Rent crafting space?

Question

I am thinking about opening my own business. Basically it would be a crafting space where you could pay by the hour, day, week or month. It would also be a space where crafters could showcase their work and sell it on commission. So my question is do you think there is a market out there for this service? Or do you have any suggestions for improving this and making it a more viable business idea?

The profit, I think would come from renting the space to the people who needed room to work on projects. Also, the profit from the people selling their items could come in a couple of different ways: the items could be sold on commission or the crafters could rent a certain amount of space on a monthly basis for a fee.

Answer 1

Only if you offer classes. For most people crafting is something they do at home while doing something else. Between loads of laundry, while the kids are napping, etc...
And consignment stores never last long, at least not in my area. Honestly, I don't think you would make enough to cover the operating costs... even if you did offer classes. The chain stores offer classes but they don't make much money on them, classes are the vehicle to get people through the door to buy supplies.

Answer 2

This is a very big and growing business. We used to sell at these places. You can start out having a boutique at your home, or even rent a hall. There are several crafters out there that go from one boutique to another. We made some pretty good money doing this. Next time theres a show in your area, check it out and get the names and addresses of the crafters. Then when you find a place, mail a flyer to these people. They are always looking for a new place to sell their goods. I forget what percentage we paid for commission. But it wasn't too much. Just do your homework. There's a lot involved in getting them going so you are better off with a partner. You can reach me at [e-mail] Good luck

Answer 3

Went through Dallas, TX during the 90's and someone was doing something like you described. It was a large building with lots and lots of booths by different crafters. If you found something you liked, you bought it. There were cashiers there to watch over the place. I'm sorry, but I do not recall the name of the business. But it was obviously working for them.....way back then. Is there a market for it today? I don't know..... There is kind of a lull in the crafting industry right now. There needs to be a revival of some kind. I personally like the sound of it! I love the idea of putting my things on consignment somewhere. I also think that a website of some kind is called for.... Many people like to do their shopping online now. Even if it's to just track down something.....Good luck!

Answer 4

From my experience running a crafts website for the last three years and from imput I received from others who do the same, it's tough to get crafters to part with their money.

They are basically looking for free patterns and ideas.

I think the only way your idea would work is if you had equipment that would be too expensive for the average crafter to buy, like a ceramics kiln and a wishblade cutter. Even then, I don't think you'll have enough business to make a go of it.

Answer 5

I don't think there is a real market for a craft space. Crafters tend to collect things so it would be cumbersome to bring everything to a place where you have to pay to work on it. It might be a better idea to have a set service such as pottery places offer. You can go in, pay for the piece, pay by the hour, and pay a sitting fee. I think that might be your best bet...those places are so much fun, and are especially popular with kids (so best to locate in a place where there is lots of foot traffic, and there are children--who have birthday parties--around). Good luck!

Answer 6

I like it.
I would question the viability because there's not a big profit margin in selling crafts, so the crafters would not be willing to pay a bunch of money for the space in order to remain viable themselves. Having said that, real estate is at a premium where I live. It may be different where you are.

Answer 7

I would sell crafting stuff in the shop also. I dont know if they would just pay to make stuff there if they dont have stuff to make it with. They could do that at home I think. I would open a craft store and sell craft stuff and set a side a place to do that stuff with a limit on time or if they bought stuff then they can craft there. Sorta like if you buy something at a store you can go to the bathroom....lol...thats what I think. Also have stuff for kids becuase of parents want to come in then they want stuff for there kids to be doing while they craft. Have a kids crafting corner and a kids play area. And if they have to pay you for the selling of there stuff dont make it to much.