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 business?
Do Your Homework
Don’t jump in too fast. For instance, if you want to start your own business selling handcrafted jewelry, start by checking out what’s already out there. Stroll the aisles of a craft fair or artisan’s market and see what other jewelry makers have available. Pay attention to their customers- what items do they linger over, and what do they buy? What price point sells most briskly? Also, browse the online marketplaces to see what the market is already saturated with.
Start Small
Don’t run out and buy a thousand dollars of supplies and tools right off the bat! There’s nothing worse than three years from now finding a cache of unused materials, or even finished pieces that never made it to a customer. That’s wasted time and money that you’ll never get back. Until you’ve got a feel for your potential market, and a defined line of a few items that you know will sell, buy in small quantities. Don’t try to be all things to all people!
Practice Makes Perfect
Nothing is more embarrassing than selling an item and then receiving a complaint from the customer that your handcrafted work is not up to their standards. While you may have been making necklaces and earrings for yourself and friends for years, there’s a difference in the expectation of quality of workmanship between an amateur and professional. You also will want to speed up your process so that you can make each piece as efficiently as possible in order to maximize your profits. Before you start selling, refine your techniques so that you will be confident that you are only selling your best.
Find a Good Marketplace
If you want to start your own business you need to find the right marketplace. While craft shows can be valuable for local outreach, there’s a whole world out there that are also potential buyers! There’s now a multitude of online marketplaces available for craftspeople to sell their wares, but not all appeal to the same type of customer. Artisan Born is a place where the lovers of quality handcrafted goods know that they will find unique and beautiful pieces- consider making it your online shop! Stay up to date on our blog for more tips, ideas, and inspiration!
