How to Start a Craft Business From Home

If you love to do crafts, you might like to try to use your talent to start a craft business. A craft business can be started from home giving you time to be with your family while you work. You will need to have time to make the crafts and time to market your crafts. Whatever craft you do, be sure to make it unique so that it stands apart from the work of other crafters doing the same type of craft.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 
    

   MAKE SAMPLES OF YOUR CRAFT. Experiment with different designs until you find the ones that look best. Show the samples to relatives, friends and co-workers to get their reaction. If your craft can be worn, wear it to see how people like it. If the craft is a decorative object, give one to a friend to put on their desk at work to see how their co-workers like it. Get suggestions from people on how to improve upon the craft.

2. 
    

   FIND A LOCAL CRAFT SHOW TO SELL YOUR CRAFTS AT. Check ads in the local newspaper or on Craigs List to see when and where craft shows are being held in your community. Decide if you prefer an indoor or outdoor show. Once you locate a show, call to find out what the exhibitor's fee is and request an application.

3. 
    

   GET BUSY AND MAKE LOTS OF CRAFTS TO SELL. You will need enough crafts to fill a table. Start making them several months ahead of the craft show date. Make items in a variety of styles and colors.

4. 
    

   PLAN YOUR CRAFT SHOW DISPLAY. You usually need to bring a table or shelves to use although some shows will supply a table. You will need a tablecloth to cover the table as this is a requirement at most shows. The best way to come up with a display is to attend a few craft shows prior to your show to get ideas. Keep your display as simple as possible. Be sure to price your items clearly. You can price them individually or as a group with a sign.

5. EXHIBIT AT YOUR FIRST SHOW. Bring a friend to help you sell your crafts. Bring plenty of change - dollar bills and coins. A calculator is also useful to add up multiple items. Wear comfortable shoes. You will sell more items if you stand rather than sit during the show. Bring bags for your customer's purchases. If you aren't busy, walk around and look at the other crafters' items. Talk to the crafters about which other shows in the area are good to exhibit at. Exhibiting at shows is the best way to get started since you will talk to potential customers and see what they like and dislike about your crafts.

6. 
    

   EXPAND YOUR BUSINESS BY SELLING ONLINE. Photograph your crafts and list them on Ebay or on a specialty site such as Etsy. When you do craft shows, bring flyers to let your customers know where they can buy your crafts online.

7. 
    

   FIND ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO MARKET YOUR CRAFT BUSINESS. Try holding home parties at friend's houses. Have an open house at your home several times a year. Visit gift shops in your area to see if they buy items from crafters or if they will sell your crafts on consignment. Have friends sell your crafts at their workplace.

Tips & Warnings

• The best craft shows are held in the month of November in time for Christmas buying. Be sure to include teacher gifts at your booth as these are great sellers.
• Price your items as low as you can afford to. Customers tend to go for the lower cost items.
• Invest in a nice digital camera that takes great close ups to post online.

[kims3003]

on 11/20/2009 VERY WELL WRITTEN - GREAT PICS.