Are you passionate about crafts? are you interested in starting a home-based crafts business?
Making crafts is your hobby. your family and friends have seen your products made many times and have said: “this is great! you could sell these things” or something similar, right? then this publication might interest you.
Selling crafts is a booming business, with many avenues for sale, such as retail shops, online craft shops, tourist camps, trade fairs, etc. Like many other talented people, you too can turn your craft skills into a successful home business.
Starting a business selling handicrafts and making a living from it could be a challenge, but with dedication, a business sense and the right information, you can be really successful in business. The following are the necessary steps to start a profitable handicraft business.
How to start a home-based craft business
1. assess your skills
Your first step in starting a craft sales business is to be realistic about your skills, as well as the quality and marketing of your products. Okay, you may have been working for fun for several years or even earning a little extra money. But the truth is that doing crafts for full-time income is different from doing them for fun, since the former requires almost perfection.
You must be sure that you enjoy doing the work enough to get into it as a full time business. If you don’t enjoy it, you won’t be able to overcome the challenges you will probably face when you start.
You should also look at the crafts made by those who are already in the business of selling crafts and compare them with yours to make sure that your crafts match yours in terms of quality. If you feel that your crafts are inferior, then that is a sign that people may not be satisfied with them.
2. decide how you will sell your crafts
There are many ways to sell your crafts. If you can produce a large number of crafts at once, you can sell them in wholesale quantities to retail shops. If your output is not much, you can work as a retailer selling to individual customers.
You can also sell craft supplies to other craft vendors. And if you live in a place frequented by tourists, you should consider selling your craft at tourist camps and trade fairs. You should also decide how customers will buy your products. would you place orders on a website and mail them to them? would you open your own shop? You can choose any option that suits you best.
3. find a good location
Even if you have decided to work from home, you will still need a designated and organized space for handicraft production, as well as an area to keep records, process orders and handle administrative tasks. You do not need a large area, but the area you choose should be dedicated only to your business.
However, if you have chosen to sell your handicrafts retail, you should consider renting a stand at a handicraft fair or flea market, or renting a small shop. You may also consider partnering with other craft vendors to stock your shop, or have them sell on consignment in your shop. It is recommended that you pay an extended lease, so you will have some security regarding the location you choose.
4. comply with all legal obligations
In virtually all parts of the world, certain legal requirements must be met before starting a business. These include obtaining licenses and permits, complying with tax obligations, registering the company name, etc. These requirements vary between states and countries, so you should visit the appropriate local agency to find out what requirements apply in your state or country.
5. obtain the necessary equipment
You will need a reliable phone line as well as the tools to do your job. you should check the ones you already have to make sure they are in good condition. remember, the condition of your tools can make or break the quality of your crafts.
6. market your business
Buy or print business cards, letterheads and other promotional materials. If you are selling as a wholesaler, print a simple catalogue listing your crafts and prices.
Set up a website to establish an online presence for your business; even if you don’t plan to receive orders over the Internet. Besides your website, you can use social networking sites and online forums to publicize your handicraft selling business.
Word of mouth marketing is one of the most effective ways to attract customers. Tell your family and friends about your business, and tell them to inform others as well.