Does anyone make a living with their crafts???
By Tamarama34
@Tamarama34 (240)
Canada
April 12, 2009 12:02pm CST
I am still working at Canada Post during the day and some weekends are spent
working as a mystery shopper, but my passion is my home based business where I
create handsewn dolls and macrame jewellery.
I import goods from Equador currently as well and am always scouting new and old
crafters alike who want to make money with their crafts.
Now, I know it will never make me or anyone rich, but its the pride I feel when
someone looks at an item and says "Haow Cute" or "OMG!!! I HAVE to have that!!!"
I also like to help others out too.
I find a crafter and ask them to make me a set amount of a set product.
Then, I pay the shipping for them to send it to me.
I sell the product for the price determined before shipping and then I take 30% and
they get a cheque on the 1st and the 15th for the rest of the sales.
So an example would be...
Sue sends me 10 crochet doilies at $5.00 each. (Total price $50.00)
Carla buys 2, Debbie buys 3, Sharon buys 1 and Vincent buys 4.
I take 30% from the price of the doilies. (I made $15.00)
Sue receives a cheque in the mail on the 1st of the month for $35.00.
Sue also receives an order for more doilies (dependant on supply and demand) and an
invoice to let her know the sales statistics.
So, I was just wondering if anyone else has either a homebased or storefront
business that deals with their own craftworks?
3 responses
@oscarbartoni (2581)
• United States
24 Apr 09
In other words you run a consignment shop of sorts. I have some of my crafts (one of a kind) in a few stores that are selling them on consignment but mostly I sell at pow wows and from running into people (I carry a lot of my crafts with me in my car at all times (you never know when you will be able to make a sell).I have lined up pow wows for most of the weekends through October to go to as a vendor).
1 person likes this
@Tamarama34 (240)
• Canada
25 Apr 09
Sort of, but from the comfort of my own home and on the net.
I too bring business cards with me everywhere because as you said, you never know
where you'll make a sale (or a customer)
My first customers are right from my own Canada Post office.
I lay the goods out on our lunch room table and then ask people individually to
come see what I brought in.
I usually make at least one sale, sometimes more.
Sometimes I just get a custom order, but generally at least one sale.
I just recently had some handmade earrings from Equador come in and when I brought
them to the office, everyone loved them and 3 pairs were sold right away.
I've also seen me waiting on my ride to work and if the bench is free, people will
come over and see what I am working on (usually dolls).
I'll give them my card and tell them to visit my website and see the finished
products.
@busyB4 (874)
• United States
13 Apr 09
I have done a homebased business before for 8 years and for 8 stores. It keep me more than fulltime working. I have done wholesale and also some consignment sales.
If you have friends that are willing to have you take care of the sales for them that is good and about the amount of consignment that most charge.
How do you sell the products, have a home party plan, or a store you set things up in, or sell items online.
1 person likes this
@flyinglove (167)
• United States
13 Apr 09
i've never managed to make any money from my spinning, knitting, or crocheting. i've tried selling on-line, in person, at craft fairs, flea markets, etc.
if you are looking for more suppliers for your venture, please let me know!
shel
