It is not uncommon to turn a hobby into a business. If you have ever
considered wooden crafts for sale or turning the love of crafts into a part-time or full-time business, then you need to consider the following when starting a crafts business.
It is not uncommon to turn a hobby into a business, including handmade. If you have ever considered selling handicrafts or turning your love of handicrafts into a part-time or full-time business, then you need to consider the following when starting a handicraft business.
Research market demand
If you want to start a handicraft business, make sure there is a demand. Are people excited about your handicrafts as gifts? Has anyone offered to buy your work?
These are two ways to study the handicraft industry. Participate in craft shows. Or browse the craft market website. See what your niche market already has. See if your product fits the existing product category (may have demand), but there are not a large number of sellers selling very similar products (too much competition for the same product).
Differentiate your product line
Stand out from the competition. For example, there may already be a lot of handmade children's clothing. However, you can use sustainable fabrics to make children's clothing to further "lower the position." Then you will specifically target that segment. The ways to differentiate include materials, workmanship quality and unique design.
Know your customers
Identify your ideal customers. In the example above, using sustainable children's clothing, the ideal customer is an environmentally conscious parent. If you turn the wooden pen with your hand, you may target those looking for small gifts and image-conscious professionals. Identifying ideal customers will guide you on how to display products, create attractive product descriptions, determine which craft exhibitions to attend, and more.
Choose a name with strong brand potential
Choose a company name that attracts buyers and communicates what you sell. Don't be too obscure. Choose products with meaning and strong brand potential-something attractive is good. Be sure to check the availability of the name. A lawyer can guide you through the legal process to protect your company name.
Keep your online assets
Even if you plan to sell goods in person or in a large market, it is recommended that you use a website. At least, a website adds credibility and a way to contact your business. It can also be used as an auxiliary sales channel. Register a domain name to match your brand name. Then set up a profile with your company name on social media sites popular with your target audience (such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram).
Source quality material
Making products is different from handmade. You need reliable sources of materials-many of them. You can choose to go to a handicraft retail store first until you can prove that bulk purchases are worth the money. Know your material costs internally and externally, so you can make a profit.
Develop sales strategy
Find out the sales method that suits you. If the idea of spending three days at a handicraft fair sounds like a punishment rather than a joy, then consider other options, such as selling goods on an online market. You can also set up your own e-commerce website.
Practice product photography
Due to the importance of social media and e-commerce, excellent photography is now essential for many handicraft companies. First, you might take a picture yourself. Use the best camera possible and place a clean background against a bright background. You can also outsource photography to professionals.
Arrange transportation
If any part of your business includes online sales, consider shipping. Timely and reliable transportation plays a huge role in obtaining good customer reviews. So whether you use USPS, UPS or FedEx, you can compare prices and find a transportation provider. Then invest in high-quality packaging materials to avoid damage.
Share your story
Consumers shop with independent artisans because they want unique products that are not found elsewhere. However, by sharing your personal story, you can provide more "uniqueness." How did you get into the process? Is your child or family involved? Do you support any profit reasons? Share this content on your website, social media, and elsewhere to create an emotional appeal to build a loyal community.