Seamrippin': Market Saturation
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- Опубликовано: 24 май 2024
- [insert internal screaming here]
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I just became 76 yo. I have a lot of time to fill. Last Fall, my future grranddaughter-in-law asked me to make purse sized personalized duffel bags as bride's maid gifts. They were a big success. Everyone was begging me to make more so I did and it paid for Christmas. In January, I enthusiastically bought a million (exaggeration) bag patterns and spent more money than anyone in their right mind would consider, on purse findings and of course fabric even though I have a 50 year accumulation of fabrics of all types. And then I took a look around and realized that bag making is the new trendy craft market item like macrame' and decoupage were in their time. I still get a lot of asks for those silly duffel bags and pouches sell well at my granddaughter's salon but I'm not going to get rich making bags even though my skills are fair after 50 years of dress making. I've never been big on trends but this one got me. Worst part is I really like making bags. It was nice to hear someone speak truth about crafts. Thank you.
I've been in business over 25 years and I stand out in a few ways. The first is authenticity. I sell to a specific niche and I make things that I wear/ use. People come to buy things from me on, say, a stall and I am wearing and using my own product. People like that. The second is mentioned in the video - quality. Keep your machines in tip top shape, check everything, cut your jumps and tails, and you stand out. The third is variety of product. I don't just make bags. People like a big flashy complicated expensive item on your stall but they'll buy smaller things having been attracted over.
For fandom stuff, I ignore trends. I do 'old' fandoms. Often it's stuff that was never copyright or is in the public domain. I do niche and I make absolutely sure when fans of that niche are talking to me I know what they are talking about. This plays into the first point in my first paragraph - authenticity.
Do I get copied? Hell yes. I get people muscle into my little corner of the market all the time. I only get annoyed when they imply their product is better quality than mine or when they pretend I copied them. I know a few people in my niche and we're usually pretty friendly with one another. If someone thinks they can do that boring 80s rivalry thing I ignore them till they go away.
I am increasingly finding groups are a really negative place to be because I am sick of 'where do you get fabrics'. I even get it said on plain basics. I get that it's hard if you can't just go to a shop and check the quality, I live in a small town with no fabric shop. But asking people to give up their sources which they have often put a lot of time and effort into securing is quite rude and if you don't tell people they get entitled. It's not gatekeeping for me to say "Look I commissioned this and I don't want everyone to have it.". Fortunately I am in the UK and we're not saturated with custom print fabrics yet.
I agree with what you said about using the free patterns - they are great and if you're short on cash then getting a pattern free is awesome and it helps your business, but you need to consider whether it's a good fit for your business. I have made that one free wristlet but I embroidered on it, used mixes of fabric and vinyl I hadn't seen other people do, and took the customer feedback about whether or not it was practical for my customers. I think a lot of us forget our customers can see that bag pattern is simple and free and they're often looking at handmade bags for specific details. My best selling bag is one where I made the pattern myself based on customer feedback from hundreds of customers, including on pricing point. I do get the temptation to run out and get the waterproof canvas and the print vinyl and the fancy hardware because your favourite RUclipsr just made an awesome tutorial but at the end of the day my customers want bats and skulls and that's what pays my bills.
Anyway this has been an essay :)
An EXCELLENT essay :)
I agree 100% ! Thanks for sharing!
💯
This is why my bag-making is just a hobby, no matter how many times I hear, “You should sell on Etsy.” Nope. I decided to buck the American trend that everything we do must be monetized. Everyone and their brother truly are out there selling bags, so if you’re not going to put in the time and effort to differentiate yourself, then it really is just a hobby and not a business. It’s okay to have a hobby and not a hustle.
Custom printed (on-demand) fabric using your own artwork will quell this problem to an extent. If I was in a craft fair, I would try to draw attention to the booth rather than sweat over the actual products. Every time I go to one of these fairs, there is always a line of the same pop-ups, with materials laid haphazardly on folding tables and hand-written signs. Upping the game to real racks and displays with professional signs would be my differentiating point.
You are amusing and right! Quality, classic style, and courtesy always gets my attention!
I've just been making simple and classic things because that's where my current skill is...I wear my items around town, people ask me where I get them...I tell them, they then ask if they can have one and that's how I get my sales lately. No big shows. Made to order by word of mouth. It's a bit slower, I don't even have a website. But it's slowly working for me so far.
I had a market a few weeks ago where another vendor was selling some of the same patterns, but we have very different styles. I like classic styles and colors. Everything they made had bright, fun prints. I actually took a custom order at that show for a brown bag 😂.
I think understanding your style really helps. I am never going to keep up with pop culture, so I am not going to even think about those prints. Also, copyright really makes me nervous.
“Your best market sellers AND GO” posts fills me with unexplained rage. 😂🤣
I honestly troll those posts by suggesting heavy metal babies or flying toasters.
@@fiercekittenz 😂😂😂 That would also work for “ help, I’m doing a market tomorrow, what are your quick best sellers?”
Same. Why would I give up what it's taken me years to refine to a total stranger on the internet? Also, I don't think my niche is for everyone!
I am so excited i am not the only one that thinks this everytime i see one of those posts 🤭🤭
I am very fortunate in finding a unique customer base. I make my handbags and accessories out of VW interior vinyls and fabrics. I go to many VW and Porsche car shows. My customers love matching their bags and accessories to their interiors. I’ve tried other markets, but never did well there. The best part is I do not have any competition!
You are so correct! There's a maker who uses the same patterns I can and do buy, but she uses such different, and beautiful, color/design combinations. Mine will never compete with hers. This is the kind of thing people need to think about when making purses/pouches/wallets, etc. Thinking out of the box is what we have to do. I love your videos!
Absolutely true! We're all unique in our own ways...that's what makes it so great! You and I could have the same pattern, but it would look totally different.
I've never been tempted to fork over a kidney for an appliance or machinery . . . . I ♥your rants!
To stand out, I ensure my products are quality - fabric and sewing. I also try to differentiate my products by using different zipper tape to add a pop of colour and zipper pulls that stand out. For example one toiletry/makeup pouch was made with the outer fabric having shoes on it so I found a matching zipper pull. It sold today - the buyer informed me that it was her first present bought for Christmas! 😀
I love your rants. The way I make my bags stand out by interesting fabric choses. It's fun for me and is a creative outlet. Miss you much. Stay Fierce.
I've been fortunate enough to find a niche, nobody is making what I make and all my patterns are made by me
I was actually thinking about making a video like this because I am so tired of people with no lives (keyboard warriors) coming at designers and accusing them of copying stuff. I want to included pictures of different tote bags from different designers and say what the F is your problem lol they're all starting to look alike because there are so many designers now. Also, I love a certain designers stuff but that's all people buy and that's all you see at conventions. I went to a Comic con and there were only three bag makers there and they had all the same patterns from the same designer. I was going to go the regular designer route but I think I'm gonna keep doing patterns like I do for Sew Alongs and that way my crap stands out. Great video!
I ranted about the pattern stuff at one point too. I hesitate to say "rant" though. It makes me seem unhinged and just popping off without any empathy. I feel like patterns really stand apart when you examine the instructions and illustrations/photos of the process. Some people like the way I instruct, some people don't. That's ok.
@@fiercekittenz I do think there's a lot of people just looking at a design but not checking out the instructions before they judge something. They might look similar but once you really look at it, it's not.
@@fiercekittenzgive us unhinged! I’m hear for it!!! 🎉❤😂
I will also add that your Purrfect Pouch is always my best seller. It sells to all different age groups. Thanks for such a great pattern.
Yay!!! It’s a quick sew. That’s my go-to if I need to make a handful of bags in the $40 range.
This is essentially why I've not been getting in to art/craft markets. I'm not super artistic from that perspective, and I hate doing the same thing as everyone else (many an idea I've had that never came to fruition because I wasn't fast enough and it eventually became overdone, mostly in woodworking). That and the race to the bottom (price) that places like Etsy encourage
I can so relate and I love your rants! My fav is the ones who come to a show and pick up your hand crafted item and take super up close photos so that they can try to copy it. Well good luck! I always step up and hand them a business card so when they mess it up they will contact me . .. I have a staple line of basics ,then every season throw in a couple new styles to prevent saturation.
I did ONE fair last year. I may do another, but it was stressful and I don't have the spoons for it right now. Another vendor came over and was deeply inspecting all of my work. She was selling embroidered towels mostly.
And ok to know that you should mix a few things up as yes, there will be other bags , or in my case candles, shops. Our scents and packaging are very different. So bags can use different material, or modify the pattern or stitching
Not everyone can do what you do, you have your own brand of "secret sauce" so capitalize on THAT to stand out plus workmanship FOR SURE, pay attention to details.
I'm shocked at what's passing for bags out there, zigzagged edges inside a bag or sloppy stitches, not worth buying. It looks like you don't care and the crazy fabric prints with all the hardware and epic
stitching/finishes---yawn. Not everyone is out there with blue nail polish and cotton candy hair colors.
This is where you be you applies
Good rant sis. Invaluable info, I thank you😊
The messy stitching drives me crazy and then they say, my stuff is selling like hot cakes. But they are so set on how much they can pick through their machine, that the quality and ACTUAL craftsmanship is lost.
I love your rants! But all kidding aside what you are saying is so true, I was one of those people that decided to branch out and start making bags in 2020, I love it but I see the same pattern over and over but called a different name with a few tweaks to make it “different” I have not tried to market my bags because I want them to be perfect ,quality is key ,love your channel thank you for keeping it real!😊
Love it!!
ok now! Telling it like it is.....
Spot on!!!!!
Amen, Sister. Amen. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Forrrr SURE!!! I am tired of the Disney People Dominating the trends.
I try to make my stuff custom, and with my own flair of creativity. I don’t do craft fairs, maybe eventually I will. I tried two different events, with very little turnout. So I’m also looking for the right setting to sell.
Anyway, I think base colors, maybe a mix of textures. Color blocking, and appliqué techniques are excellent ways to stand out. And my number one, is just be true to yourself. Be true to what makes you happy when you see the end result. Having that unique take on a simple tote bag can really get people gathering around with a fist full of cash. Or plastic. Whatevs.
Thanks…..I quite enjoy your rambling…..😊❤️
I went to the quilt show in Lancaster in April 2024 and every booth had the same material. also the material was the same in every quilt store in Lancaster and here in NJ. It used to be the quilt shows had fabric that we didn't see in Lancaster or quilt stores. We finished in two hours and said we were not going again. I agree with the same looking items for sale!!
I'm just getting into the game, but I try to make a point of going to shows in the area and scoping out what's being sold, then trying not to repeat it. Or, if it's a pattern that's great, which is why everyone is selling it, trying to find some twist or "extra" feature I can add to make mine stand out. It really is difficult, because as you say, there are only so many ways to make a bag. At least, there are only so many ways to make a bag and keep it an a reasonable price point for your venue customers.
I’ve been seeing for awhile, but when I first started, the market was not saturated in my niche. Then it became saturated, so I leaned into Japanese fabrics and here I am still! (Though after one of my first events, TWO separate makers came out with a remarkably similar tote bag two weeks afterwards, and that has been stuck in my craw for awhile. I get there is only so many ways to fold fabric, but come on! 😹)
Japanese fabrics are so beautiful! I wish I had a place where I could shop locally for them. I like to actually handle fabric before I purchase unless I know exactly what it is when I'm ordering online.
@@fiercekittenz I do, too…so I go to Japan to buy my fabric! 😅 I’m a knitter, and my niche market is fibre artists, so I understand the need for the tactile experience of buying!
And, I was an exchange student in Osaka, so it’s an excellent reason to go back now! Started going to cute cat fabrics, stayed for everything else! I also upcycled obi and kimono into handbags and accessories. ❤️
You’re awesome! But then you knew that already.😉 Seriously, thank you for speaking your mind. I hesitated about sewing bags because cause of the market, but I’ve decided to make what I am wild about and sell them. There are at least 100 plus people (conservative) who would be interested.
Hi, your hair and makeup look great! Nice curls.
Thanks!
Not the Avengers worms LMAO!!!
I love you ❤️💕😘 !! Such a gift
I have absolutely no drawing skills but I use Inkscape it’s free and there are tons of videos on how to design I have made sublimation designs for my coffee mugs I sell and I am starting to try and make some seamless patterns using clip art I purchased. I have also used it do design stuff I can cut out with my Cricut. It’s a very versatile program takes some time to learn but the price is right for me. Thank you for the video I agree with what you said.
Oh thanks for bringing up Inkscape! I meant to plop a list of free art apps in the video, but I'm trying really hard not to squirrel around the conversation too much.
@@fiercekittenz I totally get that. Love your videos
I love your rants. I definitely do not gate keep anything. Wanna know the pattern sure, fabric (would take me a bit and the company may not even be in existence anymore) but sure. I know what I can do :-) I had a friend find the h20go at a vendor booth. I was like yup solid bag go ahead get it. I just let her know it was worth it. He sold two that day : -)
You look so pretty!!
Thanks! I showered.
So my question is then how do make our bags uniquely our brand and different from others
Thanx for this vid. I dislike all the skeletons and horror characters on fabric. I’ve never seen anyone walking around with one so I don’t know how that became a thing! I love a classy look, call me old fashioned. I did wonder about these patterns that look identical except for a zipper somewhere. There are no “pattern pending” things going on… wtf Gina
The skeletons and horror is my market. I couldn't sell something basic and classy if my life depended on it.
There's a market for everything! I do actually like the skeletons and horror vibe, though I do tend to lean toward more classic looks or just using glitter vinyls (love a good sparkle!). I have some neat Quija fabric here, but it's cotton and I so rarely use cotton anymore for exteriors.
Like I took a little jab at the Avengers uh... sausages... but there's definitely a market for it. It just isn't for me.
Use non traditional materials instead of what everyone else is using….
I don't or try very hard not to, copy or emulate anyone. I've had people copy me. What is the point of ranting though? Especially when you have a RUclips Page where you show everyone how to copy you! Loved your podcasts and humour until now. Please feel free to ignore my comment - don't bother responding with rudeness - thank you.
I'm not ranting about people copying ME. I'm ranting about people complaining about being copied when they're all using the same source material. Did you not listen? That ain't rude. It's just spitting straight facts. The listening comprehension just isn't there, Beatrice.