Right, You've Made Some Lovely Things - Now What?
Let's be honest - making garden products is the fun bit. The smell of freshly sanded wood, the joy of finishing a planter, the minor sense of triumph when you don't glue your fingers together. Bliss. But the bit where you actually sell the thing? For many of us, that feels... awkward.
You're not alone. Loads of brilliant makers stumble when it comes to selling. "I don't want to be pushy." "I'm not a natural salesperson." "What if no one buys it?" Sound familiar?
Don't worry. You don't need to shout, hustle, or sell your soul. Selling garden products can be warm, human, and surprisingly joyful - once you find the approach that works for you.
Start Local: Your First Customers Are Closer Than You Think
Forget the internet for a sec. Your neighbours, friends, and people at your local market might be your very first customers. And they're gold.
- Word-of-mouth is still the most powerful marketing tool going
- People love supporting local makers, especially for gifts and garden goodies
- You get real-time feedback - which is priceless early on
Try a few of these:
- Offer your best mate a planter with "mates' rates" and ask for a shoutout
- Take a table at the village fête or farmers' market
- Leave a couple of items at a local café or garden centre on commission
Keep it relaxed. Chatty. No pressure. Just bring your best bits and a smile.
Photos Matter. Like, A Lot.
People can't hold your planter through a screen. They can't feel the texture or sniff the beeswax finish. So your photos have to do all the convincing.
- Use natural light - outdoors if possible, or near a window
- Keep the background simple - think weathered wood, grass, or a brick wall
- Show the product in context - a bird feeder hanging, a sign on a gate
- Include close-ups of details - brush strokes, grain, finishes
You don't need a fancy camera. Most modern phones do just fine. Just clean your lens and take your time.
Pick a Platform That Fits Your Life
Not everyone wants to run a full-blown online shop. That's fine. Here's a quick breakdown of where and how you can sell your garden gear:
- Facebook Marketplace - Easy, local, great for quick sales
- Instagram - Visual, friendly, ideal for building a following over time
- Etsy - A global marketplace for handmade goods, though it takes a bit of setting up
- Your own website - Takes more effort but gives you control
- Craft fairs & markets - Old-school and brilliant. Chat to customers, get instant feedback, and sell on the spot
Pick one to start. Master it. Then expand if (and only if) it makes sense for your time and sanity.
Pricing: Not Just "What Would I Pay?"
Ah yes. The bit where you panic and undercharge because you feel awkward asking for money. Stop that. Pricing isn't just about what you'd pay. It's about value, skill, and being fair - to yourself.
Think about:
- Material costs (including screws, paint, labels - the lot)
- Time spent making, finishing, packing
- Your experience and craftsmanship
- Overheads like stall fees, shipping materials, or your new sander
Add it all up. Then add a profit margin. Then round up a bit. You're not a discount bin. You're an artisan.
Talk Like a Human, Not a Catalogue
No one wants stiff product descriptions like: "12" wooden planter. Brown. Weatherproof." Snooze. Try something warmer:
"Handmade from reclaimed cedar, this rustic planter is perfect for herbs, violas, or simply showing off your best basil. Weather-resistant and oiled to last. Grown-up gardener not included."
That tone builds trust. It shows personality. It tells a story. And it sells.
Offer Something Extra (It Doesn't Have to Be Big)
A handwritten thank-you note. A seed packet. A care tip printed on a card. These extras make your product feel like a gift - even when people buy it for themselves.
And guess what? Happy customers talk. Leave reviews. Come back.
- Include a simple "thank you" with every order
- Add instructions or care info for planters, feeders, signs
- Ask (nicely!) for reviews or photos - people love showing off
Be Available (But Set Boundaries)
Yes, reply to messages. Yes, be helpful. But also - you don't need to answer DMs at midnight because someone wants a customised gnome in tartan.
Set hours. Add an FAQ. Use auto replies. You're a small business, not Amazon Prime.
Final Nudge: Selling Is Just Sharing Something You're Proud Of
Forget the sleazy "sales" image. Selling your garden products is just sharing your work with people who need it. Want it. Will love it. You're not conning anyone - you're offering something beautiful and useful.
So show up. Share your story. Price your work fairly. And trust that your buyers are out there - probably wondering where they can get a bird feeder like yours.
You've got this. Go on - go sell something.