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The homemade goods market is bigger than ever, with plenty of people opting to buy a wide range of items from independent producers rather than big corporations. So if you’re pretty handy at making goods, you’ll have a great opportunity to win customers and earn a side income.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that an opportunity to win customers is not the same as guaranteed success. Many producers make products, only to find that they don’t sell as many as they’d like. We’re here to change that. Take our tips below, and you should find that your sales figures increase sooner rather than later.
Sell In Multiple Locations
The more places that people can see your products, the more likely it is that you’ll win customers. Keep in mind that today’s customers have their own preferences about where and how they find new products. Some people will like to go browsing at an independent market; others will do all their shopping online. Take a look at the opportunities available to you, and make sure you’re selling in as many locations as you can. Even if online sales will provide the bulk of your sales, it’s always good to supplement that income at relevant local markets.
Avoid Hidden Charges
Getting a potential customer on the hook takes a lot of work. If they get to the level where they’re browsing your website and hitting the ‘add to basket’ button, then it’s important to make sure that they complete the checkout process. Alas, many sellers end up fumbling it at this stage, all because of hidden charges. It’s best to be as upfront as possible about the total price the buyer will pay — they might still complete the process if they see high postage and packaging fees, but you’ll also lose some customers, too.
Think of the Customer Experience
Word-of-mouth sales are important for all businesses, but they’re crucial for independent producers. You can get a lot of business if your customers tell their friends and family how happy they are with their purchase. As such, it’s important not to just think about the product itself you’re selling, but the overall experience of the customer. For example, does the packaging of the product create a favorable impression? If not, then look at making a few adjustments. Upgrading your packaging to include branded label stickers on the front can help to give your products an air of professionalism. The product will do most of the talking, but the things around the item will also play a role.
Work on Customer Retention
Finally, remember that your long-term success will depend on your number of repeat customers, not one-time customers. So while you’ll surely be marketing to new customers, keep in mind that marketing to your existing customers can also be a money-maker. It’s much cheaper to convince someone who already knows and loves your brand to make another purchase than it is to go after new customers!
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