Craftseller - November 2014

1

Shoppers love a one-off. Use different

linings inside your clutch bags to make

each one unique. Choose bright and

bold block colours in contrasting shades for

impact, or go for funky patterns to create a

flash of fun each time the bag is opened.

2

Look at colour trends to see what’s

in fashion for the season ahead. Make

plenty of clutches in new-season

shades and you’re sure to bag yourself

some extra sales as well as gaining a

reputation for being on top of the trends.

3

Double the fun! Attach a strap to the

sides of your clutch that can be stored

away inside, giving it two uses as both

a clutch and a handbag.

4

Set the scene. When photographing

your bag for online sales, try and

rope in a friend to model it for you.

Get your friend to dress in a Christmas party

outfit, so the customers get to see the

clutch in context.

Boost your profits when you follow our top tips

on getting the very best sales for your clutch

5

Take your clutch to all your social

events this Christmas to get it

noticed. Make sure you keep plenty of

business cards inside to hand out to all the

people that compliment you on it.

6

Offer a gift wrap service to add

extra value to your sales. Wrap your

clutch in tissue paper and package

it in a gift box tied with luxury ribbon to

give it an extra-special feel. Busy Christmas

shoppers will love the fact that they don't

have to wrap, and you can charge a small

fee for the service.

7

Get the price right. Factor in materials

costs as well as your time when

pricing your makes for sale, and don’t

be tempted to undercharge. People who

value artisan products will be happy to pay

a fair price for your hard work and skills.

8

Target your market carefully. Make

sure you understand where your

customers shop, both online and in

person. There’s no point trying to sell high-

end items at a car boot sale, so do your

homework and make sure you’re selling in

the places that your customers are buying.

9

Don’t skimp. There’s nothing more

annoying than a fastening that breaks,

so buy quality for these finer details to

keep your customers coming back for more.

10

Get your makes seen. Online

selling is great, but there’s

nothing like getting your wares in

front of shoppers, where they can see and

feel the quality for themselves. So, even

if the bulk of your sales are made online,

do a few craft fairs so you can meet your

customers and earn their trust. If you can

impress them in person, they’ll be much

more likely to buy from you again.

NOW SELLING ON...

Etsy: Knitted Leather Clutch by

LarvaMade, £49.06

Folksy: Knitted and Crochet Clutch

Bag by Leah Rose Designs, £15

Etsy: Retro Knitted Clutch by

Amanda Sainsbury, £50

Craftseller 77

KNIT IT