How would I start a home business in crafts and sewing?
I can pretty much make anything, but enjoy making things for children. Other that craft fairs, are there any places where I can sell things like changing pad sets, crib bedding, bibs, quilts,etc?
Suggested Reading:
Home Business Ideas for Crafters and Artists: How to Make Money Doing the Things you LoveIf you're an artist or a crafter, and you've thought about turning your art or craft into a home business, this booklet is for you. With a variety of ... Read More >
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etsy.com
craigslist
kijiji
ebay
flea markets
I have a sewing business on the internet. When I first started, I used a free site from tripod.com and also Ebay. Then when the money started coming in, I dumped Ebay and upgraded to an ad-free site. I offered just about every single thing that I knew how to make, and then over the course of a year it distilled itself down to 3 things that sold well and that I enjoy making. I use Paypal for the credit cards, and most people choose that option.
If you have something that is original, as in not made from a printed pattern, and you can make it better than anyone else, and you’re willing to maintain a professional-looking website, I’d say go for it!
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Sell at craft fairs, ebay, amazon, etc..
Use this basic checklist to make sure all the important steps are taken before you launch your new venture. This business checklist will make sure that you cross all your t’s and dot all your i’s before your business launch.
Steps to Starting a Business -
http://www.developer-resource.com/starting-a-business.htm
Other sites you might find helpful are:
SBA – http://www.sba.gov/
SCORE – http://www.score.org
Small Business Resource – http://www.small-business-software.net
Business Link – http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/home
Goodluck!
I am doing the same thing. I have started out using ebay and checking out the locally owned boutiques for their interest. Many of them will accept crafts on consignment at first to see if it is something their customers are interested in.
If you are looking for a way to sell your items on line, then I agree with those who have mentioned Etsy. I have a shop there and have been selling my hand embroidery. It’s easy, inexpensive and they handle the interface for you.
On the home front, I would check with your local neighborhood papers and see how much advertising space is. Think of a short but informative ad that would clearly state your talents. Word of mouth is a great way to build a business and there’s nothing wrong with starting in your own neighborhood.
You can even combine these two. If you create an etsy shop and copy your listing to a word document, you can use a pdf writer like CutePdf to print out a brochure to use with your home business. (CutePdf installs like a printer, so you simply “print” to your CutePdf printer).
There’s nothing wrong with having the same name for both home and online. It makes it easy to create business cards.
For business cards, try Flicker and Moo. You can upload pictures to Flicker and then use Moo to create stickers, business cards, etc. The prices are decent and again, it is easy to do.
Good luck!
Other than craft fairs, you might start looking for an expo in your town or nearby city, that will exclusively be for baby things and decorating. Also try home expos because they will also have sections for nurseries.
You also need to be a walking advertisement for your creations. Begin wearing things you’ve made to your job, the grocery store, school–wherever. My sister and I make clothes, and we wear them in public. We gets tons of orders from people we know and strangers–too!
Ask those you know who have babies or children to use your bibs, quilts and toys. Other people can be ads for you, also!
Ebay as well and definitely starting building yourself a website. Wishing you thest best of success!