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HighestPeak
New Pal
USA
22 Posts |
 Posted - 12/15/2005 : 07:35:22 AM
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| i am one who thinks about how i can make money in everything i do ,and i would like to know how i would go about starting a buisness selling my projects.please help!!!!! |
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GailnCocoaBeach
New Pal
USA
45 Posts |
Posted - 12/15/2005 : 11:07:01 AM
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Alot of my customers take their items to their hair salons, local boutiques, to work and the arts & craft shows.
gail
Welcome to my Happy Little World |
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knittingdiva
Gabber Extraordinaire
394 Posts |
Posted - 12/15/2005 : 2:01:03 PM
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I would cost out how much you'd actually have to charge for your projects first and see if it makes sense a fun fur scarf should be at least $22 (cost of yarn plus 2 hours labor at $8/hour)...anything more than that and I think that people might not be willing to pay (the market wouldn't bear it price, in business speak :) For example, a sweater could easily run you up above $250...and that's not even including your time to market or research where to sell - production costs only! And think about scalability...what if you got three sweater orders in for one month...?
That said, could teaching or working at yarn store be another way to capitalize on your love of knitting?
http://sometimesatypical.blogspot.com |
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fiddlestix
Chatty Knitter
100 Posts |
Posted - 12/15/2005 : 2:40:18 PM
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| Been there, done that....never again. People don't appreciate nice yarn and what it costs much less the value of your time. I refuse to use cheap, ugly stuff, and I'd rather knit for charity than feel I can't charge what something's truly worth. I tried selling my items at a craft boutique, and it was a disaster. The other tables that were selling knitting were doing a little better, and when I saw the prices I found out why. Upon questioning the knitters they explained that they only charge enough to cover the materials.(???) This was not a charity thing either. I just didn't get the point. Just my 2 cents. |
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The Irish Ewe
Permanent Resident
USA
1052 Posts |
Posted - 12/17/2005 : 05:15:49 AM
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You need to do a lot more work first - Start with Google, and see what the prices are for the style, size, and material content of the bags you are making. Then factor in your time, material costs, packing, shipping, and postage costs, and pattern costs (most if not all free and printed for purchase patterns will NOT allow you to sell the finished item for profit, meaning you will likely have to make up your own patterns.)
The Irish Ewe
Norway, Maine
http://www.TheIrishEwe.com |
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KL
Permanent Resident
6041 Posts |
Posted - 12/17/2005 : 07:40:00 AM
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Create a label for your products to make them look more professional to the consumer. I'm not saying that they don't already, but usually those women who buy in the justified price range you should be charging; are very label consious even if it is an "unknown".
Do the research prior to making an appointment with a boutique [I'm not talking church bazaars here]. Can they support your pricepoints? Do they carry similar product and how is yours different? Does your product mix well within their other products?
Then take your product and approach your very up-scale retail stores. Ask to make an appointment with the buyer. In describing your product prior to appointment, use phraseology that doesn't sound "Loving Hands at Home". Individually designed and created,for example.
Go with a wholesale price list, and clear descriptions and pictures keeping in mind that they will mark up at least double if not more. If they are a multiple store boutique, they are going to want duplicate merchandise for all stores. Will you be able to keep up with production on a timely basis?
Be extremely careful that you are not copying someones copywrited designs- you could find yourself in a lawsuit.
Do not sell yourself short. these are just some things to consider. I have friends that have successfully sold product in this manner.
You could also knit for a boutique exclusively.
Hope this is helpful, KL |
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risingfawnfiber
New Pal
USA
22 Posts |
Posted - 12/27/2005 : 1:26:34 PM
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Good for you - the world needs more fiber artists! What type of products do you make?
Check out your local art association. They might have a listing of venues/galleries/boutiques who are interested in your products. If you join, they could make your information available to customers who commission special projects. They will also provide you with information on upcoming art shows to enter. Be sure you check out the gallery/show to make sure the quality of the other artwork meets your standards.
I did this for several years, met tons of great people - both fellow artists and customers, made a decent paycheck, and enjoyed it!
BMcKaig
www.BrendaMcKaig.com
Brenda McKaig,
Rising Fawn Fiber Studio
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