Making Your Crafts Unique

What do you do when it seems that everyone is making the same crafts as you? Are your crafts unique or are you lost in the crafting crowd? Someone (a jewelry maker) commented to me the other day that fellow beaders are a dime a dozen these days, and she's right.

If you take a look around at craft fairs, you often see the same sorts of things over and over. So customers start looking for the cheapest prices, and soon it becomes impossible for crafters to make a profit. But there's no need to be discouraged - instead of competing on price, you need to try another tack...

Be original.

If your craft is unlike any others being offered, you can charge a fair and profitable price for it, because it won't be compared with anything else. Here are some ideas of ways to make your crafts unique.

Use only the best materials

Many crafters, especially beginners, try to cut costs by using only cheaper supplies. So using really good quality materials will set you apart. Emphasise the quality to potential customers, both verbally and by putting it on hang tags, so that they realize they're purchasing something extra special when they buy from you.

Find an unusual but profitable niche

Aim your products at a specific group of people (preferably one with spending power) and tailor your crafts to meet their needs. Examples of jewelry makers who've narrowed their target market are those making equestrian jewelry or jewelry for pets. Trying to make everything in order to appeal to everyone paradoxically can result in less sales - if you choose a smaller niche that's in demand you have far more chance of success.

Packaging your crafts

Use packaging that enhances your crafts' unique qualities and increases their perceived value. Customers love to feel they're getting something different and special, and you can capitalise on this with unusual or luxurious packaging. It may cost you a little extra per item, but the price you can charge as a result will be much higher.

Special skills

Learn a technique that is less popular or more difficult to master, in order to make your crafts unique. If you can make this technique a 'signature' for your products, so much the better. Emphasis this in your promotional material as well.

Tell a story

People who buy handmade crafts usually love to hear about the artist, the history of the craft or the specific inspiration for the piece they're interested in. Use hangtags to put a little magic into your crafts and make it more special to your customers.

Guarantees

In order to emphasize the quality of your crafts, why not offer a guarantee of some sort? Whether it's the option to get a refund, replacement or free repairs, it will show your customers that you have confidence in your own products and are happy to stand behind them and vouch for their quality. They would probably prefer to pay more for something they know will last them a long time, rather than plump for cheaper crafts that may fall apart after a month or two.

Find unusual materials to make your crafts unique

Try incorporating unusual materials to create handmade gifts that are different from any others. Using the same suppliers as everyone else may be convenient, but it won't make your crafts unique. You can use nature or history for inspiration, or just use the materials synonymous with one craft to bring originality to another. Use your imagination!

Further inspiration

I've found James Dillehay's craft business books invaluable for ideas on getting your crafts noticed and increasing your sales. He also has information on increasing the perceived value of your crafts, pricing, keeping records, selling online, selling on eBay and so much more.

The Craft Business Success Package consists of 5 books and a CD, which is great value, and shipping is free in the US. You also have the option of buying or downloading the individual books. (See my craft book reviews for more info and details on international shipping.)

If you'd like to share your ideas for making your crafts unique, please send them to me here.