compiled by Heather Skelly

What Is the Most Unique Marketing Technique You Have Employed?

WHAT'S YOUR OPINION?

Each month, The Crafts Report invites readers to respond to the Public Opinion question. Responses are published in the magazine. This month’s question is: How do you prevent burnout? Please respond by July. 8, 2002. Responses to this question will appear in the September 2002 issue. E-mail: publicopinion@craftsreport.com; or CLICK HERE Send responses to: “Public Opinion,” The Crafts Report,100 Rogers Rd., Wilmington, DE 19801; fax: (302) 656-4894. Anonymous responses will no longer be published.

Sales were slow at a particular show, so I called a local radio station and started talking to the host. I informed him of where I was and that I had a few complaints from some customers about a certain drawing I had on display. It is a drawing depicting two boys after a B.B.-gun fight. I told him about some of the angry responses I received and that he could view this piece [on my Web site]. All the time I was talking to him, I was on the air. You would not believe the amount of people that showed up after that to see this drawing. The show turned out to be an OK show.

Michael Carey
via e-mail

I advertise in Danish language newspapers published in the United States. I sell a reproduction cross, treasured by immigrant Danes, as well as jewelry made from Scandinavian stones. Ads run in all issues to great response. I’ve been doing it for three years, and it just gets better.

Judy Hoch
via e-mail

I am both a professional crafter and an accredited adult-education teacher who teaches workshops in calligraphy and in arts and crafts. I promote my wares by giving my students my newsletter, which describes who I am and my company.

Robyn A. Davis
via e-mail

I am a self-taught jewelry artist, so once in a while, I’m a little self-conscious when selling my work in a venue with “educated” and more experienced jewelry makers. Quite by accident, I stumbled across a sure-fire way to get people to come to my booth.

I was in a rush the day before a show for some bags so I purchased mini kraft bags with rope handles. That night, I carved a cool rubber stamp design bearing my name and image, and stamped each bag. At the show, I got so many comments about people wanting to know where and how to get the bags, so customers would point them in my direction.

Another tip I use also saves money. I punch a hole in my business card and use colored raffia to tie my bracelets and necklaces to the cards. On the reverse side of the cards is the price of the item.

Robbin Melton
via e-mail

In the early days, I put my fun jewelry in clear plastic bags blown up like a balloon, and tied it with curly ribbon in several colors that matched streamers from my canopy. My customers became walking advertisements for my work.

Penny Harrell
via e-mail