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Tips on Getting Started with Your Craft Business 

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  • Post last modified:June 23, 2024

Are you thinking about selling your resin creations? It’s a great way to turn your passion into profit! Imagine sharing your original artwork with potential buyers all over the world. But where do you start?

Online marketplaces like Etsy, Shopify, and Amazon Handmade are the best ways to showcase your work to a broader audience. Successful artists use these platforms to reach potential customers far and wide. You can even set up your own website or online store to establish your online presence.

And don’t forget social media! Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and Facebook can be effective ways to connect with your target audience. By sharing your work on these social media channels and building an email list, you can stay in touch with potential customers and keep them updated on your latest creations.

And let’s not overlook the importance of local markets and craft fairs. Setting up a booth at your local flea market or art fair can put you in the right place to connect with local buyers and small business owners. Plus, it’s a great way to get feedback on your work and make connections in the local art world.

Whether you’re selling online or at a local market, the most important thing is to believe in yourself and your work. With the right business model, marketing materials, and artistic skills, you can attract your ideal clients and turn your passion for resin art into a successful business.

Assessing Costs and Budgeting

Before diving into the world of selling resin art, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your costs and budget. Let’s explore each aspect in detail:

Materials: Your creative journey starts with the right materials. Resin, molds, pigments, and tools are the backbone of your artwork. Quality materials can significantly affect the outcome of your pieces, so invest wisely.

Workspace Setup and Safety Equipment: Creating art in a safe and organized environment is crucial for your well-being and productivity. Consider investing in proper ventilation systems, safety goggles, gloves, and aprons to protect yourself from harmful fumes and chemicals. Additionally, an efficient workspace can streamline your creative process and minimize waste.

Packaging and Shipping Supplies: Once your masterpiece is complete, it’s essential to package it securely for shipping. Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and shipping labels to ensure your artwork arrives safely to your customers. Remember to factor in shipping costs when pricing your items to avoid unexpected expenses.

Marketing and Advertising Expenses: Building a successful resin art business requires more than just creating beautiful pieces—it also involves effective marketing and advertising strategies. Consider allocating a portion of your budget towards marketing materials such as business cards, flyers, and promotional merchandise. 

Additionally, online advertising and listing fees on platforms like Etsy or Shopify can help increase your visibility and attract potential buyers.

Choosing the Right Platforms

Now that you’ve assessed your costs and budget, it’s time to decide where to sell your resin art. Let’s explore the different platforms available:

Online Marketplaces

1. Etsy: Etsy is a popular online marketplace known for handmade and vintage items. With millions of potential customers browsing the site daily, Etsy provides a platform for artists to showcase their work and connect with buyers worldwide. However, competition can be fierce, so optimizing your listings with high-quality photos and detailed descriptions is essential to stand out from the crowd.

2. Shopify: If you want to create your own online store, Shopify offers a user-friendly platform to set up and customize your storefront. With built-in inventory management, order processing, and payment processing tools, Shopify provides a comprehensive solution for selling your resin art online. While monthly fees are associated with using Shopify, the platform offers flexibility and control over your brand’s online presence.

3. Amazon Handmade: Part of the larger Amazon marketplace, Amazon Handmade caters specifically to artisans selling handmade products. While the platform provides access to Amazon’s vast customer base, joining requires a thorough application process and approval of your handmade products. However, once accepted, selling on Amazon Handmade can expose your artwork to a broader audience and increase your sales potential.

4. eBay: eBay offers a diverse marketplace where you can sell your resin art through auctions or fixed-price listings. With millions of active users, eBay provides a platform to reach a global audience and sell your artwork to the highest bidder. While competition can be intense, strategic pricing and effective marketing can help you succeed on eBay.

Social Media

1. Instagram: With its visual focus, Instagram is an ideal platform for showcasing your resin art and engaging with potential customers. Create a visually appealing feed by sharing high-quality photos and videos of your artwork, behind-the-scenes content, and artist insights. Utilize hashtags and geotags to reach a wider audience and connect with fellow artists and enthusiasts.

2. Facebook: As the largest social media platform, Facebook offers various opportunities to promote your resin art business. Create a dedicated business page to showcase your artwork, share updates and promotions, and engage with your audience through comments, messages, and live videos. Joining relevant Facebook groups and communities can also help you network with other artists and reach potential buyers.

3. Pinterest is a visual discovery platform where users can discover and save ideas for their projects and interests. Create eye-catching pins of your resin art pieces and share them on Pinterest to attract potential customers and drive traffic to your website or online store. Organize your pins into boards based on themes, styles, or techniques to make it easy for users to explore your work and find inspiration.

Craft Fairs and Local Markets

1. Researching Events in Your Area: Look for local craft fairs, art markets, and flea markets where you can showcase your resin art in person. Research upcoming events in your area and consider location, target audience, and booth fees before signing up.

2. Setup and Presentation Tips: Create an inviting and professional booth display that highlights your resin art and attracts potential customers. Use signage, banners, and lighting to make your booth stand out and showcase your artwork effectively. Consider offering live demonstrations or interactive activities to engage visitors and encourage sales.

3. Interacting with Customers and Networking Opportunities: Use craft fairs and local markets to connect with customers face-to-face and build relationships within your community. Be approachable, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic about your artwork, and be prepared to answer questions and provide information about your creative process. 

Use networking opportunities to collaborate with other artists, share resources, and learn from each other’s experiences.

Legal and Business Considerations

Starting a resin art business involves more than just creating beautiful artwork; it also requires careful consideration of legal and business aspects. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Registering your business: Whether you operate as a sole proprietorship, LLC, or another business entity, registering your business is essential for establishing your brand and protecting your assets. Each business structure has advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to research and choose the option that best suits your needs.

2. Tax obligations and record-keeping: You’ll have tax obligations to fulfill as a small business owner. Keep detailed records of your income and expenses, including materials, equipment, and marketing expenses. Consider hiring an accountant or using accounting software to ensure accurate record-keeping and compliance with tax regulations.

3. Obtaining necessary permits or licenses: Depending on your location and the nature of your business, you may need to obtain permits or licenses to operate legally. Check with your local government or small business administration for guidance on the specific requirements for your area.

4. Understanding copyright and intellectual property rights: As an artist, it’s essential to understand and protect your intellectual property rights. Please familiarize yourself with copyright laws and consider registering your original artwork to protect it from unauthorized use or reproduction. Additionally, be mindful of respecting the intellectual property rights of others and obtain permission when using copyrighted material in your work.

Building Your Brand and Marketing Strategy

Building a solid brand and effective marketing strategy is crucial for standing out in the competitive art market. Here are some key strategies to consider:

1. Defining your niche and unique selling points: Identify what sets your resin art apart from others and define your niche market. Whether it’s your distinctive style, use of materials, or subject matter, highlighting your unique selling points can attract customers who resonate with your artwork.

2. Creating a memorable brand name and logo: Your brand name and logo are the face of your business, so choose them wisely. Create a memorable brand name that reflects your artistic vision and resonates with your target audience. Design a logo that visually represents your brand identity and distinguishes you from competitors.

3. Developing a cohesive aesthetic across platforms: Consistency is key to building your brand. Maintain a cohesive aesthetic across your website, social media profiles, packaging, and marketing materials to reinforce your brand identity and make a lasting impression on potential customers.

4. Utilizing photography and product descriptions to attract customers: High-quality photography and compelling product descriptions can make your artwork more appealing to potential buyers. Invest in professional photography or learn how to take captivating photos that showcase the beauty and details of your resin art. Write engaging product descriptions highlighting each piece’s unique features and benefits.

5. Engaging with your audience through social media and email marketing: Social media and email marketing are powerful tools for connecting with your audience and promoting your artwork. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your creative process, engage with followers through comments and messages, and offer exclusive promotions or discounts to email subscribers. Building genuine relationships with your audience can foster loyalty and encourage repeat business.

Managing Inventory and Fulfillment

Efficient inventory management and fulfillment processes are essential for a successful resin art business. Here’s how to stay organized and efficient:

1. Tracking materials and finished products: Keep track of your inventory, including materials, work-in-progress pieces, and finished products. Consider using inventory management software or spreadsheets to monitor stock levels and reorder supplies as needed. Labeling and organizing your materials and finished products can streamline your workflow and minimize errors.

2. Pricing your items to cover costs and make a profit: Pricing your resin art requires careful consideration of your costs, including materials, labor, and overhead expenses, as well as market demand and competition. Calculate your costs and desired profit margin to determine a fair and competitive selling price for your artwork. Remember to factor in shipping costs and fees when setting your prices.

3. Setting up efficient packaging and shipping processes: Once your artwork is sold, it’s crucial to package and ship it safely and efficiently. Invest in quality packaging materials, such as sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts, to protect your artwork during transit. 

Streamline your shipping process by printing shipping labels at home, scheduling pickups or drop-offs with carriers, and providing tracking information to customers. 

Offering expedited shipping options and providing clear communication throughout the shipping process can enhance the customer experience and encourage repeat business.

Handling Customer Service and Feedback

Providing excellent customer service and soliciting feedback are essential for building customer trust and loyalty. Here’s how to deliver exceptional service and leverage customer feedback:

1. Providing excellent communication and responsiveness: Be proactive in communicating with your customers and responding to inquiries, orders, and feedback. Address questions or concerns promptly and professionally, and strive to exceed customer expectations whenever possible.

2. Dealing with inquiries, custom orders, and returns: Be accommodating and flexible when handling customer inquiries and custom orders. Clearly communicate your returns, exchanges, and refund policies, and strive to resolve any issues or concerns to the customer’s satisfaction. 

Offering personalized and attentive service can differentiate your business and foster customer loyalty.

3. Encouraging and utilizing customer reviews and testimonials: Positive reviews and testimonials can be powerful marketing tools for attracting new customers and building credibility. 

Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews or testimonials by offering incentives or simply asking for feedback. Share positive reviews and testimonials on your website, social media profiles, and marketing materials to showcase the quality of your artwork and the satisfaction of your customers.

Scaling Your Business

As your resin art business grows, you must evaluate and adjust your strategies to ensure continued success. Here’s how to scale your business effectively:

1. Evaluating and adjusting your strategies based on performance: Regularly monitor your business metrics, such as sales, expenses, and customer feedback, to identify areas for improvement and growth. 

Experiment with new marketing tactics, product offerings, and pricing strategies, and measure their impact on your business performance. Continuously adapt and evolve your strategy based on data and feedback to stay competitive and relevant in the market.

2. Outsourcing tasks as your business grows: As your workload increases, consider outsourcing tasks such as accounting, marketing, and fulfillment to free up your time and focus on growing your business. 

Hire freelancers or virtual assistants to handle administrative tasks, manage your social media accounts, or assist with customer service, allowing you to concentrate on creating art and expanding your brand.

3. Expanding product offerings or exploring new markets: To sustain growth and diversify your revenue streams, consider expanding or exploring new markets. Experiment with new resin art techniques, styles, or product lines to appeal to different customer segments or tap into emerging trends. 

Explore opportunities to sell your artwork through additional channels, such as galleries, boutiques, or online marketplaces, to reach a broader audience and increase your sales potential.

I hope you found this helpful in starting your resin art journey! Starting a business can be challenging, but you can turn your passion for resin art into a profitable venture with passion, dedication, and perseverance.

Happy Creating!

SJay