With all our projects, we take a real interest in the product the client is selling, because we think we can do a better job that way and because we are here to help with your success. For designer makers, that is especially important as you put your heart and soul into making your products. We understand how hard it is to make a living and that those who envy your creativity and passion don't always see the work that goes on behind the scenes. For that reason, making more profit from selling directly has to be a good thing.

We recently went to the Crafts Council's Origin event and talked to exhibitors. We have used their comments and suggestions to help put together some specific questions and answers.

I don't want to spend all day packing parcels. Can you help?

We were surprised to hear that several exhibitors at Origin were nervous about setting up an online shop in case it was too successful! We came back and did some research with one of the warehouses our software can connect to directly. Our figures showed that the total cost of storage, pick, pack and dispatch can be covered by a reasonable postage and packing charge to the end customer. This means that for very similar effort to supplying a wholesale customer, you can supply your own online shop. So someone else will get tangled up with cardboard and packing tape, while you can concentrate on working in the studio.

If you would like us to work up some costings specific to your product, just contact us and we will be happy to do so.

I have strong ideas on how my website must look.

We completely understand that your product and brand is all about you and that you need to feel good about how that is presented. That is why we would recommend a bespoke design that reflects all of the elements that are important to you and we will work very closely to make sure that happens.

Do be aware, though, that the software we use is built on more than 10 years of experience of how to maximise online sales. So sometimes we will strongly encourage you to do something in a particular way or show an item in a particular place on the screen, just because it works. You may also find that we also suggest the selling message be a little stronger than your usually modest self may find comfortable to start with. Again, there are good solid reasons for this.

I'm not very good with IT, sometimes even a bit scared. Is that ok?

That is absolutely fine. We are not one of those faceless companies who expect you to communicate via a big call centre. We are real people who will take the time to understand you and your product and communicate accordingly.

We will not bamboozle you with jargon, but we will make sure that all of the technical stuff gets handled properly.

I'm pretty good at word processing and spreadsheets. Does that help?

Yes it does. We think the most cost-effective way to work is for us to hand over management of the site to you just as soon as you are ready for it. The USB data stick that we will give you when the site goes live is not only useful, giving you all of the information you will need to manage the site, but is also indicative of you taking control. We are not leaving you in the lurch, though; we will be here to answer questions and do any of the more technical enhancements you would like support with.

Are all designer maker products suitable for selling online?

If your product is bespoke or very delicate to post, then selling online might not be for you, but give us a shout and we'll be happy to talk more.

The best products to sell online are often those that have a clear brand or theme that is recognisable to customers who want to come back again and again, so if your brand has been building for a while, this could be a good time to start selling online. Alternatively, if you are not at that stage yet, setting up an online shop will help you build your brand more quickly.

I already sell via galleries and shops, why should I sell online?

In very simple terms, because a whole lot more of the price paid for your item comes back to you. It is not unreasonable to think that you will make three times as much money per item by selling online directly rather than wholesale and it could be much more. You don't have to be on your feet all day or pay for an expensive exhibition stand, either!

Won't my stockists get upset if I sell directly online?

It is true that some stockists would prefer you not to sell directly. However if you stick to some simple rules, communicate with them and do not undercut them on price, you will find that your stockists will benefit from the growth of your brand too.

I might be interested. Can we talk directly?

Certainly. You can contact us by phone or email and we'll be happy to have a conversation and produce a proposal if that would be useful. Alternatively, if you would like to catch up with us at The British Craft Trade Fair (bctf) in Harrogate, just let us know and we'll come to you.