Maker Survey: Where do you sell your knives? What works for you?

[J. Doyle]

I checked several boxes.

I have sold many through commissions/orders but I don't do that much anymore.

I have a pretty good sized email collector list that I send mass emails to when I have an available piece.

Instagram has been pretty big for me. Both for selling available pieces and for gaining new collectors that are added to my email list.

Wearing my business t-shirts out in public gets me a lot of questions and inquiries and then many of those people ask to be added to my email list.

I haven't been to many shows in the last two years. I intend to change that. In person shows were always important to me and to my collectors. I usually sold out at shows.

 

[SharpByCoop]

Thank you to all for your valuable time and insights.

Lorien nailed it: The juggernaut called Instagram is inescapable. According to the chart, it's NOT the dominant selling force, but it may be the most visible means to be current. Here to stay.

 

[assasincrdo]

I mainly sell on Facebook Instagram and the bulk of the order but also have a dealer in Germany

 

[daizee]

I'm just a hobbyist, so name recognition is small. There's no consistency across the platforms I'm on. It's a bit of a time sink to keep visibility up. I'll do my first 'show' (local annual open studio craft 'trail') this fall and see what happens.

 

[Lorien]

I'm just a hobbyist, so name recognition is small. There's no consistency across the platforms I'm on. It's a bit of a time sink to keep visibility up. I'll do my first 'show' (local annual open studio craft 'trail') this fall and see what happens.

bizarre content helps, lol!

 

[i4Marc]

Selling isn't the problem for me. It's the making that is the problem. I'm so slow. I need to work on that. Many of the knives I make are claimed by followers on Instagram. They see it being made, inquire about it and claim it. But most are sold to return customers. They keep in contact and when something is available they take it. Or they will call and ask if I can make something particular for them. I try to accommodate them if possible. This can be a little frustrating at times since the customer may want to be the designer or they get carried away with adding more and more details or features. But that is rare. I'm grateful for all my customers. They have all been fantastic. It's not so much about the money. Nobody will remember how much was paid for the knife in 20 years. But the knife will be around long after I die. I have set up a tent and table at local Hunting and Fishing Day events. I have had a table at events at local Harley Davidson dealers. I have donated knives to NRA fundraisers. These are fun events but haven't generated much in sales. I have gotten a table at a local gun show. I got lots of compliments but no sales. I think you have to be seen at least a few times at the local shows before people start recognizing you and trusting you. The biggest sales platform for me is Instagram and return customers.

I also would like to thank Coop for the part he plays in getting our knives in front of a lot of eyes. Thanks Coop!