A top notch brand is one that won't be forgotten. Ensure that your brand is memorable for all the right reasons by producing top quality goods that will wow your customers.
You wouldn't want buy a product only to realise after purchase that it's slightly dodgy, not made properly, or that adequate time and care just hasn't been put in to its production. So it makes sense that the same deal would apply for products you make for sale.
As makers and sellers, we all want to provide a beautiful, well-made and memorable product for our customers, but what can we do to ensure that this happens?
We've compiled 10 tips on how to make sure your products are of the highest standard in quality and workmanship, so that you can produce something you're so proud of, every time.
1. Sharpen Your Skills
Let's just say you were knitting beanies for sale online. Don't stop at just learning how to knit that beanie, learn some different knitting techniques so you can make all sorts of weird and wonderful beanie styles, not just the ones you were originally making.
Become a pro at your chosen area of expertise. Invest time and energy into learning how to be the best you can be in that area. Educate yourself (take a course at community college or watch some video tutorials) to learn new techniques and skills and then apply them to your projects.
2. Don't Over Commit
Don't try techniques and skills that you are not 100 per cent confident using just for the sake of saying you used them. Customers will notice the different levels of quality in your work, so until everything is up to the same high level, just stick with what you know.
3. High Quality Materials = High Quality Product
The higher the quality of your materials, the better your finished product is going to be. It will be more durable, last longer, and be something that a customer will be able to use again and again for many years. Do your research and find out where to get beautiful and amazing supplies and invest money in buying them. Your brand will thank you! And your customers will be super impressed by how amazing your products are.
4. Pick The Right Materials
Tying in with Tip Number 2 is this: use the correct materials for the job at hand. Let's just say you were creating jewellery using fine beads. Rather than normal wire (which may be cheaper and more readily available), you might want to use specialist beading wire that's created specifically what you're making. Using the right materials for the job will ensure your finished product is produced in the best possible way.
5. Experiment
Take the time to experiment with your designs until you have found the most efficient way to make something well. Try out different techniques and making methods and see which ones are the most viable for creating your finished product in the fastest and simplest way possible. You never know, new ideas might come out of this experimenting time! Also, the experimental phase is always the most fun!
6. Take The Time
Devote more time to each project. The more time you have, the more carefully you can make things. When you rush a project errors can occur and the finished work can look sloppy. If you take your time during the making process, you can ensure that each step is completed properly and to the best of your ability.
7. Do Your Research
Look at other people making similar things to you, note down what is great about their work and what you think needs improvement, then compare it to your own work. Setting yourself benchmarks like this from which to work from is good because it means you always have something to measure yourself against. While you can learn a lot from the best parts of an amazing designer or maker that you emulate, you can also learn a lot from their mistakes, much like you can learn a lot from your own!
8. Sell The Whole Package
Create an overall experience for your customers that will keep them coming back for more. The tighter and more consistent your overall brand is, the better quality an experience it will be for those who are interacting with it, and with you.
As well as great product, top notch business cards, a killer logo, fun and clever packaging, and stellar customer service are just some of the things that combine to make a great quality experience for your customers.
9. Be Patient
Your work can only get better and better, but there's no need to rush to get there. Work hard and know your stuff and the results will show in your work. Take everything one step at a time, completing each step with precision and accuracy. Be patient with yourself too, don't worry if your work isn't as perfect as you'd like it to be the first time, keep trying and you will get there!
10. Be Focused
Devote a specific time to making. Sit yourself down without distractions, even if it's just for a two hour block, and focus your time on doing only that. Make sure you have a special place to work, with all your equipment you need on hand. This focus will improve the quality of your work
Happy Crafting!
If you keep practicing your skills and techniques, the quality of your work will naturally improve over time. In the meantime, try to take a more objective perspective to your work and consider this your go-to checklist, no matter if you're a beginner or a pro. Happy Crafting!
All images and craft in this post by Kitya Palaskas.
