| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| applelady |
Posted - Feb 08 2006 : 2:47:52 PM
Has anyone out there ever opened up a store or a gift shop? I'm thinking about renting a store and selling some primitive product lines. I found a very small store that is for rent. It's in a good location and it is very reasonably priced. I really don't know what is all involved with opening a shop and was wondering if anyone has any insight. I'm not even sure of the right questions to ask before renting a shop. If anyone has any information that they can give me it would be great. I have a good paying job right now and carry the insurance coverage for the family. It's kind of a scary thought to leave that and try to start something on my own, but it's a dream that I have had for a long time. Please let me know any pro's and cons if you have any. Thanks
Gail
|
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Apr 07 2006 : 7:27:22 PM
Just had to let you all know that our Farmgirl's Country Store is opening on April 14th! The room is almost done and we'll be moving merchandise in on Wednesday. We're all so excited! But also feeling a little overwhelmed as there is much to be made and completed to put in the store. I will send pictures after we have it all set up.
http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
|
| Libbie |
Posted - Mar 20 2006 : 09:22:35 AM
How wonderful to be starting a farmgirl enterprise! Please let us know how it goes - I'm very interested, and I wish I lived closer so I could come and visit!
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
| Christine in Clark Fork |
Posted - Mar 20 2006 : 08:55:07 AM
Kay--Sounds wonderful. Low overhead and someone to share the work and fun with is the way to go. Good luck.
Some thoughts on quitting a job to start a business. Speaking from personal experience, make sure you get some sort of health insurance. When I quit my job to stay home with my baby, my family no longer had insurance. After a few years, I was able to afford a policy with a large deductible ($5,000). Lucky I did, five months later my husband fell from a ladder and shattered one elbows, broke the other elbow and a wrist. The cost ran over $25,000. The insurance capped our expense. We would have gone under without it. So I strongly recommend at least some sort of insurance for your family's financial protection. |
| sugarsfarm |
Posted - Mar 19 2006 : 9:29:40 PM
That sounds wonderful Kay!! How great that will be for you girls!! I wish you gals nothing but the best!!
You must be the change you want to see in the world.
Mahatma Gandhi |
| Utahfarmgirl |
Posted - Mar 19 2006 : 12:07:30 PM
Hooray, Kay!! Congratulations Farmgirls!! I wish I could come to shop. Maybe one day! Mazel Tov!
Come visit my Etsy store at www.chezPatricia.etsy.com |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Mar 19 2006 : 11:53:51 AM
Ladies -- after all this discussion I have some really exciting news to share!! The North Clark County Farmgirls are opening a country store! One of our members, Patti, lives on five acres which is on a busy road off another busy main road. She has been wanting to build a building to use as a craft room. She finally decided to have a portion of her barn converted into her room as it was less expensive. We have all been kicking around ideas of how we could showcase our different talents -- I sew and make soap, Missy does soap, Patty makes chocolates, and Cheryl does soap stuff too. Then we also do "redone" furniture and home decor items. We've been having sales every quarter at my house. Well -- Patty has graciously offered her new room to be used as The Farmgirl's Country Store! We won't have any overhead as far as rent so that's a big plus. We'll be open 3 days a week -- Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. We're getting together tomorrow night to hash out the other details but should be open for business in about two weeks!! I'm so excited.
http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
http://www.homesteadblogger.com/therusticcottage/
http://rusticcottage.blogspot.com |
| garliclady |
Posted - Mar 01 2006 : 04:48:43 AM
I am not a crafter but a farmer . I sell at an indoor farmers market that has a lot of crafters also. Most customers who come are deicated to locally grown and also are interested in hand made. This place is not like a flea market where prices are low but just the opposite.
If you are looking for a weekly place to sell check out regional farmers markets. They are not all the same. Go as a customer see what kind of stuff is being sold and what the customer base looks like talk to vendors and customers.
Most of our crafters do fine work and love that face to face contact with there customers that you would get at your own store but with less worry and cost. You would also have the freedom to close your "little store" to go to big craft shows ect when you need too.
Cornerstone Garlic Farm http://home.bellsouth.net/p/s/community.dll?ep=16&ext=1&groupid=140532&ck=
My Recipes http://recipecircus.com/recipes/garliclady/ |
| jamsnbread |
Posted - Feb 28 2006 : 6:35:56 PM
My sister opened up a candle shop this past summer and she only lasted a couple of months and had to close it down. Sales were not happening and the landlord was unbearable to deal with. Stores are a huge risk and unless you have a lot of capital be very careful.
Is.
Jams -N- Bread
www.jams-n-bread.com
info@jams-n-bread.com
C & A Computer Services
www.cacrs.com
info@cacrs.com |
| abbasgurl |
Posted - Feb 18 2006 : 12:25:47 PM
Yes Gail, if you want to do outdoor events you will need a cover. There are a lot of companies that make shelters. The most widely used is probably the 10'X10' canopy made by a company called EZ-up. You will need something to keep your things out of the elements and to keep the blazing sun off of little 'ol YOU! For shows lasting more than one day, it's really nice to have a canopy with sides so you can secure your booth at night. Some events provide security at night, some do not. The sides are also good protection on windy days or if rain comes in at an angle. You will think you don't need them but will wish you had them! :) I took a look on e-bay and noticed there are a lot of new canopies for sale there. The prices are pretty good too...you can get a nice canopy with side for $200 or less. You might look into your local rental place to see what they charge by the day too.
I've never done a flea market. I think you probably get a different crowd there. It depends on what kind of things are being sold. Some flea markets are just a lot of old car parts & boxes of musty books! Others have a better mix of crafts & collectables. Look for shows that your things will fit in nicely with. Also, ask the promoters how many other vendors will be selling an item similar to yours. For instance, you don't want to be one of 30 jewelry vendors among 100 exhibitors! Promoters are getting really vigilant about keeping out things that aren't handmade. Shows that feature handmades only will attract the crowds you want. I hear a lot of folks complain that there is too much junk mixed in at most craft shows, and they are starting to avoid those shows. Hope that helps!
Rhonda
...and I will sing at the top of my lungs, and I will dance, even if I'm the only one! |
| applelady |
Posted - Feb 18 2006 : 06:44:43 AM
Thanks Rhonda! Do you do outdoor fairs? I've stayed away from doing them because I don't have any cover in case it rains. I'm thinking that maybe it would be worth investing in something and doing some outdoor fairs. Have you tried flea markets? I'm wondering if that would be worth doing or if people that shop there are looking more for cheap bargin stuff. |
| abbasgurl |
Posted - Feb 17 2006 : 5:06:31 PM
Gail, Search online for craft fairs in your area. Put in the nearest large town or city and things like "Arts & Crafts" or "Craft Show". You can search by mileage, or state too if you are willing to travel a bit. Also, call the chamber of commerce in bigger towns near you, they will be able to tell you what shows are in the area. I use a service called Craftlister.com, though there are many others online! Just start looking & see what you come up with! I go to shows & chat with vendors to get their impressions too! Most are friendly & will tell you anything you need to know, even how well sales are going! There are also forums that have online markets attached where each vendor has their own page of things for sale. Again, search for the type of things you want to sell, then look for forums that are specific to your medium. Also there are a few national magazines which give web addresses for lots & lots of sites that can help you. I believe the one I am thinking of is Craft Market(place?)...just check the newstands. Hope that helps!
Rhonda
...and I will sing at the top of my lungs, and I will dance, even if I'm the only one! |
| applelady |
Posted - Feb 17 2006 : 4:39:12 PM
I feel like I've gone back and forth a million times trying to decide what I want to do. I came to the realization that I can't rush things when it comes to owning a shop. I'm really leaning towards the internet thing. I'm thinking about making my own website. Does anyone have any ideas about how to draw people to the site? What about selling on ebay? Does anyone have any good or bad experiences that they'd like to share? I am planning on selling some things on ETSY. I've done the craft fair thing and haven't had much luck. Mostly, I've been doing fairs at schools. Has anyone had luck selling things anywhere else? I wouldn't mind doing craft fairs if I could find a good one. Any suggestions are welcome!!! |
| The Farmers Daughter |
Posted - Feb 15 2006 : 05:40:21 AM
I'd love to post pictures but I'm afraid I'm not bright enough to. HA I'd be happy to send them to you if you want to send your e-mail address. Just e-mail me! Hugs,
Sher, The Farmer's Daughter |
| farmgrlchick |
Posted - Feb 13 2006 : 6:03:14 PM
Let's see pictures! And I would love to hear how you did it!
Theresa |
| Photobugs |
Posted - Feb 13 2006 : 5:58:28 PM
Sher,
How about posting some pictures of your shop, both inside and out? I think we'd all like to see it.
A cattle shed sounds like a wonderful place for a shop.
Pamela
"I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!" |
| theherblady |
Posted - Feb 13 2006 : 08:27:46 AM
Thanks for the advice and great encouragement Rhonda~! You have shared alot of good information with us...!
Jan |
| The Farmers Daughter |
Posted - Feb 13 2006 : 05:47:47 AM
We actually have a shop almost 99% completed. (It's full of vintage items as well as a few I have made.) Our shop is located in an old cattle shed back of our home that we completely remodeled. The shop and everything in it is 100% paid for. That being said, I still wouldn't try and support anyone or plan on paying any bills with the money we will make from it. This is just my opinion for what it's worth.~~~~ I feel the economy is just to darn bad anymore for a person to risk giving up a good paying job with benefits to follow their dreams. That's not to say I would discourage you from trying to have a shop. Just make sure your DH has enough coming in to pay EVERYTHING in case it doesn't work. I think you have received some good advise here...Try shows or maybe selling from your home (E-bay, ect..) until you have built up a business. While doing this keep your dream of your own shop and if the right opportunity comes along, you'll know your READY for it! If you would like to see pictures of my shop or hear how we did it on a shoe-string budget, please e-mail me. Good luck Gail, you will make it, just do like you are doing now...Check out everything ten times before making the plunge! Hugs,
Sher, The Farmer's Daughter |
| abbasgurl |
Posted - Feb 12 2006 : 7:27:17 PM
Several of you have mentioned having semi annual sales...this was something I have dreamed about doing for years. This year I was asked to join with a group of artisans in my area doing just that! It was so nice to hear the woman tell me that I had a great reputation from my shop days. :) I was very honored to be asked, as these women are GOOD, and have been doing this for over 20 years. Only ten artists are asked to participate each year! I had to choose between a large local craft show and the home sale because the two are one week apart and I'm not sure I can get my inventory back up in between. Anyway, after listing the pros & cons of each type of sale, I am going to do the sales at home. My main reason for doing this was that I can sell ANYTHING I want, including vintage aprons/clothing, even retail other crafters items. I also like that I won't be lugging all my things arond! This group advertises heavily so I will be paying part of that expense. The group also puts out a map showing each home and writes a small discription of what each person does. These are mailed to thousands of homes and put in local newspapers.
I was told to check with the agent who handles my homeowners policy about insurance. It might seem silly, but with so many people coming through I was concerned about injury, damage, dirty carpets etc. The woman who organized the sales told me her sales are good enough that she could recarpet every two years if she chose to...but in general she said people are very thoughtful and careful.
THOUSANDS of "guests" visit these homes over the sale weekends! I'm really excited to be given the opportunity to join in this year!
Several people asked about taxes etc. I agree that having an ID # is essential for buying supplies. You will get a great price break on everything you buy! Unless you are trying to fly under the radar, you will need to pay taxes on what you sell in your home. You are selling retail, which is different from a garage sale type thing. It doesn't matter how many sales you are having, if you are a business, you pay sales tax. It's not hard at all to get set up for taxes & to file the reports! I can do it! LOL
In our county, to sell any homemade food items you must have a license from the county health department, and also cook in a county inspected, approved kitchen. If you know someone who has a resturant or business you can cook there. Some churches or other organizations also have approved kitchens. A friend of mine bakes in her church kitchen and sells at the local farmers market. She & her husband have made enough money in a year to pay the adoption expenses for a little baby boy from Guatamala!
Another very successsful idea is to get a group of several crafters together and rent a space in a high traffic area for your sales. You split the expenses and advertise heavily. I have seen women LINE UP to get into some of these sales! Of course Christmas time is the best for any sale you do.
I have also done consignment, which I hated...one, I had no control over the quality of things the owner might sell next to mine (and there is some junk out there). Two, sometimes damage will occur to your product and most shop owners won't be responsible for that. If you are on the other side, being the shopowner, you have to be firm with people. Everyone & there brother will want you to consign their items. It's hard to say "no" when something isn't up to your standard.
I LOVE doing craft shows! You will be exhausted the day after, and yes, you carry in & set up...but you get to travel, meet new people (plus other artists/crafters!) and the sales can be excellent! There are a lot of online sources for crafters that list shows by state and mileage. Most of the good ones are by subscription. If you do shows my advice is to visit the shows you are thinking about. Start local & small until you get the hang of it. Most shows require your items to be juried in (kind of like being judged), most require insurance, and most will require payment & registration about 4-6 months before the show. If you bail, there are typically no refunds. Booth size is limited (10X10 is standard) and prices are around $80-$120 for two days. If you are outdoors you will need an awning tent for protection and security.
Ouch, my brain hurts! I will think on this some more & add things as they pop into my head! I'm loving this topic too!
Rhonda
...and I will sing at the top of my lungs, and I will dance, even if I'm the only one! |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Feb 12 2006 : 4:49:01 PM
Interesting article regarding opening your own business. http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/Savinganddebt/Managedebt/P143840.asp
Mine is just a little old fashioned garden where the flowers come together to praise the Lord, and teach all who look upon them to do likewise.
-- Celia Thaxter
http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
http://rusticcottage.blogspot.com/ |
| applelady |
Posted - Feb 10 2006 : 5:38:21 PM
Thank you ladies! I don't look at it that you're being negative. I like to have all aspects before I make a decision. I'm really leaning towards creating my own website and selling things there. I haven't totally given up on the idea of a shop. As a matter of fact I'm going to look at a shop tomorrow. Basically, I'm looking at it so I have something to compare other shops to when I'm ready to make that move. I might look into something in a few years. I would love to be able to retire by the time I'm 55. Maybe that would be the time to look into setting up a store. Thanks to everyone for all the great information!
Gail |
| Photobugs |
Posted - Feb 10 2006 : 4:15:23 PM
Thanks for backing me up Kay. I had a thought that maybe I was too negative.
Sometimes we need to give something a try to know in our own heads that we "gave it a try." It would be unfortunate to give up a job with a regular pay and benefits and then find it causes financial hardship on a family.
Pamela
"I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!" |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Feb 10 2006 : 07:19:50 AM
Pamela -- I totally agree with what you about not making much money -- most shops don't. When Missy had her store we got a small salary. We did it because we loved it and we knew we weren't going to get rich. Although that hope was always there!
I think having consignments in someone else's store, a booth in a shop, craft shows, and sales are the way to go.
Mine is just a little old fashioned garden where the flowers come together to praise the Lord, and teach all who look upon them to do likewise.
-- Celia Thaxter
http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
http://rusticcottage.blogspot.com/ |
| Photobugs |
Posted - Feb 09 2006 : 10:47:58 PM
I have a little input. Not to discourage you, but I know several shop keepers and it is a hard way to make a living, especially when you have insurance with the job where you are. The hours are long and it is difficult to take vacations. You don't get paid vacations or sick leave.
I have done craft shows over the last 20 plus years. Some were successful and some not. I have my 'stuff' in two shops, one on consignment and one is a rented space. I do not make alot of money at either. It just gives me a place to put a few things, as I do enjoy making things and retail. The nice thing about this is that I do not have to stay in a shop all day. I can be creating things. Yet, I am a part of a shop experience.
I agree with the idea of having a sale every few months. I have talked about doing this for sometime now, just waiting until I have a place to do it. I am NOT into hauling a bunch of stuff around to sell it, so I dream of having a place where I can set up a shop type area and leave it, just adding new things when I am ready for a sale to the public. I even have designed what this area will look like. I dream about it all the time.
I did have a big sale before Christmas. It took me all week to set up because it was in my house and we had to live here too! It was fun. But I did leave another craft show where I had built a reputation to do this. Consequently, I did not do as well as I had the previous years. I know it will build and I will get people 'trained' to come to my house over time, so patience is required here.
So I do understand what you are feeling. I feel like I was born to be a merchant, so it is with me all the time. I am just not willing to make a commitment to be stuck in a place six days a week. Sounds wishy-washy, huh?
I have sold for a few years on ebay, but mostly scrapbooking stuff from a store I had in my home. I also have some things on etsy. I tend to dabble more than anything, I guess.
I like to do creative things for my church so my time gets spread out. But this is what I choose to do.
Frankly, unless you are in a real hot-spot (location) there is not that much money in it. I base this on what I have been told by shopkeepers that I know quite well. I think most of them have another form of support (hubby's income), so they do it for the love of it.
Just my two cents worth! Best wishes with whatever you decide.
Pamela
"I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!" |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Feb 09 2006 : 5:10:44 PM
Jan -- I have a business license so that I can purchase fabric and other things for resale. And I also report the tax on any retail sales I make in the State of WA. But if you are having the type of sale you want to do it is considered the same as a garage sale and you probably don't need to worry about it. I know that we live in different states but I'm sure the same applies for garage sales anywhere. You might want to check it out though.
Mine is just a little old fashioned garden where the flowers come together to praise the Lord, and teach all who look upon them to do likewise.
-- Celia Thaxter
http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
http://rusticcottage.blogspot.com/ |
| applelady |
Posted - Feb 09 2006 : 2:52:25 PM
Thanks for all the great advice ladies! I'll follow up on your suggestions and hopefully get a little closer to opening a shop.
Gail |
