Ever since I started making these smocks, I've been appreciating all the lovely feedback from you, my blog readers and also from friends and family....and I've also been admiring the crafty women among you who've managed to combine your playtime with some enterprising work.
I've been trying to figure out how I could possibly get in on the action. But now that I seem to be whipping one up without double-guessing the next step, it almost seems possible.
One of my girlfriends has even suggested spruiking the wares at the local kids' shops just to see if there's any interest. But the clincher really happened last weekend when we were at a party with a room full of bare acquaintances, two mums (one to a 15mth old girl) who complimented the smock that the bub was wearing and asked us where we bought it from.
I was just struck dumb and the geezer had to explain that I made them...with me adding later that I made them because I couldn't find anything not-pink in the shops.
This red one will probably be the first of the shop stock, unless I decide to totally abandon the idea. Or I get offered a job I can't refuse next week. Somehow this option doesn't even look to be in the realm of possibilities.
So what do you think, folks? Should I or shouldn't I?
Yikes! I have to find a way to start self-financing this fabric habit, after all.
9 comments:
I would definitely consider Etsy over Ebay. I think people tend to look towards ebay for cheap second hand designer labels over new handmade. There are a few already doing smocks on Etsy..here are a few that I have bookmarked
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5052838
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=30575
One thing you need to consider with Etsy is the majority of your buyers are from the U.S and Canada. So you may need to think about offering a spring/summer version. Rather than the winter weight smocks you have been making for Miss smiley. You could also put some feelers out to some online stores like Babystyle or the hip infant. Good luck Jade!!
Well you need to do something to keep up with tutti frutti and I just come in here to comment and found she has beat me to it. Goodluck. Like I said earlier I think they look great. Shame my princess is a bit older.
I don't really know about the pros and cons of etsy/ebay but I think there would definitely be a market out there for non-pink baby wear! Your smocks are lovely and v. cute. Why don't you try it and see what happens?!
I think you should! They are so fabulous and there are many people out there like you that do not want to dress their little girls in pink - and lets face it there aren't a lot of girl clothes out there that aren't pink! I agree with Belinda that Ebay is where people look for bargains and I don't think that would do justice to the work you put into your clothing. Etsy seems like a good starting place - people expect hand-made quality there! Good luck with your endeavour!!
I can't give you any marketing advice, but your smocks are adorable. If I had a little girl, I'd sure be dressing her in those smocks!
I'm visiting via H&B. You've got one customer right here. That is one of the cutest dresses I've seen in a long time.
Jade you should definitely consider Etsy over ebay as belinda said. There would definitely be a market or have a shop attached to your blog.
Another bit of advice, I sell some of stuff to a store/childrens' boutique, which is great, but unfortunately they put 100% mark up on them and then they are virtually unaffordable for anyone. But I do it for the exposure of my label.
And what do you mean finance your fabric habit, - what about your shoe problem!!!
Definitely Etsy. I can vouch for the quality of your workmanship, your creations are beautiful.
Make sure you do your research and work out reasonable pricing etc. Good luck, I wish I had a babe to dress in your lovely smocks!
We have been really happy with etsy. It feels really good to check the emails and find that you sold something while you were sleeping! Your things are beautiful and will be popular.
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