| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| JojoNH |
Posted - Aug 05 2011 : 04:11:40 AM
Hello Everyone, I have added more information on my blog for you. Great ways to get started for the stressful holiday selling season and more. Be sure to check in each week, I will be adding more to the blog every couple of days.
Okay, I have the first of the information available on my blog, it will be easier to provide the information there with up to date links to some wonderful resources I am finding for all of us. It will take you time to follow all the links and read all the information provided. . . so I will do several postings with the information for all of you to follow. If you have more questions, just ask! I am more than happy to help.
With the economy the way it is these days, many of us are turning to our talents to try and make ends meet. The one thing that is holding many back is the basics of running a small business. So here is what I want to know:
What do you need help with?
Getting started?
Where to buy your wholesale goods?
Pricing?
Figuring out a niche market?
Where to sell without it costing you a ton of money?
How to set up for a fair or farmers market?
The office basics, such as accounting?
How to generate a mailing list?
How to promote your business without spending money on advertising?
Building a website?
Anything else?
Let's hear from all of you on this, I would love to help as many Farmgirl's as I can, achieve their dreams of earning a living!!
Joanna #566
JojoNH
www.countrycents.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CountryCents
http://CountryCents.Blogspot.com
www.JoannasHomeStudio.com "Keeping traditions alive a stitch at a time"
http://twitter.com/NHJoanna |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| JojoNH |
Posted - Oct 03 2011 : 04:34:09 AM
As we are getting closer to the holiday season, I will be posting more regular on my blog. .. trying to answer all your questions the best way I can. Feel free to email me any time with your questions or post here. . . either way, I look forward to helping Everyone with whatever information I can find for you!
Joanna #566
JojoNH
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CountryCents
http://CountryCents.Blogspot.com
www.JoannasHomeStudio.com "Keeping traditions alive a stitch at a time"
http://twitter.com/NHJoanna |
| JojoNH |
Posted - Sep 23 2011 : 03:04:23 AM
Some great questions! I have been very busy doing quite a bit of research to come up with answers for everyone. Making sure the information I offer is current and that all links bring you to a relevant site. . . something that won't cost you money!
To answer one question that is being asked all the time:
What is selling??
Although this can be challenging, the answers could actually be found right in your own home. Take the time to think about what you would be purchasing and for what reason. Since everyone is on tighter budgets these days, a trend in sales has been on useful items rather than decorative. So, using greene2531's question as an example, lots of folks are purchasing things like dish clothes, baby wipes, pot scrubbers, hats, scarves,mittens and for food, think of things for maybe the holiday or even things kids can bring to school for a snack.
It is an ever changing market out there, so watching trends everywhere will give you the best indication of what is moving and what is not. A simple walk through the grocery store or the local drug store will give you lots of ideas of what is selling. Be sure to check out the latest magazine covers as you pass by the magazine section. . .the lead titles will also give you clues as to what everyone is looking for.
Finally, the absolute best advise I can give is this, keep it simple, keep the cost as low as possible, use popular colors and work in small batches so you can be flexible with the ever changing market.
Hope this helps!
Joanna #566
JojoNH
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CountryCents
http://CountryCents.Blogspot.com
www.JoannasHomeStudio.com "Keeping traditions alive a stitch at a time"
http://twitter.com/NHJoanna |
| greene2531 |
Posted - Sep 22 2011 : 10:52:36 PM
I too would like to know what items sell the best. I crochet and bake. My husband is trying to start up a consignment shop. I would like to put some of my items in to sell. Just never know what would sell the best.
GISG! |
| JojoNH |
Posted - Sep 21 2011 : 2:02:16 PM
Hi Kathleen, No problem, I encourage everyone to join in. I love it when others reach out to help.
Joanna #566
JojoNH
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CountryCents
http://CountryCents.Blogspot.com
www.JoannasHomeStudio.com "Keeping traditions alive a stitch at a time"
http://twitter.com/NHJoanna |
| NixKat |
Posted - Sep 21 2011 : 1:33:39 PM
Joanna,
I am so sorry to jump in with the copyright information! I just realized what I did. When it comes to infringement I get really wound up since it happened to me and even with a copyright I couldn't get restitution, or even an apology.
Once again, I apologize, I didn't mean to step over you.
Kathleen...... Farmgirl Sister #3447 |
| NixKat |
Posted - Sep 21 2011 : 1:30:07 PM
quote:
Originally posted by one_dog_per_acre
Has anyone had any trademark infringement issues? Am I on the right track in thinking that a business license will protect my name brand somewhat? LLC or sole proprietor? I've only ever dealt with service, the license protects your name in your state.
Trish
Make cupcakes not war!
Trish,
Don't put anything out there without a copyright or trademark for it. The only thing that protects you, your name, and/or your brand are these documents.
They are very easy to get, a copyright cost about $10, I don't know how it works exactly for product, but I know for photography one copyright covers as many low resolution images as I can squeeze onto a dvd (thousands).
Don't pay someone to do this for you. It's easy to do, no need to use some unscrupulous person to do it for you.
Good luck, 
Kathleen...... Farmgirl Sister #3447 |
| JojoNH |
Posted - Sep 15 2011 : 05:31:34 AM
I will also be posting later with some wonderful information on video linking and where to find the latest information on craft shows and more!
Joanna #566
JojoNH
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CountryCents
http://CountryCents.Blogspot.com
www.JoannasHomeStudio.com "Keeping traditions alive a stitch at a time"
http://twitter.com/NHJoanna |
| JojoNH |
Posted - Sep 15 2011 : 05:30:28 AM
Hi Everyone,
I have added a new post to the blog to help those who are looking for some packaging supplies in small quantities, tags, stickers, labels, even some great how-to books, and more. Let me know what you think after checking it all out.
Joanna #566
JojoNH
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CountryCents
http://CountryCents.Blogspot.com
www.JoannasHomeStudio.com "Keeping traditions alive a stitch at a time"
http://twitter.com/NHJoanna |
| rubyleesmom |
Posted - Sep 11 2011 : 7:53:48 PM
My biggest issue is finding information on licensing/permit requirements for Florida..For example: I would like to try to sell a few things I have sewn, but I am not nearly ready to start a business yet. I would love to know how to find shows or markets i could go to to that i dont have to have some sort of business license for (if there is such a monster).. I have spent hours googling this stuff but most of the info I find is very vague! |
| blackfell_farmgirl |
Posted - Sep 07 2011 : 11:25:31 AM
To Joanna: Wonderful! I look forward to it! :) namaste
blackfell_farmgirl
HorseCrazy! |
| JojoNH |
Posted - Sep 06 2011 : 3:10:48 PM
Wow, that sounds wonderful!! Love the idea of a yoga class online. . . let me look into a few things that I think will be beneficial to you and I will let you know as soon as I post them on my blog.
Joanna #566
JojoNH
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CountryCents
http://CountryCents.Blogspot.com
www.JoannasHomeStudio.com "Keeping traditions alive a stitch at a time"
http://twitter.com/NHJoanna |
| blackfell_farmgirl |
Posted - Sep 06 2011 : 12:12:24 PM
Most of the questions are around the thing that the farm can produce. Alas, I have no farm at the moment, but thought of a traveling Yoga instructor especially for the MJ farmgirls and farmgirl ailments. I also am trying to hook up informal skype yoga sessions through video. If that works I will formalize a business with name etc. Any words of advice?
blackfell_farmgirl
HorseCrazy! |
| JojoNH |
Posted - Aug 13 2011 : 05:21:44 AM
Hi Everyone,
Some more great questions! I am busy with the web page for all of you. It does take time to get everything written up in between working all day. . . I will be posting it very soon and will continue to add in updates as we go along. So, if you have more questions, please feel free to post here, I will add answers onto the page as we go.
Joanna #566
JojoNH
www.countrycents.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CountryCents
http://CountryCents.Blogspot.com
www.JoannasHomeStudio.com "Keeping traditions alive a stitch at a time"
http://twitter.com/NHJoanna |
| one_dog_per_acre |
Posted - Aug 12 2011 : 07:19:50 AM
Has anyone had any trademark infringement issues? Am I on the right track in thinking that a business license will protect my name brand somewhat? LLC or sole proprietor? I've only ever dealt with service, the license protects your name in your state.
Trish
Make cupcakes not war!
|
| one_dog_per_acre |
Posted - Aug 12 2011 : 07:14:53 AM
I am considering selling girls clothing at small shows. Anyone who does this already? What sizes do you make, and which do you run out of? Do people ask you about boys clothing?
Trish
Make cupcakes not war!
|
| SRhea |
Posted - Aug 11 2011 : 08:35:50 AM
This is all good to know because I am interested in starting a small home business. Looking forward to the web page. |
| JojoNH |
Posted - Aug 09 2011 : 05:53:30 AM
Great Questions!! Adding those onto the growing list. Keep these coming!!
I not only will have answers ( to the best of my ability of course )
there will also be direct links to resources for you to check out as well.
Joanna #566
JojoNH
www.countrycents.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CountryCents
http://CountryCents.Blogspot.com
www.JoannasHomeStudio.com "Keeping traditions alive a stitch at a time"
http://twitter.com/NHJoanna |
| hellomysister |
Posted - Aug 09 2011 : 05:40:36 AM
I have been making items for a couple of local places and am in my first Holiday Craft Show this fall - what tips do you have regarding craft booth and presentation?
Laura
...on a quest for inspired gardening, crafting, and golfing. |
| classygram |
Posted - Aug 09 2011 : 04:45:30 AM
Joanna thanks for starting this, I've wanted to sell my crafts and like someone mentioned above, I do so many different crafts, that knowing what will sell, is the question. Looking forward to seeing your question/answers when you get it up and going. Thanks again. Brenda
http:///www.scatteredlittleblessings.blogspot.com
Seek reasons to Love..In every sigment of everyday-look for something that brings forth within you a feeling of Love-Abraham Hicks |
| JojoNH |
Posted - Aug 09 2011 : 04:36:38 AM
I am working on the webpage with all the answers I can find for all of you. . . thought I would give you an update!
Joanna #566
JojoNH
www.countrycents.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CountryCents
http://CountryCents.Blogspot.com
www.JoannasHomeStudio.com "Keeping traditions alive a stitch at a time"
http://twitter.com/NHJoanna |
| JojoNH |
Posted - Aug 06 2011 : 06:05:18 AM
I am so happy I asked this question. Many of you have the same concerns, worries and unknowns that I did when I started out.
Please keep the questions coming. . . I am compiling the list and working on it over the weekend to get you answers. I want all of you to be out there following your dreams!!
Keep the posts coming!!
Joanna #566
JojoNH
www.countrycents.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CountryCents
http://CountryCents.Blogspot.com
www.JoannasHomeStudio.com "Keeping traditions alive a stitch at a time"
http://twitter.com/NHJoanna |
| doglady |
Posted - Aug 06 2011 : 03:46:19 AM
Just wondering if anyone has done EBooks.
Dogs never judge people, they only forgive!
www.kennelcreations.com |
| emsmommy5 |
Posted - Aug 05 2011 : 9:25:19 PM
How to stand out/what to make when you can make lots of things
Where to sell
What to set as pricing
Is it really worth it
Setting realistic with expectations
How to advertise without spending money
How to reach people and convince them your stuff is the bomb without being pushy
Getting over the fear, reserves, concerns, procrastination and other excuses and getting it going
What to name yourself/shop
and I could go on and on and on.
I have some cool, funky crochet bags with hand beading on them. 6-7 made. Sitting there waiting for me to do something. Hand made dish cloths, scrubbies, adorable tea cozies,etc. Keep saying I am going to do Etsy or something. Just can't seem to get past the invisible roadblocks. But I really, really need to sell some stuff to feed my crafting habit!
Do what you love, love what you do. |
| SheilaC |
Posted - Aug 05 2011 : 5:44:05 PM
permits/licenses?
http://troutwife.blogspot.com/
|
| pnickols |
Posted - Aug 05 2011 : 5:36:27 PM
I have a few ideas but then get discouraged at the vast amount of people trying to sell stuff, how do I find my spot and how do you decide which idea to go with ? |
