2007-01-25 20:55:24 · 10 answers · asked by craftyliz 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Small Business
Go to a local business seminar - most towns halls or colleges run one every few months (they certainly have a few here in Harrogate and we're not a big city or anything). They will give you a lot of great ideas.
Two of my friends went to one and have their own film business now. Here's their website for you to see how well they have done: http://www.nobodyfilms.co.uk/
Another one of my friends actually has her own card making business (she also does wedding stationary like invitations etc) and she tours several craft fairs. She has a portfolio for clients who want to order several cards as well as a stand selling cards to individuals. She is currently looking for shops that want to stock her cards - perhaps a local craft or gift shop might buy some cards from you to sell on?
I think the main thing is to either go to a business seminar or buy a book about starting a small business, and then to look at local craft fairs for ideas of where would be good places to sell your cards.
2007-01-25 21:11:30 · answer #1 · answered by monkeymanelvis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first thing you should consider is a business license and tax ID. It'll run you around $80 or so to set up a sole proprietorship business. Pick a business name that will allow you to brand your cards and your image. A website might be a good idea and those plans can start at only $6.99 a month using ProStores.com (an Ebay company) which is let you market ten items at a time. That's a start until you move up to other plans with either ProStores, Yahoo Small Business, Ebay Store or combinations. The main thing is to have a site that potential customers can have access to you. Now, remember I mentioned that Tax ID? These fees are tax deductible as well as a portion of rent and utilities, website and computer expense, advertising, craft supplies, books and classes, financial and legal counseling, etc. Why not expense off your business costs to the business instead of paying out of your own pocket?
There are alot of ways to market your business but you need to have a business. Might I suggest a trip to the library? You'll find books on marketing ("Marketing without Money" by Nicholas E Bade, for example) to give you 300 ideas on how to get your business name and brand out there. You'll find books on business startup and some might be specifically aimed at turning a hobby into a business. You will find books that will help you save on taxes and all kinds of legal and financial guidance. Check out the free services provided by the SBA and SCORE (see links below).
Get a business plan (again library has books to guide you) so you can see what you have, what you need, and steps to get you from hobby to business. It's not going to be an overnight endeavor but you'll get out of life (or business) what you put into it. The next step is up to you.
2007-01-25 21:24:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Find out if their are any local craft fairs happening. You can Hire a table for a small fee; from which you can sell your cards. You could also try approaching some local craft/mystical/ beauty shops, they may let you sell some of your cards in their shop.
Good Luck!
You could also post an advert in your local shop window, something along the lines of: "personalised beautiful cards made to order for any occasion...please contact..."
2007-01-25 21:03:19 · answer #3 · answered by kchick8080 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try shopping them around to small boutique shops. Preferably a mom and pop store, not a chain since chains control their own stock. A mom and pop would most likely just like a little cut of the profits for letting you sell them there.
Good luck!
2007-01-26 01:43:07 · answer #4 · answered by chefgrille 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sell it online. Make some great samples and take a picture of it. Make a free-registered blog, and then put your card sample picture on your blog, don't forget to put your phone number so that they can make a phone call. Sell it online, easier, cheaper, and get richer....g'luck.
2007-01-25 21:07:21 · answer #5 · answered by Chabilla 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes - there are some interesting ways.
Send an email - I'll be very pleased to send along the links.
2007-01-25 22:01:12 · answer #6 · answered by smiling_freds_biz_info 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try Ebay as well, thats something you can do from home and you can control how many you advertise each week so you don't get swamped with orders!
2007-01-25 21:05:54 · answer #7 · answered by sarah c 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sell over the internet!
its really easy.
(i could help!)
2007-01-26 00:57:33 · answer #8 · answered by wellymouseface 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
start your own web site, or post through e bay
2007-01-25 21:08:23 · answer #9 · answered by Dean A 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Craft fairs, school/church fetes, etc
2007-01-25 21:00:40 · answer #10 · answered by Claire 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋