Over the years I have had people say that I should sell my quilts. I recently made a lap size quilt using beautiful high quality designer fabric....my daughter said people are selling those for 80 bucks on line. I told her that's how much the fabric alone cost me! In order to make any money, I would have to charge $200-$250. I don't think I could afford to buy my own quilt. (Although, I guess if you had a business, you would be able to purchase the fabric at cost)

People can go to Macy's, JC Penney, Walmart, Target, Kohls and find a wide range of quality and affordability in products. Most people don't know the time, cost, or effort that goes into making handmade items, unless they themselves do something or they live with someone that does.

I would love to sell quilts on line, or otherwise. I just don't know how to market it to the right demographic of people who could afford it. Also, I am not sure if trying to sell my quilts would take some of the enjoyment away and just put pressure on me, or be frustrated if there were no buyers.

This is a great topic and I am really interested in the advice of those of you who make a decent profit selling your quilts/crafts.

That is the problem I have had in the past. People just do not understand the difference between a hand made item out of quality materials and a quilt like object that was made in Taiwan or somewhere. I wish you luck.....

great article and conversation...I'm learning too.

I'm an ArtFire seller . .
 

I have been on Artfire for almost two years. Up until a few months ago, I was what they called a "free" member. They have done away with the basic membership and now everyone who sells is a "Pro". I have been a seasoned eBayer (10+ years) and decided to give Artfire a try for my custom stuff (since everyone is looking for deals and steals on eBay and eBay has gotten greedy with their fees). I like the fact that I am unlimited as to the number of items I can list and there are no listing or final value feels other than the monthly and fees charged by paypal. I haven't sold a lot but if I sell one or two patterns every month, it pays for the monthly fees. Artfire has recently gone through alot of software changes, I am excited about the new layout and customization. I just wish there was a bulk upload (up to now they have only allowed this if you exported your file from Etsy). Some of my items have been selected for a "collection" and Artfire is tied into Google so it seems to work for the time being. They have also recently added a blog feature. I'm hoping to get some time after the holidays to get more in depth into it (at least as much as my 6 year grandson will let me :-)!) Next year we are planning on doing a booth at the Farmer's Market as it seems to be a good draw of customers.

I know here where I live there are craft fairs. So when I get enough stuff made I'll try that. I'm also going to work on some medieval-type wall hangings and stuff and try to get a booth at the medieval faire when it is in town. The people who attend those appreciate the time and skill it takes to make something.

Artfire does suggest a minimum of 60 items. So I'm working on quilts, bibs, potholders and probably some wallhangings too. I'm still figuring out pricing though that is a toughie.

thanks for posting this...I have been on Etsy for years...nothing really sells there..but I sell supplies that are more specialty, NOT finished items.
will check out artfire again!

the craft shows...just like the others have said..this year..they just are NOT buying...even my handmade soaps, hand blended all natural potpourri....nothing....and I have nice under $10 gift items.

Thanks ya'll for all this good info. I'm trying to decide what I want to do and how to go about doing it. Ya'll have given me many things to think about.