Donate or Sell? Packaging and Finding a Home for Your Handmade Cards (and More)
I have learned that I make a lot more items than I want or need. So, what am I to do with all of this "stuff"? For me, the answer is threefold: (1) give it to family and friends; (2) donate it to a non-profit organization; and/or (3) sell it.
Cards need to be packaged for repeated handling. I've put together a few tips on what works for me.
Boxed sets of cards are fairly easy. Stampin' Up! has several types of boxes (clear and cardboard) that will hold a set nicely. (See page 152 in the 2020-2021 annual catalog.) What is often more difficult, though, is packaging individual cards.
I've found a solution for my standard A2 cards: 8.5" x 5.5" paper size and 4.25" x 5.5" folded size. This week, I've posted a new YouTube video on how I package my individual cards so that anyone can see both the inside and outside of the cards without taking them out of the pack! Each package also contains an envelope, and for those with raised surfaces (pop-ups), there are additional inserts for mailing. This packaging is good for both donated items that will be handled repeatedly - or items for sell.
Check out the video (new window) here: https://youtu.be/f-xMbDJFeJs.
Finally, if you have not donated items before, consider these places: nursing homes, adult activity centers (senior daycare), organizations that do charitable work (directly or indirectly), pet rescue organizations, etc. Nursing homes in my area almost always have an activities director that can help you. Other types of non-profits may have a director or some other person in charge of donations. If you give to a non-profit, ask for a receipt you can use to claim a tax deduction for a charitable donation.
Also consider whether you might donate items to fundraising events. Some may allow you to distribute business cards or samples that will showcase your talents for the price of a boxed set of cards! These will more than likely be local events that can bring in incremental sales.
If you want to try to sell your cards, keep in mind the following:
This is a very competitive space! You will need to educate yourself on how to market your items and get noticed.
Marketing can consume a lot of time. Consider whether you're willing to give up crafting time for marketing.
Understand that you will need to be competitive. Set aside your delusions of grandeur that you might somehow get rich at this. It is highly unlikely! There are masses of sellers online who are willing to sell their cards for a pittance. That means you will have a harder time selling for a higher price. Figure out your costs to make each item, and then go for a reasonable mark-up. My primary objective is to make enough profit to buy more craft supplies!!!
Consider online sales platforms, such as Etsy or Shopify, but also consider whether there are local store-fronts that would allow you to keep a display in their store. You'll need to negotiate the store's commission for selling your products, but that might still be easier than working through the online technology. It's your call!
I hope you find these tips helpful! Feel free to leave a comment or ask a question for this post.
Thanks for visiting! Until next time, happy stamping!