Mail order is a popular way to send several different types of items to a customer.  Because of this, it is a potential way for you to market and sell your crafts.  In order to do so, you should know some basics of what you will need in order to get mail order to work properly.  This advice can be used in both internet mail order materials or in sending out catalogs to certain customers who are interested in buying. 

When organizing mail order for your crafts in your home, there are several different things that you need to set up.  One of the first organizational tools that will help you is a data system that will help with inventory and accounting.  This way, you can keep track of the mail that you send out, and what comes back in and with how many orders.  This will help not only in inventory, but also in keeping track to see if mail order is efficient for selling your crafts.  You will also need to set up a way to take credit cards and checks over the mail and through the internet.  It is best not to send your crafts out until the money that is being sent to you is cleared.  Order entry and processing is another one of the tools to organize before you start mail order so that you can remain organized in your hand made crafts.   

Consider who you are going to distribute to when setting up your mail order business.  One way to do this is to begin a network of contacts.  If people who have bought your crafts would like to be set on a mailing list, then you can send them things through the mail by their request.  Another way to do this is by having potential buyers sign up on a website that you may to request a catalog to mail order.  It is also possible to set up a website and have customers order through filling out all of their information online. 

If you decide to make a mail order catalog, or if you are using mail order on a website, it should contain several different elements.  First, it should catch the customer’s eye.  This means detailed descriptions as well as pictures of your crafts that look professional.  Next, is to be specific as well as brief about what you are offering.  Letting the customer know what materials you are using, the size of the craft, etc. will help to let them know what they will be receiving.  You should also include a brief description of who you are and how long you have been making crafts.  Many times, reviews on your craft products can be included as well.  This will help in making you look professional, and will give customers a way of respecting and trusting you and your product.   

Another aspect of mail-order is including your information.  A fax, e-mail or address of where to send their order for the crafts should be supplied.  You should decide about whether you will have a minimum order requirement, or not.  You should also decide what the shipping order costs will be, and how they will be shipped.  One way to do this is to measure how large the packages will be and do an estimated weight cost.  Then, you can look into places such as UPS, FedEx, or regular mail for some options.  It is always best to let the customer know which way they will be receiving their order by. 

You should also supply an order form in the catalog when you send it out or on the website.  This, as well as a different list of all of the crafts that you offer with the prices on another side can help a customer decide what they need through mail order.  If needed, there are often times software that can provide a guideline for creating a unique look and help put in the information that is needed for the development of your catalog. 

Whether you are setting up mail order on the internet, or sending out catalogs directly to past and potential customers, it is best to have a layout of how the mail ordering will work and be beneficial to you, as well as ways to provide customers with the best service and options possible.  

Related posts:

1. Home Grown Hand Crafts – Five Ideas on Marketing Dried Floral Bouquets
2. Consign Yourself to Success with your Hand Made Crafts
3. Knit your way to a Hand Made Knitted Crafts Business
4. Shipping your Hand Made Crafts- How to Make Sure They Stay in One Piece and Within Budget
5. Five Basics of Supply and Demand in the Hand Made Craft Business

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