If you are interested in this type of business for yourself, it’s a good idea to check out the sales statistics for your area, and the type of crafts that you are interested in. Visit retail/craft shows and take note of how many vendors there are of each type of craft, and who appears to be selling the most. Make up an informal survey for friends, co-workers, or groups you belong to, and ask what crafts appeal to them, and which they buy for gifts.

Once you’re satisfied that a craft business is a viable opportunity for you, the first option may be a business that you own and operate as a sole proprietorship, which means a significant initial financial investment, and establishing sales channels with craftspeople who will guarantee you a steady supply of goods. Or, you can become part of the sales network for an established company that has already tapped into the craftsmen’s network on a scope that you could not reach. In this case, you would become a consultant offering their stock products to potential customers at home parties, via a website, or at informal luncheon presentations.

OverstockArt, the online destination for handmade oil paintings and art reproductions, has teamed up with LinkConnector, an Affiliate Marketing Network, to create a successful affiliate marketing program.
With their unique product line and high commissions, OverstockArt makes it worthwhile for affiliates to care about what’s going on in the company. Further, keeping affiliates in the loop helps OverstockArt spread the word about the online store across many channels.
“By being pro-active, we have been able to recruit affiliates that have plastered our banners in high end décor sites and blogs,” says Amitai Sasson, Marketing Manager at OverstockArt
Sasson went on to say, “Being an online leader in your industry requires you to keep a close eye on your brand. Our brand has been growing mainly through word-of-mouth and we feel that our close connections with our affiliates have leveraged our success.”
OverstockArt.com took their Affiliate Marketing Program to the next level this past April as they teamed up with the nation’s top museums and celebrated Museum Appreciation Month.
“We were able to join forces with many Art Museums across the country. We had a month long event where we donated 20% of our sales through the affiliate marketing channel to Museums. It was a noble cause that aligned well with our will to spread the love for art,” said Sasson.
In the core of OverstockArt.com’s relationship with their affiliates is their product. “Affiliates like to offer their visitors products and services that are unique and hard to come by,” says David Todd, LinkConnector Representative. “The handmade oil paintings of OverstockArt are elegant, sheik items that affiliates love to be associated with.”