contact us for more insights on the wholesale handmade market.