Hello. I am in need of advice. i am in the beginning stages of business. I want to staet a handbag business. I have come up with a name, "Purses and More". The name includes the bags I make and leaves room for expansion into possibly adding quilted items which I also make. What do you think of the name? Do handmade purses really sell? I have started on a buiness plan and will be doing feasibilty testing very soon. Thanks for any advice. craftylady50
I sell our hot sauces at the One of a Kind show every year. There are some fantastic handmade purses and bags.
My first thought is that the name "Purses and more" is rather generic and not the way that you want to market something artisanal. Don't be shy, woman. Put your name on them... in fact, I think Crafty Lady handbags might work waaaaaaaaaaay better.
To give you an idea of what you are up against, you can find some artisans on this page: http://oneofakindshow.com/xmas08/artisand.php?c=10&p=1 These guys (Merchandise Mart) put on a show in Chicago and Vancouver as well. That would be a great place to test market your bags... If they are well made and quality, they'll sell.
I purchased an "heirloom" backpack for my husband a couple of years ago for his Christmas present. It was hand sewn, according to my specs, by the artisan. Here is one of the retailers Gary Saunders supplies: http://www.hidesinhand.com/hih_home.html
I own several one of a kind handbags that I purchased at craft fairs, so, I know for a fact that there is a market for them.
Keep working on your business plan and feasibility testing. Again, if your designs are good and the quality of your work is up to snuff, you'll find your market.
Tina Brooks, VP Marketing Brooks Pepperfire Foods, Inc. Makers of Peppermaster Hot Sauces http://www.peppermaster.com
I agree with Tina... that the name is way too generic and zzzzzzz boring. It says what you do and leaves room, sure, but there has to be a better way to say it.
That's all I have. Many others will have better advice in this area... I just wanted to let you know my take on the name whenI first saw it.
How about Becky's Bags. Don't you already have Becky's Craft Baskets? Consider a .WS website for your business. Inexpensive, easy, and fun! www.myhomeoffice.ws for more info. Good luck and blessings to you...
I agree with Tina. Crafty Lady encompasses everything you offer and more. Quality far exceeds quantity in the handbag industry. Good Luck and keep up the hard work. You will succeed!
"Mobile Healthcare for Today's Employer, Because A Healthy WorkForce is Your Most Valuable Resource"...http://www.maohs.com
Whether or not handmade handbags do well, I'm not quit sure. But handbags themselves can do a wonderful job. The only thing is there are SO MUCH competition out there when it comes to selling handbags. You have to make sure you you are selling the right bags to the market you are trying to sell to. I built a website myself to try and sell lady handbags and I'm not successful at all. You can check it out at http://www.dandscollections.com.
Hope this help and good luck. If I can offer any more help on this topic, I will do the honor to help.
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