Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
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Things I Wish I Knew Before Selling My Homemade Items In Retail Shops
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items This list shares the real things I learned after getting my books into local retail shops and co-ops — the stuff I truly wish I had known sooner. I’m documenting my journey in real time as I grow from a few local shops to expanding into retail stores...
Before I reached out to any shops, I made a simple list of places I actually wanted my books to be sold. Local gift shops, co-ops, garden centers, places that already sold items similar to mine. This helped me stay focused and intentional instead of ...
Step 1: Literally make a list of the shops in your area!
After I make my list, I start reaching out — I keep it simple & efficient. If a shop has a Facebook page, that’s always my first choice. Messaging through Facebook makes it easy to introduce yourself casually, send a photo of your product, and show how it would look displayed in their shop....
Step 2: The Pitch
One thing I learned quickly selling my books and journals in local gift shops and co-ops: your item has to stand out on the shelf. When a shopper is browsing, they’re comparing similar items side by side — so presentation matters more than you think....
Step 3: How to Make Your Products More Giftable
Hi! My name is Michelle, and I’m a local author of beginner-friendly gardening books. My books are very giftable. I’d love to send you a few photos so you can see how they’re packaged and displayed. If you think they’d be a good fit for your shop, I’...
Step 4: This is my exact script for Facebook
When you place your handmade items in a gift shop or co-op, things don’t move at Amazon or TikTok speed — and that’s okay. Small shops order conservatively, test products before reordering, and often wait to see how customers respond over time. I’ve ...
Build your local brand
I sell my books in a few local shops and co-ops, and I didn’t fully understand how important it was to run my own sale during shop events—until I saw it firsthand. One co-op I’m in hosts special shopping weekends with drinks, treats, and storewide pr...
When the retail shop runs a sale, should you also run your own sale? Yes! Yes you should!! Read why!
When I run a sale alongside a shop event, I don’t just discount my item—I elevate it. I treat it like a gift. I’ll bundle my books with beautiful baskets, pretty pens, bookmarks, note flags, a tea bag, soft basket stuffing, and finish it with colored...
How to make your products stand out during a retail shop event
How cute is this box?! I love using these with my beginner gardening books. I bundle a few books, add some extras, wrap it in cellophane, and it becomes an adorable ready-made gift. Plus, the box can be reused — always a win!
Things I use to elevate my book bundles: Flowers & Bees Box
Super cute! This planter is such a fun way to bundle my books. It fits a few perfectly and already says Flowers & Garden — love it! I use it as an affordable gift-and-go option with a book bundle, add-ons, and cellophane wrap. Afterward, it can b...
Garden Collection Galvanized Metal Oval-Shaped Planters, 10.5x5.5x4 in.