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Entrepreneurship:  What do you think?  |
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paradiseplantation
True Blue Farmgirl
1277 Posts
julie
social springs community
Louisiana
USA
1277 Posts |
 Posted - Oct 02 2007 : 07:45:36 AM
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I'm thinking seriously of starting to market what I call a 'Paradise Plantation' basket. It would have a handmade basket (anything from oak split to wisteria used), two handwoven dishtowels, a homemade pillar candle (or hand-dipped or votive), homemade soap (lavendar, kitchen, gardeners to begin with, and expanding as needed) and two canned goods - anything from salsa and candied jalapenos for dips, or jams & jellies or relishes. I've never sold any of my crafts, and figured I would start with one of the small town festivals around here. I thought of doing it in Natchitoches, but the booths are cost-prohibitive and their insurance minimum would soak up any profits I might make. Do you guys even think this type of thing would sell? Is there enough items and a good variety to make it appealing? I've also thought I would make extras of everything for those who just wanted an individual item. I've been reading the posts about pricing, and know I've got quite a bit of work ahead of me just figuring that part out. But it's a LOT of work to put these together, and I just wanted some input on whether or not it would be viable. Thanks in advance for y'alls thoughts. I love this forum and having all you 'experts' to go to when I have questions!
from the hearts of paradise... |
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SarahJ
True Blue Farmgirl
198 Posts
Shreveport
Louisiana
198 Posts |
Posted - Oct 02 2007 : 08:06:23 AM
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| If you were considering Natchitches, you could try the Shreveport Farmer's Market in the summers. Also, I heard about plans for a permenant farmers market-style place in north Shreveport. Also, you could look at boothspace in the smaller town festivals. For example, while Shreveport's Revel and the Melrose Arts festival have high booth prices, festivals in smaller towns like Many, Mooringsport, Oil City, etc. are pretty cheap. I would maybe try a small town festival or something and see how it goes, then decide from there. |
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willowtreecreek
True Blue Farmgirl
4813 Posts
Julie
Russell
AR
USA
4813 Posts |
Posted - Oct 02 2007 : 08:16:17 AM
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Hey Julie! I think it sounds great but there is one thing to consider. Most states require a special liscence in order to sell canned goods. They must be made in a health department approved kitchen. Some states will approve home kitchens if they meet certain criteria but some will not. You will need to check you local regulations on that first.
Felt and Fabric Crafts
www.willowartist.etsy.com
www.willowtreecreek.com
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www.willowtreecreek.wordpress.com |
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Lizabeth
True Blue Farmgirl
560 Posts
Washington
560 Posts |
Posted - Oct 02 2007 : 8:49:11 PM
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Oddly, in WA it is the Dept of Agriculture that approves the kitchens... and there is a senior center here in town that is allowed, but you can't store your made items at home, they have to stay in the approved place or taken to market/delivered the same day they are made.
Which for me, rules out making any food items to sell... can't get into the kitchen at the center at 4am to cook and then set up and sell at a market at 9 or 10. The center is not open that early and there are not enough hours to get things prepared.
I am a bit disappointed as I had made a batch of the apple pie filling and it was soooo good I wanted to make some to sell it at upcoming bazaars, but no go.
http://www.handcraftsbyheather.com |
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corporatefarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
389 Posts
Tamara
Pikeville
TN
USA
389 Posts |
Posted - Oct 03 2007 : 1:31:22 PM
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We sell our stuff at the farmers market with no problem. It really depends on the area. First check out the local markets and see if there are other food items there ( pies, canned goods, etc). Road side stands work well too!
there is a seed to plant in every heart |
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Entrepreneurship: What do you think? |
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What do you think?
