Art & Craft Business Tips for Entrepreneurs

Author: Alan Roberta

Today craft supplies are the heart of any arts and crafts business. Without supplies and good suppliers, your business will be in jeopardy. Search the right supplies at the right price and your business will have a much better chance of grow successfully.

Starting and running a craft business can sometimes be as confusing as it is rewarding. Here are 5 things to know before starting your venture into the world of professional crafting.

1. Shop Around

Always comparison-shop for supplies. Prices can vary greatly from vendor to vendor. Once you find a low-cost supplier, don’t stop there! Over time, prices do change. It’s a good idea to keep an eye out for another distributor.

2. Buy at Wholesale Cost

Many suppliers offer discounts to qualified buyers. Qualifications differ, but usually a Retail Tax ID number will suffice. Call your local courthouse to find out whom to contact to obtain a retail tax permit in your area. (If you are selling crafts, you should already have one.) Once you have your tax identification, ask individual suppliers if they offer wholesale discounts and how to qualify.

3. Buy in Quantity

Often, buying supplies in bulk can save money. When comparison-shopping for materials, ask each vendor if quantity discounts apply and if so, what the percentages off will be.

4. Use Recycled Materials

Be creative with your raw materials! You may be able to save quite a bit by using recycled wood, textiles, plastic, metal and anything else you may use. Of course all of your supplies cannot be obtained through recycled materials, but you might be surprised at where you can cut costs if you give it some thought.

5. Shop at Discount Stores

Many large chains offer comparable prices on certain upon art and craft supplies. If you intend to resell the finished product that you make and have a Tax ID number, you can avoid paying sales tax. Ask the store manager for details on tax exemption status.

Marketing is the another key ingredient to any successful business! You must have ways to get the word out about your products. Whether you will be attending craft shows, placing mail order ads, or selling your crafts online.

Selling crafts online involves more than simply publishing a Web site. Successful online marketing requires time, dedication and a basic understanding of marketing in general. Your online craft shop is merely an extension of your real-world business and all forms of marketing should compliment each other to work efficiently and effectively.

This article is not only intended to give crafts people ideas on how to market an arts and crafts supply wholesale Web site, but also to help crafters become aware of the importance of real-world marketing of a cyber-world storefront.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/art-articles/art-craft-business-tips-for-entrepreneurs-359203.html

About the Author:

Johnson Hardy is famous researcher of wholesale art supply craft. He publishes book upon custom craft industries.

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Art and Craft Business Tips for Entrepreneurs

5 Tips About Working Moms and Stress

More and more mothers are returning to the workforce when their kids come of school age.  Some moms never stopped working and have had to learn to juggle home and career.  Here are some tips to help working moms to lighten the stress load.

Working moms are those mothers that work outside the home and inside the home.  While working moms outside the home may work more hours than the moms that work inside the home, the home-working moms must divide their time between care for the children and their clients.  For both, these two worlds provide pressures that can lead to a stressful life.

Working moms have the social interaction that comes with a job in the workplace.  They talk with other adults and get away from home for a few hours a day.  While work does offer the adult interaction they need, it also introduces a new stress-or into the mix. 

Work-at-home moms are struggling to find their identity at the same time that they are raising the kids.  The spouse still works outside of the home which means that most of the household needs are met by mom as she juggles her business.  The new business, while bringing fulfillment, can be another source of stress.

For both types of moms, one tip for stress relief is to exercise.  Exercise prepares the body for anything, including attacks from stress.  Mornings are usually best for moms because they can get their physical activity out of the way.  Mom can also exercise with their kids.  Put the baby in a stroller and walk or jog around the neighborhood.  Play games with the kids to work up a sweat.

Enlist the help of other family members.  Spouses and older kids are not mind readers.  If you want help with the chores, ask for it.  Give the kids a list of chores to do.  Make a chart and tape it to the refrigerator if you need to.  Ask your spouse to watch the kids for a few hours when he gets home so that you can have time to yourself. 

Hire out for certain jobs.  Have a maid service come in and clean for you.  It may only be once or twice a month, but any time at all is a big weight off your shoulders.  Hire a neighborhood kid to cut the lawn. 

On the days when your business workload is heaviest, why not use a mom’s helper.  She will occupy the kids while you conduct meetings, run errands, and do other business related things.  The person you hire should be someone you trust who is good with kids.

Leave work at work or in the home office.  Whatever pressures you have with clients or coworkers, decide to deal with it during work hours.  Dragging this baggage into your home life does nothing good for you or your family.  Worrying all night when the problem will still exist the next day is futile.

Return to work on a part-time basis.  Working full time may be stressing you too much.  The financial side may take a slight hit, but you will make up for it with peace of mind.  Talk to your spouse and share your concerns before making a decision together.

Working moms have added stress from their jobs, whether they work at home or in a work environment.  Easing that stress is crucial to keeping the family life in harmony.

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5 Tips About Working Moms and Stress

1 – Limit the amount of time you spend on the forums.

You need to focus your attention on creating new products for your store. If you are on the forum looking for tips, be sure to have a notebook with you and actually write down what you plan on trying. Also, if you are on the forum to promote your business, just spend a limited amount of time. Be considerate, give advice and share your knowledge. Don’t just look at what your going to get out of a conversation.

2 – Consider selling on both Ebay and Etsy.

Look for offline places to sell your products as well. The point of this is that it relaxes your brain a bit. You aren’t all stressed out about making the Etsy store work. Less stress = more creativity and nicer communications with others.

3 – Consider making a few purchases from other Etsy sellers to gain some positive feedback.

This is a great tip if you are new to Etsy and have little or no feedback, but it’s a good idea as a veteran seller too. Many buyers are wary of buying from brand-new sellers especially if they do not have feedback.

4 – Offer free shipping with your products. 

It can make a difference on how fast some items will sell. Be sure to accommodate the shipping in your listing price. Remember, you will also pay a little more in fees with the shipping included so may want to consider adjusting for that too. Consider writing ”free shipping” in your title.

5 – Use Tags because this is how potential customers will find you. Most will do a search on Etsy. Use all the tag spots available.

If you want to sell different things in your shop, then go right ahead! I like that type of store myself. It seems like a fun boutique. I get to dig around and see what I can find.

What tips do you have for the new Etsy seller?

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Work at Home Online – 5 Tips for the New Etsy Seller