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If you are a crafty person, have you ever considered making your hobby into a business? Perhaps you are not ready for a full-fledged crafting corporation to spring forth. But maybe you would like to transfer your creative skills into a side business that can bring in extra joy and money.
Find the Right Equipment
Depending on what type of crafts you enjoy making and the materials you like to work with, you have many options to choose from. There is an abundance of tools that range from high-tech to manual equipment and will work best for you based on your preferences.
As an example, those who like to add special details to their crafts will undoubtedly appreciate the amazing technology and capabilities behind a high-quality embroidery machine. With these machines, you can embellish, enhance, or monogram almost any fabric surface. Think monogrammed towels, special wedding napkins with cute designs or logos, baby blankets, bag straps, and stuffed animals. The list is seemingly endless with what you can do!
Choose the Best Marketplace
Finding a marketplace for your wares depends on what will work best for you. If you prefer meeting people in person, consider signing up for craft fairs, county and street fairs, and local fiber arts co-ops. These places will allow you to meet your customers in person and then the chance to learn more about you as the creator in a face-to-face capacity. These are valuable opportunities as you can gauge potential customers’ reactions to your products and modify them as you see fit.
Of course, online marketplaces are some of the best ways to reach virtually everyone at any time and in any location. You can set up a simple WordPress page or create your own Etsy shop. There are a multitude of other online options, as well. Regardless of which one you choose, always read the fine print to understand what fees you may need to pay the host and any other logistics so they do not surprise you later on.
Watch this creator’s video review of 10 online marketplaces to sell your crafts.
Show Your Appreciation
Whether customers purchase your crafty creations in person or online, you should always say thank you. Make eye contact naturally, and offer your sincere gratitude for their interest in your products.Â
If you open an online store, always include a personalized thank you note. This little act of appreciation will go a long way in making the customer feel good, and it lets them know that you are a real person. Invite them to visit your store again to see more amazing offerings.
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With these ideas in mind, take some time to research all of your options for selling venues and find the most functional equipment to get your side business started. One important thing to note about moving your hobby into a business, even a small one, is that you want to continue enjoying what you do. Protect your hobby and mental health by only taking on jobs you have time for and actually want to do. Have fun with your creativity, and continue to love what you do.
