shescrafty…

The main problem people have when they start selling gift certificates is sort of like the trouble with a first credit card when the piece of plastic doesn‘t seem like cash. The dollar amount written on the front of that piece of paper actually equals that amount in goods or services.

It may feel like getting paid for nothing, but it’s really getting paid in advance for work you haven’t yet done.

Gift certificates can be made on any home printer. The only real investment should be in getting good quality paper. The same type of paper used for resumes and important announcements will do for these. Then, just find a MS Works template or similar program and fill in your information.

Check with your local Small Business Administration to see if there are any special rules or restrictions on gift certificates in your state. Some places have different rules about expiration dates, so get this info before you print up a stack of faulty gift certificates!

Sure, when you think of autumn, the colors that come to mind are mostly oranges, rust, brown, and deep green. It’s nice to add some pop with a bright, less expected color, like bright pink or yellow. The cream and off white colors that were so big this year will look just as fresh in fall.

Don’t forget, the seasons are reversed below the equator. By offering shipping specials to our neighbors down under, you may attract some extra attention for your spring goods. It’s more likely to make a profit than letting items sit around in a box, waiting for months to be sold.

It may be harder to pass off a piece that’s decorated with bunnies and pastel eggs as autumnal, but good luck to you if you try!

Without telling your life story, let customers know you’ll be away for a while. Otherwise, customers may continue to order, ask questions, or request information. When you don’t complete the transaction on time, your feedback and reputation may suffer. The customer may even think you’re a scammer and take legal action.

List your news in a prominent place on your start page. State the date you’ll be away and when you’ll return, if this is known. Tell them if you will be able to answer emails. List any shipping delays as well.

Copy and paste that information and add it to your shipping info page. Add it to your order form page or merchandise listings if possible. If this is too tall of an order, add it to the pages with your most popular items, such as sale or clearance pages. Send this information to everyone on your mailing list, too.

If you’re on a site that allows users an avatar, consider changing yours temporarily to say, “Vacation”, or “Away til ___”.

I have experience assisting and running craft vending booths for over 5 years, as well as helping to set up fundraisers and events. It’s safe to say that I’ve seen ups and downs, well run booths and poorly run tables, too.

There are lots of things I’d have appreciated a ‘heads up’ about, so I’d like to do that for others. If you have problems or questions about vending, please ask and I’ll get back to you.

Know Who Pays For What

Is shipping included in the price of the items? Or will they be hand delivered? Surprise shipping costs can take a major bite out of your profit, as online sellers will tell you.

What Form of Payment and When?

Decide when payment is due; when the order is placed or upon delivery. Which credit cards do you accept? Will you take personal checks or cash?

Last but Not Least

This is a biggie. What percentage of the proceeds will go to you versus the fundraiser? It’s vital to make this decision before your jump into this. A little wiggle room is fine, but if you leave this up to others, you may end up not only working for free or for sweatshop wages, but you could end up in the hole. Run your numbers and know how much you can give and still come out on top.

Next: Roundup of hot craft ideas from Associated Content to add to your inventory!

Paperwork

Do you have all the necessary paperwork in order to prove that you’re business is legit? These papers could include state and local licenses, proof of tax I.D., and proof of nonprofit status if you run a charity. Who wants to risk getting in trouble by working with a slightly shady fundraiser?

Products

How many products are available for sale? Also, how long will it take to fill orders? Having extra helpers on standby is a good idea in case the drive goes really well. The last thing any business wants is to turn a customer (and there money) away unsatisfied.

Next: Who pays for what? Ironing out the details.

 For this example, let’s say that the fundraiser is for the local middle school band department. They need to raise cash for new uniforms.

Pro: Helping the kids. ‘Nuff said.

Con: The kids will expect prizes for the top sellers and goodie bags for everyone.

P: Kids can be highly motivated salespersons.

C: You may be swamped with orders.

P: Your crafts and business gets lots of exposure.

C: Your crafts and business will be under the microscope.

P or C: This will require time spent on the phone and giving a presentation or three.

P: Your products will be shown of in catalog form.

C: You must supply order forms and catalogs.

Putting together a fundraiser for a large group is not for every small business, especially one that makes craft items by hand for sale. While the payoff can be large, the amount of work that goes into putting the whole thing together and following through is sometimes even larger.

Next: some pros and cons to think about before deciding to do a fundraiser.

We all know the terms reduce, reuse, and recycle, but the wording has gotten way more specific, trendy, and hip. Have you heard of repurposing, reconstructing, or upcycling? They all refer to the practice of using existing items to create something new.

Upcycle: An item is recycled to make an item of the same or increased usefulness or value.

Repurposed: Something is converted into a new item used for a different purpose. Value may or may not change.

Reconstructed: Take an item apart and rebuild it for a whole new look.

I wrote more about this here: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/923781/top_3_trendy_ecofriendly_craft_terms.html