How to Craft for the Retiree Market, cont’d

Continuing my answer to Claire …

Of the crafts you practice and I do also, my biggest sellers to the retirees in my area were:

• Oilcloth tote bags of all shapes and sizes. For example, here’s a zippered tote with a unique and an easy way to sew in the zipper. When you start crafting for profit, it really helps to find shortcuts that don’t compromise quality.
• Double eyeglass cases to hold both reading and sunglasses.
• A tote bag that folds up into a little pouch.
• Fabric baskets that were originally designed to serve bread; but for which my customers found myriad other uses. I now see them being used to gather toiletries in the bathroom, jewelry and hairclips in the bedroom, letters in the office or front hall … you get the idea.
• Security travel pouches for airline travel.
• Wine and other gift bags. The retirees in my area entertain and visit a lot, so frequently need nice hostess gifts.

Read Claire's letter here and my conclusion here.

Tags: craft products for retirees, tote bags, market analysis, fabric baskets, eyeglass cases, security pouch, gift bags