Posts filed under 'Craft Business'
I wonder if you are like me and get to the end of the week and wonder where all the time went? I certainly did this week no sooner was I involved in the launch of a major new helpline for the Charitable Organisation that I head up Learning and Development for than I was at the next meeting or interview! It was just one of those weeks and time just seemed to disappear.
I had intended doing some of my own Genealogy research this week as we are on the trail of an ancestor who has suddenly emerged from some black hole! Isn’t it one of the amazing things about Genealogy that you will suddenly come across some information that opens up new avenues for you to pursue! I think the “Amateur Detective” aspects of Genealogy is one of the things that draws a lot of people into this fascinating hobby.
Although Internet Marketing is one of my main occupations outside of my offline work it is the Genealogy that set me onto that line of work and to which I keep returning.
GenMates, which was a site we developed to meet the needs of Family Historians to interact with one another, has received some major publicity this week with the publication of a half page article in the leading UK Genealogy Magazine - Family History Monthly - and we are now heading towards that 1,000th member at some speed! Not a bad achievement, even if I do say so myself, given that the sit has been live just about 2 months. If you haven’t taken a look at GenMates yet then do pop along and let me know what you think. If you are already a member then I look forward to seeing you on the site!
As you will know I have been developing a number of Lenses over at Squidoo which I am sure you will find of interest:
Genealogy and Family History
Hobbies For You
Scrapbooking Ideas
Planning for Christmas - yes not long to go!
Identity Theft - an increasing problem these days.
The Classic Movies - take a look and relive some memories!
We have a range of new sites that will be coming online in the next few weeks covering everything from Scrapbooking to Building Your Own Family Tree Website, Baby Boomers and of course How to Build Your Own Internet Business! Then of course we have our new Audio Article Site planned and we have commisioned audio articles around a whole range of areas - the first ones being Genealogy, Scrapbooking and Cholesterol! Don’t ask! I am not sure what the link is between Genealogy and Cholesterol either! or there again perhaps we research our ancestry to find out if high cholesterol was in the family!
Anyway I will finish for now as I know you are busy and hope that you have a great week!
October 8th, 2006
A craft home business is the ideal business enterprise for people who love arts and crafts. It is the best way to make the most of an individual’s natural artistic ability. There is a wide variety of craft home businesses that can be very profitable. Some of the most popular crafts for a home business include candle making, beading, quilting, soap making, flower pressing, crocheting, and even woodworking.
Craft home businesses are not only for women but also for men. Regardless of gender, both men and women have succeeded in setting up a crafting business at home. These people have made the most of their natural talent for creating beautiful objects and profited beautifully at the same time.
Types of Crafting Businesses to Start at Home Today
Candle making is one of the most popular crafting businesses for the home. There is always a market for people making candles as they make great gifts. At the same time, candles are a great accent to have in the home. The look as well as the scent of candles has come a long way since they were first made. Today, candles come in a variety of shapes, sizes and scents that will surely be big sellers.
The craft of beading has experienced a revival, as many people are attracted to the rustic appeal of the products created. An entrepreneur can produce dozens of beaded items in just a few hours and sell them for a profit. However, as with any craft home business it is important to be familiar with the basic techniques in order to create a unique trademark that is different from the rest.
Quilting is a traditional craft business that requires skill and patience. This type of craft home business is generally done by hand but there are machines available that can help speed the process along. However, most handmade quilt pieces are worth more than machine made quilts.
Another popular crafting home business is soap making using organic ingredients. Organic soaps offer more than just cleanliness based on the type of ingredient used. Soap making kits are available to help one get started on a craft home business.
Pressed flowers are another craft home business that can be turned into great gifts as well as home decorations. Flower pressing is relatively an easy craft that even people with only a hint of creativity can attempt and still make money.
Woodworking is another craft home business that both men and women can do. Handmade toys are making a big comeback in the toy industry and are also a great way to make use of one’s woodworking talents.
There are a couple of resources that you really will want to look at if you are thinking of setting up a Craft Business:
The Complete Guide to Starting and Running Your Home Craft Business
and
How to Run Your Candle Making Business
August 31st, 2006
Wow now that was quick!
I posted about the friend of ours who is looking at Starting a Homebased Craft Business and had gone to make myself a cup of coffee! I came back to the computer and one of our subscribers had written saying “Paul I have just read your item about starting a homebased craft business and wondered whether you could recommend anything to help me with setting up a Candle Making Business from Home” - gosh some people leap onto things very quickly when they see a good thing!
As it happens only the other day I had been looking for the exact same thing for someone else and had been able to track down a really excellent product all about Setting up a Candle Making Business from home - if you want to take a look at it then just click on the link!
June 24th, 2006
A freind of ours is a great crafter in fact she appears to be able to turn what to you and me looks like a pile of spare materials into the most amazing creations. I bet you can guess that we always get hand made Christmas Gifts from her!
Well recently she and I have been talking about how she could turn the hobby she really enjoys into a homebased craft business. I thought I would share a few of the thoughts that I have had with you as I know a lot of people dream of working from home!
So here are the things that I think you need to think about before Opening a Craft Business
1. Don’t Do it For the Money
It is important that you don’t go into the craft business for the wrong reasons. If you are hoping to make a quick buck, then you’ve chosen the wrong industry! It usually takes months to see a return on your investment and years to start to see major profits from your hand made craft (if you ever do see major profits). Crafters do this because it is their passion, not because they expect to make a lot of money from selling their products. That’s not to say that there isn’t money to be made – it just takes a lot of time and perseverance on your part.
2. You Need to Start Small
When starting your new craft business, you should try to borrow very little or no money at all from lending institutions. Having to meet monthly loan payments can under tons of financial stress to your new business. Try to rely on your own savings for purchasing initial supplies and then try selling your products at local shows and to family and friends so you do not have huge operating costs right off the bat.
3. You Have to Do Your Research
To have a successful craft business you need to be prepared and take the time to research your product and your market. You have to know what kinds of crafts you are going to produce and what supplies you’ll need. Because this is a business, you need to try and keep costs low and you want to spend as little as possible on your craft supplies. You might have to shop around a bit before you find the cheapest supplies.
Next you need to figure out your market. What kinds of crafts are popular right now? Who is buying there? Where are they buying them? It is important to figure out who makes up your target market and what the best way to connect with them is.
4. You Have to Find Your Niche
Making a splash in the crafting industry usually means setting yourself a part with a really unique craft that still has wide appeal. As a hobby turned business crafter, you face more competition now than ever before. Having a really original and unique product will put you ahead of the pack.
5. You Will Have to Market and Sell Your Product Yourself
It may sound obvious, but many excellent crafters aren’t the best sales people. Remember that when you start out, you are most likely going to be selling your craft yourself at local shows. You have to make sure that you are comfortable talking to people about your craft and make those much needed sales.
6. You’ll need a Strong Support System
When you first start out, you’ll really need to rely on your family and friends. They will probably be your first customers and an excellent way of spreading word about your new project. When you start showing your products at local craft shows they will also be able to help with manning your booth and with setting up and tearing down your display.
7. Find the Little and Personal Touches that will Make All the Difference
Most people enjoy going to crafts shows because they have a chance to meet the artisans face to face and learn the story behind the craft. This gives the purchase a much greater meaning. That personal touch makes all the difference. Little touches like gift bags or gift wrapping also have a positive impact on your customers and they’ll be more likely to be repeat buyers if they are impressed with your professionalism.
8. The Industry is Fickle at the Best of Times and Often Seasonal
There will be rough patches. The crafting industry is fickle even at the best of times. The amount of sales you make is also often seasonal because there are more people looking for unique crafts around the holidays. You need to prepare your stock for these surges in demand, but you also need to be prepared financially for any lulls.
9. Other Crafters are Your Best Friends but They Can Also Be Your Worst Enemies
Other crafters are your best resources. They can give you lots of tips and help you out of a difficult situation. Meeting other crafters and learning from their expertise can be really beneficial. They are also your competition. There is only so much money that people are willing to spend on home made crafts so you need to set yourself apart from other crafters and try to steer clear of those crafters who are eager to copy your ideas for their own gain.
10. It Takes Time
Remember: good things come to those who wait. Don’t get discouraged if your new home made craft business is not a success right away. It takes time to establish your reputation and your customer base.
If you are like my friend and seriously thinking about starting your own homebased craft business then I can definitely recommend that you take a look at Starting and Rnning a Homebased Craft Business soon!
June 24th, 2006
