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Answer from our Guest Expert Liz Folger of Bizy Moms - page 2
Why Is Starting a Crafting Business Good For You?
- Explain your crafting biz in one sentence. If you can't do this, refocus your idea and give it another try.
- If friends and family keep asking you to sell them your wares -- it's a good sign!
- What are your goals as a crafter? Think about a one-, five- and ten-year goal.
- What makes your crafts different from the ones that are already being sold? Do you have people saying how unique your products are?
What Are Your Costs For Making this Crafting Biz Blossom?
Some costs to consider, Mary Ann, include:
- Business license/seller's permits
- Supplies
- Costs of buying booths to sell crafts. (Remember street and county fairs and holiday bazaars are great places to sell your goods. Or, start your own holiday bazaar by getting together with other crafters and artists and have a show in your home.)
- Will you have people coming into your house to buy your crafts? If so, buy special biz insurance. What about other types of insurance?
- Do you need to buy any equipment to start your business?
- Are there some crafting organizations you could join?
- Any books on starting a crafting business that you'd like to purchase? (If not, check out the books I list at the end of this Coffee Talk answer -- you may change your mind.)
Marketing -- Who's Your Target Market?
Finding the best mix to reach your target market will be your #1 concern. Here are a few options to stew over. Which ones sound good to you?
- Word of mouth -- Make a good product and your customers won't be able to stop bragging about your crafts to their friends and family. This is the best way to attract customers. While it's free, however, it does take time for your client base to grow.
- Send out a monthly newsletter to your customers about new products, sales and interesting articles and recipes.
- Create a web site to show off and sell your crafts.
- Place an ad in a print medium. This can get expensive and it may take a reader up to 6-7 times to read your ad before they give you a call.
- Purchase booth spaces at certain events in your area or start to take your crafts on the road by going to other cities and states to attend their craft shows.
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