You've spent hours creating your latest tufted rug , and one question is running through your head: "How can I sell it?" Don't worry, you're not alone in asking this question. Many tufting enthusiasts find themselves in this situation. Selling your creations requires time, patience, and a certain amount of organization. This involves wearing several hats: craftsman, manager, accountant, and often also community manager. In this article, we'll share some tips for getting started selling your tufted rugs.
Before you even think about selling, you need people to know you exist. A rug, even a sublime one, won't sell if it stays in your home. Fortunately, the internet and social media are now your best allies for making your creations shine.
Instagram is perfect for makers: share beautiful photos of your rugs, before-and-after videos, or details that highlight your textures and colors. Showcase who you are, what inspires you, and what makes your creations unique.
On TikTok, dare to show what goes on behind the scenes: your creative steps, your doubts, your little hiccups. This authenticity touches people and creates a real connection with your community. No need to show everything finished: the journey is just as important as the destination!
Little tip
Don't limit yourself to posting your finished works. Share your world, your inspirations, your dreams, and your successes. The more authentic you are, the more engaged your community will be.
Once your universe is well established, it's time to start selling. You have two main options: create your own e-commerce site or use a specialized platform.
Having a website that reflects your brand is reassuring for your customers and gives you a truly professional feel. Tools like Shopify (starting at €33/month) allow you to easily create an online store, even if you're not an IT expert.
For a gentle start, Etsy is an ideal option. You benefit from the platform's reputation and can quickly test your creations. Etsy takes a commission on each sale (6.5%) and charges €0.18 per listing, which must be renewed every 4 months. It's perfect for testing the market before launching your own site.
Selling your tufted rugs also means embarking on a real entrepreneurial adventure. The first step: register your business as a self-employed person. This is done online, at the INPI's One-Stop Shop . You will need to choose the "Individual Entrepreneur" status and indicate your main activity (for example: "Manufacture of textile articles, except clothing" or "Retail trade of rugs and carpets").
Once you have your SIRET number, you can issue invoices and sell legally. You will also be required to declare your income monthly or quarterly. Social security contributions for artisans represent approximately 12.3% of your turnover.
ACRE (Aid for Business Creation or Takeover) allows for a partial exemption from your social security contributions during your first year. To qualify, you must, for example, be a job seeker registered with France Travail (formerly Pôle emploi), be between 18 and 25 years old, or be starting your business in a priority neighborhood.
⚠️ ACRE only lasts one year: launch your networks and community before activating it, to take advantage of it when your sales take off!
Creating, sharing, selling, managing social media, packaging, shipping, filing taxes... it's a lot to take on, especially at the beginning. But remember: every little step counts. Every photo posted, every message sent, every sale made brings you closer to your goal.
Tufting is an art, and your rugs tell your story. Keep experimenting, sharing, and having fun. Your world is unique: that's what appeals to your future customers! With consistency and patience, your sales will grow, and you'll be proud to see that you've succeeded.
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