May 2, 2007

Survival Tips for Crafters

by Anissa Wardell

The first thing for every crafter who intends on selling their wares, is to be organized. Write down your creative ideas, go online or to local boutiques and see what others are doing. Do not copy, but merely see what types of goods are the most popular items. Altered crafts are always a great way to bring the old back to life in exciting and unique ways.

Make sure that you keep a notepad and pen at hand at all times, if you do not record your ideas right away, they may soon be forgotten. Create files for ideas, receipts, customer addresses, and supplier information. Make sure that whatever organizational method you use will be one that works the best for you and your particular business.

Stay on top of the industry. Be sure that you are a member of one or more groups whether online or offline that you can stay informed about craft business news. Online and offline publications for home businesses can help you to grow your business and gain insights into your craft business.

There are many online craft magazines and groups that have great information. Be sure to find the ones that suit you and are the most informative for your niche and general business.

Basic Craft Business Building Techniques

The more you know, the more you can do. Increase your technical skills and gain competitive advantages in the marketplace. Craft shops and schools usually offer courses in craft and art techniques. This is a good way to pick up tips for faster production methods.

Create and make products at home. By doing so, you will not increase your expenses and you can spend time with family members.

Before purchasing equipment and supplies, decide what you need to have rather than what you would like to have. Also, assess the time involvement, some tools that may not be necessary may save you time, therefore helping you to save money.

If working at home is not the best option, share costs with another craft person or persons, this may also cut the cost of new equipment. As a team or group you may find it beneficial to have someone who can give honest feedback and encourage you in your craft. As a team you may be able to order in larger volume and recieve bigger disounts from wholesalers. This is also a particulary good thing if you are renting a booth at a trade or craft show.

Use suppliers/wholesalers that offer credit terms of 30 days to pay for purchases. Many suppliers will extend you a month if you can come up with a few good references. Major suppliers should be approached with you being a retail store, in order to receive the wholesale discount. This is a fairly easy thing to do if you intend on selling any of the items seperately from your final craft and if you are teaching classes.

Be ready for good selling seasons. There are certain times of year when a larger inventory is a must in order to meet the demand. After each show you should make a list of what did and did not sell and what exactly you made as a profit versus your expenditures. Some areas and times of year are different so make sure you make a detailed record of what did or did not work.

When a customer wants a customized or out of stock item get the payment in advance. When a new boutique places an order ask for payment in advance or require them to pay C.O.D.

Always use contracts in all business arrangements. When working with galleries, designers, or large exhibitions, draw up agreements clearly defining all liabilities. Require purchase orders from stores. Many Office Supply chains and online sites have business and legal forms that can be tailored to suit your business.

Always be on the lookout for new shops, boutiques and trade.craft shows. If you find a new shop that carries similar crafts, but ones that are still different enough from yours, approach them about selling your crafts.

For Online Publications See these websites:

The Crafts Report - Online version of print magazine discussing all aspects of crafts business. http://www.craftsreport.com/

SAC News Monthly - Articles on craft business and promotions and reviews of craft shows: http://www.sacnewsmonthly.com

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