Why do 80% handcraft sellers fail from online selling mistakes?

Think that "good quality handcrafts sell themselves" or "just opening a shop brings customers"? These are exactly the online selling mistakes that cause 80% of new sellers to "disappear" after just a few months. The truth is, in our information-overloaded world, "good but unknown = doesn't exist" - you need to understand the game beyond just creating beautiful products.

Through this article, CHUS will "shatter" 7 classic myths that cause many handcraft sellers to fail when first starting their online business.

Secrets to success in online handcraft business

Mistake #1: "Photos are just photos, they don't need to be pretty"

The painful reality

On social media, 90% of purchase decisions are made within the first 3 seconds of seeing a photo. This means if your product photos are blurry, shot from "ghostly" angles, or lit with yellow light like an old phone flashlight, customers have already moved to another page.

The harsh truth

• You might not know: The same product with beautiful photos can sell for 30-50% more than with ugly photos
• Common mistakes include: Shooting on beds, messy backgrounds, yellow lighting like dorm rooms, angles that make products look distorted - all these are online selling mistakes many people make

How to do it right?

• Natural light is your best friend: Shoot near windows in the morning or late afternoon. Avoid direct light that overexposes your products.
• Simple backgrounds: Use white paper, plain fabric, or natural wood. Remember to highlight the product, not make it "disappear."
• Diverse angles: Take close-up detail shots, full shots, and photos showing the product in actual use. Customers want to see every stitch clearly.

Beautiful product photography helps you avoid the most common online selling mistakes

Mistake #2: Online selling mistakes about quality and marketing

A true story

Ms. A creates incredibly beautiful crocheted bags that are sturdy and more durable than brand-name ones. But after 6 months, she's only sold a few scattered pieces. Why? Nobody knows about her shop.

The harsh reality

In our information-overloaded age, "good but unknown = doesn't exist". There are thousands of other sellers selling similar products. If you don't know how to "make noise," you'll sink without a trace. This is one of the most serious online selling mistakes.

The right "noise-making" strategy

• Content marketing: Share your product-making process, the story behind each item. People don't just buy products - they buy emotions.
• Leverage social media: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook... each platform has its own rules. Don't just spam dry sales posts - create entertaining, valuable content.
• Collaboration: Partner with small influencers, give products for reviews, join handcraft community groups.

Building personal brand for small businesses

Mistake #3: "Cheap price = good sales"

The "self-destructive" cycle

Many new sellers think "I'll sell cheaper than others and win." The result? Not enough money to reinvest, quality drops, customers lose trust, and then... game over. Pricing too low is an online selling mistake that leads to failure.

Customer psychology reality

In the handcraft segment, prices that are too cheap often raise quality concerns. Handcraft buyers are willing to pay higher prices for unique, heartfelt products.

Smart pricing

Golden formula: Material costs + Time spent (calculated hourly) + 30-50% profit + Advertising costs

Create added value: Beautiful packaging, stories, care instructions, custom-made services...

Effective pricing strategy for new business owners

Mistake #4: "Open a shop and customers will automatically come"

The brutal reality

Facebook has millions of selling pages. Shopee and Tiki have thousands of handcraft shops. If you just open a shop and wait... you'll be waiting until New Year and still nobody will know. This is one of the most common online selling mistakes.

"Build it and they will come" is a fairy tale!

Today it must be "Build it AND promote smartly, THEN customers MIGHT come".

Marketing that costs effort, not money

• Organic search optimization: Write captions with relevant keywords, use trending but related hashtags.
• Storytelling: Every product has a story. For example: "I crocheted this scarf over 3 sleepless nights, inspired by my grandmother's scarf..."
• Build community: Create private groups for customers, share handcraft tips, organize contests...

Tips for effective product promotion on social media

Mistake #5: "Customers will understand my products"

The perception gap

You understand your product 100% because you created it. But customers? They only see through phone screens, can't touch, can't hear your direct explanation. Not describing products clearly is another online selling mistake to avoid.

Product description = Art of persuasion

• Detail everything: Exact dimensions, materials, usage instructions, care instructions, production time...
• Anticipate questions: What will customers ask? Will the size fit? Does it fade? How to wash? Answer everything in the description.
• Social proof: Reviews from previous customers, photos customers took while using the product.
• Good description example:

"This handmade bag is crocheted from 100% natural cotton, size 35x40cm perfect for a 14-inch laptop + school supplies. The 60cm strap can be carried by hand or worn comfortably on the shoulder. Long-lasting colors, hand wash in cold water. Completion time: 2 weeks."

How to write product descriptions that make customers buy immediately

Mistake #6: "Online selling doesn't need customer care"

Wrong mindset

"Customer orders, I deliver, job done!" - This is the thinking of sellers who will quickly be eliminated. Ignoring customer care is a serious online selling mistake.

Customer experience decides everything

In an age of too many choices, good service is the competitive advantage. Customers can buy similar products from 100 other places, but they'll return to the place that makes them feel valued.

Important touchpoints

• Before selling: Reply to messages quickly, consult enthusiastically, don't be pushy.
• During selling: Update production progress, send preview photos if possible.
• After selling: Follow up on customer satisfaction, provide usage instructions, offer after-sales service.

Customer care in the 4.0 era

• Personalization: Remember old customers' preferences, suggest suitable products.
• Proactive communication: Notify before promotions, new products...
• Problem solving: When issues arise, solve them quickly and exceed expectations.

Building lasting relationships with customers

Mistake #7: "Following passion is enough, no need to learn business"

Passion alone isn't enough

Many people create incredibly beautiful, heartfelt handcrafts but still fail in business. Why? They lack knowledge of basic business principles - an online selling mistake many overlook.

Essential skills

• Financial literacy: Calculate costs, profits, cash flow. Know when to reinvest, when to stop.
• Marketing mindset: Understand customer journey, know how to position products, create brand identity.
• Operational excellence: Manage inventory, optimize workflows, scale production.

Continuous learning

• Follow business pages: Study case studies, analyze trends, marketing tactics.
• Connect with seller communities: Join groups, attend seminars, exchange experiences.
• Experiment and measure: Test pricing, marketing messages, product variations...

Developing business skills for handcraft makers

Success comes from a process, not by chance

Successful online handcraft selling isn't about luck. It's the result of understanding the market, understanding customers, and applying the right strategies.

In the online selling game, winners aren't those with the most beautiful products, but those who understand the game best. Learn from these online selling mistakes to avoid unnecessary failures.

Wishing all new sellers will soon overcome the "trial and error" phase and build sustainable handcraft businesses!

CHUS: Connecting Quality Vietnamese Brands