This week we speak with James Dillehay, a nationally recognized expert on marketing arts and crafts, about how to successfully sell your crafts online.

Dillehay said that most artisans who are just getting started tend to look at one of two options for online craft sales;  creating their own Web site or setting up a new Web shop on an existing marketplace.  Those new to selling their crafts online tend to choose Web shops simply because it’s easy to get started—most Web shops have automated processes that let you list and sell in minutes with no previous online selling experience required.

Despite the popularity of using existing marketplaces, like eBay, Etsy, and other eBay alternatives, Dillehay recommended that crafters also invest in their own domain name and Web site, since the craft business online is largely connected to one’s own presence.

“It’s no longer a case of deciding if you should set-up shop here or there,” Dillehay said. “It’s a growing need of the ands. You need to show your product here, and here and here.”

 In addition to using your own Web site for branding, Dillehay said that you can also invest in opening a Web shop and link to it from your own domain.

 In his e-book, Dillehay reminds sellers that there is no guarantee of a sale just by listing on popular selling platforms, but five online marketplaces he recommends that  have a good traffic rank and attract shoppers looking for crafts and unusual items include; eBay, Etsy, Artfire , Silkfair  and 1000markets.

Read the full story: Tips for Selling Crafts Online
By Vangie Beal, June 24, 2009