How do i start up a small business?

Question

I love making handmade cards and would like to turn it it in to my own little business

Answer 1

depends on many things: What state you are in, will you be collecting tax, what type "entitle" you will be.

You will need a federal tax I.D. number. Also known as an EIN#. You can use your SS# in stead, but only if you are set up as a Sole proprietorship / DBA (Does Business As).

You first need to determine what type entity you will be. Some entities provide more "personal" protection than others. For selling cards over the Internet ETC. you will probably be OK with a sole proprietorship/DBA, then you must find out what forms / papers / fees your state requires for the entity you chose. In Texas its about $25.00 at the county court house for a DBA. Then you need to get a Federal Tax ID number under the name you filed with the state. It you collect taxes then you will need to set up an account with your state comptroller.

Then your in business.

Answer 2

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.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* How to Really Start Your Own Business, Fourth Edition by David E. Gumpert
* How to Really Create a Successful Business Plan: Step-by-Step Guide by David E. Gumpert
* What No One Ever Tells You about Starting Your Own Business: Real-Life Start-Up Advice from 101 Successful Entrepreneurs (What No One Ever Tells You About Starting Your Own Business) by Jan Norman
* Business Start-Up Kit by Steven D. Strauss
* Start Your Own Business (Entrepreneur Magazine's Start Up) by Rieva Lesonsky
* Starting an Online Business For Dummies, 4th Edition by Greg Holden
* How to Start and Maintain A Successful Online Business by Kelly Thornton
* The Complete E-Commerce Book: Design, Build, and Maintain a Successful Web-Based Business by Janice Reynolds

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 3

I would recommend starting by selling to your family and friends. Ask for constructive criticism about price and your design and then make adjustments if necessary. If you get a lot of positive feedback then consider expanding your target audience.

For instance you might try an inexpensive web site with an on-line store. You can advertise the site using Google keywords and adwords or just by optimizing the site itself.

Pass out business cards and tell everyone you know about your new business. If you are successful with your initial efforts you could consider growing in several ways. One way would be to wholesale the cards to a local card and gift shop. That will tell you if the general public really likes your designs. If that works out well you might consider adding wholesale accounts or opening your own store.

Get the book "The E-Myth". It'll tell you just about everything you need to know to make your business successful.

Answer 4

First of all you need to find a empty place to set up your shop, next you need to get a business premit, after you get all of those things then you are in business. You will need lots of supplies to make your own handmade cards. Just like they have in the mall a gift shop or a stationary store. Good luck!

Answer 5

Do you want to start in a small way? I suggest you do that first, to see if there is any demand for them - and you can do it in a cheap way!

You need to work out your costs. For example, you need to allow for all materials, the time it takes you to make the cards, glue, scissors etc. You must do this accurately - otherwise you will not know if you are making a profit or not! Then you can work out how much profit you want to make. Also work out how much commission you can afford to pay!

Do you have a shop locally that sells things like that? For example, a charity shop? They may sell them on commission for you.

Do you have a local market? Ask if there are any stalls available.

Ask at local schools if they have a Christmas Bazaar. Can you have a stall there? Do they have Summer Bazaars?

Ask at your local Town Hall if you are allowed to put a stall up on a Saturday, where and how much it will cost, if they will allow you.

The most important thing in all of this is to make sure you get your pricing right! You need to make a profit, but not price yourself out of the market! Do you want to make a living out of your cards, are you just doing it for a hobby and want to cover your costs, or are you doing it for pin money? Your pricing may have to reflect this. How many cards can you make in a day? Will this number allow you to do what you want?

You have to be realistic! Another option may be to have a word with your local college or craft store and see if you can give lessons on how to make the cards - that may give you more money than just making the cards!

Oh, and don't forget publicity - do you have a local or free paper? If you set up the business, contact them and ask if they want to see what you are up to - especially if they will take pictures of you with the cards!!!

Make sure you keep good accounts - and remember running a business is a lot harder than you think it is! Doing something for fun is totally different to having to do it for a living!
Good luck in your venture!

Answer 6

A good place is to check out is the business bureau in your state or city and you will be given all the information you require to start a small business

Answer 7

Card making is very popular, I know as my wife used to do it. I would first visit this site, which has help on setting up a website, profiling yourself to 1000s of like minded business people (free to register), worldwide and how to attract customers to your business...good luck

Answer 8

You can very easily start your business by taking small stall in local sunday market.Perhaps this is the most economical and cheap way tobegin with.Later on you can find you ways.

Answer 9

TRy your local enterprise agencies for free help and assistance if in England, (web address below), also join forum like platinax and UK business forums, both good networking sites

Answer 10

Start making them and sell them.

There's nothing particularly tricky about starting a business. You just have to be able to find customers.