The Pros and Cons of Starting a Handmade Crafts Business

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.

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.

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.

• 10 Steps to Starting a Crafts Business
• How to Develop Craft-Making Skills
• Etsy.com
• Handmade in America
• American Craft Council