If you are a mom with preschool to elementary aged children, you probably have a degree of experience with crafting. Some older people have been knitting, crocheting, and weaving for years. Did you ever think you could turn that into a business?
Even Pace
One word of caution is not to try and make several things at first. On one hand, you will drive yourself crazy trying to put together multiple crafts without even knowing how well they will sell at first, and on the other hand, you cannot “specialize” with too many hands in the pot. What this means is, people will tend to take your craft business more seriously if they think you are specialized in certain things.
Let the Juices Flow
Try to be creative. A lot of crafters will make the same old thing year after year, month after month, and you will see duplicate crafts everywhere. Be unique. Sell something that is not on the market quite so abundantly.
Materials Needed
Once you decide what you will make you will want to decide on the materials needed. You can find wonderful sales if you look hard enough at department stores and local craft retailers. You might also consider some Internet sites that offer deep discounted craft supplies, such as Factory Direct Crafts or Sunshine Crafts. Another great place to buy craft supplies is eBay. Search on Hobbies & Crafts, and then choose the subcategory for the types of supplies you are looking for. There are some really good prices on eBay!
You want to buy quality materials. People can tell when you have skimped on materials. Crafts just don’t look as nice with cheaper materials. You will probably be happier knowing you sold a top of the line product. That is how you build a reputation in the crafting community. Familiarity with materials will come in time, but you should take the time to become knowledgeable about the materials you are using.
Making a Profit
Of course, you want and need to make a profit. After all, that is why you are considering starting a craft business. You will be, in essence, a craft retailer. Retail businesses cannot stay in business if they are not profitable. Once you decide on your product, you must price materials and add extra money into how long the project will take you to make and how much profit you are willing to settle for. This is not an easy task and deserves some deliberation on your part. You want to be fair to yourself.
Finding Time to Craft
You will want to find a time to put your crafts together when you are calm and relaxed. Trying to put crafts together in the mornings when kids are getting ready for school, etc., can be tricky and stressful. That makes for a nervous atmosphere for crafting. You may want to assemble crafts and think of new ideas while the children are watching a movie in the afternoon or when they go to bed. Find your most productive time.
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