i have been buying mini rolling pins and decorating them, but they wont sell

POPPYOSCAR

Sugar_Coated_Owl wrote: »

I love handmade gifts

I do as well.

I much prefer them to mass produced things ,but they do mean a lot more to me if they are made by someone I love.

pinetree

Hi jadex91, have googled decorated rolling pins, and have found some on folksy and ebay, so they are popular especially with vintage, cath Kidston style being in fashion dont stop at rolling pins why not try wall key holders, paper towel holders,etc. Also try twitter and follow other local business,local papers,
hope it goes well and as others have already said craft fairs.

soolin

Sugar_Coated_Owl wrote: »

I'm sure it's not just me. You have no idea of the market out there. I'm guessing rightly or wrongly that the OP is quite young, shouldn't we be encouraging young people to start their own businesses rather than saying somethings 'tat' don't do it e.t.c I can understand you trying to prevent the OP from wasting her money but we were all young once and we have to make mistakes in order to learn.

Yes I think we should be encouraging people, whatever their age, to try a business venture. However I still think it is actually poor advice to simply carry on doing something that is already proving to be a non goer.

I run a small business, if I carry a line that doesn't sell I dump it and move on. As a mother myself I see no benefit on encouraging a young person to spend time and money on something that is not working, forget it and try something different. The worst thing I could do for my sons is to give false encouragement to carry on with a doomed business venture. Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind.

mildred1978

I give handmade all the time. But I play to my strengths. And I'd never give someone a cake with a misspelt message!!!

Sambucus_Nigra

Sugar_Coated_Owl wrote: »

I love handmade gifts

Me too.

I make loads of stuff myself, and I sell quite alot. I started small and as the market expanded I sell more. But there is so much hand made stuff it has to be top notch to keep up with the competition.

And it has to be sold in the right place. Some of it is a right old hotch potch.

teabythesea

Poppy, my comment was not aimed at you.

Sugar_Coated_Owl

....I'm not saying the OPs rolling pin is perfect but we can still encourage her, perhaps it was her first attempt. May be she could diversify and make plaques with writing on e.g Gran's Kitchen or something similar. I do still like these rolling pins though, tempted to decorate a few myself.

POPPYOSCAR

teabythesea wrote: »

Poppy, my comment was not aimed at you.

My apologies, I can see now our posts crossed:)

soolin

Sugar_Coated_Owl wrote: »

....I'm not saying the OPs rolling pin is perfect but we can still encourage her, perhaps it was her first attempt. May be she could diversify and make plaques with writing on e.g Gran's Kitchen or something similar. I do still like these rolling pins though, tempted to decorate a few myself.

I actually love the idea of a mini rolling pin- un decorated. How about selling them as they are but nicely wrapped in cellophane, or with other cookie cutters etc as 'cookie baking sets'.

There is just something appealing about mini items.

soolin

I'm on a roll now........

A non stick baking tray, mini rolling pin, cookie cutters, a small jar of sprinkles or tube of icing and a gingham pinny, sell them as Christmas gifts (I didn't start the C word theme!) or birthday gifts or even do themed one like bat cookie cutters for Halloween, hearts for Valentines day, storks for baby shower gifts.