As makers, it's easy to become attached to the products we've created. Some have been with us since the beginning of our business. Others were exciting experiments or customer requests that slowly became part of our lineup.
The challenge is that not every product deserves to stay forever.
Every item in your shop takes time to make, requires materials, occupies booth space, and competes for your customers' attention. Products that no longer sell well can quietly consume valuable time that could be spent creating your best sellers or developing your next great idea.
Take an honest look at every product you offer and ask yourself:
Has it sold in the last six months?
Does it consistently sell or only occasionally?
Does it generate compliments but rarely purchases?
Is it still profitable after material and labor costs?
Does it still represent your style, brand, and the direction your business is heading?
Most products fall into one of four categories:
Best Sellers – Products customers seek out again and again. These deserve your attention, inventory, and marketing.
Steady Sellers – Reliable products that consistently contribute to your business, even if they aren't your biggest hits.
Seasonal Favorites – Products that shine during specific times of year. Timing is often more important than quantity.
Retire or Refresh – Products that no longer fit your brand, aren't profitable, or haven't found their audience. Some may need updated colors, pricing, photography, or merchandising. Others have simply run their course.
Retiring a product isn't a failure. It's a sign that your business is evolving.
Every product you remove creates room for something stronger—whether that's a new design, more inventory of your best seller, or a simpler shopping experience for your customers.
Your product lineup should reflect where your business is today, not where it was two or five years ago.
For a more comprehensive overview on inventory planning, Handmade DFW offers classes throughout the year. Sign up for email to be notified of upcoming classes.
Next up: We'll talk about one of the most overlooked factors in getting accepted to juried markets: your application photos.