Necessity made me start my quilting business. My job was cut when the State of California downsized. I wasn't thrilled with the job anyway, but it paid the bills. So, with my kids grown and in college, I decided to look at the setback as an opportunity. I knew I loved quilting, so I explored starting a quilting business.

That was in 2004. It's been a whirlwind of learning and success ever since! If you have been thinking of starting a quilting business but are afraid that today's economy will not support it, think again. Think about your own economy rather than the country's.

If you could stand to have some extra money, start a quilting business to earn some. Remember, even in bad economic times, there are people who are virtually unaffected by the times. And, depending on the quilting business you choose, the economy might help your business.

For example, if you are a quilter who ha s lots of remnants or fabrics you just haven't used, why not sell those to other quilters? If you offer them at a discounted price, you create a win-win situation. You make money from your quilting business, and quilters save money by buying from you.

Statistics show that even though quilters prefer buying supplies from retail stores and quilt shows, the number of quilters buying supplies online has grown. In 2003, only 17 percent of quilters said they bought more than half their supplies online or through mail order. Just three years later, that percentage had jumped to 20 percent.

The 2006 survey shows statistics for quilters who bought more than half their supplies online. That survey doesn't even explore how many quilters bought less than half their supplies via the world wide web. I'm sure that number is much larger!!

There are many ways you could choose to start a quilting business - thanks to high speed internet. High speed internet allows users to download files more quickly and safely than dial-up connections. This means that if your quilting business involves selling quilting patterns online, your customers could buy the pattern and download it right away. No shipping and handling charges (or extra work for you) since the pattern won't have to be sent by postal carrier!

More quilters surveyed reported having high speed internet access. In 2006, 73 percent had high speed internet access. In 2003, only 62 percent reported high speed access..

Another good thing about starting a quilting business online is that your business will be truly global. Quilting is not just an American hobby. Quilting supplies and services offered through online quilting businesses reach much farther than the United State's slumping economy. Don't let a nation's economic woes create a slump for you or your quilting business!

Internet businesses are great for a quilting business because the owner can dodge the expenses associated with renting or leasing store space, an added utility bill, etc. When you work from home, you are already paying those house expenses. Plus, you won't feel the pressure to "sink or swim" that a retail storefront carries with it!

If you do decide that an internet quilting business is the way to go, keep track of your home expenses. If you dedicate a certain area of your home to your quilting business, chances are that you can deduct some of those come tax time.

Quilting Business: Start Your Own is a post from: Watthamai Crafts

Now we are turning the tables again, and the tote bag is here to stay. Even the grocery stores are offering them for sale. This is a great place to start for a craft business.

If your passion, is painting, sewing, quilting, appliqué, embroidery, or even stamping, then you can create the most gorgeous tote bags, for yourself, for unique one of a kind gifts, or to sell at craft shows or online. They are lightweight, and strong, and they really are an open canvas.

With all the latest and greatest craft supplies out there now, you can get printable fabric that you can put in your computer printer. You can print a photograph from your computer, right onto this fabric, which you could then appliqué to the tote, it is washable. This could be a great craft business idea. This works well with pet photos. Everyone loves their pets, and would love to show off their pets picture done up nice on a tote bag.

Make one for yourself and make sure to use it everyday, and you will get people asking about your tote. This is great free advertising.

Stamping also works well on blank totes. The ideas are endless, but make sure and take a picture of your original totes and keep in an album for potential customers to see. Tote bags are a great form of usable art, and pretty soon you will see your artwork on display everyday as tote bags. What a great feeling that would be.

If you love this idea, then why not get your tote bags in bulk?.. Some craft store sell them, but I find them to be most affordable online. You can purchase all different styles depending on what artwork you will put on it. Go ahead, and make some useable art and help keep the planet green.
blank tote bags online now

Tote Bags, Start a Craft Business, and Save the Planet One Bag at a Time is a post from: Watthamai Crafts

To go from hobbyist to professional will require a little adjustment in the beginning as you would have your workspace already setup and have been manufacturing already but on a smaller scale. As you increase your production you will also need to think out increasing your storage space.

You will need to consider where to set up your office so that you can take care of the running of the business. Try not to have your office and work room in the same room. The tasks are different and will require their own attention.

You're Confidence Level

An important part of building your business is your confidence, you need to have confidence in what you create. Believe that you can not only create the beautiful things that you do but also be able to sell them. You need to begin to change your mindset from being a person that creates a homemade product to a person that creates meticulous handcrafted products.

Handmade Products Are Sought-after

Handmade products provide customers with a quality item that is not mass produced; they are unique and can be personalized to suite an individual. Handcrafted products are normally sold at a premium as people are generally willing to pay for that unique and special item.

Do Your Research

What research do you have to do before you start your business? Here are some things you will need to look into to get an idea of how to set you your own craft business

- Make a list of the types of shops and galleries you would like to see your products sold in. Look at the type of customers that are in the shop and build yourself a customer profile.

- Attend your local markets, arts and craft shows and basically any events that would have a craft booth display set up. Take notes along the way for ideas. Talk to the exhibitors when they are not busy and tell them what you want to do, ask them about their experience both good and bad. They are the experts and generally will be willing to share their knowledge with you.

- Don't forget to take plenty of notes along the way so that you can review them later. Ideas will spring from your notes so write those down immediately as well. These notes will be the foundation of your business to come.

How To Start A Craft Business is a post from: Watthamai Crafts

If you have a passion for the arts and crafts, love to create, and have been making creations for your friends, family and co-workers, for just the price of materials, well then you are actually on the road to success!

Friends and family will always be your best advertisers!.. But if you want to make it an official business, then try an OPEN HOUSE... take all your creations, and set them up around your house (just the rooms you don't mind people in, such as the living room and kitchen or dining room..) take down all the trinkets.. (now is a good time to dust them anyways!) and put your arts and crafts all over these rooms, where they can be seen, and make sure you have a price tag on them.. this is not a freebie show, this is the kick off to your new arts and crafts business!.

Make sure to advertise in your local paper, get a friend or family member to help you (the promise of a creation usually works!).. set the hours, put up signs and balloons outside your door... and make sure there are refreshments.. make sure to invite the neighbours personally, as they are going to wonder what is happening at your place!.. Make sure to set hours, such as 11am to 5pm. and dress nice, add your smile and show off your stuff!

You can call this "your official startup day".. make sure you have lots of change, all your business cards, brochures, custom order sheets.. you need to have all of that done first. But now people know, this is a business. Your friends, family and co-workers, should still get "good deals" from you... as remember, they are most likely to spread the word about your business, by wearing, using or promoting your craft..

Have a great “Open House”

Getting your Arts and Crafts Business Started is a post from: Watthamai Crafts

- Buy your supplies in bulk. Wholesale prices for supplies are mostly 25% less than retail prices. You will be in a better bargaining position and get better discount. If you can hook-up with fellow craft and buy together, your purchasing power goes up and you may be eligible for even more discount.

- Use online services where you can. Many companies give you discount if use online account, rather than going to store. For example, FedEx gives 10% discount of you use an online account to create shipping label, instead of writing them out. Buying online also saves on gas and environment. Amazon often gives 10%+ discount on books plus free shipping if you order for more than $25.

- Bundle you phone, internet, and TV. Cable and phone companies offer better rates if you buy all three services from a single company. They will give you a fixed low price for a year. After the year is up, call them up. In almost all cases, they will renew the price for one more year.

- Buy unlimited use cell phones. If you travel a lot to craft shows or fairs, get a cell phone with unlimited or plenty of minutes. It is expensive to go over the amount of minutes you have contracted. Hotel phones are expensive. Avoid using it. Use your cell phone instead.

- Get a cash-back credit card for your craft business. Many credit cards offer 2-5% cash back on all purchases and balance transfers. You can either plowback this extra cash into your business or reward yourself. Choice is yours.

- Use a hybrid or a fuel efficient car if you go to a lot of craft shows or are on the road a lot. Carpool with fellow crafters who are going to the same craft shows as you are. You will not only save money but also get company for the ride.

- Ask your family members to help in small chores. This will help you get more done without any additional costs. If you spouse is good with number, let them help with record-keeping and/or managing inventory

- Open the business bank at the local credit union or a small bank. You will be able to get free checking and often free overdraft protection. Make sure that the bank is FDIC insured.

- Learn to shop around, especially for high-ticket items. Whether you are looking for tickets, hotels, supplies, etc. do not be sacred to shop around. Research prices online before you decide what to buy and where.

- Subscribe to trade and craft magazines that you are unable to get at the library. It is more expensive to buy one issue at a time from the newsstand. These magazines often have 5-15% off coupons for craft supplies. Use these coupons to get the discount on your supplies.

Remember small steps can save a lot of money and add quickly to your bottom line.

Saving Money in a Craft Business is a post from: Watthamai Crafts

1. Candle Making

2. Scrapbooking

3. Design an Sew Children's Clothing

4. Gift Basket Business

5. Soap Making

6. Quilter

7. Jewelery Making

8. Custom Painted Mugs

9. Wind Chimes

10. Wood Working

11. Pottery

12. Ribbon Crafts

13. Rubber Stamps

14. Porcelain

15. Clay Art

16. Gift Bags

17. Crochet and Knitting

18. Collages

19. Beading

20. Cross Sticthing and Embroidery

21. Create and Sell Craft Kits

22. Compiling Photo Albums

23. Making Custom Lamp Shades

24. Dried Floral Bouquets

25. Decorate Shopping Centers for a Festive Holiday

26. Make Custom Sew On Patches

27. Make Unique Christmas Ornaments

28. Make Candy Bouquets

29. Custom Picture Frames

30. Customizing Clocks

31. Stuffing Animals

32. Making Rugs

33. Card Making

34. Personalized Pillows

35. Doll Making

36. Glass Art

37. Making Miniature Furniture of Dollhouses

38. Creating Games

39. Making Decorative Air Fresheners

40. Weaving

41. Ceramics

42. Decorative Painting

43. Decoupage

44. Calligraphy

45. Bridal Crafts

46. Lace Making

47. Metal Crafts

48. Mosaics

49. Making Shadow Boxes

50. Decorating Eggs

51. Repairing Needlework Jobs for Others

52. Carving Jack-o-lanterns

53. Making Custom Key Chains

54. Creating Costumes

55. Monogramming

56. Making Jigsaw puzzles

57. Nautical Crafts

58. Leather Crafts

59. Gourd Art

60. Mosaics

61. Plastic Canvas

62. Repairing Old Books

63. Bronze Anything

64. Bath Salts

65. Custom Stationary

66.  Pet Accessory Grooming Bows

67.  Henna Tattoos

68.  Home Decorating

69.  Furniture

70.  Unique Flower Pots

70 Work Home Business Ideas: Crafts and Creations is a post from: Watthamai Crafts

Scrapbooking Teacher

Do you love teaching other scrapbookers the latest techniques and how to use the newest tools? You might be the one everyone asks for help at the Friday night crops you attend. Becoming a scrapbooking teacher might be the perfect career for you. Scrapbooking teachers need to have some talent in scrapbooking, but they must have the skills to explain and demonstrate how to scrapbook. To succeed as a scrapbooking teacher, you need excellent communication skills and the ability to talk in front of others confidently.

Check your local scrapbooking store for teaching positions. You can also become an independent scrapbook teacher as well. Adult continuing education classes are often looking for new ideas for classes to offer. Finally, you could open up your home to your friends and neighbors and offer a scrapbooking class. You can charge a fee for the class, or order the supplies for the project wholesale and profit from the retail price.

Scrapbooking Writer

Do you love to browse the internet for scrapbooking articles? Someone has to write those articles. If you have a way with words, writing articles on your hobby might be an excellent way to freelance your talent. The internet has a variety of ways to sell your writing. Website owners are always looking for new content, and you can even market your own ebook. Don't forget the print industry. Sell your scrapbooking writing to magazines and book publishers.

To get started, look to see what kind of scrapbooking information people are looking to read. What are they searching for online? Visit scrapbooking forums and find out what questions are asked the most often. These are problems that scrapbookers want to solve. Start writing articles or a book around these topics. Market the information to scrapbooking websites, ezine or newsletter publishers, or even online scrapbooking stores that may want to offer some information along with their products.

Scrapbooking Event Planner

Have you ever attended a scrapbooking expo or retreat? Someone has to coordinate these events. It takes not only knowing what scrapbookers want from these meetings, but also strong organizational skills to plan and schedule all the details.

You can develop a business as a scrapbooking event planner, or you can work for a company that plans these events or for a scrapbooking retreat. You could even start your own company planning retreats, getaway weekends, expos and vacations for scrapbookers. You can make money by charging for the events, as well as selling space to scrapbooking vendors to market supplies and products to the attendees.

Any of these ideas will turn your scrapbooking skills into a profitable business. As a scrapbooking writer, teacher or event planner, you become an expert in this field. Sharing your talent and experiences with other scrapbookers can be an enjoyable and exciting business model.

Scrapbooking Business: Become a Scrapbooking Expert is a post from: Watthamai Crafts

When starting out, create a mailer to be sent out to people in the community. This can consist of a flyer, short glossy magazine or news article. Whatever you feel is best. You can have them sent out as a free mailer, or you may want to go with an opt-in mailing. This is where your customers sign up for a free mailer about your item. This is the best way to avoid wasting paper and stamps. But you may ask, "How do I get the addresses?" There are several avenues you can take. 1) Anytime someone makes a purchase, ask if they would like to be added to the free mailer. If they're impressed with your crafts, more than likely you'll list will be pretty long, 2) when attending a local craft show, have a clip board with pen that people can sign up for. They may not buy something right then, but if they're interested in your craft, they will sign up. Collect Name, address, city, state and zip code. You can even make room for an email address. On average, a mailer should be sent out twice a year. If you do send too much information, too often, it may end up in the trash.

Placing flyers around your community is also a good networking tool. Check with local businesses to see if it's ok to post a flyer in the window. You might want to stick with businesses that sell craft supplies, clothing or anything that can be connected with your item. When creating your flyer, put lots of color to catch people's attention. You can input pictures on the flyers as well as an average price.

Contact your Chambers of Commerce. They help promote businesses by having meetings and items displays. This is a good way to introduce your self to the community. You can also find out what's happening in your community such as local craft show days and times.

Stop by your local consignment store or boutique. These are great ways to get your craft out there. Generally, they will receive a percentage of the sales. Of course, this will be discussed before hand. When approaching the business owner, dress professional. Bring a sample of your item in with a list of prices. Also expect to sell in large quantities and for a discounted price. Store owners generally don't pay full price for bulk items. Come prepared to give a price to the owner, but make sure you're making a profit from it as well. If the store owner isn't sold on your product, ask if it would be ok to leave business card or flyers behind with a sample of your work. If potential buyers take an interest and ask about the craft enough times, the owner may see the want for it and will be contacting you.

If you're not one to get out there and start marketing your item, you can even hire a sales representative. They generally collect a percentage of what they sell. They can do it the old fashion way and walk door to door telling people of your product or they can visit local businesses and display your product. Make sure they are educated on your item. People make ask questions to the sales representative and you don't want them to reply with a blank stare.

Try your local church. Churches have many functions throughout the year. Some even hold small craft shows for the community. Word of mouth is also a great way to network in your church. Churches are small communities that once the word is out, it travels fast.

If you're selling an item that is wearable, wear it! Things like hair bows should be displayed in your daughter's hair. If they're unique, people will begin asking about them. If your selling handmade clothes, try making a holiday pattern and wear them before the season starts and see how many people want to know where you got it.

Whatever route you take, get out there. Even avenues you wouldn't think to explore, try it. You never know, you might just make a sale.

How to Network In the Community to Broaden Your Craft Business is a post from: Watthamai Crafts

Almost everyone has a beloved quilt in their home, one made by a dear family member. Those quilts are often passed down through several generations. They eventually start to show wear and can be used for nothing more than display.

There are people who would actually love to use those quilts, but know that normal everyday use would destroy them. Those people would pay to have someone reproduce a likeness of that quilt.

If you decide to make reproduction quilts as your quilting business, you will need to know your customer's wants very clearly. Maybe your customer would like the quilt to use the same color scheme but to be sewn with new fabrics. But what if they want exactly the same fabrics?

There are fabrics being manufactured today that are reproductions dating as far back as the 1800s. Those fabrics can be costly, though, so make sure you pass that expense along to the customer.

Another option does exist, but there are several "ifs" involved: "if" the fabric is still in good condition; "if" the customer understands the new quilt will look as worn as the old one but will be much more stable; "if" you have digital direct to garment printing available in your area, you can create the same quilt for much less than the reproduction fabrics.

Digital direct to garment printing is a process that apparel decorators use. It is NOT screen printing. It is NOT sublimation printing. It is NOT a transfer. Do not try to reproduce a quilt using any of those methods. Any of those methods will fade and wear quickly over time and will not feel natural.

Digital printers lay fabric on top of the printer platen and print onto the fabric as we would print paper from a printer at home. The inks are water based,actually penetrating the fabric fibers to become part of the fabric. A heat press is used to dry the water out of the ink, leaving only a soft natural looking fabric!

To create a reproduction quilt, you or your digital printer would scan in the fabrics and create your very own "yardage." The print area is generally around 14x16 inches, so your fabrics would be printed in segments that size. If your customer doesn't mind and if you think the fabric quality is good enough, you could actually scan in the entire quilt block and print it. You'd still have to piece the blocks to each other and quilt them.

To find a digital garment printer in your area, start by calling the t-shirt printers listed in your phone directory. Ask if they provide water based digital direct to garment printing. When you find someone who says yes, pay them a visit. Ask to see samples. You will not be able to feel any ink on the products at all. You also will not be able to see a line around it like transfers tend to leave.

If you choose to reproduce quilts as your quilting business, you will have truly selected a niche market. You can reproduce quilts that customers bring to you, or you can reproduce quilts that you love to resell at craft shows or in your own online store.

If you choose to reproduce quilts to resell at shows, be sure to attach a small tag or note that tells a little about the quilt's history and a photo of its inspiration if possible. Sometimes knowing a little about the quilt's past is the difference between making a sale or not!

Start a Quilting Business: Make Reproduction Quilts is a post from: Watthamai Crafts

Scrapbooking business is catching up with children, adults, women and even senior citizens worldwide. As there are many opportunities available for a person to make money out of it, in fact it is not just a hobby now but has turned into full fledged business. One can do many things with scrapbooking, such as weddings, pregnancy, military, sports, high school years, retirement, graduations, careers, elementary school years, engagements, vacations and parties. The scrapbooking business is now a thriving industry that stocks scrapbooking supplies which were once difficult to find. The scrapbooking business is considered as the meat and potatoes of the scrapbooking hobby by many enthusiasts. The scrapbooking business is a place where one can even attend scrapbooking classes and discover the best crops. Supplies can be ordered from a home-based retailer or on the Internet in the scrapbooking business. Several within the scrapbooking business sell scrapbooking products via a multi-level direct sales company, while others are part of an independent scrapbooking business group.

In fact, as a testament to how big scrapbooking business is, there are numerous shows and magazines that have cropped up on the subject. One can also find annual fairs and conventions taking place on scrapbooking. On the Internet, there are websites, webzines and web rings that are devoted to scrapbooking only. The scrapbooking business offers tips and scrapbooking ideas. Before the success of the scrapbooking business, scrapbooking was solely a hobby. The humble beginnings of the scrapbooking business began in 1976 when Marielen Christensen— of Keeping Memories Alive—started designing creative scrapbook pages for her own family’s photograph memories. She introduced inserting memory scrapbooking pages in sheet protectors and inside 3-ring binders. Now days, one finds cutting, sticking, and designing like a nightmare, if one is not really much into the practice. You might even find the prospect of putting together one page of artistic work too much for you to handle.

In fact, with the change of time scrapbooking products have become sophisticated and easy to handle. They are all designed to make scrapbooking as simple as possible. Maybe you feel like you don’t have the talent to put together one page even if your life depended on it. Maybe you just don’t have the time to create a layout that will look nice with the photo or photos you want to use. Why worry about it when you can buy prepared scrapbook pages that already have layouts and designs. You just need to add the finishing touches like the photo and some accessories if you feel like it.

Time to Cherish Memories With Scrapbooking Business is a post from: Watthamai Crafts

Pricing, as you might have experienced, is something many people struggle with. If you've already created your product, you'll know what I mean. When I first had to price my products, I checked out some marketing textbooks. They were unfortunately of little use to me, other than telling me there were different ways of pricing the products.

What are the 2 challenges of pricing?

1) Pricing at a level that attracts the buyers

2) Pricing at a level that maximizes profits while remaining attractive to the buyers

In certain businesses, the cost-plus method of pricing works very well, meaning you calculate your cost and add a certain percentage of profits. However, in the crafts business, this method, while being able to give you reasonable income, may not always be the best.

For example, the Harrod's bear and Paddington's bear don't cost much more to produce than a nameless toy bear, but they sell for so much more. If you were to simply apply the cost-plus method, can you imagine how much you'd have lost?

The difference here is the perceived value of the item. If you can make something look expensive or create something that people want, you can and should charge much higher than the cost. In pricing, you will have to look at your packaging and promotion so don't be pressured to price low simply because your material costs were low. However, if what you have is not unique then it may not be wise to put a high price tag on your product. Your customers may be willing to pay the price at the point of purchase but if they see a similar product selling much cheaper elsewhere, you may lose your credibility and the potential of repeat purchases from them.

If your craft item is not entirely new or you're just making a popular item to sell, it's easy to check the market price by visiting a few stores or checking the internet. An original product is trickier because it might involve some testing before you get the right price. Start by asking a few friends, especially those who share your interest in crafts. A better way would be to make a prototype and then take it to your friends and the gift and/or crafts stores and ask them how much they would be willing to pay for it or how much it can sell for. You should be able to get a pretty good idea.

Whether you want to use the cost-plus method or price at the market price, you'll need to have a very good idea of your cost. Failure to do so may result in you losing money instead of profiting from your crafts.

Here's a simple checklist to help you work out your cost.

1) Material cost

Make sure you list down everything, even things you are able to get for free now because you may have to pay for them later and that will affect your pricing. Furthermore, even free things need time and time is money.

2) Labour cost

If you're making them yourself, you need to ask yourself how much you're worth per hour then work from there. Suppose you make ten of an item in an hour and you want to pay yourself $20 per hour. The labour cost of each item would be $2.

Remember to include packaging time and even the time you need to travel to the post office.

3) Marketing cost

Depending on the sales channels you're using, the cost here will vary. If you're selling on the internet, you'll need to factor in your webhosting, domain name, design fees etc. If you're selling via catalogs or mail-orders, you must factor in your printing and shipping cost as well.

Also, if your product requires you to explain or clarify things on the phone, remember you need to factor in your phone bills and more importantly, the time you'll need to spend on the phone.

4) Your Profit

This is an area which many freelancers or work-from-home business people miss. It's alright to just earn your income based on your per hour worth but that would be a bad way of running a business. We need to remember we're running a business here and we need to treat a business as a business. This profit amount will make up for lower sales volume, increase cashflow for purchase of more materials and also fund your expansion. If we don't factor this in, we'll forever be stuck with the same pay. Even employees get raises right?

After you have included your material and labour cost, you should mark up another 20% to 30% or more as your profit margin. However, this only represents the minimum amount that you'll accept for your product. The next part will help you determine the cost you'll sell to different parties.

5) Distribution Channel Markup

For most product-based businesses, a product typically flows through the distribution channel in this fashion.

Manufacturer -> Distributor/Wholesaler -> Retailer

In between them, there may also be agents and if the products are sold to different states or different countries, there may be other local agents/distributors and the chain will get longer and longer.

What this means for you as you're pricing your product is you will need to ensure that you keep the retail price competitive and that the various parties get their fair share of profits at the same time.

Typically wholesalers will accept a lower markup than retailers because they work with higher volumes and because they need to ensure that the retailers have enough to earn. If you're just starting out, you can be your own distributor and go directly to the retailers. This allows you to earn more or give a greater markup to your retailers but because you or your staff will need to go to the stores, it will require greater effort on your part.

Retailers will as for a minimum of 20% to 30% markup for most products, depending on the products. I may be spoiler here but many products are marked up hundreds or thousands of percent. In my own store, I only retail products that I have at least 30% to 40% (usually more for craft products) unless the product is so popular that I can sell a lot more to justify the lower markup. With a healthy margin, I have some room to do promotions or clearance sales so even if the product doesn't do too well initially, I can do something about it without losing money.

It is very important to keep yourself focussed on your core competency and earn from that. Some people get greedy and try to do everything themselves and earn from every stage of the distribution channel. It may sound attractive but don't forget that to do everything, you will need to do a lot more work and you only have 24 hours a day.

To become a wholesaler requires a lot of running around from store to store. Retailing requires significant capital to startup. If you spend time on these, you will not have time to create your products. We all work with limited time so you will need to choose your business focus wisely. Ultimately, if you learn the power of leveraging then you will be able to create a company that controls the whole process. However, our focus here is about starting a home-based crafts business so that is out of the consideration for now.

The whole idea is to do very well in what you focus on and let the experts in the other areas help you succeed in the other areas. If you find that you are good in product distribution or retailing instead of craft-making, you might want to focus on those areas and source your products from others.

If we are able to implement the win-win thinking in our business, we should be able to at least do ok. At the end of the day, business is about making money. If your suppliers or distributors or retailers can earn well from your products because they move fast and they have high markup, you can rest assured they will put in that extra effort to promote your products. Some people try to save a few percent here and there and cut down on others' profits. While this might sound logical and prudent, it might work against you in the long-run because your distributors and retailers will gravitate towards whatever is making them the most money. If you are in doubt, err in favour of the distributors/retailers without compromising your minimum amount (see part 3 of this checklist) and you won't go wrong.

5) Check against the market

Lastly, you should always check your pricing against the market instead of just plucking a figure from the air. If it's an existing product, check your price against your competitors to see if your price is competitive. You don't have to be lower. In fact, try not to be lower because low price often indicates low quality as well. Don't compete on price. Compete on quality instead. You just have to ensure you're not so way off the market price that people would not even consider buying. Once you've gone through this thought process, I'm sure you'll be able to come up with a good price.

With the internet, it has become much easier to do price research. Just go to Ebay, Yahoo, Amazon, Froogle and other price-comparison sites and you will be able to get a good feel of the prices around. However, if you are going to sell in retail stores, do go and take a walk to check the prices because there can be a significant gap between the prices at brick-and-mortar retail stores and internet stores.

The last thing to note for pricing is that price is dynamic. The market is changing all the time and so does the price, especially for trend items. Evergreen items can afford to be priced the same for long periods of time because of a slower but steady demand. Trend items because of the demand can often start out with a very high price but as demand dwindles the prices will go down as well.

Craft Business Basics 3 – Price is a post from: Watthamai Crafts

However, there is a huge difference between creating beautiful gift’s for friends and family and profiting from your own successful craft business.

First of all the key word here is: business. If you want to start, operate and run your craft company as full time home employment, then there are several factors that you should take into account.

The secret to earning good money from the craft industry is to set up multiple streams of income. The old days of making up plenty of items for your local craft fair and hoping you will sell most of them, have gone. The craft shows now are a wonderful opportunity for you to show visitors your merchandise, take orders, discover what are the current trends and most importantly find out what your competitors are up to.

Because of the expense involved today in making up stock in advance of possible sales, it is a good idea to photograph every item you make and keep a good portfolio of your work.

Obviously craft fair’s are not going to supply a good enough income, so now it is advisable for you to enter the computer world. Putting your craft business online is one way you can start to create a decent income by diversifying.

Introduce yourself to the craft world by advertising your work. Put up for sale a few ready made inexpensive items. Here is where you can reproduce those photographs of previously sold work. Offer discounts to existing customers who could supply you with testimonials, hopefully orders will come in for future work. Keep a very tight eye on your schedule, never be late on a delivery date.

Apart from working out how long it takes to create an item, give a thought to allowing extra time for the administration work that your new business will demand. Unfortunately you will have to master the basics of marketing, selling, bookkeeping and website management. Maybe you have a family member who could help you with this side of the business.

Once you have a website up and running here is where you can start to earn some extra money. Open up a small gift shop, although online give it the feel of an old-fashioned store. Offer patterns, fabrics, notions, books, particularly the new popular eBooks. Join with some other craft business companies and become an affiliate for them.

Depending on how large you wish to make your craft business you can take the supply as far as you wish to go. Add card-making, candles, clay, decoupage, jewellery, beads, art supplies, the list is endless.

Starting a home based craft business really is one of those rare opportunities where you can just run a small made to order company, or let it grow into as large an enterprise as you can handle.

How to Start a Craft Business From Home is a post from: Watthamai Crafts

Chances are that you have several old quilts in your house. You never use them because they are old and lumpy. Don't discard them! There is still a lot of charm in those old quilts!

Try recycling those quilts into other items. The older the quilt, the more money you can charge for the item!

Do you like to sew purses? It's been a hot trend over the past few years. Add something new by making the purse from old quilts. Add additional embellishments like beads or sequins for a truly unique look.

Old quilts can be used to decorate photo frames. The look would be very unique and totally marketable to anyone who loves quilts or quilting.

Old quilts can also be used to decorate scrap book and photo album covers. If you are custom making these covers, you can even personalize them with embroidery (machine or hand) before completing construction of your project.

If you like to make dolls, consider using old quilts in your sewing. Make a stunning coat from an old quilt for an old world Santa.

Speaking of Santa, you could make custom Christmas ornaments from old quilts. Use the old quilts to make balls to hang on your tree. Stuff them for added fullness and add buttons or tassels to the top or bottom to completely dress up the old quilt.

Stockings would be another great item to construct from old quilts. Personalize them with machine or hand embroidery, fabric paint, or hot fix rhinestones and sequins for a really unique look.

If you have mroe ideas than old quilts, you can find some more. Start shopping at thrift stores and yard sales to find old quilts. Ask friends and family members if they have any old quilts they'd like to get rid of. One small stain on a quilt may be enough to take it out of circulation, but won't be a problem to work around as you make various crafts from it!

As you search for old quilts, look for fabrics that are not too worn. Even though the person who buys the purse or decorations that you make may never wash them, you will want to wash them before you use them in your crafts.

Don't use scented laundry items when washing the old quilts you will use in your crafts. Use only unscented and dye free detergents when you wash your old quilts. When producing items for sale, it is best to stick with hypoallergenic products for washing!

If you are working your quilt recycling business from home, keep in mind that your customers may want items produced in a smoke-free, pet-free environment. That's something you may choose to note on your products, too.

The crafter who recycles quilts has many options for selling his or her products. You may sell them through ads in magazines or online newsletters, through your own online store or auction, and even at craft shows and sales.

Depending on the products you actually create, you might be able to sell those in retail locations. Arrange to sell your items either wholesale or on consignment. In a wholesale arrangement, the store owner would buy items from you, then mark them up to make a profit. With a consignment arrangement, you would leave products at the store and only be paid when they actually sold. Either way can work to your advantage!

Quilitng Business Idea: Recycle Old Quilts is a post from: Watthamai Crafts

There are many different kinds of at home craft businesses, all of which can be very successful for the owner. Many artists have made their favorite craft into a business for themselves, crafts such as woodworking; flower pressing, soap making, candle making, crocheting, and beading all have turned profits.

If you are a man, don't automatically assume that you couldn't have a successful at home craft business. It is often thought that crafting is something that only women are good at, but that simply is not true. All you have to do in order to have a successful at home craft business is to focus on your talent, use it to create beautiful items, and then enjoy gaining the profits from the sale of those items.

Woodworking is often thought of as an old-fashioned craft, but the reality is, that very few people can turn down a beautiful, handmade wooden piece. From furniture to handmade wooden toys, you shouldn't have to worry about people not wanting your crafts, as they are all very popular, especially of late.

You should be familiar with all of the ins and outs of woodworking, and it should be something that you really enjoy doing. If this description fits you, then you would likely be very happy with your own woodworking business. You should be able to earn a living with it as well!

If you like the art of flower pressing, and consider yourself to be good at it, then you could probably make a good profit by turning it into a home based business. Pressed flowers are used for many purposes, including gifts for special occasions, weddings, and home decor.

The art of flower pressing is pretty simple and quick to learn, and you don't have to be a famous artist or even have a lot of creativity in order to be good at it. You can do something that is pretty easy, and still make a nice chunk of change doing it.

One home craft business that is sure to give you plenty of profits and enjoyment is a soap making business. People are gaining more and more interest in all natural products, so if you make special soaps that contain only all natural ingredients, you are filling a need that not many people in business recognize or cater to.

There are many resources that can teach you the basics of soap making; you can find them on the internet, or in your local library. Your local craft store may also have a soap making kit to help get you started.

Many people have become successful with their own at home candle making business. It is a very popular craft, so expect a lot of competition. But, the good news is, candles serve many purposes, one of which is great gifts for all occasions, so you shouldn't have any problems with not having customers.

Candles can be scented, and used for relaxation purposes, as well as beautiful home accent pieces as well. Any size, shape, or color that you think of can be made into candle form, so let your imagination run wild.

As of late, beading has been regaining in popularity, and now is one of the most successful types of at home craft businesses that you can have. If beading is your thing, chances are you can turn out many lovely, high-quality pieces each day.

Now all you have to do is sell them for a decent profit, and you are in business. You probably even have pieces that you have done just lying around, that could be sold for a tidy profit as well. To be successful with a beading at home craft business, it has to be more than just your hobby; you have to be skilled enough to make your work unique.

People who buy crafts are looking for something that is different, something that no one else has, so making your work stand out above all others in quality and design is the key to you having a successful business.

Work At Home Craft Business is a post from: Watthamai Crafts

Now obviously most of us think that you don't need to develope a business plan for your new craft business. But, a business plan will help you work out the financial aspects of your business before you've invested any time or money on a losing proposition. And lets face it, general business books don't go into enough detail about the specifics of starting, running, and marketing a successful craft business. At the end of the day without customers, your craft business will never take off and quickly die. Having said that I would like to talk about a guide called "How to Start Your Own Craft Business." The information given in this Home craft guide will not only provide information on how you can run your own successful crafts business with advertising and promotional techniques as well as how to control your finances but will also provide you with a large database of how to make a variety of about 250+ crafts. Whatever it is that you are interested in making, the chances are that this guide will have it. So if you would like to find out more information on this guide please visit my homepage below.

How to Start your Own Crafts Business is a post from: Watthamai Crafts