- 1). Display samples of your work. For example, exhibit one handwoven scarf, one tea towel and one place mat if you are a weaver. Inform potential customers you can weave these items in colors and sizes they want. Allow them to handle the items so they can appreciate the quality of your work. Emphasize the advantages of ordering custom items to fit their lifestyles and their homes.
- 2). Supply the best quality photos you can, if no physical samples of your work are available. Explain to prospective customers that many variations exist, so making items ahead of time limits their choices. Set out small samples of leftover pieces of your crafts, if possible. For example, many weavers have scraps of cloth remaining from large projects. Smarten up any "scraps" by hemming and ironing them. Don't display defective or substandard pieces. Exhibit materials you use in your craft, such as a variety of yarns for weavers.
- 3). Provide price lists and order forms with as much detail as possible about the items you make. Include your company logo and contact information on the page, so customers can easily contact you if they decide to order in the future. Be specific about prices. Prospective customers are much more likely to follow up if they know how much an item will cost. Include on your order form choices such as available sizes and materials as well as your website address, if you have one.
- 4). Accept orders on the spot whenever possible. Supply preprinted order forms; these can be the same as the price lists/order forms you hand out to potential customers. Write down all details needed to complete the item. Record all customer contact information, including name, full address, telephone number and email. Give the customer a receipt with your contact information, a description of what they ordered, the amount they paid and the estimated date of delivery. Determine in advance if the finished item will be mailed, sent via UPS, picked up by the customer or delivered by some other method.
- 5). Require a deposit, the amount of which will depend on such factors as whether you need to purchase special materials for the order, the likelihood of being able to sell the item to someone else if the customer fails to complete the sale and the amount of time involved in creating the item. A deposit of 50 percent of the sale price is common. Include written details as to what happens if your customer reneges on the deal (such as a non-refundable deposit) or if you are unable to complete the project. Give the customer an accurate estimate of when the piece will be completed.
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