What is the best way to start a small business?

Question

I have a home decor business I want to start but I don’t know how.
Everything is hand made by myself and I don’t have any help just yet. I’m afraid I’ll run out of products before I have a chance to really get started. I’ve thought of eBay but it seems so cheesy but a web site is definitely considered. Any Ideas has anyone done this before??

Answer 1

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. I wasn't too sure if you were more on the arts/crafts end or the interior design end, so I'm listing both to be safe. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

Arts/Crafts:
* 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

Decor:
* Start Your Own Interior Design Business and Keep It Growing!: Your Guide to Business Success : Touch of Design by Linda M. Ramsay
* FabJob Guide to Become an Interior Decorator (FabJob Guides) by Tag Goulet, Catherine Goulet
* The Interior Design Business Handbook: A Complete Guide to Profitability by Mary V. Knackstedt

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!

Answer 2

I have had several small businesses , if it is an art/craft form then do the art shows. There are high end shows and then the regular week end kind of thing. I also sell on eBay and I never feel that it is cheesy. It gives you a great idea what will sell and what someone is willing to pay. It is the best experience you can start with. Web sites are everywhere, mostly they are to please yourself, to see your name in lights so to speak. Few of them have "regular" visitors or buyers.

Answer 3

Compared to offline businesses, the investment required to start an online business is minimal. A popular way of earning money on the internet is by providing information and services. This can be monetised by advertising or charging a subscription. You can also make money online by selling products on auction websites like eBay or through your own website. More information available at http://tinyurl.com/syw6m

Answer 4

sell what you can. your best advertisement is going to be word of mouth. if you can afford to sell things at a lower price right now. that would help you move more product. and in turn it will generate more sales. keep in mind that you have to continue to to put the money back into your business. try to keep production at a peak. if you realy want your business to succeed you are going to have to put it somewhere neer the top of your to do list. good luck. try not to cut corners. quality hand craftsmanship shows.

Answer 5

WITH MAKING YOUR OWN PRODUCTS STICK WITH EBAY FOR A WHILE AND SEE HOW YOUR STUFF SELLS EBAY NOT CHEESY IF YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING GO GET EM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 6

get with small business adminastration