I've been selling at craft fairs for years now. Where I am, cheap is King, so, I don't try and get a ton of money for my time. I put my cards in plastic containers (they are a shoebox style that hold A2 cards nicely). I don't put the cards in clear envelopes, as that would increase my cost. I do keep my regular envelopes behind my table with me. I know that if I didn't, some envelopes would go walking. (the price of envelopes in Canada is ridiculous). I have made enough money over the years to help keep me in supplies. I'm disabled, so making cards is art therapy for me.
I have had a great response to leaving cards blank inside and including a variety of labels with various sentiments packaged as a separate purchase. That way the choice is your customer's.
I’ve never done a craft show. I just sell to whoever asks. I’m too nervous to do a show. But you have some great ideas that I’ll probably be adding to my handmade cards. Like the sentiment note and little sticker on the front. Glad I found you. Thank you for sharing.
Don't be nervous. Start with a show you like that has a reasonable table fee and take a friend to help you get comfortable but spend more time interacting with guests than your friend.
This is the first video of yours that I’ve seen. I really enjoy your assurances of “take what works for you & leave the rest”. I’m probably paraphrasing, but I soooo agree with your point. Your overall reassurance and attitude is so comforting & encouraging. ☺️ I’m not able to do craft fairs, but I’ve been thinking of doing card sets to donate to non-profits in their fundraising (silent auctions, etc.) I’m looking for ideas how to package them in ways that look professional & are still practical. I’m hoping you will do a video about card sets maybe? I’ll have a look around your channel to see what else I can find. Thanks for sharing your process, experience, & positivity!! 😁
Welcome to the channel! And thank you for your very kind, sweet words🥹. I am going yo do a follow up video showing how I package my sets and other sized cards. Thanks for watching! 💛
I have only been selling my cards for the last 3 years. However, I was happy to see, as I was watching your video, that I also do many of the same things you do! I package my cards the same way for the same reasons. I also include a small card on the back letting the customer know what sentiment, if any, is on the inside of the card. I do really like the way you made that insert, though! I may alter mine to include my logo, as well. The protective insert is a great idea. I have been hesitant to add a lot of dimension to my cards, because I was worried that they may become damaged when mailed. That insert is an excellent idea. When I display my cards at a craft fair, I have different types of baskets, boxes or containers that I set out, and put them at different heights on the table. Each one has a label in front and then there are dividers within the container to separate the cards, for example, birthday for him, birthday for her, general birthday. This is my first time watching your videos and this one was very informative! You are very easy to listen to and I know I will go back and watch more of your work. I really like the cards that you used in this video, so I know I will enjoy seeing your other work for more creative ideas, Thanks so much for taking the time to make this one. I hope you did well at the craft fair!!
In your batching of steps in the process, I have printed those Avery labels for years! I mean in the dark ages like 25 years ago for my retail business. It’s easier now as Avery supplies label templates online. With my printer I don’t even have to feed the sheets one at a time. So you could do Shake Me! On a sheet, diff prices on the sheets and replenish as necessary. Huge time saver AND allows you to have room to put a code even, like I’d do when placing items for wholesale in stores.
That is a wonderful tip!! I knew they were printable but assumed it would be a hassle because of their size. (Funny I can spend an hour ink blending but a printer worries me lol!) This is a great push to figure it out with my printer. Thanks for sharing!💛
Hi. New subscriber here! I'm very new to card making. I love shopping at Michael's and i always grab their cardstock and paper pads when it's on sale and I had no idea what to do with all the different colors and patterns. I started watching card making videos and thought "I can do that." Well, let me say, it's much harder than card makers on TH-cam make it look. I wasn't thinking about how much time, practice, and dedication, and mistakes that takes place. I'm looking forward to hone my skills and become close to all of you. Thank you for your channel and sharing your knowledge and creativity to the world.
@@jacquelinemuntz5903 & @lynnkimber1965 l wish l had watched MANY more youtube demos before buying supplies & ending up with junk & $$ spent! Jennifer McGuire has excellent advice for buying, like when you buy a die set look at at least 5 ways you’ll use it instead of it being for a specific purpose & never use it again. I named it, “The Bridesmaid dress die.” 🤣😂 l’ve gotten to where l love designing everything with die-cuts only. Also love coloring, watercolor, ink smooshing, so l mostly use watercolor paper & the smooth bristol cardstock as well as the colored cardstock. Good luck! 👍🏻💖
You are SO impressive! I’ve never sold my cards but everyone l’ve made a card for tells me l need to. I’m retired, have just gotten into this for about 2 yrs now ($$ invested in all the “stuff,” needed). I had a home embroidery business for a few years & know how timelines & demand ruin creativity. I, like others, don’t want the pressure of cranking out bunches & ruin the joy of creating. I’ve always done art, mostly watercolor & enjoy cardmaking so much being able to use it plus all the die cutting/paper piecing for designs. Reminds me so much of playing with paperdolls with my mom & sister many moons ago. My grandlings’ school does a craft fair so kids can Christmas shop &/or sell things. They’ve begged me to make cards for them to have a booth this year. Your demo here couldn’t be more timely & exactly what l needed to have any idea how to go about this! I appreciate every second you put into it & also for sharing links for needed items, thank you. Now my first (& maybe last) experience in mass card making. 🤪 New subscriber here!
@debschurby1574 I make cards for church tho I haven't taken them in for over a year due to long covid. I did sell them at a craft fair years ago. Also, when I'm well, I shall donate some to the local nursing home. I hopefully can soon start making more. I'd give selling them a go. People in general don't pay what they're worth because they haven't a clue as to how long they take to make and there are some lovely cheap cards in the shops now. Having said some negatives, it's a lovely, 'and messy" hobby.😊
@ l hear you! It’s with any handmade item, the buyer has no clue of the craft time, design, meticulous piecing, & effort the maker goes through to make their item “perfect,” for a self-set standard! I overthink & obsess over little things others may never notice. I hope you get over the long covid fog & feel better soon! 🙏🏻💖
Oh, I’m so glad I found your channel. I put my cards in sleeves and I printed out the sentiment’s smaller version on a sheet of card stock and add that to the back of the package.
Hi Jessica, hope the event went well for you. TFS I do exactly the same process but I pack 2 cards and envelopes in the cello bag. I also punch a couple of holes in the bag and add a label stating not suitable for children under 3 due to small parts. I gave never been successful at events here in the UK so I donate all of my makes. Keep up the good work. Love Shirley (London UK) xxx
👋🏾 Hi Shirley. That's a great tip for cards with tiny gems and bits, especially if it's a kids card. Thanks for sharing! The first few shows I ever did were definitely busts🥴. But over the years, I've found my rhythm and shows that work for me. The places you donate are lucky to receive your cards! Tfw friend!!💛
Well said. I love your card presentation. The extra time you take for your cards does make them classy. The way you went through your whole process was so helpful. The "boo" card is sooooo cute! ❤
I use to do craft shows YEARS ago lol.back then I did Macrame. Which is coming back. I've gotten into cardmaking, always Said I wouldn't. Ha ha. LOVE what you do for your cards. I shows that YOU care and it's how you would like to buy a card. I went to a show, and the woman had cards in a bin and not in bags and saw people so through them. She just sat there, Her cards were nice and low priced. But it wasn't inviting to people is the feeling I felt.I feel, if I went to your booth,even though I make cards, I'd want to buy. I think presentation it big. Good luck with your craft show. Thank you for Sharing your ideas. I just found your video and subscribed. Happy Thanksgiving to you and family for Adirondacks, Northern New York. Laurie
I’m in the “thinking of” phase of selling my cards. I do mass make once I design a card that I love, and pair them with the envelopes, seal them in clear sleeves. I wondered about the sentiment, so that was a great idea that you shared! You have great tips, like the flap on the envelope not just showing, but being at the top of the sleeve. This is a great help to me, as I have batches of cards for Christmas, Halloween, birthday, etc…, and have never tried to sell them at a craft fair. Thank you!!!
Thanks for sharing. Now, as postage has continued to rise, it has been important for me to check the thickness (1/4" or less) and weight (1 oz or less). If it is greater than this with protective piece card and envelope or nonmachinable (not bendable) I put "extra postage required" on my packaging. Customers appreciate knowing this in advance. But all the extra with packaging, which is nice, has to also factor into the pricing.
hi! i just started doing craft shows and use a similar packaging system...right now i stamp the inside sentiment onto a scrap piece of cardstock and stick it in the bag. your inserts are great. also good to see a peek at your pricing. thanks Jessikate!
Price is subjective because you have to take into consideration your actual costs; all materials, time, skill level, uniqueness of the card and the going rate for a similar card in the area you are selling to. It generally takes beginners more time to make/create a card than experienced cardmakers, but their hourly rate should be lower because of their experience level. It also takes more time to determine what products to use than it does to actually make the card. I suggest staying away from selling generic (ie Cricut and craft kit cards) because that market is oversaturated. The exception is if you can make that card unique to your brand in terms of embellishments and extra touches. I try to make cards that fit into all budgets. My AI cards are the least expensive as they are just design time divided by the number of cards made plus printing (I own a commercial printer so my color printing cost is lower than a standard home printer or taking to local copy store), materials and time (which is about 2 minutes per card to cut and package). I personally do not do quantity discounts but I know many other cardmakers do at shows. Some also do a family and friend discount. I don't do discounts because I believe my items are fairly priced. Special/custom orders and invitations have higher prices. When someone mentions they saw a similar card at a Dollar Store I respond that's a good deal. I do not say it to customers because I never want to put down any business, but my goal is not to compete with the Dollar Stores because my cards are uniquely handmade. I know many beginners start with the pricing formula of actual material cost x2 rounded up to next nearest dollar which is intended to encompass time. An Ai card cost me $.35-I sell for $2.00. My starting price for handmade (die-cut) cards is $5. Custom cards start at $10. My specialty is interactive cards and I set a limit of how many of a card design I will make and I keep a photo catalog so I don't repeat identically. Also, handmade cards trend so if you want to sell consider that you have to keep up with that and seasonal trends. That doesn't mean jump on every trend-just check out the styles, color combos, ect. and incorporate what fits in with your brand in a limited quantity for that season if you choose to do so. Listen to customer feedback (you don't have to accommodate, but listen) and track not only your best but worse sellers and customer feedback on why they did or did not sell and make modifications as needed. Best of luck. It can be great fun, but when you start taking orders it can sometimes become monotonous and hamper your creativity.
1bonvie has some great information! i do not take special orders. i make cards because i love to create. i can't create on demand... it's a long learned lesson. when i use to say yes to special orders i felt under so much pressure and thus did not want to do it. it took all the creative fun out of it for me. i don't want to influence you into not taking special orders. everyone is different. i charge $5 each for my cards. i make simple to fancy. all the same price. this is not my main job so my only real objective is to cover the cost of the supplies and get them out of my box so i have room to make more! lol for me it is a very expensive creative outlet! 🤣 i put any fancy cards in plastic sleeves in my box. this protects it from being damaged when cards are being pulled out and put in. the people can see the cards and if they get one of those cards i keep the plastic sleeve for the next card i make. i don't seal the plastic shut. i stick the flap to the inside of the plastic envelope so it just makes a sleeve. when i use to sell my cards at the senior center gift shops i packaged them as jess does in her video. the only difference is i made a photocopy of the inside layer (in color if there were any decorations on the inside) on plain photocopy paper and slid that into the envelope behind the card. there are so many different options. the advice about picking out what works for you and customizing as you get feedback from people that makes sense to your brand is excellent advice. so many people have an opinion on how to do it the 'right way'. there is no 'right way'. there is your way. your way works for you, makes sense to you, fulfills your needs and goals and that is the only thing that matters! wishing you success in your crafting sales!
Great ideas! I also put my greeting on the back inside the package, but for now I just use sticky notes...I really like your idea of prepping a more professional version. I've been learning so much from you this year but you're also so kind and encouraging ❤keep it up you are doing great.
Love seeing how other crafters do it! Thanks for sharing. I use plastic sleeves as well. Although I use two different styles depending on if card is a top fold or a side fold. There is a sleeve for side folding that allows for card to be opened so inside can be visible. Then I don’t have to use a paper insert for inside sentiment. Sleeves are really a must as most bazaars and fairs have foods available and I’ve seen enough sticky fingers to know you must protect your products! Do you sell sets of cards? If so what do you use? Plastic boxes or larger bags?
I've never tried those sleeves, but it sounds like they keep them safe and pretty on display. I do sell card sets. For those I use the clear boxes from clearbags.com I'll have to do another video showing how I do those and my mini cards. Tfw and sharing your tips!!💛
I love the idea of the piece of paper that shows what the inside message is! I would say 99.9% of my cards are blank on the inside but I will keep this idea handy for when I do stamp inside. Thank you for this great video!
I also place my handmade cards in clear sleeves for craft boutiques. I like your ideas on packaging for mailing, and putting on handwritten pricing. I'm so glad to find your video! I like the clear bins for storing and displaying. 😊
Jessica, I loved watching your packaging technique. I am relatively new to selling my cards, and it was nice to hear your thought process. Your video caused me to consider what I do and why. Thank you again.
Just came across this Video and I'm very impressed with your Professionalism! And like you said as you travel on Crafting Time, you make changes as you grow 😊. Only yesterday I was telling a Newbie that Presentation is very Important etc etc. I'm an Elderly, but I learn Quick and Grow fast...and so my Presentation is always amazing Beautiful... and should always be safe with your Hard earned Money and Labor... OVER ALL VERY IMPRESSIVE VIDEO FOR THOSE THAT WANT TO GO TO THE NEXT LEVEL... BLESSINGS ❤️ ❤❤❤❤
This is a great video. I don’t make cards but branding is so important and it definitely leaves a lasting impression with your customers. Many people overlook this but you have mastered yours 🎉🎉🎉 Classy indeed! Very professional. Thank you for sharing 😊
Thank you so much! It's taken some time, but I'm really happy with where I've landed for now with my packaging. I'm so glad you enjoyed the video. Tfw!💛
I just came across your site, and I am so glad I did! You are a breath of fresh air, and your excitement is infectious. I am sure that I will learn a lot from you, and that makes me happy! 💛💛💛
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INFORMATIVE, CREATIVE, EDUCATIONAL, WONDERFUL VIDEO. YOU HAVE ELEVATED THE EXPERIENCE OF CARD MAKING TO A PROFESSIONAL LEVEL. THANK YOU AGAIN. YOU ARE EXCEPTIONAL IN YOUR CRAFTING. PLEASE KEEP SHARING.
Really nice packaging. I also use the cellophane sleeves. I don't take custom orders because the second I do, I'm miserable! So I make what I want to make and overall it works well for me. I typically sell at work, just by leaving my bin in the break room. Pricing is my least favorite subject after custom orders, lol. At work, I pretty much just say $5 bucks each. As I do a lot of inking, die cuts etc, my time is definitely not being covered but I'm happy. I make fun things, people give me $ and I make more. Thats all I want!😂 so glad I found your channel, looking forward to watching while I play!
This is how I do my cards as well. I have been using Clear Bags for years and they are a great company. So many options! I have not tried their envelopes so that is good to know that you like them. I'm also ridiculously happy to see your prices. I had a ton of cards to donate for a charity and I asked them to sell them at 5. (not because I think they are all that, but I did want to raise funds) And they said no...they would only sell them for 3. It was a TON of work and I was so disappointed. I won't make that mistake again. Thanks for the info. PS Great idea about adding a card to protect the card front. I will start doing that.
I’m so glad I found your channel! It just showed up on my feed. New subscriber! Would love to craft with you sometime. You’re really relaxing to listen to. ❤
We are on the same page! I do exactly what you do when packaging my cards…other than the liner paper. I’m kinda liking that idea! Thanks for sharing. I use the same price stickers, too! 👍🏻
I love how you’ve organized everything , did you know that you can also mail your cards (to friends and family) in the clear envelope? Just make sure the sealing strip is on the front of the card and the backside is plain that way people can see the address. I have sent them that way before. But you might check with your local post office before sending them. Thanks for sharing your process.
You have wonderfully packaged your cards. Love to see how other people do things for craft fairs. Just getting started going to do a spring craft fair for my first one kinda nervous but my husband tells me anywhere I go I walkout and everyone is my best friend. Best of luck on your craft fair and let us know how it went. I am from Minnesota, and some people in this state don't appreciate hard work, but most people are Minnesota nice 😊
I love making cards and usually they are for family and friends, sympathy, birthdays, anniversaries etc. I would like to try selling and your video makes it less daunting for me now. Thank you for such a quality product you have produced.
I have tried to figure out how to sell my cards in local shops, but due to the constant handling of them by customers, I haven't done so. I've always put my cards and envelopes in clear cello bags, but your tip of including the inside information ona piece of paper, opens the possibility up, so thank you! Great video and tips.
Thanks for sharing I also used clear bags to ship my cards sometime because i think it's a protection just in case they get wet. I haven't been to a cragt fair before but im taking notes for the future.
That is a great point! They have stayed safe on rainy fair days in their sleeve. I donated to an organization once that required the cards be in some sort of plastic bag for that exact reason. Thanks for watching and sharing!!💛
Hi - Love your card packaging! Can you do a YT to demo how you set your prices for each card! That would be a great help to lots of us I'm sure! Thanks in advance!
🏴❤️🏴 thank you for the tips, I also bag my cards for sale because people inevitably touch/rifle through them to find the one they want I love your idea for showing what’s on the inside of the card, so far I only put a sticker on the front saying blank inside 🏴❤️🏴
Thank you for this very informative video. I've been contemplating selling cards at local fairs so this gives me really useful advice and guidance. Thanks again!
This video was very informative - I would love to see how make the insert: that state blank/ or whatever the sentiment in side is … with your social media links … I would love to make those - such a great video: where have you been all my card making life
Thank you for the very informative video, I am doing my first craft fair on the 7th and wanted to see what others are doing. I'm not using the labels for pricing but have created a pricing sheet which I will be displaying and instead of the insert for the sentiment on the inside, I have created a label and attached it to the clear sleeve. Great idea with the envelope card to protect from mailing, I will try that on my next set as all are packaged up for the craft fair.
You do beautiful work! I’ve been wanting to see a process like this. Very informative video and you have a very nice presence on your video. I will be looking at all your videos 💕
Great information! I’m not ready to go down this road quite yet, but retirement looms large, and this might be something I’ll pursue. Thanks again Jess!
Just found your channel today as I'm batching and needed cellos and envelopes. I sub's and placed an order using your links! Thank you for the resource and wonderful presentation. Happy Holidays!
Thank you for all those ideas. I am still practicing making cards for friends and family but wondered about packaging and pricing so this was very helpful.
I used to do this, but then I had an experience where they sweated 🤦♀️. It ruined so m ay cards, I was mortified! I do agree it looks much more classy though.
Was that maybe from the glue not being dried before inserting? That is a shame after all the work one puts into their cards. Thanks for sharing as it may help another.
💔I am so sorry to hear that! Unfortunately, I had this experience once in the high heat of summer. It only happened to a few cards that were in direct sunlight. Luckily, I noticed it quickly enough to move them to the shade before any damage was done. I would be heart broken too if it had damage the lot of my cards. It's one (of a few) reasons why I limit my outdoor shows.
You might want to try using a card jacket instead of the full sleeve, which will allow the cards to breathe. The card is inserted like a book (the inside will be partly exposed, but the outside will be protected). I get them from clear bags item #CJA2. It's not a perfect solution, but it will give some protection and should keep the cards from sweating.
Roughly 3"x3.5" . Sometimes, I adjust the size for bigger sentiments if needed so it doesn't have to be exact. Just what looks good to you. Happy crafting! 💛
I've been selling at craft fairs for years now. Where I am, cheap is King, so, I don't try and get a ton of money for my time. I put my cards in plastic containers (they are a shoebox style that hold A2 cards nicely). I don't put the cards in clear envelopes, as that would increase my cost. I do keep my regular envelopes behind my table with me. I know that if I didn't, some envelopes would go walking. (the price of envelopes in Canada is ridiculous). I have made enough money over the years to help keep me in supplies. I'm disabled, so making cards is art therapy for me.
I have had a great response to leaving cards blank inside and including a variety of labels with various sentiments packaged as a separate purchase. That way the choice is your customer's.
@@nancyfearday9601 Excellent idea! I love it. I hope l can make enough time to add that to my “to-do,” list! Thanks so much!
I love how you communicate what's on the inside. I've always just used a post it note. But your insert looks very professional.
So glad it was helpful! Tfw!💛
I’ve never done a craft show. I just sell to whoever asks. I’m too nervous to do a show. But you have some great ideas that I’ll probably be adding to my handmade cards. Like the sentiment note and little sticker on the front. Glad I found you. Thank you for sharing.
Don't be nervous. Start with a show you like that has a reasonable table fee and take a friend to help you get comfortable but spend more time interacting with guests than your friend.
This is the first video of yours that I’ve seen. I really enjoy your assurances of “take what works for you & leave the rest”. I’m probably paraphrasing, but I soooo agree with your point. Your overall reassurance and attitude is so comforting & encouraging. ☺️
I’m not able to do craft fairs, but I’ve been thinking of doing card sets to donate to non-profits in their fundraising (silent auctions, etc.) I’m looking for ideas how to package them in ways that look professional & are still practical. I’m hoping you will do a video about card sets maybe? I’ll have a look around your channel to see what else I can find.
Thanks for sharing your process, experience, & positivity!! 😁
Welcome to the channel! And thank you for your very kind, sweet words🥹. I am going yo do a follow up video showing how I package my sets and other sized cards. Thanks for watching! 💛
I have only been selling my cards for the last 3 years. However, I was happy to see, as I was watching your video, that I also do many of the same things you do! I package my cards the same way for the same reasons. I also include a small card on the back letting the customer know what sentiment, if any, is on the inside of the card. I do really like the way you made that insert, though! I may alter mine to include my logo, as well. The protective insert is a great idea. I have been hesitant to add a lot of dimension to my cards, because I was worried that they may become damaged when mailed. That insert is an excellent idea. When I display my cards at a craft fair, I have different types of baskets, boxes or containers that I set out, and put them at different heights on the table. Each one has a label in front and then there are dividers within the container to separate the cards, for example, birthday for him, birthday for her, general birthday. This is my first time watching your videos and this one was very informative! You are very easy to listen to and I know I will go back and watch more of your work. I really like the cards that you used in this video, so I know I will enjoy seeing your other work for more creative ideas, Thanks so much for taking the time to make this one. I hope you did well at the craft fair!!
In your batching of steps in the process, I have printed those Avery labels for years! I mean in the dark ages like 25 years ago for my retail business. It’s easier now as Avery supplies label templates online. With my printer I don’t even have to feed the sheets one at a time. So you could do Shake Me! On a sheet, diff prices on the sheets and replenish as necessary. Huge time saver AND allows you to have room to put a code even, like I’d do when placing items for wholesale in stores.
That is a wonderful tip!! I knew they were printable but assumed it would be a hassle because of their size. (Funny I can spend an hour ink blending but a printer worries me lol!) This is a great push to figure it out with my printer. Thanks for sharing!💛
Hi. New subscriber here! I'm very new to card making. I love shopping at Michael's and i always grab their cardstock and paper pads when it's on sale and I had no idea what to do with all the different colors and patterns. I started watching card making videos and thought "I can do that." Well, let me say, it's much harder than card makers on TH-cam make it look. I wasn't thinking about how much time, practice, and dedication, and mistakes that takes place. I'm looking forward to hone my skills and become close to all of you. Thank you for your channel and sharing your knowledge and creativity to the world.
Same!
@@jacquelinemuntz5903 & @lynnkimber1965 l wish l had watched MANY more youtube demos before buying supplies & ending up with junk & $$ spent! Jennifer McGuire has excellent advice for buying, like when you buy a die set look at at least 5 ways you’ll use it instead of it being for a specific purpose & never use it again. I named it, “The Bridesmaid dress die.” 🤣😂 l’ve gotten to where l love designing everything with die-cuts only. Also love coloring, watercolor, ink smooshing, so l mostly use watercolor paper & the smooth bristol cardstock as well as the colored cardstock. Good luck! 👍🏻💖
I love how organized is your work and how classy are your cards, thank you for sharing with us your greatest artwork.
Thank you! It's fun to share the joy I get from my cardmaking projects and journey with others. Tfw!!💛
Thank you so much! Doing my first craft fair - with handmade cards - next week. This video was so helpful!
Good luck and great sales to you!
You are SO impressive! I’ve never sold my cards but everyone l’ve made a card for tells me l need to. I’m retired, have just gotten into this for about 2 yrs now ($$ invested in all the “stuff,” needed). I had a home embroidery business for a few years & know how timelines & demand ruin creativity. I, like others, don’t want the pressure of cranking out bunches & ruin the joy of creating. I’ve always done art, mostly watercolor & enjoy cardmaking so much being able to use it plus all the die cutting/paper piecing for designs. Reminds me so much of playing with paperdolls with my mom & sister many moons ago. My grandlings’ school does a craft fair so kids can Christmas shop &/or sell things. They’ve begged me to make cards for them to have a booth this year. Your demo here couldn’t be more timely & exactly what l needed to have any idea how to go about this! I appreciate every second you put into it & also for sharing links for needed items, thank you. Now my first (& maybe last) experience in mass card making. 🤪 New subscriber here!
@debschurby1574 I make cards for church tho I haven't taken them in for over a year due to long covid. I did sell them at a craft fair years ago. Also, when I'm well, I shall donate some to the local nursing home. I hopefully can soon start making more. I'd give selling them a go. People in general don't pay what they're worth because they haven't a clue as to how long they take to make and there are some lovely cheap cards in the shops now. Having said some negatives, it's a lovely, 'and messy" hobby.😊
@ l hear you! It’s with any handmade item, the buyer has no clue of the craft time, design, meticulous piecing, & effort the maker goes through to make their item “perfect,” for a self-set standard! I overthink & obsess over little things others may never notice. I hope you get over the long covid fog & feel better soon! 🙏🏻💖
@@debschurby1574 thank you
Oh, I’m so glad I found your channel. I put my cards in sleeves and I printed out the sentiment’s smaller version on a sheet of card stock and add that to the back of the package.
Hi Jessica, hope the event went well for you. TFS I do exactly the same process but I pack 2 cards and envelopes in the cello bag. I also punch a couple of holes in the bag and add a label stating not suitable for children under 3 due to small parts. I gave never been successful at events here in the UK so I donate all of my makes. Keep up the good work. Love Shirley (London UK) xxx
👋🏾 Hi Shirley. That's a great tip for cards with tiny gems and bits, especially if it's a kids card. Thanks for sharing! The first few shows I ever did were definitely busts🥴. But over the years, I've found my rhythm and shows that work for me. The places you donate are lucky to receive your cards! Tfw friend!!💛
I’ve put warnings, as well, but I put “contains small parts and may not be suitable for all ages” and not a specific age
So informative and ❤your cards
Well said. I love your card presentation. The extra time you take for your cards does make them classy.
The way you went through your whole process was so helpful.
The "boo" card is sooooo cute! ❤
Thank you! I had so much fun making that "Boo" card. 🎃💛
I use to do craft shows YEARS ago lol.back then I did Macrame. Which is coming back. I've gotten into cardmaking, always Said I wouldn't. Ha ha. LOVE what you do for your cards. I shows that YOU care and it's how you would like to buy a card. I went to a show, and the woman had cards in a bin and not in bags and saw people so through them. She just sat there, Her cards were nice and low priced. But it wasn't inviting to people is the feeling I felt.I feel, if I went to your booth,even though I make cards, I'd want to buy. I think presentation it big. Good luck with your craft show. Thank you for Sharing your ideas. I just found your video and subscribed. Happy Thanksgiving to you and family for Adirondacks, Northern New York. Laurie
They look so nice! Very professional.
Thank you! That's always my goal to make it feel they folks are in a nice card shop. Tfw!!😊💛
I’m in the “thinking of” phase of selling my cards. I do mass make once I design a card that I love, and pair them with the envelopes, seal them in clear sleeves. I wondered about the sentiment, so that was a great idea that you shared! You have great tips, like the flap on the envelope not just showing, but being at the top of the sleeve.
This is a great help to me, as I have batches of cards for Christmas, Halloween, birthday, etc…, and have never tried to sell them at a craft fair. Thank you!!!
Glad thebvideo was helpful. It's exciting to think about selling your cards at a craft show. I hope you go for it! Best of luck!!💛
Thanks for sharing. Now, as postage has continued to rise, it has been important for me to check the thickness (1/4" or less) and weight (1 oz or less). If it is greater than this with protective piece card and envelope or nonmachinable (not bendable) I put "extra postage required" on my packaging. Customers appreciate knowing this in advance. But all the extra with packaging, which is nice, has to also factor into the pricing.
hi! i just started doing craft shows and use a similar packaging system...right now i stamp the inside sentiment onto a scrap piece of cardstock and stick it in the bag. your inserts are great. also good to see a peek at your pricing. thanks Jessikate!
You are so welcome! We gotta keep those cards safe. Wishing you lots of success at all your markets this season!💛
Same!
I'd like to know how you determine price for your cards
Price is subjective because you have to take into consideration your actual costs; all materials, time, skill level, uniqueness of the card and the going rate for a similar card in the area you are selling to. It generally takes beginners more time to make/create a card than experienced cardmakers, but their hourly rate should be lower because of their experience level. It also takes more time to determine what products to use than it does to actually make the card. I suggest staying away from selling generic (ie Cricut and craft kit cards) because that market is oversaturated. The exception is if you can make that card unique to your brand in terms of embellishments and extra touches. I try to make cards that fit into all budgets. My AI cards are the least expensive as they are just design time divided by the number of cards made plus printing (I own a commercial printer so my color printing cost is lower than a standard home printer or taking to local copy store), materials and time (which is about 2 minutes per card to cut and package). I personally do not do quantity discounts but I know many other cardmakers do at shows. Some also do a family and friend discount. I don't do discounts because I believe my items are fairly priced. Special/custom orders and invitations have higher prices. When someone mentions they saw a similar card at a Dollar Store I respond that's a good deal. I do not say it to customers because I never want to put down any business, but my goal is not to compete with the Dollar Stores because my cards are uniquely handmade. I know many beginners start with the pricing formula of actual material cost x2 rounded up to next nearest dollar which is intended to encompass time. An Ai card cost me $.35-I sell for $2.00. My starting price for handmade (die-cut) cards is $5. Custom cards start at $10. My specialty is interactive cards and I set a limit of how many of a card design I will make and I keep a photo catalog so I don't repeat identically. Also, handmade cards trend so if you want to sell consider that you have to keep up with that and seasonal trends. That doesn't mean jump on every trend-just check out the styles, color combos, ect. and incorporate what fits in with your brand in a limited quantity for that season if you choose to do so. Listen to customer feedback (you don't have to accommodate, but listen) and track not only your best but worse sellers and customer feedback on why they did or did not sell and make modifications as needed. Best of luck. It can be great fun, but when you start taking orders it can sometimes become monotonous and hamper your creativity.
@1Bonvie thank you for taking the time to respond and explanation!
1bonvie has some great information!
i do not take special orders. i make cards because i love to create. i can't create on demand... it's a long learned lesson. when i use to say yes to special orders i felt under so much pressure and thus did not want to do it. it took all the creative fun out of it for me.
i don't want to influence you into not taking special orders. everyone is different.
i charge $5 each for my cards. i make simple to fancy. all the same price.
this is not my main job so my only real objective is to cover the cost of the supplies and get them out of my box so i have room to make more! lol
for me it is a very expensive creative outlet! 🤣
i put any fancy cards in plastic sleeves in my box. this protects it from being damaged when cards are being pulled out and put in. the people can see the cards and if they get one of those cards i keep the plastic sleeve for the next card i make.
i don't seal the plastic shut. i stick the flap to the inside of the plastic envelope so it just makes a sleeve.
when i use to sell my cards at the senior center gift shops i packaged them as jess does in her video. the only difference is i made a photocopy of the inside layer (in color if there were any decorations on the inside) on plain photocopy paper and slid that into the envelope behind the card.
there are so many different options. the advice about picking out what works for you and customizing as you get feedback from people that makes sense to your brand is excellent advice. so many people have an opinion on how to do it the 'right way'. there is no 'right way'. there is your way. your way works for you, makes sense to you, fulfills your needs and goals and that is the only thing that matters!
wishing you success in your crafting sales!
not sure why the messages are repeating. 1bonvie's message repeated 12 times?! and it looks like my last one repeated once...
weird!
@@sheryl5252 Sorry about that.
Great ideas! I also put my greeting on the back inside the package, but for now I just use sticky notes...I really like your idea of prepping a more professional version. I've been learning so much from you this year but you're also so kind and encouraging ❤keep it up you are doing great.
I don't do a lot of cards but found this very informative, I will be watching all your videos. Thank you for sharing.❤
Love seeing how other crafters do it! Thanks for sharing. I use plastic sleeves as well. Although I use two different styles depending on if card is a top fold or a side fold. There is a sleeve for side folding that allows for card to be opened so inside can be visible. Then I don’t have to use a paper insert for inside sentiment. Sleeves are really a must as most bazaars and fairs have foods available and I’ve seen enough sticky fingers to know you must protect your products! Do you sell sets of cards? If so what do you use? Plastic boxes or larger bags?
I've never tried those sleeves, but it sounds like they keep them safe and pretty on display. I do sell card sets. For those I use the clear boxes from clearbags.com I'll have to do another video showing how I do those and my mini cards. Tfw and sharing your tips!!💛
I love the idea of the piece of paper that shows what the inside message is! I would say 99.9% of my cards are blank on the inside but I will keep this idea handy for when I do stamp inside. Thank you for this great video!
Very classy and professional packaging.. job well done!
I also place my handmade cards in clear sleeves for craft boutiques. I like your ideas on packaging for mailing, and putting on handwritten pricing. I'm so glad to find your video! I like the clear bins for storing and displaying. 😊
Jessica, I loved watching your packaging technique. I am relatively new to selling my cards, and it was nice to hear your thought process. Your video caused me to consider what I do and why. Thank you again.
I'm so glad it was helpful. Best of luck at your upcoming shows! Happy crafting! 😊💛
Just came across this Video and I'm very impressed with your Professionalism! And like you said as you travel on Crafting Time, you make changes as you grow 😊.
Only yesterday I was telling a Newbie that Presentation is very Important etc etc.
I'm an Elderly, but I learn Quick and Grow fast...and so my Presentation is always amazing Beautiful... and should always be safe with your Hard earned Money and Labor...
OVER ALL VERY IMPRESSIVE VIDEO FOR THOSE THAT WANT TO GO TO THE NEXT LEVEL...
BLESSINGS ❤️ ❤❤❤❤
Thank you so much!🥹 💛
This is a great video. I don’t make cards but branding is so important and it definitely leaves a lasting impression with your customers. Many people overlook this but you have mastered yours 🎉🎉🎉 Classy indeed! Very professional. Thank you for sharing 😊
Thank you so much! It's taken some time, but I'm really happy with where I've landed for now with my packaging. I'm so glad you enjoyed the video. Tfw!💛
I just came across your site, and I am so glad I did!
You are a breath of fresh air, and your excitement is infectious.
I am sure that I will learn a lot from you, and that makes me happy! 💛💛💛
Welcome to the channel! I'm so glad younare enjoying it. And thanks so much for those sweet, encouraging words!!😊💛
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INFORMATIVE, CREATIVE, EDUCATIONAL, WONDERFUL VIDEO. YOU HAVE ELEVATED THE EXPERIENCE OF CARD MAKING TO A PROFESSIONAL LEVEL. THANK YOU AGAIN. YOU ARE EXCEPTIONAL IN YOUR CRAFTING. PLEASE KEEP SHARING.
Really nice packaging. I also use the cellophane sleeves. I don't take custom orders because the second I do, I'm miserable! So I make what I want to make and overall it works well for me. I typically sell at work, just by leaving my bin in the break room. Pricing is my least favorite subject after custom orders, lol. At work, I pretty much just say $5 bucks each. As I do a lot of inking, die cuts etc, my time is definitely not being covered but I'm happy. I make fun things, people give me $ and I make more. Thats all I want!😂 so glad I found your channel, looking forward to watching while I play!
This is how I do my cards as well. I have been using Clear Bags for years and they are a great company. So many options! I have not tried their envelopes so that is good to know that you like them. I'm also ridiculously happy to see your prices. I had a ton of cards to donate for a charity and I asked them to sell them at 5. (not because I think they are all that, but I did want to raise funds) And they said no...they would only sell them for 3. It was a TON of work and I was so disappointed. I won't make that mistake again. Thanks for the info. PS Great idea about adding a card to protect the card front. I will start doing that.
I’m so glad I found your channel! It just showed up on my feed. New subscriber! Would love to craft with you sometime. You’re really relaxing to listen to. ❤
Thank you for those kind words!! I love your cards and would craft with you any day. Welcome to the channel! 👋🏾😊 💛
We are on the same page! I do exactly what you do when packaging my cards…other than the liner paper. I’m kinda liking that idea! Thanks for sharing. I use the same price stickers, too! 👍🏻
You're welcome! I hope your markets are going well, too. It's always great to hear what other crafters are doing. Tfw!💛
Love your idea about the protective liner!
Still need a non-machinable stamp in Fla as any “bump” means it won’t go through the machine.😔
Thanks so much! It’s a game-changer when protecting those delicate details. 💛
Your cards look very carefully made and the presentation is professional and very appealing! Thanks for the info.
I love how you’ve organized everything , did you know that you can also mail your cards (to friends and family) in the clear envelope? Just make sure the sealing strip is on the front of the card and the backside is plain that way people can see the address. I have sent them that way before. But you might check with your local post office before sending them. Thanks for sharing your process.
I've heard that but never tried it. That is a great tip about the sealing strip!! Thanks for sharing! 💛
You have wonderfully packaged your cards. Love to see how other people do things for craft fairs. Just getting started going to do a spring craft fair for my first one kinda nervous but my husband tells me anywhere I go I walkout and everyone is my best friend. Best of luck on your craft fair and let us know how it went. I am from Minnesota, and some people in this state don't appreciate hard work, but most people are Minnesota nice 😊
Don't worry - you'll be fine with all your Minnesota nice people! Hopefully you'll sell out too! Best wishes!
I love making cards and usually they are for family and friends, sympathy, birthdays, anniversaries etc. I would like to try selling and your video makes it less daunting for me now. Thank you for such a quality product you have produced.
I have tried to figure out how to sell my cards in local shops, but due to the constant handling of them by customers, I haven't done so. I've always put my cards and envelopes in clear cello bags, but your tip of including the inside information ona piece of paper, opens the possibility up, so thank you! Great video and tips.
Cello bags to the rescue! We work so hard on our cards, and we gotta protect them. I'm glad the tips were helpful! 💛
Thank you for sharing these helpful tips!
I would love to see your set up at Craft shows. Before I saw this video I was already doing some of the things you do now.
@JessikateCreates....Hi Jessikate!! This is my first time watching one of your YT' videos...and I'm very impressed! AND I SUBSCRIBED!! ☺☺Thank you for all the tips that you shared. Many of them have just reinforced for me why I do what I do when prepping my cards to sell. The one new take-away was actually putting the insert in the envelope. I love putting bling on my cards...and I'm conscious of what might happen to the card when put through the 'stamp cancellation' machine at the Post Office, but I've not been including a protective page. Such a great idea!!
If I've made a card with an inside message, I have just stamped that same sentiment on a piece of white cardstock and handwrote "inside message" above it. But I love the little professional looking piece of paper that you've designed and include with each card. It looks so much more tidy and professional the way you do yours and I'm going to figure out something for myself.
My brother and sister-in-law and family are local business owners (BC Canada) and I work in the office for one of their stores. So I've been selling my cards (paper crafted and photo) for many years now from the store. For the very reasons you explained in your video...I put my cards in protective sleeves. Some of the cards I make are larger sized...and I have had some difficulty finding envelopes and sleeves that are big enough. I have purchased product from that online store where you're purchasing your envelopes and sleeves....but I need to go take another look. Thank you for that reminder.
I do have one question for you about 'Angel Policy'. I didn't see anything on your card or information sheet about the use of copyright? I usually read the fine print on websites and I use a lot of Stampin'Up! product. So I do have a © stamp for them. Also, The Stamps of Life product have a ©stamp. I've created an 'address label-sized' template in Word that has space for me to handwrite the different copyrights I've used. Usually it's not more than 2 different companies...but it's something I consider when stamping my name on the back of my card.
Once again...thank you for this very helpful video! I'll probably go binge watch a bunch of your videos now!! LOL Happy Crafting!!
Thanks for sharing I also used clear bags to ship my cards sometime because i think it's a protection just in case they get wet. I haven't been to a cragt fair before but im taking notes for the future.
That is a great point! They have stayed safe on rainy fair days in their sleeve. I donated to an organization once that required the cards be in some sort of plastic bag for that exact reason. Thanks for watching and sharing!!💛
Hi - Love your card packaging! Can you do a YT to demo how you set your prices for each card! That would be a great help to lots of us I'm sure! Thanks in advance!
This was a great video! And that ‘BOO’ card…stunning! I’m gonna go take a peek at your channel now. 🤭
🏴❤️🏴 thank you for the tips, I also bag my cards for sale because people inevitably touch/rifle through them to find the one they want I love your idea for showing what’s on the inside of the card, so far I only put a sticker on the front saying blank inside 🏴❤️🏴
That definitely works great, too. Especially if your cards tend to be blank inside. So glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching! 💛
I love the care you take in packaging. It does make a difference. How do you find out about and get involved in craft fairs/shows?
That was so helpful!!! Thank you Jessikate!!!!
First time seeing your channel and subscribed. Very well done!
This video was very helpful. Thank you so much!
Just found your channel ! Love it!
Great video! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for this very informative video. I've been contemplating selling cards at local fairs so this gives me really useful advice and guidance. Thanks again!
This video was very informative - I would love to see how make the insert: that state blank/ or whatever the sentiment in side is … with your social media links … I would love to make those - such a great video: where have you been all my card making life
Thank you for the great information. I am new to selling my cards so your tips are greatly appreciated.
You're so welcome! I hope it helps you on your crafting journey!💛
Hi im a new subscriber, yiur cards and the way you pack them are beautiful. Thank you for sharing ❤ 😊
Thank you for the very informative video, I am doing my first craft fair on the 7th and wanted to see what others are doing. I'm not using the labels for pricing but have created a pricing sheet which I will be displaying and instead of the insert for the sentiment on the inside, I have created a label and attached it to the clear sleeve. Great idea with the envelope card to protect from mailing, I will try that on my next set as all are packaged up for the craft fair.
Best of luck on your craft show sales! Happy Thanksgiving too!
Really good video! They do look great packaged in the sleeve!! Thank you for sharing ❤
Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it! Tfw!💛
Thank you for these great tips! Hope your event went well!
You're welcome!💛 It was a nice day.
❤the idea of the liner…I’m always mindful of my embellishments because I mail A LOT of cards out.
Yes, I never want them to get messed up. Tfw!💛
Thank you
Great information. Thank you so much.
You do beautiful work! I’ve been wanting to see a process like this. Very informative video and you have a very nice presence on your video. I will be looking at all your videos 💕
Thank you so much!😊 That means a lot to me. Glad you enjoyed the video! 💛
Very helpful, thank you
Very professional and practical bc your cards are so protected and still well displayed.
Great information! I’m not ready to go down this road quite yet, but retirement looms large, and this might be something I’ll pursue. Thanks again Jess!
I like that protective sheet idea.
Just found your channel today as I'm batching and needed cellos and envelopes. I sub's and placed an order using your links! Thank you for the resource and wonderful presentation. Happy Holidays!
Great video, very informative and useful, well presented too. Thanks! New sub here
Informative, thank you
You're welcome!💛
They look very professional 😊
So helpful and they look really professional! Great job!!
I love the packaging and the insert for the envelope. Your packaging looks very professional! I like to keep my cards clean also.
Thanks so much. Keeping them nice and clean is a must! Tfw!!💛
Thank you for the great ideas
You are so welcome!!💛
Enjoyed your video so I subscribed thanks for sharing. Please do a pricing video
Peace and Love I’m a new subscriber to your channel you are totally awesome thank you for sharing ❤
Aw, thanks! Welcome to the channel friend!😊💛
I’ve never sold at a craft show but this is good information if I decide to do it.
Thanks for watching friend!💛
Thank you for all those ideas. I am still practicing making cards for friends and family but wondered about packaging and pricing so this was very helpful.
Just came across your video, subscribed. Excellent presentation of your video. The liner is an excellent idea. Great job!
This is what I do too. We’re on the same page. Great ideas, thanks for sharing 😊
Great minds! Thanks for watching!💛
Thanks for sharing
My pleasure!💛
Very nicely displayed. Great ideas!
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed!💛😊
Great tips and demonstration!
Thanks so much!😊💛
Wonderful and informative video! Thank you for sharing this with us.
What a class act! Beautiful work and such attention to detail. ❤
Good video
I used to do this, but then I had an experience where they sweated 🤦♀️. It ruined so m ay cards, I was mortified! I do agree it looks much more classy though.
Was that maybe from the glue not being dried before inserting? That is a shame after all the work one puts into their cards.
Thanks for sharing as it may help another.
@ nope these weren’t freshly made cards. it’s put me off for life 🙈, a real shame as I do like to display professionally.
💔I am so sorry to hear that! Unfortunately, I had this experience once in the high heat of summer. It only happened to a few cards that were in direct sunlight. Luckily, I noticed it quickly enough to move them to the shade before any damage was done. I would be heart broken too if it had damage the lot of my cards. It's one (of a few) reasons why I limit my outdoor shows.
You might want to try using a card jacket instead of the full sleeve, which will allow the cards to breathe. The card is inserted like a book (the inside will be partly exposed, but the outside will be protected). I get them from clear bags item #CJA2. It's not a perfect solution, but it will give some protection and should keep the cards from sweating.
You have a pretty good system for your self and that's what matters, TFS.
In His Grace Lorisa ❤.
Thanks for sharing your process! 😉💜🤘🏾
Your cards are beautifully packaged!
Thank you so much!💛😊
I am new to card making as well and do want to start selling them at some point. Thanks for all the great tips
You are so welcome!!💛
great and informative video!
thanks for taking the time to make it....
happy crafting!
Great tips! What are the measurements of the back label? Thanks! ❤
Roughly 3"x3.5" . Sometimes, I adjust the size for bigger sentiments if needed so it doesn't have to be exact. Just what looks good to you. Happy crafting! 💛
Hi my name is Keila I just find your channel and I really like this video I do sell my cards too! I will check more of your videos 😊
Welcome to the channel, Keila! I'm so glad you're enjoying the videos. Best of luck at your next show!! 😊💛
Great video. I do love the idea of the liner for the envelop. And 💯 agree on the clear bags ! Happy selling !
Beautiful packaging! Well Done. Thank you for sharing.
You're so welcome! Tfw!💛
Thank you. This was very helpful!😊
They look lovely!