How to Start a Mail Order Craft Business
Mail order is a popular business model for companies that sell crafts. It's a business that can start out small yet has potential to grow into a larger venture. There are lots of opportunities to make mistakes. Having a road map to starting your craft business is important.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Set up an organization system to track orders. Once your business picks up, you will need to have an inventory tracking system in place. Create an Excel spreadsheet that tracks the orders you receive and the shipping date.
-
2
Determine which crafts you will sell. Starting with a small amount of products will simplify your mail order craft business. Once you become more efficient at creating products, managing inventory and shipping orders, consider expanding product options.
-
-
3
Decide if you will provide a paper catalog or online catalog. Creating an online catalog will be cheaper, but some business owners like the idea an actual catalog to mail. Once you make the decision, take professional photos of the crafts and write a brief description for each item. If you have a website, you can set-up a place where customers can rate and review the crafts. This will provide added credibility.
-
4
Apply for a business license. Before you open the doors to your business, you will need to have a license in the city or county that you reside. Contact your city's business office to request an application. You can expect to pay between $50 and $100 for a business license.
-
5
Register your business name. If your craft business will not include your legal name, your state may require that you register the business name. Most states have a database on their website where you can check to make sure the business name isn't in use.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Create a mailing list. Generating repeat business will be an important component of your marketing efforts. Allow your customers to provide their email addresses to receive product information.
Remember to renew your business license. Most business licenses need to be renewed annually. If you forget, you may face potential fines and fees.
