by 3 people |
Welcome to the Craft Business Lens!
If you're interested in turning your crafting passion into a full- or part-time craft business, then you've come to the right lens! On the "How to Start a Craft Business" lens, I'll be sharing my favorite resources for starting and running a successful craft business.
So check back often, and good luck in starting your own successful craft business!
Interested in starting your own craft business? Then check out:
How to Start Your Own Craft Business
Two Main Types of Craft Businesses
Are you a wholesaler or a retailer?
When you hear "Craft Business," what do you think of? Is it selling your handmade jewelry or candles? How about making perfume or pressed flower crafts? Maybe you were thinking of making baby quilts? Or, perhaps you have another creative idea, such as knitting, crocheting, scrapbooking, or some other type of craft.In reality, there are two main types of craft businesses - wholesale or retail. As a wholesaler, you are creating your crafts and selling them to a retailer that will sell them to the ultimate customer. This would apply to gift shops and consignment stores. As a retailer, you will be selling your crafts directly to the customer, via your own craft store, craft fairs, consignment shops, home parties, a web site, or online auction sites (such as eBay).
Want to start your own wholesale or retail craft business? Then check out...
A Wholesale Craft Business
The advantage of a wholesale craft business is that you can focus on creating your crafts and honing your profit margins. You will be creating a higher volume of a few crafts, so you will be able to easily determine your product costs, and will also be able to quickly work out how much you need to charge retailers in order to make a tidy profit. In addition, you will be focusing all of your marketing efforts on shop owners, which will cost you less than if you have to attract the ultimate customers.The downside to a wholesale craft business is that you will need to convince shop owners that your crafts are worth shelf space. And in the beginning, your crafts will not get premier placement in their shops because they are untested. In addition, your profit margins are lower since the shop owner must make a profit for carrying your crafts. And finally, in most cases, you will not be paid immediately for your crafts by the shop owner, and collecting your money can be a nightmare. Choose your shops carefully!
Want to start your own full- or part-time craft business? Then check out...
A Retail Craft Business
On the retail side, the potential for profit is much greater, and you can usually expand your inventory of potential craft products so you have a wider range of available products. You also get the thrill of being out in front of the customer, with the immediate gratification of a sale. Since you're not paying for a retailers mark-up, your profits are higher.The downside for retail crafts can be many. First off, you need to do all of the work in attracting new customers, whether it be visitors to your craft shop, or attendees at a craft show. You must always be looking for unique ways to stand out from the crowd. In addition, you must always be aware of the trends and fads in your market so your crafts match the needs of the buying public. And finally, many retail craft business owners tend to try and do everything themselves, instead of focusing on what will grow the business and make more money in the long run.
Want to start your own full- or part-time craft business? Then check out...
The Right Craft Business for You
I'm not trying to discourage you from either a wholesale or retail craft business. In fact, it's a good idea to work on getting your crafts sold through both types of methods. Having a steady income from craft stores can help smooth out your revenue over just relying on weekend craft fairs.But, you must be aware that with any business endeavor, you will have to work hard to make it a success. There is a big difference between making a couple of items for a local craft fair and creating a full-time income from your crafts. It will be a lot of hard work, but if you do it right, you will also have a lot of fun with your new craft business.
Want to start your own full- or part-time craft business? Then check out...
Craft Business Blog
Get the latest posts from the only blog dedicated to helping you make money with your crafting passion.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byCraft Business News
Craft business news from around the world
Find out the latest craft business news from great craft blogs from around the world.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byCraft Business Resource List
The best craft business resources available from around the Internet.
Make $300 in 7 minutes!
Free Ebook... We don't get paid until you do!2 points
Craft Business - How to Start Your Own Craft Business
A comprehensive guide to starting, running, and ma more...1 point
Craft Business Blog
Top spot for craft business information on the Int more...1 point
Cash Crafters - Guide to start your own home craft business
Free advice, articles and tutorials to starting an more...1 point
Etsy :: Your place to buy and sell all things handmade
A great site for hosting your very own online craf more...0 points
Arts and Crafts Business - craft shows retail wholesale supplies selling crafts
Information for crafters who sell their crafts par more...0 points
make money
IPC Instant Cash, allowing average people to earn more...0 points
New Craft Videos from YouTube
Craft Fair Photos
Here are some of the great craft fair photos from www.flickr.com.
Belly Button Bears s...
Ye Olde Craft Faire...
Clever Cupcakes at P...
Cupcakes and Crafts!
Cupcakes and Crafts!
TACA Craft Fair 2009...
TACA Craft Fair 2009...
TACA Craft Fair 2009...
TACA Craft Fair 2009...
TACA Craft Fair 2009...
New Guestbook
Ms_Appleseed wrote...
What a great collection of resources! I wandered around for about 30 minutes...thanks for the fun! I'll lensroll you as a great resource for my small town biz lens! Thanks again!
Posted October 03, 2007
by CraftBusiness
Chuck Smith has created a number of craft business books, including "How to Start a Craft Business," "How to Start a Machine Quilting Business," and "...
(more)
