Do OOAK Product Listings Cramp Your Growth?

One of a kind products (OOAK) and custom orders are quintessential to the handmade philosophy. They represent exactly what the handmade movement stands for. These are products that are rare, even unique, customized or entirely made to order, made by the hand of a designer or an artisan. They truly embody what “handmade” means. 

So why are we even talking about whether or not you should offer OOAK products or custom orders? 

In the last few years, more and more people in the handmade community (experts, coaches, sellers, etc.) have stated that “you shouldn’t sell OOAK products” if you really want to run a successful handmade shop. It’s all about “product collections” and “reproducible items” so that you can “scale” your business to “6 figures and beyond.” 

To be fair, there is some element of truth in that, but also so much nonsense that I am already rolling my eyes (like a lot) as I am typing this. So what’s the deal? Can you “make it” if you decide to sell OOAK products, or are you doomed to fail? Let’s unpack it all.

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