I am a fitness instructor, I coordinate a club. I am also a very busy softball Mom and wife. I need to be home early and late, and at my club various times through-out the day (on call), but I also need to make money. I have many talents, I have many ideas, I am very intimadated with the whole approach thing. "Here's my stuff, wanna buy it?" I just don't know how to get started. I've been putting this off for years. I know I am wasting my talent. Any advice?
2006-06-18 06:35:47 · 8 answers · asked by MarieM 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Drawing & Illustration
The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.
I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.
Associations may be a good avenue to explore as well. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.
Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:
* Start Your Own Crafts Business (Entrepreneur Magazine's Start-Up ; Guide #1304) by Entrepreneur Press
* How to Start a Home-Based Craft Business, 4th by Kenn Oberrecht
* The Basic Guide to Selling Crafts on the Internet by James Dillehay
* The Crafts Business Answer Book & Resource Guide: Answers to Hundreds of Troublesome Questions About Starting, Marketing, and Managing a Homebased Business Efficiently, Legally, and Profitably by Barbara Brabec
There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.
Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
2006-06-22 09:38:54 · answer #1 · answered by TM Express™ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi,
A couple of ways may work. You can even use both at the same time: Include in your supplies a good Digital Camera to download clear colorful examples of your product(s). 1) You can get your own inexpensive Website from a site like (west1 or westy1.com. West also does excellent web design if you wish.
Include Product Info e.g., dimensions, price and shipping costs, range of days for shipping, color(s) available, and (briefly), any special details.
2) Put the photos on ebay.com.
2006-06-18 07:09:47 · answer #2 · answered by curious2 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Marie,
The number one thing most ineffective dreamers fail to do is take ACTION!
You can sit all day long and dream about how you would like to sell so many of your fine arts and crafts here and there OR you can begin NOW to take steps to creating your online store, drafting marketing copy, setting up your online catalog and contacting friends, family and clients to let them know you've created your very own store online. Don't forget to create an enewletter as well and ask people to sign up.
A brand helps to. Have you ever thought of what you would call your unique brand of gifts? Think about it and get to work.
Stop dreaming and start taking ACTION today!
By sitting there typing you are guarenteed one thing, FAILURE! You need to start making your dream a reality.
It's a lot easier then you think to start selling online.
Good luck. Let me know if you have specific questions. I can help. kenneth_knapp @ yahoo .com.
2006-06-18 06:44:44 · answer #3 · answered by KennyJitFu 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would also suggest ebay. It is also cheap to start a webpage with yahoo. You could even look for a free web host. Word of mouth is also very important. Get your items out and seen by the public, have cards made, and don't be afraid to have friends and family recommend you. You could also check with local shops and see if they would take some of your things on consignment.
2006-06-18 06:41:07 · answer #4 · answered by Katherine M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
about.com has lots of information on starting a home business and running it
2006-06-18 06:39:09 · answer #5 · answered by nastaany1 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not a waste of time
a free classified site is http://www.swclassified.com
list your stuff there and tell everyone you know where to look at your classified ad's
2006-06-18 06:40:52 · answer #6 · answered by Pobept 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you thought of E-Bay? I do pretty well there and I can choose my own time.
2006-06-18 06:41:08 · answer #7 · answered by dragonsarefree2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
start with ebay... or craigslist.
2006-06-18 06:38:44 · answer #8 · answered by shooda487 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋