Handmade Saturday Showcase - Business Tip for crafters

What is it about handmade work that people like?  Most of all it's the individuality of each item - for genuine handmade craft no two pieces can ever be the same.  Secondly the buyer knows that much love and care has gone into it - Can money put a price on it?  In all honesty it's most likely priceless to the artist, but I have trawled the UK and found some exquisite items which ARE for sale and I have compiled a showcase of these items here today.
Does anyone want to try and guess my theme ?

1.  Bird cage tidy - Pin and Pen
2.  Hand dyed cotton art - Downland Originals
3.  Owl cushion - Charming Jewellery and Accessories
4.  Butterfly keepsake box - Kippers Keepsakes
5.  Cotton print handbag - Ann Chandler Originals
6.  Pin cushion - The Home Made Boutique
7.  Silver pendant - Handmade Silver Jewellery UK
8.  Bowl clock - Wonky Fox 
9.  Oak Tamper - Works-in-Wood
10.Hand thrown deep bowl - Epple Bay Ceramics

Handmade

The designs for the items featured remain the intellectual property rights of the artists who have made them.  Any infringement of their rights could result action being taken.

Business Tip for Crafters
Donate your expertise
Your chosen skill probably has plenty of associations / organisations which distribute newsletters or have blogs. By offering your opinions and expertise  by writing an article or being a guest blogger is a great way to boost your business.  It will attract new customers and show that you are a leader in your field.
Articles offering hints and tips, best practices, questions and answers or case studes always prove interesting to the reader.

A handmade gift guide - business tip for craftspeople

This week's handmade gift guide

Each week I choose a theme and select the handmade items I love the most.  This week from around the UK, I've found some treasures...  Given that we've not had much in the way of sun this year, I do feel that my theme is quite apt.  Wasn't it lucky it stayed dry for most of the Olympics.  Let's hope it follows the same pattern for the paralympics.  Anyone want to have a guess what the theme is for this week?

Do enjoy my chosen items - all of which would make perfect gifts or even to say thank you for a gift -  or just because you'd like to treat yourself!

1.   Thank you gift cards - photography & design

2.   Wading birds - LouMay Books

3.   Water Ripples - ElisaMAmorCreations

4.   Village Print - Janice Jong Art & Illustration

5.   Compact Mirror - The Clockwork Jewel

6.   Drink Champagne - Deliart - Beautiful Art Block Prints

7.   Anemone water colour - Oakapple & Rose

8.   Aquamarine waterfall pendant - Handmade Silver Pendant UK

9.   Knitted hot water bottle - selvage
10. French beaded lily -  Corbin Handmade

Please be aware that the artists who have made and designed these items hold the copyright and design rights to them.

And Finally....... A small business tip

Look after your existing customers

Did you know that 20% of your existing customers will buy from you again because they already know you and trust you?  So create a reason why they should buy from you again.   Offer products which complement each other in a product range.  For example, if they purchase a pendant do you have matching earrings or bracelet?  If so, show them these when they're buying the pendant or let them know that these are available when you contact them in the future.
Alternatively, you could offer a small incentive for your existing customers, say 10% off their next purchase.