How to Start a Craft Business & Sell Crafts 1-2-3
Crafters have a unique talent, and you can use yours to make money.
Handmade items (especially one-of-a-kind) can offer a higher value than the manufactured competition, and
thus ask a higher price. If you can produce items that are both pleasing to look at and useful to others - you
may have an income-producing "hobby" on your hands...
Putting Together a Plan:
No matter what type of craft you want to sell, you want to treat your business as a business. Meaning - put
the time and energy into your business that it needs to grow, be organized and make a plan. A business is more
than just a hobby.
So how do you do that?
Do market research before your start your craft business. Find out
who your competitors are and what your target market wants. How can you be different and better than other
craftspeople in the marketplace? Can you create a product that is needed but doesn't yet exist?
The Craft, Inc. Business Planner
was designed with the craft business entrepreneur in mind, with checklists and worksheets to
help you start your business - successfully.
Examples of Craft Businesses You Can Start:
Wholesale Craft Supplies
You want to find low-cost
high-quality craft supplies so that you can keep your expenses minimal. What you don't spend on supplies
can be added to your profit margin. Buying in bulk will save you some money, and sometimes you can
negotiate with the vendor - especially if you are a repeat buyer.
Here are some resources:
Selling Crafts
1. Sell On the Internet:
Selling online is becoming easier and easier for artisans. There are marketplace-style websites that now let
you sell your items and even create your own store. This means that you don't have to go through the work of
building your own website. See: Etsy.com, Artfire.com, HandmadeCatalog.com, Artsefest.com and
SellCraftsOnline.org.
You can also try selling on eBay. Although eBay is not as popular as
the other sites mentioned above for selling craft items, Some artisans have been successful doing it - it
really depends on the particular things you are selling.
Learn how to use online auctions, Web sites, email, discussion groups, search engines, link strategies and
hundreds of other techniques for selling craftwork on the internet.
See: Selling Crafts Online
2. Sell on Consignment:
When you are just starting out, it can be difficult to get retailers to buy your crafts outright to resell in
their shops. A more effective route is to sell on consignment. This gives your business exposure to the market
but the retailers take no monetary risk in displaying your items.
Contact shops, boutiques and even museums with a professional consignment agreement already prepared.
Respect the retailer's time and demonstrate that you are ready to do business, and they will be more likely to
work with you.
3. Sell at Craft Fairs or
Markets:
Many craft items make perfect gifts, especially for the person who is hard to shop for. Advertising your crafts
at fairs or farmer's markets can be the ideal place to find gift-shopping customers. If you want to set up a
booth, contact the fair organizer to get information on procedures and requirements.
Meg Mateo Ilasco is a craftsperson herself. In fact, her creative talent for designing wedding invitations
turned into a
full-time business. Due to customer demand, she expanded her product line to
include stationary and accessories, and the rest is history.
Having turned her own hobby into a business, Meg has lots of ideas that have helped many others start
their own craft businesses.
She offers an "instruction-type" guide, which
also includes success stories and mistakes made by other craft entrepreneurs so you can be one step
ahead before you ever start your business.
- Find out how to get your business license and other work-related requirements
- Advice on developing a successful income-producing product
- How to sell your product and get publicity (free advertising!)
Start Your Own Craft Business
Craft Business Resources
Soap-Making for Fun & Profit
Work at home in your own comfortable artist
studio making soaps for almost any occasion. This craft business has really taken off since you can make
money consistently selling soaps all year round. Unique soaps are a popular gift item, and since soaps get
used up, you can easily build a stable source of residual income from satisfied customers.
These two guides give you the perfect mix of information on both the business of soap-making and
aromatherapy recipe instructions. Recommended by both beginners and experts as easy-to-understand and full of
business-building ideas that can help your business grow.
Get all of your questions answered & instructions on getting started >>
- What are the right materials, tools and equipment to use?
- Comprehensive instruction on over 40 specialty techniques like layering and marbling
- Ways to sell your creations at craft shows, shops, and other outlets
- Craft business basics, including pricing and record keeping
- Start now >> Soap-Making for Fun &
Profit
- Learn more >> Complete Book of Essential Oils &
Aromatherapy
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