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Whether you are starting a small handmade business, or have had one a while, you know it is not easy! But, I, your friendly neighborhood Laser Lady, am here to motivate you!

1. You are as Unique as Your Products

I know it sounds so stupid but it’s actually true. Why did you start this craft? What is your inspiration? We all have a story of how we came to be here and doing this, and you can attract people with it.

This is a big advantage over huge brands out there. Sure, their new fall collection of t-shirts are cool, but they don’t mean anything. 

You can make an impact on someone whether it is online or in person. I absolutely love seeing my people at craft shows! I might not remember exactly what they have got in the past, but I sure recognize it if they are wearing one of my pieces. It increases the chance of them buying again, cuz they obviously just plain like you. And it makes conversation a little easier for us awkward people.

Think about this – It’s why those big box stores try to have good sales floor people. However, for minimum wage, what do they expect? 

So, if you have a design that was inspired by a past vacation, or your business was all thanks to your grandma, you better be telling people about it.

But, what should you do if you don’t have a story like that? What is your motivation? To quit your awful job? That is so relatable and worth sharing! To subsidize your retirement? Awesome! Because you just like the craft so much it’s like your hands are possessed and will never stop? Fantastic!

To make my point, people really like human connection even when it’s through social media, or an online store.

2. Commercial Stores Wish They Could Do What You Do

Enough about how unique you are, let’s talk about your products and why the big commercial entities that be, are not our competition.

Why, you ask? You can make limited runs to see if a product is a hit. You can customize things to people’s needs or measurements. Walmart might think they can make a family heirloom because they can print your vacation pictures on a scratchy blanket. But it’s garbage. No one is fighting over that in the divorce.

If you make one of a kind things, personalized things or bulk goods, they inherit your uniqueness. This makes big box stores so jealous. 

You have the capability to make real treasures. Not just a treasure to share, but one that can mean a lot to whoever bought it! And, I would sure hope making your products brings you a bit of joy, as well! If it doesn’t, well that’s a topic for another day.

3. YOU are the One to Make Things Happen

You are the Big Boss. The Head Cheese. The Chief Financial Officer. Head of Marketing. It IS A LOT! However, this is also your greatest advantage.

Let’s say you make things with a laser, like me. Netflix just came out with some huge show called Peculiar Objects.

One of the main characters has a wallet that says “In Case of Emergencies” on it and you see it used a few times in the show. You could potentially have that made, take listing and social media pictures and have it posted on Etsy or your website within a day or two!

Or you could do this for any other trend! As handmade people, we can find a trend and capitalize on it 10,000x faster than any corporation. Remember Barbenheimer? If I would have thought to make some pink bomb earrings, I could have gotten a bit of a summer bump in sales! Lesson learned!

Big box stores had to think about what they are going to sell at least a year in advance or even earlier! Then everything needs to get approved and designed and sent out to wherever they mass produce things. What a hassle! 

Your design can get developed and approved in your head in 5 seconds. Which is amazing!

This advantage goes for more than just trends! For my jewelry business, I just released my new Halloween designs and I am still working on my fall designs right now. No big deal, I still have time. I didn’t need to think about this Holiday season 2 whole years ago

Conclusion:

Having a handmade business can be a lot. It’s hard and it can have you second guessing yourself. Trust me, you are on the right path. I believe in a handmade world, and there is a place here for everybody.

However, if you are struggling to sell your products, this post might help you out.