Feels like a wall

While doing marketing research, I ran across a BIG problem for my future business. I was making what I considered toys. I knew about using safe materials and warning that my items had small parts. What I didn't know and has put a stop to the whole thing is that, by law, I am required to submit my products to testing for toxic substances, have a certification, and have unique lot and dates for each item. This is nigh impossible to do. I don't make lots or batches, I make individual items. They are small and of mostly natural origin, but, not entirely. The eyes on the critters are plastic beads. The core of the dolls is a pipe cleaner. I can't afford to test each item, then I don't have an item to sell. I'm not in a position to make 1000 of a single doll or critter, it would take many weeks and I'd not have a variety to offer.

Now, I'm stuck with questions. Do I sell the items as art? They are unique and handmade from my own imagination. Do I not sell them at all and find something else to do? I did further looking at what I could call these. Art dolls is probably a good label. Tho' I'm not sure they qualify. And where does that leave the dragons, Nessies, Pegasus, and unicorns? Are they art dolls too? Or are they something else? I could call them miniatures since the dolls are only a little over 2" tall and the critters don't top 3", minus the wings of course. Will making these something other than toys reduce my potential for sales?



Then there is the issue of the actual marketing. I had thought that I'd be marketing to women who buy for children. Think mom, grandma, or aunt. Now who is my market? This is a huge derailment of my thoughts for a creative business. Lots of thinking instead of doing this week because of this hiccup. My conclusion so far is that I am going to have to sell myself as an artist rather than a toy maker. But, beyond that, I'm not sure what the next step is.

Until next time...