Are people haggling you on price?
Do you feel like your work is undervalued?
Wondering where your next sale is going to come from?
As an artist, you are definitely not alone!
Creative types who turn their passion into a business often agree – finding a market that values their work, and is willing to pay for it, is one of the hardest obstacles to overcome.
Most of what is offered as an artist is typically not a necessity (you know, food, shelter, water, air…), so finding your ideal clients, without the hassle of questioning your value, is an ideal plan of action.
Here are 5 simple tips to overcome the hagglers, and get clients who will gladly pay what your crochet is worth:
1. Raise your prices
Lowering your prices (or, having low prices) may not lead to more sales.
In fact, it may actually give clients a poor perception of your value.
Other shop owners may under-charge because they believe price is the driving reason that people buy.
If price was the only reason people bought, Walmart would be the only place we would shop – am I right?
Charge a fair wage for yourself, and a fair price for your work, and you just may raise the perceived value of your brand to stimulate sales!
Yes, higher prices can raise perceived value and lead to more customers.
If you’re not sure what a fair wage is, or how to price the crochet items you make, here are some quick articles to help:
2. Ask for the sale
Creative types can be timid about their prices, and cringe when even saying them out loud.
If you’re cringing, or feeling apologetic about your prices, your client will sense that.
You don’t know what others budget, and you can’t assume!
When you believe in the value of your work, and charge a fair wage for yourself accordingly, your tone and delivery will be portrayed in a cool and confident way!
That’s powerful, and your confidence can lead to more sales.
3. Focus on repeat clients
Happy clients are repeat clients!
And, happy clients will be your best advocates when gaining new clients.
There is something magical about hearing a testimonial from a satisfied buyer, and it’s a very compelling validation of your products, services and price!
Keep your clients happy, and you will find more people who will want to do business with you.
4. Give them what they want
What do people want to buy?
What are they buying?
What are they asking for?
What are they interested in?
Doing a bit research can not only help you to find gaps in the market, it can:
- lead to new opportunities to help you grow knowledge and skill
- reveal new products and services you can offer (possibly even better than what’s available)
- keep you inspired, and aware of what’s happening in your market
One way I like to keep an eye on the market is to check out the Ravelry top 100 list to see which crochet patterns (projects) people are into right now.
When you figure out what the market wants, and you can deliver it with uniqueness and value, then you’ll find more clients who will want to work with you!
5. Create WOW experiences
When you exceed the expectation of your clients, you will create amazing experiences for them.
Companies that focus on the “wow factor” tend to have increased satisfaction rates, and much higher retention rates.
Wow experiences don’t have to be expensive.
In fact, some of the best ways you can offer a great experience for your clients is to make them feel heard, seen and appreciated.
Here are some examples to try:
- Quick, easy & clear communication
- Speedy shipping & delivery
- Excellent customer service
Of course, boutique-style packaging for your products can help, too!
Remember number 3 above – happy clients are repeat clients, and repeat clients will be your best advocates!
Want to hear more? Watch this!
Peace, Love & Crochet –
Salena
Do you have any tips that help clients value your work? Let us know in the comments below or,
All of this is sound advice. I recently did a craft fair and luck of the draw had me placed very close to 3 other crochet artists. We all had similar products, amigurumi, bags, hats, etc. While we were all setting up I noticed that their prices were significantly lower than mine. To be honest I was extremely anxious that I wouldn’t make any sales if they were selling the same things for so much cheaper. Just as an example 2 of us had jumbo sized Bumble bees made with chenille yarn. Their price was $8 and mine was $40. Being a crocheter I know that yarn is roughly $10 per skein n bees use 2 colors so that’s $20 in supplies alone. It takes me about an hour to make one. Long story short I sold out of all my bees n the other crafter was taking theirs home at the end of the day. I was shocked but learned that yes confidence is instrumental, and under valuing your work only hurts you. The ones complaining about the price are not your customers. With time you will find your customers.