The Pros and Cons of Starting a Handmade Crafts Business
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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.
Recommended Resources
- 10 Steps to Starting a Crafts Business
- How to Develop Craft-Making Skills
- Etsy.com
- Handmade in America
- American Craft Council