Selling Crafts – Business for Stay-at-Home Moms
How to Start a Craft Business and Earn Money Working from Home
Nov 3, 2009
Many people enjoy handmade goods, but feel they don't have the time or skills required to create artwork and crafts themselves. This is why crafts businesses are booming with close to $10 billion in annual sales, according to reports from the Association of Crafts and Creative Industries. Creative moms can tap into this market by using their skills for creating and then selling crafts locally or online.
Why Selling Crafts Can be a Good Business for Stay-at-Home Moms
A crafts business can be operated part-time and at odd hours, making it a good business for stay-at-home moms who need flexible schedules that can work around childcare and family responsibilities. Also, selling crafts is often something the whole family can get involved with, making it a wonderful learning opportunity for children.
Starting a crafts business can be a viable option for a family in need of some extra funds to allow mom to stay at home instead of going back to work.
Start-up Costs for a Crafts Business
The start-up costs for a crafts business will vary depending on the type of craft, the initial volume of product being created, the intended size of the business, and business plans for where the product will be sold.
Many crafts require inexpensive base materials, and often a crafter will have some supplies on hand from creating the product for themselves, family and friends. In these cases, a crafts business can have very low start-up costs, making it a good option when initial cash investment is low.
On the other hand, a larger craft business can be quite involved, and might require a more extensive start-up budget.
Consider the following potential costs when creating a business selling crafts:
- supplies and tools required for the craft
- product and liability insurance
- marketing costs for business cards, flyers, etc.
- overhead costs for space needed to complete the work
- packing and shipping supplies for mail orders
- technical requirements, such as computers, telephone lines and other communications equipment
- website design for an online craft business
- rental costs for tables or booths at local fairs and craft shows
- business licensing fees
- software for managing supplies, customer orders and tracking finances
Choosing a Sales Platform for a Crafts Business
The platform used for selling crafts can impact start-up costs, overhead costs and time investment associated with a crafts business.
Selling crafts online through a craft marketplace or auction site can be a low-cost option for getting started with an online crafts business. Fees typically include a listing fee, a percentage of sales amount and/or a maintenance fee. This is also a quick and easy way to set-up a business, usually requiring little more than registration and uploading of some details and pictures for the product(s).
Some crafters may choose to start websites for their craft business, complete with a shopping cart and detailed product pages. This requires more of a time and money investment, and may require outside web design support.
Another option is selling crafts locally. This can be achieved by renting a table or booth at a local art fair, with advertisements on local bulletin boards, and by spreading the word to local friends and family.
Start a Craft Business and Earn Money Working From Home
Selling crafts can be a wonderful business for stay-at-home moms who love crafting and have a creative flair. With such a vast array of options for products and sales avenues, a little planning can turn a handcrafted hobby into a business venture that will allow a mom to earn money working from home.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
