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Ideas for Selling Crafts Internationally

Selling Crafts Internationally Is Easier Than You Might Think

I have this craft of mine...we usually call them native bags in the Philippines But to make it more lively and colorful I add some decorations.

Now I want to market it in other countries.

I don't know how and I'm afraid to market it because it might not be of the taste of the people from different countries.

I'm too shy!

Janis

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Since you no longer have to market your craft face-to-face, shyness shouldn’t matter. There are other, more important things to think about first.

Most people, especially tourists, love to buy crafts they can’t find back where they come from. Well made attractive bags should be easy to sell.

I don’t know what the price range of these bags would be, or how hard they would be to ship. Since you are in the Philippines, you either have to find a local market, sell and ship them yourself or find an exporter to represent you.

Finding a local market should be easy. Find a spot where tourists shop, such as a cruise ship pier or a local craft market. See if you products generate any interest. You might be able to do quite well, since tourists are known to pay more than locals for interesting souvenirs to take back home. You can always hire a friend or relative to sell for you if you don’t want to.

If your product has a high enough price, or a low enough shipping cost, you can try selling on eBay or other auction sites, either locally or internationally, This is probably not going to be easy once shipping costs and custom duties come into play.

The last option might be the best, especially if you can produce you bags in quantity. I am sure that there are exporters in your country that specialize in selling locally made crafts abroad. I’m also sure that buyers from around the world visit your country looking for new and exotic items to sell in their home countries.

I spend a lot of time in Mexico and know that there are wholesale craft expos held in major cities at least once a year for that purpose. For little or no cost, local artisans get to display their crafts to international buyers. I would be surprised if the Philippines did not have something similar. These buyers would take care of the shipping and duties, although you probably have to take a lower selling price in return.

I would suggest checking your phone directory or speaking to other crafters you know and see if you can get a recommendation for a trustworthy exporter. Local papers should contain announcements for the date and place of the next craft expo.

If you want to send me a picture of your bags, their size and approximate cost, I can put them on the website. If anyone shows interest in them, I can put you in touch.

I hope this information is of some help to you.

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