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I would love nothing better than to quit my job, and sell my soaps, clothing and jewelry for a living. But how do you get started? Simplicity tells me, just do it, my brain tells me, I'd never make enough to live.
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Massachusetts
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Re: Making a living crafting.......
Sun, May 8, 2005 - 7:27 AMWhen I started my business, I worked at a regular full time job as well. I slowly transitioned over a period of 1 1/2 years to part-time and then in my own business full time. There was no way I could just drop my job as I was married and had three children...LOL.. I still have the three children...just not married any more...My financial obligations were too high so I spent the necessary time to transition so that my obligations were still met. Other wise, you could start saving enough for about 6 months worth of bills and living expenses...my suggestion on the time necessary. This time could be different as it totally depends upon how hard you work and how successful you are.
If you transition slowly, the risk of failure is lessened quite a bit.
As an aside, I went to high school just down the road from you...in Enniskillen...
Geoff
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Unsu...
Re: Making a living crafting.......
Sun, May 8, 2005 - 11:20 AMbest thing to do it keep your current job until you get your feet wet in the whole craftin business thing. I'd reccomend you to start selling your things on ebay, then if you are doing good...set up a small website and advertise as much as you can. if you are making enough money to supprt yourself, then continue. but if you are only selling soaps and stuff, it may help to sell them to local shops for consignment -
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Re: Making a living crafting.......
Sun, May 8, 2005 - 1:38 PMThank you both for replying, I should start out slow and sale stuff on ebay. I really should set up some pics here as well.
And on the side, the world is a wee place for sure!
-Caoimhe -
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Re: Making a living crafting.......
Sun, May 8, 2005 - 6:39 PMIt is a really hard leep of faith, I think, to go all or nothing with the crafts. I'm lucky enough to have a job that allows me to take off whenever I need to to do a craft fair. Like you, I would love to make a living on my crafts, but in reality, I'm lucky to pay for my hobbies and make a little extra.
I looked into opening a shop, but I would have had to take out a loan, which would have required a buisness proposal. I'm just not ready to commit. However, there are resources if you are interested. I think it is called SACS ? It is an organization of retired biz people who give free advice. You might have alocal chapter. (I'll check on that name and get back to you.)
eBay is a good idea, but don't take it personal if it doesn't do well. There are a lot of handmade soaps and stuff on there. I would do a search and compare your stuff to what is there and get an idea of how those items are selling. It is hard because your customer can't pick up your product and smell it--if you are like me, smell is a huge factor. If you do eBay, don't sell yourself short.
Also, like earth mama mentioned, local consignment--or wholesale for that matter--is a good idea. That's what I do. And people who like your stuff will keep you in mind, too. Like right now I'm overflowing with orders for grad gifts. Just get your stuff out there. Have no shame. Keep a basket of your products on display on your desk at work...lol I did over $500 in xmas gifts one year by taking orders that way.
Keep us updated on your progress....best of luck!!
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Re: Making a living crafting.......
Fri, May 13, 2005 - 6:02 PMI looked at selling my soaps on eBay, and I think consigning locally is a better way to go on this one. Unless you have an assortment of items you can sell together (gift basket style) I find people are reluctant to pay shipping on one or two bars of soap when they can get something handmade locally. Just a thought... Alicia
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