One of the most daunting tasks facing small businesses is selling online. Technology is changing so quickly and the internet presents new opportunities to grow your handmade business. Though opening a store front (think Etsy, ArtFire, Big Cartel) is fairly easy most independent designers and crafters find keeping up with the internet exhausting. Opening up a virtual store front for your handmade business brings on a slew of new problems that your business must address. These problems range from deciding on where to host your store to photographing products or figuring out shipping and packaging. Let’s not even begin to talk about marketing and promotion. The bottom line is selling on the internet takes time and for the independent designer time is already at a premium. That's why I suggest selling your products locally.

There are many different reasons to sell at a local farmer's market or handmade bazaar. To keep this article short I’m only going to focus on my top four reasons.

• Gain Exposure- If you are a brand new business selling locally is the perfect way to get some word of mouth going. Many crafters develop a following of loyal repeat customers that not only buy but spread the word to friends and family. This is the perfect opportunity pitch your brand and let your community know about your company. Hand out business cards or flyers to shoppers that are just browsing. Just because they aren't buying today doesn't mean they won't buy tomorrow.

• Get feedback on your products- Selling locally allows you to solicit customer feedback right on the spot. You can ask buyers what types things they are looking for. This is a good time to mentally note what types of sizes, colors or styles attract the most attention. After a while you'll get a feel for what items are most popular and you can tweak your display to accommodate that.

• People are impulsive and they like to buy - How many times have you gone into a store only to browse and left with a bag? The same thing happens at craft fairs and bazaars. Customers are more likely to purchase items that they can see and interact with. If you sell jewelry have a mirror handy. If you sell skin care or bath products have a tester so the customer can try it out. In general we are all so used to getting things on demand that we don't want to leave without it. It's much easier to fill up an online shopping cart and abandon it because you have to wait a week to get it.

• You never know who you'll meet- I think this is the most important reason to sign up for a few local events. The networking opportunity is invaluable. You may meet a future bride that needs jewelry for her big day, a mom looking for a custom birthday cake or a store seeking new products for wholesale. The opportunities are there but you'll never see them unless you get yourself out there. Introduce yourself to other vendors. This isn’t a time to be shy. Starting a business involves risk. Don’t be afraid to test the water.

What I hope you take from this article is that you shouldn’t put all your items into one shopping cart (corny I know but I was trying to modernize a cliché). For most handmade businesses just starting out it isn’t enough to just make great products. You have to get your goods in front of customers and your local selling venue may be just the place.

Here are a few links to get you started in your search for indie craft shows, bazaars and farmers markets.

·        Indie Craft Shows

·        No White Tent

·        Indie Craft Fair Guide

If you have a tip about selling locally please leave it in the comments.

I sponsored the Fun, Cute and Whimsical guild's first October giveaway. The giveaway was for a set of Alien Head Christmas ornaments which will be appearing in the Antisparkle studio on November 1st. Sue S. was the lucky winner.

Kreated by Kelly is sponsoring the second giveaway. Up for grabs is a pair of whimsical button bouquets. To enter just visit the Fun, Cute and Whimsical guild's official website and sign up. The giveaway is open until October 31.

The wonderful thing about this time of year is the frequency of local handmade events for independent designers. I have secured spots to showcase my handmade gifts in several venues this holiday season. The local event I'm most excited about is the Atomic Holiday Bazaar.

I'll be participating in the Saturday night show which will be on December 12 from 5- 11:30. The Saturday show will feature a select group of indie artists as well as a burlesque dance and fashion show.The cost of admission is $7 and it's for an 18 and up crwod only. Visit the official Atomic site for interviews and updates.