Starting my own business - how to actually make a profit?

Question

Okay so I wanted to start with dog beds (for small dogs) then eventually tees dresses and bows.. I'm 15 so I can work max 20 hours a week if that.. I would be making the beds and clothes myself.. Unless is there a place I can buy them wholesale? If so where? Are there any laws I need to know about? Now that I think of it re-selling sounds better.. Should I make it an LLC? Are there any websites that will walk me through this?

Answer 1

Hi. I really don't know much about starting a small business. But at your age of 15, I would start with Ebay. If you have talent in making dog beds, tees, and dresses for dogs....there is a huge market out there on Ebay!

You can also look into selling at local craft shows. A booth at a craft show could be anywhere from $100-$300 for a weekend craft show. You could start with Ebay and craft shows, and then, if your products are successful, venture into an online store.

Good luck! You sound ambitious for a 15 year old!

Answer 2

I've talked with a few people who do doggie coats, the best way to get feedback is to get onto a crafters bulletin board and start talking about the items you're making and how to best sell them.

There's a market for pet items (I work with cat items, but the dog craze is bigger). It's all in the networking, and you can find some good information out there.

If you want to sell what you make yourself, I'd suggest www.etsy.com as better than eBay. But start simply. See if you want to sell your items at craft shows, or via internet, or through the local pet stores. The managers at the pet stores are often the owners, and if you call and arrange to meet with the owner or 'buyer' you can bring a sample down and ask them if they would like to carry your stock. It may be small orders, or they may not have the budget right now, but it's always worth a try. Don't go to the big chain stores, they only use their corporate buyer who warehouses all the stock they carry. Independant stores are best to try.

The trade magazines say Doggie T-Shirts are going to be hot for the next 5 years at least (thanks to Paris Hilton and others who have their small dogs with them). Small T's for sure, not so much the larger dogs. BUT they have to be edgy to get noticed. (Goth dogs anyone?) Think outside the box.

Do searches online to see what your competition is doing in the market. Use www.google.com for that, it can get you some good results. There's some yahoogroups that can help, like acraftbiz and some of the sewing sites. Ask lots of questions there.

Doesn't matter if you only sew 20 hours a week, you work with what free time you have. Good luck to you!