Opening an Online Store 

To sell your crafts successfully in an online crafters mall involves more than simply opening a craft store. Selling online takes time and a basic understanding of marketing your particular craft.   When you open your store in a mall remember that it is an extension of your off-line business and all of the same marketing principals apply for your business to be successful both online and off.

When you first open your craft mall store contact all of your existing customer base and let them know that they can now shop at your new online store 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Offer a discount on their first purchase as an incentive to visit your store.

A great way to market your products is to place ads in craft publications, generally these types of publications have a large following of people interested in buying handmade arts and crafts.  There are also many free places you can advertise your products like online craft classifieds, craft forums and craft directories. A couple of hours or work advertising daily and you will see your online business grow very quickly.

Craft Shows are also a great way to grow your business both online and off, take advantage of the hundreds of potential customers that come to the shows by handing out your flyers and business cards with your online web address, also invite them to sign up for your monthly newsletter.  Having potential buyers sign up for your monthly newsletter gives you the opportunity to contact both new and existing customers on a regular basis about your new product, or sales you might be having.

If you decide to sell in consignment shops ask the owner if you can place a display with your online craft store address, or leave a stack of business cards and or flyers with the web address of your online store.

About the Author
Catherine Stabler is the owner of the GLC Arts and Crafts Mall ( www.goldleafcrafters.com ), which brings together crafters, artists, artisans and designers with interested buyers worldwide via the Internet.