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Entrepreneurship:  need help w/your crafting business? * Posted more*  |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
 Posted - Aug 05 2011 : 04:11:40 AM
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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 |
Edited by - JojoNH on Oct 06 2011 07:38:21 AM |
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one_dog_per_acre
True Blue Farmgirl
1572 Posts
Trish
Sandpoint
ID
USA
1572 Posts |
Posted - Aug 05 2011 : 04:31:08 AM
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I need to find a site that lists craft fairs in my areas that don't require a subscription to the site. I am interested in smaller craft fairs, as opposed to the ones held at convention centers or the Tacoma Dome, that have commercials on TV.
If you sell Christmas stuff, when do you put it out?
I really appreciate this post! Thank you so much.
Trish
Make cupcakes not war!
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doglady
True Blue Farmgirl
435 Posts
Tina
Howard
Ohio
USA
435 Posts |
Posted - Aug 05 2011 : 04:48:31 AM
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This is an excellent subject Joanna. I would like help with adding a book cover to my ebook so that I can launch it as it's almost finished.
Trish - I would think you might want to advertise and sell Christmas stuff starting towards the end of August and be at full speed on advertising by the end of September. The stores would probably start advertising right after Easter if they could get away with it. Everything keeps getting earlier. I would also check with your local chamber of commerce for past craft fairs that went on the year before and ask how they advertise them/where as well.
Dogs never judge people, they only forgive!
www.kennelcreations.com |
Edited by - doglady on Aug 05 2011 04:50:05 AM |
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SheilaC
True Blue Farmgirl
1948 Posts
Sheila
Vermont
USA
1948 Posts |
Posted - Aug 05 2011 : 04:51:35 AM
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taxes?
also--how about selling stuff to/through a shop that sells regular stuff plus a little bit of local/handmade type stuff?--how do you do that type thing, short of already knowing the owner or having a connection?
http://troutwife.blogspot.com/
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doglady
True Blue Farmgirl
435 Posts
Tina
Howard
Ohio
USA
435 Posts |
Posted - Aug 05 2011 : 05:01:14 AM
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To keep taxes simple - a good method is to a. keep all receipts for everything (sure you knew that one). b. Multiply your profits by .153 and this amount should be enough to cover your taxes for your profits - set this amount aside for taxes to pay throughout the year or at year end. c. check with IRS on limit that you can earn up to before having to pay quarterly.
Dogs never judge people, they only forgive!
www.kennelcreations.com |
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FarmDream
True Blue Farmgirl
1085 Posts
Julie
TX
USA
1085 Posts |
Posted - Aug 05 2011 : 07:57:27 AM
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The best/least boring book I have read that covers most of this is Craft Inc. I'll answer one question on the list, Farmer's Markets. When I wanted to get started in the local farmer's market I went to it and asked to speak to the manager. If they are there, ask for an application. If they are not there, most people are helpful enough to tell you how to get a hold of them. The market may also have a website with all the information and instructions of how to apply and be accepted. While I was very nervous I kept in mind that all the vendors there had to go through the same process.
~FarmDream is Farmgirl Sister #3069
Live Today, Cherish Yesterday, Dream Tomorrow
http://naturaljulie.etsy.com
http://julie-rants.blogspot.com |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Aug 05 2011 : 2:33:23 PM
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Pricing... I think that has been what has held me back the most. I don't know how to price things fairly, taking into consideration time, materials, etc. How do you set a price that's fair to both you and the customer - one that won't scare them off, but will definitely help you make a fair income for all your hard work?
Thanks for the great post, Joanna! What a great idea!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
www.papercraftingwithnini.myctmh.com
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
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monicarose
True Blue Farmgirl
406 Posts
Monica
Florida
USA
406 Posts |
Posted - Aug 05 2011 : 4:48:57 PM
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This is such a great subject........I'm so stuck in the what, where, how, when, ?????
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pnickols
True Blue Farmgirl
808 Posts
Patricia
Parma
Ohio
808 Posts |
Posted - Aug 05 2011 : 5:36:27 PM
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| 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 ? |
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SheilaC
True Blue Farmgirl
1948 Posts
Sheila
Vermont
USA
1948 Posts |
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emsmommy5
True Blue Farmgirl
1547 Posts
Angie
Buckley
WA
USA
1547 Posts |
Posted - Aug 05 2011 : 9:25:19 PM
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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. |
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doglady
True Blue Farmgirl
435 Posts
Tina
Howard
Ohio
USA
435 Posts |
Posted - Aug 06 2011 : 03:46:19 AM
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Just wondering if anyone has done EBooks.
Dogs never judge people, they only forgive!
www.kennelcreations.com |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
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classygram
True Blue Farmgirl
1812 Posts
Brenda
Pleasant Hill
Mo.
USA
1812 Posts |
Posted - Aug 09 2011 : 04:45:30 AM
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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 |
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hellomysister
Farmgirl at Heart
8 Posts
Laura
Fond du Lac
WI
USA
8 Posts |
Posted - Aug 09 2011 : 05:40:36 AM
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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. |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
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SRhea
Farmgirl in Training
42 Posts
Sue
San Angelo
TX
USA
42 Posts |
Posted - Aug 11 2011 : 08:35:50 AM
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| This is all good to know because I am interested in starting a small home business. Looking forward to the web page. |
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one_dog_per_acre
True Blue Farmgirl
1572 Posts
Trish
Sandpoint
ID
USA
1572 Posts |
Posted - Aug 12 2011 : 07:14:53 AM
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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!
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one_dog_per_acre
True Blue Farmgirl
1572 Posts
Trish
Sandpoint
ID
USA
1572 Posts |
Posted - Aug 12 2011 : 07:19:50 AM
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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!
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
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blackfell_farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
96 Posts
Casey
Chandler
AZ
USA
96 Posts |
Posted - Sep 06 2011 : 12:12:24 PM
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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! |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
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blackfell_farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
96 Posts
Casey
Chandler
AZ
USA
96 Posts |
Posted - Sep 07 2011 : 11:25:31 AM
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To Joanna: Wonderful! I look forward to it! :) namaste
blackfell_farmgirl
HorseCrazy! |
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Entrepreneurship: need help w/your crafting business? * Posted more* |
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need help w/your crafting business? * Posted more*
