How do you know if you have good customer service skills? It may look like a friendly interaction between an employee and a buyer. It could take the form of an answering service or an employee asking a customer if they can be of any assistance. But what does good customer service look like when you're a designer and maker? And what does it look like when you primarily do...

Anyone who makes good-quality handcrafted items has at some point been asked why they don’t try to sell them and anyone stuck in the nine to five grind and has a hobby that they’re passionate about has considered taking the plunge and setting up at least a side-business selling what they love to make. What are the things you should consider before you use your hobby to start your own...

There comes a time in the life of every serious hobbyist when they start to dream of turning their passion into a way of making a living. After all, if you derive the greatest pleasure from taking raw pieces of wood and turning them into finished pieces that are not only functional but beautiful, why settle for the boring 9 to 5 in an office, factory, or store? However, it’s...

Every aspect of your design business - no matter how big or how small - all work together to grow your business. Your website, your storefront, your products, and even your store hours all play a part... and especially your customer interactions both in-person and online. 55% of consumers are willing to pay more money when guaranteed a good experience. Homemaking and interior design are no exceptions. Homeowners are more...

The push for buying from local makers is moving around the world. As the shop local movement continues to grow, so too does the push for online shopping. So, if you have your handmade items posted for sale on Artisan Born to get the attention of a global audience, how do you also get the attention of local shoppers? The global marketplace helps makers like you grow your business, but...

Sales tax can be a tricky subject and sales tax doesn’t have basic rules. However, below you will find three rules when it comes to sales tax that all sellers have to manage. Keep reading 3 rules of sales tax for today’s online sellers to find the three rules. Rule #1: All States Have a Different Sales Tax This means that every single state’s rules are different when it comes...

Just as with any craft, your woodworking skills will improve with practice, but even beginners can benefit from some basic ground rules to get you off to a good start and help you work efficiently! These tips will save you time, improve the quality of your projects, and help you become an efficient woodworker. Keep Your Workshop Neat It’s always easier to work in a space that is clean and...

Every decision you make as a business owner builds your identity. This includes things like what you decide to do for packaging and materials. Researching and using materials that are sourced responsibly is important to show off your values. Customers want to know what their products are made out of and also how the products are made. You also want to provide information about the materials because customers appreciate it....

You hear a lot about the importance of constructive criticism and all the good things it entails. It promotes better communication. It enhances personal growth and it simply gets the best work out of people. You may be a creator who is constantly working to improve your craft and your business practices. But you probably don't hear enough about what you're already doing right... and you may have just as...

In the online marketplace, buyers have many different options spread out before them. While obviously the quality and style of your work will play an important role in how well your items sell, the price you charge for your handmade products is also a major factor in their final decision. But here’s the twist- that doesn’t necessarily mean that the lowest price wins! Calculate Your Costs Start by figuring out...

Long gone are the days of newspaper ads and Yellow Page listings. In the day and age of the Internet, websites and social media reign. And throughout the evolution of the Internet, search engine optimization has truly come out of the woodwork... Search engine optimization is a process that entails several marketing practices... all with one common goal in mind: To generate more traffic to a website. The possibilities are...

Do you struggle to find time for hobbies and other things you love? For most of you, you probably love to create things. However, since you have a business you have a busy schedule. Below you will find five tips for making more time to create and make more time to do what you love. 1. Make Creating a Number One Priority Make creating a priority! Don’t let your passions...

As a small business owner, the odds are good that you will have at least one unhappy customer. While you probably didn’t do anything to upset your customers, someone is bound to find something to complain about and once that tiny little thing is found, you will hear all about it. Even if you have incredibly thick skin that deflects any and all complaints, have a plan so you can...

Did you know that organic web traffic generates over 40% of company revenue? You may be thinking, "So what? That can't possibly apply to the home design industry." But you may be pleasantly surprised! It may seem like there's a lot more networking and word of mouth marketing in interior and home design. Regardless, modern consumers are all about using the Internet to find businesses. Even consumers looking for home...

Handmade jewelry is one of the easiest crafts to get started with. You don’t need to invest in expensive equipment, and the components are readily available. Whether you’re using semi-precious beads or glass crystals, there are many places to purchase the supplies at a reasonable price. Gold and silver findings are also made in a variety of styles and forms for jewelry-makers. However, the ease of entering the handmade jewelry...

It's one thing to design and create furniture and home decor as a hobby. But it's an entirely different thing when you turn your craft into a profitable business. It's not as simple as creating awesome products, marketing them, and selling them. There's a lot that goes into any business model - no matter the industry! There are nuances with understanding profit margins in the home design industry. How will...

The number one way to grow your shop at the moment is knowing where you want your business to go. You want to make a plan that will increase revenue, bring in more customers, and be able to keep up with the flow of orders. This process can be stressful because you want to succeed and grow, but you also may feel like you're taking on the world. Keep reading...

The pictures you take and post of your products say a lot. You want to make sure your product shots are great but don’t worry it is easy to take great shots. Below we have some low-budget product photography tips. Keep reading how to take product photos with your iphone or android to find out easy and simple ways to take product photos. Use Your Phones Basic Camera Settings A...

Selling products online seems like an easy way to make money. While online retailers do have fewer rules and restrictions than brick-and-mortar shopkeepers have, there are still plenty of laws that are important to know. Having a good understanding of laws and regulations can help you avoid costly mistakes. Here are 3 laws you need to know as an online retailer. Shipping regulations can affect your business Online retailers rely...

Product photography can be a challenge. However, Jewelry Product Photography can be especially challenging. Jewelry is small and reflective, this can make it difficult to shoot. These challenges can be beaten with some research and planning. Here are five jewelry product photography mistakes and how to avoid them. 1. Distracting Backgrounds When people shoot their products they want to use fun and exciting backgrounds. While I can’t blame them, you...