How to Start a Craft Business
by Startacus Admin
We all love to get a little creative every now and again - some of us more than others. And if you put your mind to it, you can make a living by doing almost anything, especially if it’s something that you enjoy.
Maybe you’re particularly imaginative and good with your hands? If that’s the case, you may be interested in hearing about how to start your own craft business! It can be a pretty tall order, but hopefully with a little help from us you can end up well on your way to success. Happy reading (and crafting!)...
Make Sure there is a Market
Chances are, if you like crafts and are creative, creating things has been a hobby of yours for quite some time. It may be something that you have enjoyed doing for a while and you really like what you make. Of course you do, you made it after all! This is all well and good whenever crafts is simply a hobby and nothing more, but once you decide to start your own craft business, things will have to change.
You need to ensure that what you make is viable. Make sure that there is a market for it and that people will actually want to buy your product. Research is key here, and if not done properly, your business will fall flat on its face.
Hone Your Craft
Going back to school or taking a class in order to refine your skills is never a bad idea. We’re by no means saying that you’re bad at what you do, but simply saying that things are different when you start a business. You’re probably used to creating things for yourself and at your own pace, but now you need to appeal to the masses. You need to be the best you can be in terms of your craft and taking a class will mean that you’ll be able to see how other people do their thing. They can give you tips and advice on various different aspects of your craft and therefore you may end up learning a thing or two.
It’s also a fantastic way to network and meet like-minded people. This is great way for finding good vendors and people who can help you out.
Get a Mailing List
If you’ve taken classes or have taken the time to network, the next logical step is to make a mailing list once you have your online shop. Emailing is the most effective way of contacting people directly, and giving your customers the option to subscribe to a mailing list will make you seem a lot more professional. It’ll also mean that they can stay on top of what you have to offer. Having a mailing list means that you are more likely to make a sale because you are able to keep the customers who love what you do up to date. Staying in contact with your customers on a regular basis and making them feel like you care will mean that they are more likely to stick around!
Be Patient
Before you get the ball rolling, take time to ask yourself why you want to start your own business. Make sure that you’re doing it for the right reasons and not just because you want to make money. Making money is a great reason to start any business, but it cannot be the only one. If you want to start a craft business, you need to understand that things will take time. It is a long process with a huge learning curve but if done right you will reap the rewards in no time. Things will not happen overnight, so it is important that you stay motivated and passionate about what you are making. The moment you stop caring is when it will start coming across in your work, and nobody will want to buy your product. The time it will take to let your business grow can be used to work on your craft and refine your skills. This means that customers will be more likely to be interested in your product. Work hard every day, be patient and dedicated and it is bound to pay off. Just ensure that you’re in it for the long run!
Be Efficient
If you’re crafty, you’re probably used to making stuff that you like and enjoy. Of course there is absolutely nothing wrong with making something that you love and find interesting. However the problem is, once your business starts to grow, you’ll have less and less time to work on each item and ensure perfection. Because of this, make sure that you’re making something that is innovative, creative and still efficient. Make sure that you can manage your time. The fact of the matter is that owning a craft business which only produces one-of-a-kind items will become problematic and you will need to change your mindset and approach. Think of how you can still be original when creating something that can be reproduced more easily.
Take Nice Photos
We’ve already talked about how much you love your own products, now all you have to do is make sure that your customers can see the effort and creativity you have put into each item. Taking beautiful photos for your online shop is a must. A lot of the time, customers base their entire opinion of your product on photographs and what they can see. It is the first thing that they will see when they visit your shop, and within a few minutes, chances are they’ve already decided whether they want to buy from you. Because of this make sure that your photos do your work justice. It is a massive selling point and good lighting, camera angles, and great focus will mean that you will have high quality photos for your shop. If you’re going to show off you may as well do it right!
There you have it! Some advice on how to get crafty and make your own way in the business world! We hope you enjoyed. Perhaps you already have your own craft business and have some more advice for us, or maybe you just want to show off your business? If so, don’t be afraid to contact us or comment down below!
Inspired? You may also want to read other craft related articles on Startacus such as...
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Published on: 11th May 2015
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