For instance, if you have a lot of expertise with a certain hobby, like welding or woodworking, you may want to center your business around those crafts. Try to think outside of the box. There are a lot of different craft sellers out there, and you want to make yourself as unique as possible. For instance, instead of just knitting throw blankets, you can knit blankets that represent different LGBTQ pride flags.
For instance, if you’re selling high-quality earrings, you can assume that your customers have a bit of spending money. If you’re selling something that’s more of a necessity, like handmade furniture, your customers may have different budget needs. It is important to understand your clients before you invest money in building a brick-and-mortar store. Then choose a suitable location. For example, if your target customers are working mothers, you can choose a place near a school. It is better to start at a small level before opening a big business. For instance, you can do something on an Instagram shop or Spotify. So you do not have to pay a huge rent. You can earn money while you build the shop.
For instance, if you want to make a custom photo frame business, you won’t want to set up shop in an area where there are already 2-3 established framers. Craft shows can be a great place to find inspiration for your own displays in the future.
You don’t want to start up a business on a website with people who are already well-established in your crafting niche. For instance, if you make custom quilts for newborn babies, check Etsy to see how many artisans sell similar goods.
For instance, if you sell calligraphy prints, you may name your brand something like “Looped Luxury” or “Inked Dreaming. ” If you make your own baskets, you can name your brand something like “Brittany’s Baskets” or “Bushels of Love. ”
For instance, if you’re registered as a small business in the United States, you get an Employer Identification Number, which you use to pay taxes later on.
For instance, if other sellers list their rubber stamps for $15, you may want to undercut their prices slightly by selling your products for $12. Always consider the cost of your materials when pricing a product. If you undersell your products, you may end of losing money in the long run.
Stores that sell in bulk are a good starting point to work with. Once you make a steady profit, you can purchase supplies from more expensive/luxury brands.
Your local post office is a good option, depending on the type of product you’re selling. Some websites, like Etsy, help you print out a shipping label for your local post office.
If you have a bit of money to spare, buy an official backdrop to use for your product pictures. You can buy these for under $20 online. If you have a bit of technology expertise, you can use a green screen as a backdrop instead.
Ask a professional to take pictures if you don’t have a lot of experience.
For instance, if you make costumes for a living, your ideal customer might be a cosplayer or performer looking for costumes that are higher quality than a standard retailer. If you make your own ceramics, your ideal customer may be a middle-aged or older adult looking for art to place in their home.
For instance, if you make custom lotion, you can write something like: “Our summer soap is made with aloe, which will soothe your skin after a hot day in the sun. ” If you design custom T-shirts, you can say something like: “Our T-shirts are great for a variety of occasions for all ages, whether you’re getting ready for a soccer tournament or a family reunion. ”
For instance, if you make amigurumi toys, you can use pastel yarn to give your products a unique color scheme. If you want to open a woodworking shop, you can use local or recycled wood to make all of your products.
For instance, you can say something like: “I’ve been sculpting clay since I was 12 years old, and it’s turned into a lifelong passion. I love challenging myself and creating unique designs for my customers. ” Let buyers know if your goods support a certain charity.
You can use a free website builder, like Wix or Weebly, but it’ll look more professional if you purchase your own domain.
You can use social media to host fun giveaways for customers, or to show off new merchandise that you’re planning to sell.
You can use craft shows as an opportunity to share your business card, or set up a mailing list.
