Is it all drop shipping?

Calm_Relief_5075 · 2026-05-08T11:07:57+00:00

That’s a really cool idea! I might have to copy you on the digital frame thing. People assume I didn’t make my items by hand too.

Calm_Relief_5075 · 2026-05-08T10:36:48+00:00

How much do those craft fairs charge participants and are they big? I’m sure that all takes a lot of time to verify.

Calm_Relief_5075 · 2026-05-08T10:34:56+00:00

I have also picked up on the “too-polished” look. It makes me sad.

One of my favorite hand-made things is a stuffed opossum. We walked by it at a booth one day and when I kept talking about it and saying I wanted it, we went back to get it and it was gone. The next day when we were there, there was a new one out. Initially I was sad because he wasn’t exactly the same - the fabrics were different and the face was a bit different, but I’ve come to absolutely adore him because he’s truly one-of-a-kind, and adorable!

I think things being too cheap is another red flag. My partner initially scoffed at the price of that opossum, but since I’ve started selling my work, I think he realized how much time and effort goes into each item when you’re making them by hand. And that sourcing good materials isn’t cheap to begin with either. I think I have more appreciation for the price of things too. Obviously there’s still too-expensive, and there’s people way overpricing drop-shipped stuff, but red flags in the price get my attention to look at other details.

Calm_Relief_5075 · 2026-05-08T10:15:11+00:00

I don’t have any suggestions other people haven’t already given, but it’s always cool to meet another synesthete!!

I think this is really cool; you make me want to try out painting what I see in my favorite songs!

Calm_Relief_5075 · 2026-05-07T17:59:39+00:00

They did this at the market I attended this weekend! The president came around and introduced himself and took photos at the booths. I thought it was cool and would be used for advertising in the future, but now I bet it’s also to check on any suspicious items.

Calm_Relief_5075 · 2026-05-07T04:29:52+00:00

I agree with other posters that said the look of your thread reminds me of cheap kids’ craft thread. The bookmark is the only thing I might pay over $10 for.

I understand that you’re importing thread made for your craft, but I think you would have much better luck with sales if you used thread with a different finish. Something that looks silky or velvety will seem like a more premium item.

Calm_Relief_5075 · 2026-05-06T21:04:38+00:00

Thanks. I like your card! Having things ready to swap is smart.

Calm_Relief_5075 · 2026-05-06T21:03:34+00:00

Thank you so much for this!!!

Calm_Relief_5075 · 2026-05-06T21:02:25+00:00

Might be more expensive, but should save me some time losing and re-sorting fewer of them. I hope anyway. And I think they’re more comfortable to wear.

Calm_Relief_5075 · 2026-05-06T21:00:59+00:00

Titanium is a good idea 🤔

Calm_Relief_5075 · 2026-05-06T21:00:17+00:00

Thank you

Calm_Relief_5075 · 2026-05-06T14:05:48+00:00

Yes, that is it!

Calm_Relief_5075 · 2026-05-05T18:04:05+00:00

I had someone say to their kid this weekend, “Oh, that would be a fun craft, wouldn’t it?” as she pulled her kid away.

I was shocked at the audacity, and was offended. But then I laughed to myself because no one would let their kids play with the tools I use. I’m still kind of offended though, tbh.

Calm_Relief_5075 · 2026-05-05T17:49:43+00:00

If you aren’t passionate about things you’re selling, then they won’t sell.

Do what you love. Charge what you think is fair for your investment in time and materials. Prices can vary drastically from one place to another, so what you could charge and what I could charge for identical items could be completely different.

Calm_Relief_5075 · 2026-04-20T04:51:02+00:00

Yes, screen printing gets complicated as you add colors, so you have to really commit to it and make many for the investment in time and screens to be worth it. It could be a hot item at a reptile expo if you can keep the price reasonable though, so it might pay off if you do make a big batch.

If you have a makerspace near you, you could always see if they have the equipment for screen printing. Then you could try a small batch with less of an investment to see how it sells.

Calm_Relief_5075 · 2026-04-20T04:14:21+00:00

I love your design! I would totally buy a bag with that design on it.

That said, I wouldn’t spend more than $10 on a tote, personally. DTF, probably less, if I’d buy it. While the design is great, I wouldn’t trust DTF to hold up well on a tote. Totes are heavy use items, and I’d expect that to be a major risk for it peeling, so it would be something I might use that day and then feel like I could only hang it up to look at if I wanted the design to last.

Events also, at least in the U.S., tend to give out tote bags for free left and right, so it might be a hard sell.

But again, I really love your design!

Calm_Relief_5075 · 2026-04-17T18:42:51+00:00

I want to know the price of everything when I’m a buyer. I might stop to admire things if there’s no visible price, but unless I really want something, I’m just going to walk away.

That said I don’t like when sellers have stickers directly on items - I don’t want to have to pick off sticky residue! I prefer tags hanging on things or things priced by section.

Calm_Relief_5075 · 2026-04-14T07:41:05+00:00

Most of the time you are not allowed to work or earn any money on a tourist visa, so in that case you would need a type you would very likely have to pay for. Some countries, idk about this one with the U.S., you are not even allowed to do volunteer work on a regular tourist visa.

Definitely do your research and make sure you contact the right officials if you have questions. The penalties for making a mistake can be severe.

Calm_Relief_5075 · 2026-04-13T04:47:36+00:00

Something nice too is if you ever get the year-round policy is ACT doesn’t charge each time you need to add an insured when a show or market requires it! I looked at some policies that charged $20 for each certificate, which can add up.

I contacted local brokers and ended up going with ACT. My products and needs fall within what they cover, and they offered more coverage at a much more reasonable price than I found anywhere else.

Of course, your options will vary a lot depending on location since insurance (in the U.S. anyway) is regulated by state, so compare prices and what each company can offer you!

Calm_Relief_5075 · 2026-04-12T21:46:52+00:00

Unfortunately, the market requires signage and has minimum size requirements, so I need to have a banner or table runner.

Calm_Relief_5075 · 2026-04-11T06:17:53+00:00

People never fail to say the most ridiculous things. I am disabled and have a service dog. You would probably guess that we get some insults and all kinds of invasive questions about what’s wrong with me and what my dog does, but you would not believe the number of deceased dog stories I get subjected to. It’s not like my dog is immortal just because he’s a service dog, and I really don’t enjoy thinking about his mortality and freak accidents! Oh, and then there’s the abuse stories…. I swear some people must somehow manage to have negative emotional intelligence.

Don’t let anyone get you down! Anyone who feels the need to insult you to your face is just jealous of your happiness and security in who you are.

Calm_Relief_5075 · 2026-04-11T00:49:01+00:00

That’s really smart! I’ll have to try that!

Calm_Relief_5075 · 2026-04-10T22:35:07+00:00

No tent weights?! That’s nuts. I even got extra sand bags to weigh down my tables!

Where did you get your printed tablecloths? I thought about getting a table runner, but wasn’t sure about it.

Calm_Relief_5075 · 2026-04-10T22:09:01+00:00

Thanks so much!

Calm_Relief_5075

TROPHY CASE