As a crafter myself, I am always looking for new ideas and inspiration. There can be several reasons for needing guidance and a new vision.
*Sometimes we all have bad days and get discouraged.
*Sometimes, we as crafters may even get bored with the same repetetive crafts we've been doing for years and it just isn't as fun as it used to be.
*Maybe the buyers of our products no longer seem interested and a demand doesn't exist as it once did.
*For whatever reason, maybe you have decided you need an extra boost in sales and have run out of ideas.
I found this interesting ebook entitled "Crafts to Make and Sell" which has so much information in it. It could honestly help anyone put a new spin on their own ideas or why not borrow a new crafty idea from this book. This ebook will also help you to sell your crafts too. It will guide you through the simple steps of finding your niche. You are allowed to do that with this one. It is a good read and well worth an investment of less than $10.00.
For more information Click Here!
I found this article and wanted to share it with my readers.
Turning A Part Time Hobby Into A Home Business
By: Obinna Heche
Do you have a hobby that you do on the side of a regular job? Do you take the time in the afternoon to care for a neighborhood child or walk someones dog? Maybe you paint or create beaded jewelry as a part time hobby. Did you ever think of creating a business of your own through your hobby? If not you should. And if you have thought about it, than let this article guide you closer to that decision.
Having your own business creates a great freedom in your life. It gives you the freedom to be your own boss and to create your own work schedule. You are no longer confined to someone elses routine. By creating a home business through a hobby you give yourself these freedoms.
You are already spending time and effort in a hobby, so why not do something you enjoy doing full time and make a living from something you love? Many of us have a passion for something. Maybe you are an artist or a musician. Why not take this hobby one step further. You could do this by offering to teach others your hobby. Teach someone to paint or sculpt, or to play the piano. If you make arts and crafts or jewelry, why not sell the items you create?
So many people dream of doing what they love as a full time job, its just a matter of taking that leap into a new career. If you sit down and you really take the time to review both the negative and the positive about beginning a home business, you will see that your own business is the way to go.
The money you make goes to you and your business. You work when you want and need to work and not when your employer tells you to. You will have a job that inspires you and will give you complete satisfaction.
Take a moment to think about what hobby you truly love. Something you can see yourself doing everyday. Make a business plan. What is this job? What prices will you charge for products or services? Will you need a bank loan or do you have a financial partner? Prepare your materials and print up some flyers.
You only have to take that one step and say yes to your own business. You guide your future and fill your life with happiness. Its not impossible to create your own hobby based home business. There are resources and information readily available to you. Visit your local library, pick up some books on home business. Do some research and prepare to see your dreams take flight.
Article Source: http://www.pcwriters.com
Obinna Heche. Los Angeles - California Delivering the best home based business ideas and opportunities so you can work at home successfully.. www.home-incomeportal.com
Turning A Part Time Hobby Into A Home Business
By: Obinna Heche
Do you have a hobby that you do on the side of a regular job? Do you take the time in the afternoon to care for a neighborhood child or walk someones dog? Maybe you paint or create beaded jewelry as a part time hobby. Did you ever think of creating a business of your own through your hobby? If not you should. And if you have thought about it, than let this article guide you closer to that decision.
Having your own business creates a great freedom in your life. It gives you the freedom to be your own boss and to create your own work schedule. You are no longer confined to someone elses routine. By creating a home business through a hobby you give yourself these freedoms.
You are already spending time and effort in a hobby, so why not do something you enjoy doing full time and make a living from something you love? Many of us have a passion for something. Maybe you are an artist or a musician. Why not take this hobby one step further. You could do this by offering to teach others your hobby. Teach someone to paint or sculpt, or to play the piano. If you make arts and crafts or jewelry, why not sell the items you create?
So many people dream of doing what they love as a full time job, its just a matter of taking that leap into a new career. If you sit down and you really take the time to review both the negative and the positive about beginning a home business, you will see that your own business is the way to go.
The money you make goes to you and your business. You work when you want and need to work and not when your employer tells you to. You will have a job that inspires you and will give you complete satisfaction.
Take a moment to think about what hobby you truly love. Something you can see yourself doing everyday. Make a business plan. What is this job? What prices will you charge for products or services? Will you need a bank loan or do you have a financial partner? Prepare your materials and print up some flyers.
You only have to take that one step and say yes to your own business. You guide your future and fill your life with happiness. Its not impossible to create your own hobby based home business. There are resources and information readily available to you. Visit your local library, pick up some books on home business. Do some research and prepare to see your dreams take flight.
Article Source: http://www.pcwriters.com
Obinna Heche. Los Angeles - California Delivering the best home based business ideas and opportunities so you can work at home successfully.. www.home-incomeportal.com
Now that you've decided what to sell and where to sell, we have other issues to address. No matter where you decide to sell your crafts, you need contact information. One of the easiest ways to provide contact information is through the use of business cards. You can make your own but the most efficient way I have found to do this is through a company called VistaPrint©.
They offer free products and you can even customize your own business cards using their online program. If you don't feel comfortable designing your own card, that's okay too. They have premade templates and all you do is fill in your information. It's super easy so check it out.
They offer free products and you can even customize your own business cards using their online program. If you don't feel comfortable designing your own card, that's okay too. They have premade templates and all you do is fill in your information. It's super easy so check it out.
As you get into selling your own crafts you might realize it gets difficult to keep your stock inventory up, especially if you work alone. I have run into this problem several times during running and operating my own craft business.
How do I remedy this problem? Well, there are several ways to supplement your inventory with quality-made products that aren't necessarily your own. There are several companies out there who supply different products for developing your own home business. Most of the time the company will provide complete training and there's actually low inventory requirements to get started.
Most crafters are concerned about sales and we don't need additional responsibilities or headaches. However, if you can provide additional income at your shows with someone else's quality products, then what do you have to lose? Personally, I try to avoid cheaply made products you can find made elsewhere.
Whether you decide to supplement your inventory with products from this company or another one, please do your research and find out where the products come from and what they are made of. Sometimes you will find lead, which is poisonous, in items such as jewelry. Be careful out there and consider all dangers when crafting and reselling.
Never claim someone else's work as your own. If you do decide to sell products made elsewhere, please don't claim the item as your own work. That is illegal and just downright mean. Think of it this way--it is stealing. You wouldn't want or even expect someone to claim an idea or design that you've been developing for months or even years. Sometimes it takes that long to come up with something fabulous and it's hard work too. Give credit to the person or company who invested all of that time, hard work and money.
Follow certain common sense guidelines and you'll have a wonderfully growing craft business in no time.
How do I remedy this problem? Well, there are several ways to supplement your inventory with quality-made products that aren't necessarily your own. There are several companies out there who supply different products for developing your own home business. Most of the time the company will provide complete training and there's actually low inventory requirements to get started.
Most crafters are concerned about sales and we don't need additional responsibilities or headaches. However, if you can provide additional income at your shows with someone else's quality products, then what do you have to lose? Personally, I try to avoid cheaply made products you can find made elsewhere.
Whether you decide to supplement your inventory with products from this company or another one, please do your research and find out where the products come from and what they are made of. Sometimes you will find lead, which is poisonous, in items such as jewelry. Be careful out there and consider all dangers when crafting and reselling.
Never claim someone else's work as your own. If you do decide to sell products made elsewhere, please don't claim the item as your own work. That is illegal and just downright mean. Think of it this way--it is stealing. You wouldn't want or even expect someone to claim an idea or design that you've been developing for months or even years. Sometimes it takes that long to come up with something fabulous and it's hard work too. Give credit to the person or company who invested all of that time, hard work and money.
Follow certain common sense guidelines and you'll have a wonderfully growing craft business in no time.
Are you having trouble coming up with a business name? That's common. When something is so important to you and you want to succeed, you know you need a catchy name. The way I decided on my business name was this:
First, I thought about what type of items I wanted to sell and then what type of theme or feeling I wanted my customers to be reminded of when they saw my handcrafted products. I thought about the colors I wanted to use and how the colors would make people feel--happy and warm so they would feel good about buying from my business.
Then, of course, I had to think about my target market. Your target market is the type of people who will want to buy your products. What is their age(s), gender(s), and income? Where do they live? Are you selling a regional product? You need to come up with something that will appeal to this type of person. It's perfectly fine to have more than one type of person as your target market. This step is easier than it sounds once you begin brainstorming and don't forget to jot down some notes for your own reference later on.
I finally decided on a list of business names. I repeated them out loud (sometimes several times) trying to decide if the name had a good ring to it. I came up with a company quote using the list of business names while driving home from a business start-up meeting. By the time I arrived home, I had a business name. I asked a few people for their thoughts on the name and quote I had come up with and they approved. It was all set then. It was time to order my business cards and get started promoting my business.
Good luck with your business name. Grab a piece of paper and a pen and start brainstorming your way to your new business.
First, I thought about what type of items I wanted to sell and then what type of theme or feeling I wanted my customers to be reminded of when they saw my handcrafted products. I thought about the colors I wanted to use and how the colors would make people feel--happy and warm so they would feel good about buying from my business.
Then, of course, I had to think about my target market. Your target market is the type of people who will want to buy your products. What is their age(s), gender(s), and income? Where do they live? Are you selling a regional product? You need to come up with something that will appeal to this type of person. It's perfectly fine to have more than one type of person as your target market. This step is easier than it sounds once you begin brainstorming and don't forget to jot down some notes for your own reference later on.
I finally decided on a list of business names. I repeated them out loud (sometimes several times) trying to decide if the name had a good ring to it. I came up with a company quote using the list of business names while driving home from a business start-up meeting. By the time I arrived home, I had a business name. I asked a few people for their thoughts on the name and quote I had come up with and they approved. It was all set then. It was time to order my business cards and get started promoting my business.
Good luck with your business name. Grab a piece of paper and a pen and start brainstorming your way to your new business.
Now depending on what type of craft item(s) you plan on selling, you need to decide where you will sell.
(1) Are you going to sell your crafts at flea markets? There are some nice indoor flea markets where you can rent a booth on a monthly basis. Some people do quite well and others don't. I tried renting a booth for 3 months and it was a complete disaster for me because my prices were too high. Remember most people shop at flea markets expecting to find a bargain and although my items were appealing to the customers, the price was more than what they expected. I couldn't lower my prices because then I wouldn't profit from my craft. You have to account for your raw materials, booth rental, your skill, and your time. If you feel like your product would do well at an establishment like this, by all means, give it a try. You might have a completely different experience than mine. Keep in mind that you want to make money and not lose money so don't underprice your crafts.
(2) Are you going to sell online? Ebay is a wonderful place to research your craft. Search for something similar to what you are making and see how other people are doing. Ebay is full of successful crafters who are doing quite well for themselves. Check it out and see what you think. You can get an idea for pricing and decide how profitable it would be for you. Research ebay and if you decide to give it a try, go for it. ebay has a setup that will walk you right through the selling process as long as you understand how ebay works. That's why you need to do a little bit of research first
(3) Are you going to sell at craft shows? Crafts shows are an excellent place to start. I have two children and no babysitter so craft show selling is not a good venue for me. I've had to improvise a lot. It makes success more difficult if you can't get out there and network (meet people) who have the potential to help your business grow. If you decide on craft shows, start out locally in your city or town to get a feel for selling your product. When your ready to move on, look for statewide shows. After attending a couple of the local shows, you could have leads to several other shows that the other sellers attend. Watch the news and newspapers for local events.
Well, that's all for today. There are other places to sell but that will come later. Right now you're just starting out so keep it simple.
(1) Are you going to sell your crafts at flea markets? There are some nice indoor flea markets where you can rent a booth on a monthly basis. Some people do quite well and others don't. I tried renting a booth for 3 months and it was a complete disaster for me because my prices were too high. Remember most people shop at flea markets expecting to find a bargain and although my items were appealing to the customers, the price was more than what they expected. I couldn't lower my prices because then I wouldn't profit from my craft. You have to account for your raw materials, booth rental, your skill, and your time. If you feel like your product would do well at an establishment like this, by all means, give it a try. You might have a completely different experience than mine. Keep in mind that you want to make money and not lose money so don't underprice your crafts.
(2) Are you going to sell online? Ebay is a wonderful place to research your craft. Search for something similar to what you are making and see how other people are doing. Ebay is full of successful crafters who are doing quite well for themselves. Check it out and see what you think. You can get an idea for pricing and decide how profitable it would be for you. Research ebay and if you decide to give it a try, go for it. ebay has a setup that will walk you right through the selling process as long as you understand how ebay works. That's why you need to do a little bit of research first
(3) Are you going to sell at craft shows? Crafts shows are an excellent place to start. I have two children and no babysitter so craft show selling is not a good venue for me. I've had to improvise a lot. It makes success more difficult if you can't get out there and network (meet people) who have the potential to help your business grow. If you decide on craft shows, start out locally in your city or town to get a feel for selling your product. When your ready to move on, look for statewide shows. After attending a couple of the local shows, you could have leads to several other shows that the other sellers attend. Watch the news and newspapers for local events.
Well, that's all for today. There are other places to sell but that will come later. Right now you're just starting out so keep it simple.
