Small Business

The Pros and Cons of Starting a Handmade Crafts Business

handmade crafts
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Alyssa Gregory is former writer for The Balance Small Business covering small business management.
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Alyssa Gregory
Updated May 30, 2019

I have always enjoyed making crafts, paper crafts specifically. I've made handmade cards and boxes, folded origami, stamped, scrap-booked and anything that involves paper and intricate details.

But a handmade crafts business isn't limited to paper crafts; you could quilt, knit, crochet, work with glass, sew, make pottery, basket weave, or any other kind of craft that is marketable and salable.

The Pros of Starting a Handmade Crafts Business

There are a lot of benefits that come with starting a handmade crafts business, including:

  • A handmade crafts business focuses on a hobby you are already very passionate about.
  • You can work from home, anytime that it's convenient for you.
  • There are a number of options for selling your crafts online.
  • You can develop a local following by selling your crafts at local craft shows.
  • You can easily change and add to your product line.
  • You can develop a loyal and repeat customer base.

The Cons of Starting a Handmade Crafts Business

Some of the potential challenges of a handmade crafts business include:

  • It can be challenging to find the perfect niche market and target audience.
  • You have overhead expenses that come with selling a physical product -- packaging, inventory storage, etc.
  • You may be required to charge sales tax.
  • Your products have to be of exceptional quality.
  • It can take a lot of time to create your craft and fulfill orders.
  • You may get tired of making the same craft over and over again.

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