Handmade
Handmade questions and answers
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Q: What ingredient in handmade soaps tends to turn the water a light blue?
I have been ordering different handmade soaps and some leave the bath water a light blue color even though the soap color isn't light blue.
A: Some handmade soaps have extra fat that is not chemically "tied-up" with other ingredients (particularly those advertised as moisturizers) and it is a chemical bonding with hard elements from the water, ie. calcium, magnesuim etc., to form "soap scum". Its dry form is what you see as spotting on glassware. If you use soft water, it will be reduced or distilled water and it will be eliminated.
Q: How to sell handmade bookmarks to the a big bookstore for a coroporate contract?
My family has experience in making beautiful handmade bookmarks. We do have a website, however, since the competition and no local stores, the outcome of selling are not optimal. We plan to bring out samples(which are ready with price), to sell to both coroporate and independent bookstores. May i know like which departments i should contact with, and what should i ready except the samples? Is there any professional sales could help us to plan and sell?
A: You can go directly to sell at the indenpend bookstores, but not limited to bookstores, try some gift shops.
You need prepare a business propsal if you want to sell to big stores likes Borders. First, how many can you produce in a month, what is the production like. And the cost for them to buy in bulk (because they need to make money, and you need for them to see the profit margin is good). And you should do some marketing research on it, like how much people are willing to pay for handmade bookmarks, (for me, I won't spend over $10 for it). And how much cost you are using to make it, and what is the price that you can sell to Border for. Then you can approach them, by sending information about your company and your products to their buyers. However, I don't think it will work out well to go national chain.
The best way (I think), is approach locate shops and let them to have you as one of their vendors, setup a little display for you. Since it is handmade, your quality isn't going to be big. Also, you can attend craft fairs in nearby city/state.
Good luck!
Q: What is a cute handmade way to package a CD to give as a gift?
I am making photo CDs as gifts and I need a cute, cheap, handmade (preferably easy) way to package them. Any ideas? Thanks!
A: You can get a small wicker basket either pre-decorated or non (and then paint it and decorate it) and put in some mints, candy canes, or other small items related to the subject of your cd and wrap the basket in cellophane and put a nice bow on the gathering/closing.
Q: How to clean a handmade quilt?
I need to have the quilt on my bed cleaned. It is handmade and has the little yarn ties at every corner, so I think it is super delicate. It is pretty dirty because I let my 2 dogs sleep in the bed. How should I clean it or does the drycleaner offer this service and what is the price?
A: Delicate or gentle cycle in your washer or the laundry mat's giant machine might be better. It would have more room in the big tub too wash. You could always wash it in the bath tub by hand, but the majority of hair will not come out like that. You have got to wash it one way or the other. Short of having it dry cleaned or something. You can just call for a quote. They all have different prices. But I think the washer will be ok on the delicate or gentle cycle. Dry for about 5 minutes then hang it up.
Q: How do you clean a handmade throw?
i received a handmade throw from morocco, i tried spot cleaning with a soft cloth and tore a few threads, any ideas?
A: with woolite in the bathtub and hang out to dry , comes great !
Q: What are the best quality handmade oboe reeds?
I've been playing oboe for almost 4 years now, but I've only used factory ones. I've been looking online for handmade ones, but I'm not exactly sure what ones are actually good. SOMEONE HELP ME!
A: factory is the worst reeds ever go to
http://www.nielsen-woodwinds.com/
i get med hard they sound pretty and nt as loud
they r nt the cheepest bt one of the best
since you are exsperianced get black it is for more exsperianced but careful more delicate tip!!!!
mediam hard
Q: How do I sell my handmade jewelry to retail stores or boutiques?
I make handmade fashion jewelry and I have tons of it. I have been selling them to friends and family but now I want to venture out to sell my jewelry at stores and boutiques . How do I get started?
A: Do you already have your business name?
Shop around and see what other handmade jewelry looks like, as well as how much it is selling for. You want to make sure that you are pricing your product properly, and make sure that it is marketable. How is your jewelry different than others(this is what you should ask and answer yourself)?
After that, I would look into a resellers license.
From that point, I would create my own contract(you can find consignment contract forms online),this is for small shops.
Then,after that with business cards, brochures (all made at home or Vista Print) market your product and approach shops about your product. As you go, you will learn more.
Write down your goals and you can accomplish them!!
Hope this helps..
Q: How would you start marketing handmade jewelry?
My mom makes handmade jewelry out of sterling silver and natural stones, and most recently enamel. She is always receiving complements on her pieces, and has had one bracelet featured in a jewelry magazine, as well as a few pieces in galleries. But she wants to start selling them on a larger basis, how could she start doing that? Does anyone know where she can find a representative? Thanks!
hey, thank you so much for responding, your answers were very helpful!
A: Since your mom has never had a business before, I would strongly recommend that you both talk to a business counselor before you do anything especially spend money. You have to determine whether you'll start a web based business or one with a store front. I'd call the local office of SCORE (go to http://www.score.org and input your zip code to find the chapter nearest you), the advice is FREE.
The counselor at SCORE will most likely advise you to write a business plan which is very good advice because it will force you to dig out all of the start up details and the costs of starting a handmade jewelry business and force you to also understand all of the aspects of this business including the customers you'll concentrate on (your market ) and how you'll go after them.
You'll need to register the business with your state controller's office and make sure that you have any city and county licenses if any are needed where you live. All of this will come out in a business plan.
Try this link :
http://www.ychange.com/small-business-consulting-articles.html and read some of the articles especially the ones about a business plan and starting a business.
Good Luck
Q: what website is there for ordering handmade cards I want to start a card company?
I am interested in a greeting card bussiness making handmade cards but I do not know how to price the cards and can not find any reliable websites that show prices and pictures .Does anyone know of a site that has prices and pictures?
A: There are a lot of card makers on ebay. Check closed auction prices there to determine the aprx. price range you should go for.
Q: Whats the difference between Mass Produced and Handmade rings?
What is the difference between Mass Produced Rings and Handmade rings like price or value and how they are made by them. As much detail will be useful. Thanks =D
A: Mass produced products are made in factories that generally everyone can get their hands on. The products are made for the general public. Handmade products are usually individually crafted and takes a very long time to make. Handmade would be more expensive due to the long time it took to make the ring usually by hand and the quality of the ring. Handmade rings are due to the fact that many or not made.
Q: What do you think about being given handmade gifts?
I have sold the items I make for lots of money. They are very beautiful. And yet there are some family members of mine that act like when I give them one of my handmade gifts it is a like a slap in the face. Others rave over my stuff.
A: Anyone who has complained doesn't need a gift. If someone mentions it just say "Oh, you are so particular that it just makes you unhappy, so I don't want to put you through it." I recently said that to someone after she told me she was worried she might receive ugly clothes at her baby shower.
If you are oblligated to give something to someone, it isn't a gift anymore and you don't have to play.
.
Q: How much would you pay for a handmade baby blanket?
I crochet baby blankets and I am thinking about trying to sell them online. How much would you be willing to pay for a handmade item such as this? I'm pretty talented and can do a wide variety of patterns, many that I have made up myself. I have sold many of my blankets in the past, some baby size and some queen size. They have sold for anywhere from $10.00 to $50.00. What do you think?
A: Depending on the size, I wouldn't try to sell one for more than $25. I have seen a few get sold on ebay, but I think it's few and far between compared to the ones that are actually posted.
We have a local store here where people can rent a booth and sell their handmade items. I have seen many handmade baby blankets, but they range in price from about $25 to over $100. I saw an afghan that was about $35 and it literally took months to sell. I think a lot of people look at stuff like that and don't want to pay someone else for their time to make it when a lot of them think they can do it themselves (but they don't).
Q: How do you determine the size of a handmade garment?
I have a garment that was handmade. I'm thinking about selling it on eBay, but I don't know how to figure out what size it is for potential bidders?
A: If you are selling on ebay simply state the exact measurements and let the buyer determine if it will fit. When I'm buying clothes on ebay I always email for exact measurements anyway because sizes vary so much from brand to brand.
Q: What would you sell handmade dresses for and where?
So my mother sends me an entire box of handmade dresses---gorgeous dresses from overseas. 1. NONE of them fit and 2. They have been taking up space for a year now in my closet. She finally said it would be ok to sell them. But where? What should I ask for them? AND I have to guess at the sizes. Too gorgeous to toss but I have no idea what to do or how to go about it.
A: Try any upscale consignment store in your community. If that doesn't work try ebay but make sure you put a reserve price on the items so you get what you want. Plato's closet it a great consignment shop for a younger crowd who sells prom dresses so you may want to find one of those. You could also donate them to Jesus Prom.
Q: what is the best handmade soap for a toddler with eczema?
I don't know which is better oatmeal lotion, calendula creams, calendula ointments? Has anyone tried any of these products online? Also, looking for a handmade soap for eczema?What is the best soap selling these days?Can anyone help me?
A: COOLER THAN HOT OATMEAL BATHS WITH REAL OATMEAL NOT THE PHARMACY PRODUCTS FOR BATHS. AVOID SOAPS THEY ARENT GOOD THEY WASH ALL OIL AWAY.MILK BATHS ARE GOOD ALONG WITH THE OATMEAL. CALENDULA IS GOOD IN OINTMENTS AND CREAMS..PRIMROSE OIL TOO ITS ALL TRIAL AND ERROR WHAT WORKS FOR AWHILE MIGHT NOT WORK LATER. wHAT WORKS FOR ONE PERSON MAY NOT WORK FOR YOU BUT WITH A BABY I WOULD USE ALL NATURAL PRODUCTS ALWAYS