Alternative Markets

[Jediscroller]

John's thread regarding selling at trash and treasures got me to thinking (I know, twice in less than a month, wow!). Everyone knows about craft shows and word of mouth. What are some other markets or means of selling your wares that have worked for you? A few that I can think of (along with galleries and the like) are Veterinarian Offices, local businesses such as restaurants and hospitals. Vet offices will often be happy to hang some pieces for you with business cards. Pet owners can be great customers, especially for custom cuts of their pets. The vet gets free decorations and you get free advertising. Same thing with restaurants. Hospitals are often overlooked but many will be happy to decorate with your pieces and some will even sell them directly for you.
What's worked for you?

[JohnB]

We have a few local "fairs/special occasion" type days in the area.

A few that come to mind are
The Balzano Barrow Race, this is a rotary sponsored event and the race ends at a park were there is entertainment, stalls etc all day.

Another is St Barbara's Parade. This is parade near Xmas down the main street by the huge Haulpacs and mining equipment, and the main street has stalls etc for about 4 hours.

Another is the "Golden Gift" a foot race from Kalgoorlie to Menzies and the town has a carnival atmosphere all day with stalls etc.

The 1st costs $20 per stall, and the other two a free. They are a bit hit and miss. I've made $100 - $800 on the same one in different years.

This type of event may be a goer, and once your face gets recognised people will give you invitations to other such festivals etc.

[Magpie]

In our area we have rodeos and horse parades--you can sell horse-related items like hotcakes. Any item that is sports-related but not trademark-breaking goes well for me, I can't make gators, bulldogs, or Indians fast enough.

I have been considering the offices of upscale apartment complexes, since they often have subsets of people you can make stuff for; for example, one apartment complex may have all young business people, and another may have well-to-do retired people. Upscale physicians, surgeons, and dentists' offices might be worth a look in some areas. In the small town where I used to live, I could have hung my stuff in the bank--in our current big town, that won't work, though Hope that helps!

[bearfretworks]

Youth sports clubs/school athletic departments..... ornaments for fundraisers and trophies for awards.

[wood-n-things]

Local senior center..Doctors office...Dentist office...Local restaurants...Church foyer...All have done well for me. Furniture stores are a gold mine. Cabinet shops, and local carpet layers especially if they do new construction.

I have made name plaques for several realtors in the area who give them to clients upon a sale/purchase of a home as a gift. They also like custom number signs for the address of a new home, I make them out of wrc.

My banker asked for a gift for his friend...so I made him a business card holder,he in turn ordered 6 more for other associates.

[Janette]

I just finished (and survived) a Scandinavian Festival. If you don't mind dressing up and decorating your booth! Very good show. Next will be an Oktoberfest. Look out Chicken Dance

Also a great venue for me is. CAT SHOWS !

Not a ton of gate but you get a captive audience for 2 or 3 days. Keep in mind that cat breeders are a fussy bunch so make sure your renditions of "their" breed are good ones.

[Haggard3230]

Most of my things are done with consignment, though slow because of the economy. Other is word of mouth. I need to check with our bank and local vets to see if I put some of my stuff in them.
BTW Kevin, a tourist from Connecticut purchased a wooden scenic saw in June and emailed me last night thanking me. She had bought it for her husband.

[Jim Finn]

I have sold a few small items in my sisters hair salon, espicialy nearing Christmas.

[Charise2009]

I started a little e.bay store and sold a few items ... but 90% were actually to people I knew...