Selling Advice

[eastofthemoon]

ichiban_victory latest has post had gotten me thinking about an issue I've been pondering about for awhile.

I have some anime stuff which I honestly don't want any more. Normally, I would donate it to the local women's shelter or the church for their bring and buy...BUT I think it would be a bit awkward for a church to try to sell four volumes of Sorcerer's Hunters manga and an Ichigo plush doll. -_-;

With that said, I'm pondering if I should sell them online, but I have no idea which is the best way to do so. I know there's ebay and the like, but I've seen people just sell stuff from their own livejournal as well. Do any of you guys have any advice or knowledge on this?

And another question, I've been toying with the idea it would be nice to try to do commissions, but I don't know what people would be interested enough to buy (and plush I worry about my sewing skills not being up to selling quality).

There are the chibi dolls I've been making for gifts, but the pattern I used for that isn't mine, so I wouldn't feel right making money on someone else doll pattern. If I tried to sell dolls, I would probably have to come up with my own designs.

I've also made felt cakes/desserts, and I know a bit of making bead jewelery which I could try to learn more of. What do you guys think? Do I have any talent worth trying to sell? (And I won't be surprise if a lot of you say "No." )

Comments

[dqbunny.livejournal.com]

When I've sold some stuff, it was either Ebay or through Amazon.com, but I know a lot of folks who had a good amount of success through their LiveJournals. So, I say give that a shot.

As for your talents, I don't see why you can't take commissions for felt products or bead jewelry. What about fanart commissions?

[earthstar-moon.livejournal.com]

*nod* Maybe I'll try livejournal first and then move on to ebay or amazon.com.

As for commissions, I could take Isa's advice and make a few products to show people what I can make.

I didn't think my fanart talents would be good enough for people to want to pay for it. Although, I could make a couple of cards and see if people are interested in those.

[dqbunny.livejournal.com]

Isa's suggestion is spot on, I think.

Show folks what you can do, then offer commissions. Also, ask your friends to advertise for you. I don't mind dropping a word or two in my LJ redirecting folks to your commissions. And, if it's Slayers-related, you CAN promote yourself on the community.

[earthstar-moon.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I'll definably be asking your guys opinions on what you think would be worth selling or not (once I get some things made).

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

Try putting stuff on ebay and offering commissions on your journal and on crafts/art sites (show examples of your work). People will decide if they want it or not. I've had times when I got swamped with commissions, and other times when my offers went unheard. It's all about offer and demand. Sometimes it's there, sometimes it's not. So you might has well offer, and whether it's successful or not will depend on the crowd.

[earthstar-moon.livejournal.com]

*nodnod* I figured I would need to make a few things to people can see what I can make.

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

If they don't know what you do, they won't be interested.

If I may suggest something that could sell well... Maybe patches? Like so : http://browse.deviantart.com/?qh=§ion=&q=patches+cloth#/dx3d3v

[earthstar-moon.livejournal.com]

I'll try to make a few various things to see in what people are interested. I think I'm already getting some ideas.

Those are cute! I don't know how to cross stitch, but I am getting some ideas for maybe felt keycains.

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

Felt keychains is good! It's like making dolls. But flat. You can also make "felt scenes". Like this : http://insidemysockdrawer.blogspot.com/2009/06/i-love-this-felt-painting.html

[ichiban-victory.livejournal.com]

I gave you my book on dollmaking, didn't I? Read it, use it, love it. It helped me create my own doll template. And if you have any sewing questions, please feel free to ask. In the meantime, read. ^_-

[earthstar-moon.livejournal.com]

True! I probably will in the next couple of dolls. I'll will take opportunity to poke you oh sewing master. ^_~