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Review by Toady : Lots of information

I am a beginner in the craft sales field and was looking for a book to give me some step by step guidelines. This book is filled with lots of good advice about what to do when getting started with sales, like branding you item, joining groups of crafters, bookeeping, etc. However, I felt that even with the little short stories from people who are selling their crafts/handmade items the information was very general. I was looking for something more detail oriented. It does give you some websites for some of the information written about in the book, which was VERY helpful. As an example, I was interested to find out which was a preferred method to generate more sales, specific websites devoted to a specific artist vs. commercial sites like ETSY. I also wanted to learn more about things like PAYPAL since that is the preferred method of payment for internet sales. I know I could just go to some of the specific sites like PAYPAL and ETSY but I wanted feedback from people who have actually used the systems. I was also hoping to learn more about shipping methods and what is the best for large vs. small items, and any tips for saving money on shipping costs. Overall, I would recommend this book for beginners, it does give you a lot to think about that one probably wouldn't consider when just starting out. I liked the way the book is structured and it was a very easy read. Good reference material.

Review by Books and Chocolate : Good Basic Advice

I've sold crafted items off and on for many years and can't help but wonder how much better I would have done had I known the information in this book. Chapin does a great job informing the reader about things such as determining the cost of goods, pricing items, identifying the competition, navigating through the business side of selling crafts, and selling in various venues available to crafters today including Internet stores like Etsy. I like that the author keeps the tone of the book upbeat and conversational as she sticks to the facts about the craft business. Chapter topics include basic business practices, branding your business, marketing, making connections in the crafting community, using blogs to promote your craft, advertising and publicity, and using marketing networks and social media. Also covered are the pros and cons of venues for selling such as craft fairs, online stores, brick and mortar stores, and other selling opportunities. The tips on how to create a good craft blog and taking photos for using online were helpful. The author includes the advice of successful crafters as well as that of experts in specific fields such as an accountant's general advice on what can be deducted as an expense when filing taxes, etc. Although this isn't a detailed business book and won't address every issue one might encounter in running a business, it is one that will answer basic questions specific to the craft business and minimize having to learn from mistakes. I've learned a lot and look forward to implementing the ideas for more success in selling my own creations. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review but the opinion of it is my own and wasn't solicited. If I didn't like the book, I would say so.

Review by J. Baker : Well Written but Hardly Revolutionary

The Handmade Marketplace is clear and concise with beautiful layout and illustrations. However, for anyone with business acumen or working knowledge of internet resources, there is not much new to be found here. Readers who are unfamiliar with podcasts, blogs, Facebook, Twitter, etsy (and the like), etc. will likely find guidance here. I was amused that the only platform that I have no experience with whatsoever because I have no interest in it (Facebook) the author presumes that *everyone* reading the book has so much knowledge about that there's no need to dwell on it too much. From growing your business to incorporation to accounting to craft fairs, this book is comprehensive and well written (and I found it to be a quick read), but bear in mind that if this is not the first thing you've read about crafting your craft business, you're not likely to stumble across much new information.