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The only restriction to
crafts is your own imagination!
Beginning a craft business is relatively easy to most other business's and
what's more you can work the hours to suit; Most Craft workers have full
time jobs and fit their craft around their main job.
Anyone
can get into crafts! Our youngest member on this site is 14 - our oldest
is 94!
Step by step
1. The first step is to find a craft. If you already have a craft which
you do as a hobby or make things for friends and families then skip this
step. There are hundreds of different crafts out there, although I would
advise to refrain from card making and jewellery as the market is already
flooded. For ideas click here,
or visit our Gift Shop
for inspiration.
Ideally find a craft that you genuinely enjoy doing - you may find it hard
to sell your crafts if you loathe every minute of producing it! Everyone
has an artistic streak - think back to your school days - did you enjoy
painting? Or perhaps sculpting? There are also lots of college courses and
part time private courses advertised in local newspapers that you could
perhaps attend. Try your hand at several different crafts until you find
one that you enjoy. If you enjoy different crafts then even better - there
are no rules that say you have to stick to one craft! Over the years I
myself have had several different types of crafts for sale, even now that
I have an established business, I still try other things.
2. Now that you have chosen your craft - make it! Make lots and give them
to friends and family - get their honest opinion and feedback. If you are
making children's clothes or toys then give them to children and let them
run about and roll on the ground. If your craft can withstand what it is
designed for and more then your one more step forward. Craft Plans /
projects are available by clicking here.
3. If you are happy with your craft then now is the time to contact your
local 'Trading
Standards' via your local council. Do not be daunted by
this aspect as they are there to help and advise. You may find that your
craft does not need regulated, but there is no harm in finding out. Make
an appointment for them to examine your work, in some cases items may need
to be sent away for tests or to check if they are flammable, child
friendly etc. In most cases you will be given a simple check list to make
sure that your items are safe - this mainly applies to items that are for
children or electrical etc. Summary of regulations are available by clicking
here
4. When you have the all clear from Trading Standards then skip this step.
If you have had to change aspects due to recommendations from the trading
standards then go back to step 2 with your altered design.
5. Now that you have your craft, you must now collect all the paperwork
with regards to the making / designing of it. Work out how much it costs
to produce each item, include time taken to make and any other expenses.
If you are using paints / varnishes etc then it is advisable to write to
the manufacturers and ask them for a detailed list of their product. (This
is mainly to help for your insurance and for trading standards if they
know that the paints are toxic / flammable etc.). Label all your goods
with your contact details not just for repeat orders but incase there is a
fault or problem. You must also work out how much you are pricing your
items. Although you have the advantage of not having a shop's overheads
you still have fees for craft fairs, advertising etc. Ensure that you take
everything into account.
6. Once you have all your paperwork in place then it is advised at this
point to make an appointment with your bank for advice. It's free and
worth taking advantage of - ensure that they realise you are a small part
time craft business, banks are business's too so do not let them try to
sway you into opening accounts etc that will not benefit you.
7. Register your business
name. If you have a business name and are a sole
trader then technically you do not need to register it, unless it would
ultimately affect you if someone were to use the same name, then there
isn't really any point. You should however, get insurance, not just for
your workshop, home, premises but also for craft fairs (i.e. public
liability insurance). If you shop around you will find an
insurance
company that will give you a good package not just for your premises and
goods but also to cover you if someone should hurt themselves, either at
your craft stall or by your product.
8. Contact inland revenue - make an appointment with your local office and
they will discuss all your options and help you fill out forms, set up and
register everything properly. There are also small business centres
throughout that can offer free help and advice.
9. Now that you have set up you can now start selling! Of course there is
this web site where you can advertise and sell your products online, click
here for details, you can also join craft associations
and sell at craft
fairs, alternatively, sell direct to shop outlets. Trade
fairs are ideal for targeting the larger companies, however this is not
recommended until you have established yourself and are able to supply,
(i.e. you could get hit with an order of 10,000! Which sounds fantastic,
but if it is just you making the craft then obviously you would not be
able to supply.) Don't run before you can walk...
10. Enjoy your craft, if you get bored try a different craft. As with most
business's you will have quiet times and busy times. This is why most
crafters keep their full time job or work another part time job for
security. You could also set up other craft business's which would bring
in profits all year round i.e. garden furniture for summer, knitted
jumpers for winter and something mutual for all year round.
If you have any questions or queries then please get in touch and one of
our crafters will be happy to advise.
Good Luck
Business
Courses
Brigitte Read is a Marketing Director for a Distance Learning provider based in Scotland
- Start Learning: and we have a great course called “Starting Your Own
Business” It is full accredited and tutor supported course resulting in a level 3 qualification. It would be perfect for the crafter to get to grips with all elements of owning their own small business.
They have kindly offered all our visitors and members an exclusive 15% discount!
Just quote reference 'WAC' when contacting.
Telephone: +44 (0) 141 218 4424, Mobile: +44 (0) 7545 193 578
E-mail: brigitte.read@start-learning.co.uk
Web site: http://www.start-learning.co.uk/courses/project-management/starting-your-own-business-distance-learning-course/.
Support Artists and craft
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Kind Regards
Emma Brown
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