Country Crafts featuring
Country Cuts by Fresca

So, You Want to Be
a Professional Crafter

Ask yourself:
  1. What do I love to do?
    (painting, sewing, gardening etc)
    If you do what you love...you'll love what you do. Corny but true.
  2. What niche can I fill?
    Research the craft malls, shows, magazines and library. Talk to people and listen.
    Is there anything missing?
    Is there something you can do better?
    Something you can reinvent?
    Something no one else thought of?
    Can I personalize these items?
    Would "special orders" be more appropriate?
  3. Start crafting
    Set specific and realistic goals. Reevaluate these goals as needed.
  4. Do the red tape stuff
    Get a state business license. The requirements will be different from state to state. Resale certificates will allow you to buy wholesale supplies. Open a separate business checking account. I have an accordion folder with 12 separate compartments for each month. File every receipt and canceled check for taxes. Business Cards are the best tool for advertising- whether they're professionally done or printed from your PC. Keep detailed records- both to formulate prices and for tax purposes.
  5. Where do I want to sell?
    Craft malls?
    Consignment shops?
    Home parties?
    Galleries?
    Shows?
    Wholesale?
    Publish?
    Internet?
    If you choose the shops, galleries, or malls gather up your best sample inventory and approach the craft malls or consignment shops. They will want to evaluate your wares. If you choose shows I recommend Sunshine Artist publication for the best show listings. If you'd like to publish your designs I recommend getting a list of publication guidelines from the magazines that would best showcase your work. If you choose the Internet to sell your wares I recommend that you learn HTML and do it yourself for total control and flexibility.
  6. Evaluate responses.
    What sells?
    What colors are the trend?
  7. Re evaluate
    This is an ongoing process. Describe your buyer and market to them.
I think this ought to get you started. Don't let it scare you away but this is only the tip of the iceberg.

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