Boost Your Craft Business with Smart Pricing, Eco Packaging, and AI Tools

What’s Making The News

This Week’s Round-up of Maker News Stories

1. Witchcraft Boom: Etsy Sellers Cashing In on the Occult - Learn more
2. Taunton Welcomes Hobbycraft: Store’s Long-Awaited Opening - Full details
3. Cheshire's Makers Market: A Thriving Craft Scene - Check it out
4. Call for Artisans: Be Part of the Country Living Fairs - Apply here
5. Christmas in Manchester: Market Dates & Highlights - Explore more
6. Independent Retail Success: Strategies to Overcome Financial Barriers - Find out how
7. Craft Festival Success: 3,500 Visitors to Cardigan Castle Event - Read more
8. Jewellery Market Growth: UK Industry Expected to Surge 16% - Read the forecast
9. Birmingham Halloween Market: Spooky Fun with Live Entertainment - Find out more
10. Small Biz Grants: How Vistaprint is Supporting Entrepreneurs - Learn more

Tip Of The Week

Cracking the Pricing Code: Are You Selling Yourself Short?

Ever found yourself staring at your latest creation, wondering if that price tag does it justice?

You're not alone, fellow Makers! Pricing our handmade treasures can feel like trying to solve a particularly tricky puzzle.

But fear not – we're here to help you piece it all together.

Let's unravel the mystery of pricing, shall we?

The Building Blocks of Your Price

1. Know Your True Costs: Are you factoring in everything? And we mean everything.

• Materials (obvious, right?)

• Your time (yes, your skill is worth money!)

• Overhead (that studio space isn't free)

• Those sneaky extras (packaging, anyone?)

2. Value-Based Pricing: What makes your work special? Is it your great-gran's secret technique or those eco-friendly materials you sourced from the ends of the earth? Don't be shy – shout about it!

3. Test the Waters: Who says you can't be a bit scientific about it? Try different prices and see what sticks. You might be surprised – sometimes, a higher price tag can actually boost sales. Fancy that!

Navigating the Online Marketplace

Selling on Etsy or other platforms? Don't let those fees catch you out! Build them into your prices from the get-go. After all, you're running a business, not a charity.

Something for Everyone

Have you considered offering different versions of your products? It's like having a menu at a restaurant – something for every budget.

Your basic fish and chips, your fancy seafood platter, and your Michelin-star lobster dish. Same concept, different price points!

Remember, Makers, pricing is as much an art as your craft. It's okay to adjust as you go along. The key is to start with a solid foundation and build from there.

Your Pricing Challenge

Ready to give your prices a makeover? Here's what to do:

1. Pick your best-selling item

2. Break down ALL the costs (be honest!)

3. Think about what makes it special

4. Try a new price for a week

5. See what happens!

We'd love to hear how it goes. Did you discover you've been undercharging all this time? Or perhaps you found the sweet spot right away?

Share your pricing adventures in the comments – after all, we're all in this crafty business together!

Also be sure to check our the pricing and profit tools in our feature below.

So, Makers, are you ready to price your creations like the masterpieces they are?

Purposeful Packaging

Stick It to Plastic: Eco-Friendly Packaging Tape for Savvy Makers

Are you tired of feeling guilty every time you seal a package with plastic tape? Well, Makers, it's time to unroll a new solution!

Eco-friendly packaging tape is making waves in the crafting community, and for good reason.

It's like the superhero of the packaging world - saving the planet while keeping your parcels secure.

Let's dive into why this green alternative is becoming the go-to choice for conscientious crafters across the UK.

Why Go Green with Your Tape?

Recyclability: Unlike its clingy plastic cousin, paper-based tape can be recycled right along with your cardboard boxes. No more faffing about with separating materials!

Biodegradability: Many eco tapes break down naturally, leaving no trace - much like that biscuit that mysteriously disappeared from your crafting table.

Strong Adhesion: Don't let its paper origins fool you; this tape sticks like a determined toddler to their favourite toy.

The Environmental Impact

By switching to eco-friendly tape, you're:

1. Reducing plastic waste (take that, landfills!)

2. Lowering your carbon footprint

3. Making recycling easier for your customers (they'll thank you for it)

Practical Tips for Choosing Your Tape

When you're on the hunt for the perfect eco tape, keep an eye out for:

• Sustainably sourced or recycled materials

• Natural rubber-based adhesives

• Eco-certifications (like FSC)

• Strength to withstand the rough-and-tumble world of shipping

Where to Get Your Hands on This Green Gold

1. Eco-Craft: UK-made recyclable paper tape

2. The Green Stationery Company: 100% recycled kraft paper tape

3. Custom Tape Ltd: For when you want to add a personal touch to your eco-friendly packaging

4. Cascayde.com: wide range of printed and plain eco packaging tape - use the link for an extra 10% off

The Bottom Line

Yes, eco-friendly tape might cost a smidge more upfront, but can you really put a price on saving the planet?

Plus, your customers will love your commitment to sustainability - it's a win-win!

So, Makers, are you ready to stick it to plastic and embrace the eco-tape revolution? Your parcels (and the planet) will thank you!

What's your experience with eco-friendly packaging? We'd love to hear your thoughts - drop us a line and let's keep the conversation rolling!

Makers Events & Shows

Craft Your Perfect Day Out: The Creative Craft Show Returns To Brum

Are you ready to unleash your inner Maker? The Creative Craft Show is back, and it's bigger and better than ever!

This autumn, Birmingham's NEC will transform into a crafter's paradise, brimming with inspiration, supplies, and festive cheer.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your crafting journey, there's something for everyone at this unmissable event.

Event Details

 Event Name: The Creative Craft Show & Simply Christmas

 Dates: 31 October - 3 November 2024

 Location: NEC Birmingham, North Ave, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1NT

 Ticket Prices: ( Purchase tickets here)

• Adult (16+): £12.00 advance / £14.00 on the door

• Senior (60+): £11.00 advance / £13.00 on the door

• Child (5-15): £3.00 advance / £4.00 on the door

 Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (4:00 PM on Sunday)

A Crafter's Dream Come True

Imagine a place where creativity flows like a river and inspiration hangs in the air like glitter. That's The Creative Craft Show for you!

With hundreds of exhibitors showcasing the latest crafting trends, tools, and materials, you'll find everything you need to fuel your passion.

But wait, there's more! This year, the show is paired with Simply Christmas, adding a magical festive touch to the proceedings.

It's like having your Christmas pudding and eating it too!

Hands-On Fun

Fancy trying your hand at something new? The show offers a plethora of workshops and demonstrations.

From needle felting to card making, you'll have the chance to learn from expert Makers and perhaps discover your new favourite hobby.

Shop 'Til You Drop

With an array of specialist craft suppliers under one roof, it's the perfect opportunity to stock up on all your crafting essentials.

Who knows? You might even find that elusive tool you've been searching for!

Getting There

Located at the NEC Birmingham, the venue is easily accessible by car, train, or bus. Ample parking is available on-site, and Birmingham International Station is just a stone's throw away.

Ready to dive into this crafting extravaganza? Don't miss out on the early bird prices!

Book your tickets now and prepare for a day filled with creativity, inspiration, and festive cheer. After all, why should elves have all the fun making Christmas gifts?

Makers Essentials

Solve Your Pricing & Profit Puzzles with Affordable Digital Tools

Earlier in this newsletter, we cracked open the pricing code, asking if you might be selling yourself short. Now, let's explore a tool that can help you put those pricing principles into action!

Spreadsheet Magic: Your Pricing Puzzle Solver

Remember our chat about the building blocks of pricing? Well, imagine having a digital assistant that takes all those factors and crunches the numbers for you. That's exactly what these pricing calculator spreadsheets do!

What's Inside These Digital Treasure Chests?

These spreadsheets are like the Swiss Army knives of pricing, typically featuring:

• A 'Calculator' tab that does the heavy lifting, working out prices quicker than you can list your materials

• A 'Multi-product' tab for when your creativity can't be contained to just one item

• A 'Materials' tab to track every last bead and button

Remember when we mentioned knowing your true costs earlier? These spreadsheets make that a breeze, factoring in everything from materials to those sneaky overhead costs we highlighted.

Why You'll Love Them

1. Accuracy: No more guesswork - these tools help you price your masterpieces just right

2. Time-saving: More time for creating, less time wrestling with calculators

3. Flexibility: Perfect for testing different price points, as we suggested in our "Test the Waters" tip

Where to Find These Gems

You'll find these digital tools on popular craft marketplaces. And here's the kicker - most cost less than a fiver! Some even go on sale for less than your favourite cuppa. Now that's what we call a crafty deal! Check them out in the link below.

Handmade Pricing and Profit Calculators & Spreadsheets on Etsy.

Putting It All Together

Remember the "Something for Everyone" concept we mentioned? These spreadsheets make it easy to calculate prices for different versions of your products. Your "basic fish and chips" and your "Michelin-star lobster dish" can now have accurately calculated price points!

Your Next Pricing Step

Why not take the pricing challenge we proposed earlier and supercharge it with one of these spreadsheets?

Input your costs, play with profit margins, and see what happens. You might be surprised at what you discover!

So, Makers, are you ready to let technology take some of the pricing pressure off?

These spreadsheets might just be the sidekick your crafty business needs to turn those pricing puzzles into profitable solutions.

What's your take on using tech for pricing? Drop us a comment and let's chat about how these tools could help you tackle your biggest pricing challenges!

AI For Makers

How AI Translation Tools Can Boost Your Handmade Business

Ever wondered how to showcase your lovingly crafted wares to a global audience? You're not alone.

Many UK Makers find themselves in a bit of a pickle when it comes to reaching customers beyond our shores.

But fear not! AI translation tools might just be the cup of tea you need to give your handmade business a proper international boost.

The AI Translation Revolution

Gone are the days of thumbing through dusty foreign dictionaries or relying on dodgy online translators. Today's AI-powered translation tools are as smart as a whip and quick as a flash. They can help you translate everything from product descriptions to customer service messages, opening up new markets for your handcrafted goods faster than you can say "cheerio"!

Getting Started with AI Translation

Ready to give it a go? Here's how to dip your toes in the international waters:

1. Choose Your Tool: Start with user-friendly options like DeepL or Google Translate. They offer free versions that are perfect for small businesses just starting out.

2. Translate Your Best Sellers: Begin with your most popular items. Simply paste your text, choose the language, and voila! Instant translations.

3. Localise Your Marketing: Use AI translation to create social media posts and email newsletters in multiple languages. It's a brilliant way to make your international customers feel right at home.

A Tale of Success: Sarah's Story

Sarah, a potter from Manchester, used AI translation to expand her Etsy shop to French and German markets. "I was proper nervous about making mistakes," she says, "but the AI translations were spot on! I've seen a 30% increase in international sales since I started offering my product descriptions in multiple languages."

Pros and Cons

AI translation tools can save you oodles of time and money compared to hiring professional translators. However, they're not infallible.

AI can sometimes miss nuances or cultural references, so it's wise to have a native speaker give important translations the once-over if possible.

Quick Tips for Checking Translations

• Use back-translation: Translate your text into the target language, then back to English. Compare the results.

• Try multiple tools: If different AI translators produce similar results, you're likely on the right track. For example, you might compare translations from Google Translate (translate.google.com), DeepL (www.deepl.com), and Microsoft Translator (www.bing.com/translator).

• Ask native speakers: If you can, get a native speaker to cast their eye over your translations.

Ready to Go Global?

AI translation tools offer an exciting opportunity for UK Makers to reach new customers around the globe.

By breaking down language barriers, you can share your handcrafted creations with a wider audience and potentially boost your sales.

Why not start small by translating a few product listings or social media posts? You might be chuffed at how quickly you can establish an international presence for your handmade business.

Have you tried using AI translation in your Maker business? We'd love to hear about your experiences!

Drop us a line or share your story on our Facebook page.

Your success might just inspire fellow Makers to take their first steps into the global marketplace!

Special Offers

Going forward we’ll list all the top discounts and offers that we come across for supplies, events and other items that our savvy community can make use of and save some of those hard-earned pennies and pounds.

1. 28% OFF Adult Ticket - Knitting & Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace 13th October - See offer.

2. Save up to £62 OFF Gala Tent PDX Gazebos, with many now at £180 (down from £242!) - Grab yours here.

3. 20% OFF when you order 3 or more paper tapes at Cascayde PLUS get and EXTRA 10% OFF using this link.

4. Eco-Craft Clearance Lines - reductions on pillow boxes, craft envelopes, tags, boxes & more

5. Tiny Box Company clearance lines - up to 50% OFF selected end of line items - worth a view for a bargain or two.

6. Craftmill Clearance Offers - wooden items and boxes ready for lasering, painting, pyrography etc

Popular Articles

Below you’ll find links to some of our most popular past articles and features. We hope you love them as much as others do:

1. Harnessing AI for Your Social Media Posts

2. Six Alternatives To Etsy In The UK

3. Blocking Unwanted Facebook Spam

4. Secure Your Market Stall Like A Pro

5. Collecting Leads at Markets/Events

6. Using QR Codes On Your Stall