Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Going Live With Made To Order Crochet Products

I usually post the items I made out of crochet using Instagram or Facebook for already a year now. I was a bit frustrated in the beginning because it seems like in my country, only a handful appreciates handmade. But, I just continued to learn and just make one after another even though I wasn't able to sell anything and it may seemed like all my time and effort to create one is futile and fruitless.

From my experience going through the process of mindlessly working on an item I was able to learn little by little few more tips. And eventually, ideas just came pouring in my mind. I thought of doing something which my current environment really needs and would have the people around me wanted to buy. Maybe for themselves or for their friends, at an AFFORDABLE price. So I did.

November this year marks the first time I was busy doing made to orders. And I can say, that it's true ~ when it rains, it really pours. Thank God. I began doing coin purses, clutch bags, headset covers, and beanies all the more. I am receiving more inquiries than ever but I have to get a hold because my hands are full this holiday season.

I have an 8 hour shift at work, I sell online and offline, and these made to orders. Of course, not to mention a wife and a mother when I come home. Oh, and these 2 blogs I try my best to update and maintain. Sales online for anything from fashion and gift related ideas are skyrocketing at this time of the year that often times, most items gets out of stocks sooner than a blink of an eye once posted in social media. I handle the selling online via Facebook, Instagram, Shopee, and Carousell. I take time to answer every thing at a given chance and whenever the time permits. So, if ever you visit my online shops, please be patient with my responses.

The other day, I am having thoughts of entering Etsy as well but have not pushed through yet. The only thing that is stopping me is the payment for listing which I will be needing a credit card. I am having second thought as of the moment, and will have to think more about it until the year ends.

I haven't had a holiday off from work so most likely I'd be juggling both the employment work and all these side hustles. I thought of rejecting some other inquiries, but like everything else, this is a phase. Thus, as long as I can, I really try to squeeze those I can complete without sacrificing the quality of services and products.

If I have a lesser sleeps these past few weeks, it is because I am grabbing the opportunity while it last. I know, by the following start of the year, things will go slow as it always happens. People would be starting their new years resolution of savings or paying yuletide related debts, or would follow a no-shopping ban. This is a chance I just do not want to let go. And I am thankful.

Because I really wanted to ensure the quality of my works, I do take time to scrutinize everything from crocheting itself to packaging and sending/delivering to the customer. I can say, that being a one-woman-team is tiring and sometimes exhausting. I really do hope that I can delegate. But right now, I know I still can. If I get to have big orders, maybe I can ask fellow crocheters to help me and get a small commission for referring customers. Of course, I wanted to make sure that it will be almost the same quality as what I make. After all, customers comes because of the quality no matter how much is the price. Aside from the fact, that it is handmade. A labor of love and time given to the item.

If I am a witness to people appreciating hand made and the price that comes to it, there are people who view hand craft otherwise. I don't blame them. I know from the very beginning that the market for crochet items are outside the country. I am just afraid yet to open an Etsy account. I feel like I still need to learn more and create more. And besides, sometimes, I think of not doing made to orders. Why?

Because, with our little space, I can't afford to stock every colors of the thread or yarn. In as much as possible, I wanted to consume all my current stocks of yarns and thread. Plus, while working with acrylic and t-shirt yarns, I notice the lint it drops. I know these materials are not good with my husband and child who has often an allergic coughs with lints and microfibers.
Lately, I only have a few stocks of acrylic yarns. I am most investing in cotton made items which has lesser or so I think lints.
Let me show what I just completed. An order of 12 pieces crochet headset and mouthpiece covers for a friend. I was really happy to do so, specially she also ordered a branded bag. Thank God, it save my current status of being cashless after investing my month end salary to retail treasury bonds.

And with each day, I am able to receive one by one my receivables from customers and friends. I couldn't be happier for being able to make ends meet. I still have bigger receivables that should be coming my way. I just hope they still remember.

Photo below: Made To Order Crochet Headset Covers with Mouthpiece Cover ~ 12 pairs in Solid Color of Maroon Red









No comments:

Post a Comment