| How to Start a Crafts Business Posted: 09 Aug 2020 05:00 PM PDT A craft business can be a great way to make some extra cash, though it may be a little overwhelming to move from point A to point B in your entrepreneurial goals. Before you can hit the ground running, take a little time to plan ahead and think about the customer base you plan on selling to. With enough preparation, you can put your best foot forward as the owner and manager of a crafts business! [Edit]Picking a Niche for Your Business - Choose a crafting hobby that you'd like to pursue. Think about your own interests and hobbies, like jewelry-making, crocheting, card making, and more. Choose a specific category that you can center your business around. Pick a skill that you have some background in, so you'll have an easier time making products for your store.[1]
- For instance, if you have a lot of expertise with a certain hobby, like welding or woodworking, you may want to center your business around those crafts.
- Try to think outside of the box. There are a lot of different craft sellers out there, and you want to make yourself as unique as possible. For instance, instead of just knitting throw blankets, you can knit blankets that represent different LGBTQ pride flags.
- List potential clientele for your business. Think about specific demographics, like age and economic status. Will your ideal customer have a lot of money to spend on artisan goods, or will they be an individual who's more pressed for cash? This list can give you a basic idea of who you're selling to and how much you'll want to charge in the long run.[2]
- For instance, if you're selling high-quality earrings, you can assume that your customers have a bit of spending money. If you're selling something that's more of a necessity, like handmade furniture, your customers may have different budget needs.
- Visit craft shows to see what goods artisans are selling. Look online to see what craft shows are happening near you. Browse the different stalls and aisles to see what types of products artisans are selling, and what they're selling specifically. Observe how many sellers make crafts in your designated niche—if you have a lot of competition right off the bat, you may want to send your craft business in another direction.[3]
- For instance, if you want to make a custom photo frame business, you won't want to set up shop in an area where there are already 2-3 established framers.
- Craft shows can be a great place to find inspiration for your own displays in the future.
- Check crafting sites to see how much competition is out there. Log onto websites like Handmade at Amazon and Etsy to see the kinds of products that people are selling. Look at how many customers have bought those goods in the past, and if those products seem to be in high demand. This can give you an idea of how popular or unique your business idea is.[4]
- You don't want to start up a business on a website with people who are already well-established in your crafting niche.
- For instance, if you make custom quilts for newborn babies, check Etsy to see how many artisans sell similar goods.
[Edit]Figuring out the Logistics of Your Business - Create a unique brand identity for yourself. Think of a name and unique logo that really capture the essence of what you're trying to sell. Don't reinvent the wheel—instead, focus on a catchy, informative brand name that attracts customers without sounding too cliche or boring. Check that your brand and logo really match the goals of your brand, so your business looks really cohesive and professional.[5]
- For instance, if you sell calligraphy prints, you may name your brand something like "Looped Luxury" or "Inked Dreaming."
- If you make your own baskets, you can name your brand something like "Brittany's Baskets" or "Bushels of Love."
- Register your business with your state or region. Check online to see what your state or region's small business laws are. If you plan on making a decent chunk of income from this business, you'll likely need to register yourself with the government for tax purposes. Check your state or regional website for specific information.[6]
- For instance, if you're registered as a small business in the United States, you get an Employer Identification Number, which you use to pay taxes later on.
- Choose a competitive price for your products. Visit craft shows and check on craft marketplaces to see what the average price is for the type of craft you're selling. Try to mark your own prices at a similar price so customers don't write your products off as too expensive.[7]
- For instance, if other sellers list their rubber stamps for $15, you may want to undercut their prices slightly by selling your products for $12.
- Always consider the cost of your materials when pricing a product. If you undersell your products, you may end of losing money in the long run.
- Find a reasonable supplier where you can buy supplies in bulk. Check online to see if there are any wholesale stores that sell the supplies you need for your craft. Think about how much you're willing to spend on these—keep in mind that you're trying to make a profit with your business, so your supplies shouldn't cost more than your actual crafts.[8]
- Stores that sell in bulk are a good starting point to work with. Once you make a steady profit, you can purchase supplies from more expensive/luxury brands.
- Make multiple versions of your craft ahead of time so you have stock. Take some time to create a "stock" for your store, so you can accept lots of orders at once. Set your products aside in a safe place so they're ready to mail out once you open your business.[9]
- Sign up with a shipping provider who can mail your goods. Look up different pricing information from different postal or shipping offices in your area. Pick a group that has reasonable rates and won't break the bank when you start making sales.[10]
- Your local post office is a good option, depending on the type of product you're selling.
- Some websites, like Etsy, help you print out a shipping label for your local post office.
[Edit]Photographing Your Products - Set up a nice backdrop so you can take nice product photos. Drape a white sheet over a chair or wall so you have a clean, crisp backdrop to use for your pictures. Choose something light-colored so your product is really clear and distinguishable in a picture.[11]
- If you have a bit of money to spare, buy an official backdrop to use for your product pictures. You can buy these for under $20 online.
- If you have a bit of technology expertise, you can use a green screen as a backdrop instead.
- Arrange extra lighting to boost your picture quality. Place extra lights around your product so the picture can look clear and focused. If you're really committed to a photo studio setup, you can buy lighting from special companies, like SHOTBOX or B&H.[12]
- Take your pictures with a nice camera. Rent or invest in a nice, high-quality camera, or snap pictures with your camera phone. Double-check that the product is centered and well-lit in the photos before you upload them anywhere.[13]
- Ask a professional to take pictures if you don't have a lot of experience.
[Edit]Marketing Your Business - Predict who your ideal customer will be. Pretend that you're shopping from your own craft business, and think about how you'd describe your crafts from a shopper's perspective. Try and form an identity based on this experiment, like where your ideal customer lives, when they're most likely to shop, and why they choose certain products over others.[14]
- For instance, if you make costumes for a living, your ideal customer might be a cosplayer or performer looking for costumes that are higher quality than a standard retailer.
- If you make your own ceramics, your ideal customer may be a middle-aged or older adult looking for art to place in their home.
- Cater your product descriptions to your ideal clientele. Narrow down your ideal customer's reason for shopping, then try to address it in your product's description and website. Think about really specific reasons why the customer might be looking for a certain craft—this can help you narrow down your description.[15]
- For instance, if you make custom lotion, you can write something like: "Our summer soap is made with aloe, which will soothe your skin after a hot day in the sun."
- If you design custom T-shirts, you can say something like: "Our T-shirts are great for a variety of occasions for all ages, whether you're getting ready for a soccer tournament or a family reunion."
- Separate yourself from the competition. Look online to see what other crafters in your field are selling. Give yourself a unique angle that no other crafter has, which will really set you apart from other sellers. Advertise the unique product you offer customers, and explain why it's noteworthy.[16]
- For instance, if you make amigurumi toys, you can use pastel yarn to give your products a unique color scheme.
- If you want to open a woodworking shop, you can use local or recycled wood to make all of your products.
- Draft a personal story that describes your backstory. Write down a few inspirational paragraphs about your origin story as an artisan. Let them know when you started crafting, and if there are any special causes that are near and dear to your heart. Keep your passage concise and to the point, so buyers feel like they can trust you and your products.[17]
- For instance, you can say something like: "I've been sculpting clay since I was 12 years old, and it's turned into a lifelong passion. I love challenging myself and creating unique designs for my customers."
- Let buyers know if your goods support a certain charity.
- Design a website for your business. Build a website that helps give your customers a full scope of what you offer as an artisan. Include an "about" tab, along with a place for people to shop and view your products. Additionally, include a "contact" page that helps potential clientele get in touch with you more easily.[18]
- You can use a free website builder, like Wix or Weebly, but it'll look more professional if you purchase your own domain.
- List your crafts on your website or a third-party marketplace. Make an account on a third-party site, like Etsy or Handmade by Amazon, which will help you sell and ship your products to a variety of locations. These sites usually charge you per listing, and pocket a small portion of your sales.[19] If you want to seek directly from your own website, set up your shop on a platform like Shopify or BigCommerce.[20]
- Create social media profiles for your business. Sign up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and any other network where you think your customers will be active. Upload content on a regular basis so you can stay in touch with your customers while also promoting yourself.[21]
- You can use social media to host fun giveaways for customers, or to show off new merchandise that you're planning to sell.
- Sell your products at craft shows for in-person networking opportunities. Register for craft shows in your area if you'd like to interact with customers personally to get your name out there. Always bring a credit card reader with you to accommodate for all buyers. Keep in mind that many shows require a registration fee to rent a booth, so only sign up for events in your price range.[22]
- You can use craft shows as an opportunity to share your business card, or set up a mailing list.
- Be sure to list any staff members on your website.[23]
- A craft business can be a great side job if you're looking to make extra money.
- It may help to make a unique email domain specifically for your craft business.
[Edit]Warnings - Be prepared for anything when you first start a craft business. There's no guarantee that you'll sell enough to make a living, so you'll want a back-up plan in place.
[Edit]Related wikiHows
[Edit]References |
| How to Make Boxes For Chocolates Posted: 09 Aug 2020 09:00 AM PDT Chocolates are a great gift. They're perfect for romantic occasions, holidays, or party bags, and almost everyone enjoys a sweet treat. But part of the experience comes from unwrapping or unboxing a gift to find out what's inside. While there's nothing wrong with using the packaging the chocolates came in, making your own box is a great way to take your gift to the next level. You can either make a box from scratch by printing a template out online, or dress up a preconstructed cardboard box to make a stronger box for your chocolates. [Edit]Folding a DIY Gift Box - Find a printable template online to make things easy. Designing a box from scratch is kind of complicated, but there are hundreds of free templates out there in a variety of unique designs. From regular old boxes to heart-shaped boxes and pillow pouches, there are plenty of templates to choose from. Find a box that looks interesting to you.[1]
- Take the shape of your chocolate into account. If you're gifting longer bars, a rectangular box is ideal. For little chocolate balls or bites, basically any sized box will work, although cubes and pillow boxes look great.
- Print the template out on colorful cardstock or paper. Grab some colorful cardstock. If you have a high-end printer that can print on cardstock, print the template directly on the cardstock. If you don't have a printer that can print on thicker paper, just print out the template on regular paper and glue it on the backside of some nice cardstock.[2]
- You can always pull a template up on your screen and draw it out or trace it on your computer screen if you don't have a printer.
- Cut the solid lines of the template out with a utility knife or scissors. Cut around the external lines that make the shape of the box. Either use scissors and carefully cut around the lines, or put the paper down on a cutting board and use a straight edge and a utility knife to cut each line out perfectly.[3]
- Leave any solid lines inside of the template where they are. These lines are typically reserved for tabs that you fold into other portions of the box and adhere to them with glue.
- If you're making a pillow pouch or heart-shaped box, you probably have a few curved lines to cut out. Trimming these lines with a utility knife is extremely difficult, so you're better off using scissors for these.
- Score the dotted lines with a non-serrated butter knife. To score the dotted lines inside of the template, grab a soft-edged butter knife and a straight edge. Set the paper down on a cutting board and line the edge of the straight edge up with the dotted line. Then, drag the butter knife along the line to put an indentation in the paper. This will make the sections much easier to fold.[4]
- If you don't score the lines, your box will have a kind of puffy shape and may unfold on its own. Scoring these lines improves the shape of the box and reduces the overall tension.
- Fold the box into its general shape by folding along the scored lines. This process looks different for each style of box, so follow the template's instructions on the site you pulled it from. Generally speaking, you fold each solid line inside of your template to make the tabs and gently fold along each scored line to assemble the box inward.[5]
- This process is typically easier for simple boxes and pillow pouches. The heart-shaped boxes and complex shapes can take a few attempts to get right.
- Put glue or double-sided tape on the foldable tabs. Once you have the shape of the box mostly assembled, grab a glue stick or a roll of double-sided tape. Apply a small length of glue or double-sided tape to each tab on the side where it faces another portion of your box.[6]
- You can also use standard single-sided tape to attach the tabs where they lay over another portion of the box. Just keep in mind that these pieces of tape will be visible when someone opens the box.
- Press the tabs against the adjacent walls of your box to secure them. Take your first tab and line it up with the wall of the box it attaches to. Gently press the tab against the paper to permanently attach it to your box. Repeat this process for every tab you have until the shape of your box is assembled.[7]
- Add a bow, design, or stickers to customize the box. Once your box is folded, you can add any optional designs. Custom stickers are a great option if you're gifting the chocolates to someone since you can put their name or a cute note on the sticker. Bows, ribbons, string, and fake flowers are also great options.[8]
- You can always leave the box as it is. You don't have to add anything to it if you don't want to.
[Edit]Dressing up a Prefabricated Box - Get a cardboard box big enough to fit your chocolates. A small shoebox is great for a large amount of chocolate, while a large matchbox is great for 2-3 smaller, fancier chocolates. Basically any small cardboard box with a lid will work. If you're assembling a lot of boxes to give chocolates to a bunch of people, pick up some small cardboard boxes from a hobby or big box store.[9]
- Wrap the box in wrapping paper to give it a neat texture or pattern. Pull out a roll of wrapping paper. Set the box down with the opening facing up and cut out a section of the wrapping paper big enough to cover the sides of the box. Put tape or glue on the bottom and sides of the box and fold the paper up to the fit the box. Tuck the corners in and tape them in place, and use scissors to trim off any excess paper.[10]
- Repeat this process with the lid to cover each portion of the box with your paper.
- If you don't like the glossy texture of wrapping paper, buy some butcher paper.
- You can do this by printing out a pattern on printer paper if you have a smaller box.
- You can paint the box if you'd like, but painted cardboard boxes tend to look kind of cheap compared to paper-based options.
- Cut shapes out and tape them to the box if you'd like. To give the box some personality, cut out some hearts, labels, or shapes. Tape or glue them to your box to add some additional design elements. Use cardstock or glossy paper if you want to give the shapes some texture or weight.[11]
- This is a great way to give each box an individual touch if you're giving out a large number of boxes to coworkers, friends, or family.
- Add bows, strings, or ribbons to give the box a personal touch. A bow is a great choice if you're giving a romantic gift or giving the chocolates out as a holiday gift. String or twine is a more modern option and will give your box a more elegant look. Ribbons are a great middle ground if you just want to add some color and style.[12]
- You can wrap a single string or ribbon around the middle of the box, or wrap the box vertically in both directions to give the gift receiver something to open.
[Edit]Packing the Chocolates - Line the inside with tissue or shredded paper to protect the chocolates. To keep the chocolate from getting dinged up inside of the box, stuff the inside with balled up tissue paper. For a trendier look, pick up some shredded paper and line the inside of your box with it. Set your wrapped chocolates on top of the shredded or tissue paper.[13]
- Do not pack unwrapped chocolates on the paper. Your delicious treats will pick up all kind of junk and dust from the paper.
- Cut some small compartments out of cardboard strips for multiple chocolates. Get 2 thin cardboard strips that will fit inside your box. Cut a slit in the middle of each strip. Then, place your first strip in the middle of the box with the slit facing up. Take your second cardboard strip and slide it into the first strip so that the slits fit together. Place your wrapped chocolates in the compartments to separate them.[14]
- You can buy these compartment liners if you prefer. Just make sure the divider will fit inside your box.
- You can also do this with 4 strips for a 3 by 3 grid if you have a bigger box.
- Place a single chocolate inside each box for a simple gift. If you have a bunch of smaller boxes or you're only giving out a little token of gratitude, just put a single chocolate inside each box. This is a great option if the chocolates are really fancy or you have a lot of gifts to give out.[15]
- Use cupcake liners to present a large number of chocolates. If you have a bigger box and you're giving out chocolates for everyone to share, get some mini cupcake liners. These are the small paper wrappers with ridges used for muffins, cupcakes, and peanut butter cups. Place 1 wrapped or unwrapped chocolate in each cupcake liner and arrange the chocolates in rows to share them.
- If you do this, make sure you keep the box upright at all times as you're transporting it. The chocolates will fly all over the place if you don't handle the box with care.
- Store your chocolates in the refrigerator and only put them in the box when you're ready to give the box away. If you just leave the chocolate in your box and it melts at all, you'll need to make a new box.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Folding a DIY Gift Box - Printer
- Printer paper
- Template
- Scissors
- Utility knife
- Glue or double-sided tape
- Bow, twine, stickers (optional)
[Edit]Dressing up a Prefabricated Box - Cardboard box
- Wrapping paper or butcher paper
- Scissors
- Tape
- Bow, twine, stickers (optional)
[Edit]Packing the Chocolates - Tissue paper or shredded paper
- Cardboard strips
- Scissors
- Cupcake liners
[Edit]References |
| How to Order Food to a Hotel Posted: 09 Aug 2020 01:00 AM PDT If you've ever gone hungry during an overnight stay at a hotel that didn't serve food, or, worse, had to suffer through multiple nights of lackluster room service, you might be curious about the etiquette involved in ordering takeout from a nearby eatery. The good news is it couldn't be easier. Getting food delivered to your hotel is just like getting it delivered anywhere else, only with a little more coordination to ensure that your food gets to the right place in a timely manner. [Edit]Placing an Online Order - Go online to find a list of food providers in the area. Type "restaurants near me" into any search engine to compare the various dining options you have available to you. If your smartphone or device has a voice-activated digital assistant, you could also try simply asking it something like, "Where's a good place to eat around here?"[1]
- Reading through the user reviews on sites like Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Zomato could help you narrow down your choices if it comes down to a toss-up between multiple restaurants.
- Some hotels (typically those that aren't equipped with full kitchens) also provide takeout menus for local restaurants. These can ordinarily be found somewhere in the lobby or lounge area.
- Decide what you want to eat. One of the biggest advantages of getting food delivered to your hotel is that you can get just about anything you're in the mood for, rather than being restricted to what's on the room service menu. It could be a fully-loaded sub from a neighborhood deli, some spicy curry, or a trusty pizza made just the way you like it. Listen to your stomach![2]
- Peruse the menus of multiple restaurants that specialize in the same style of cuisine if your first choice doesn't offer the dish you're after.
- Confirm the address of the hotel where you're staying. Run a quick search for the name of the hotel plus the street it sits on and the city you happen to be in. The hotel may also print their street address on their check-in literature, stationery, or other in-house materials. And if all else fails, simply ask for the information you need at the front desk.[3]
- If you're the tech-savvy sort, another option is to zero in on your current location using the maps app on your phone or device.[4]
- Make sure you're providing the right address, especially if you're lodging at a popular hotel chain. It's not uncommon for these businesses to operate multiple locations within a single town or city.
- Build your order through the restaurant's website or app. To get started, just select the tab that says something like "Place Your Order" or "Order Online." The online ordering systems for most restaurants are fairly intuitive—they'll walk you through the process from start to finish. The simple click-to-add-item interface will be basically identical if you're going through a third-party delivery service like GrubHub or DoorDash.[5]
- Alternatively, you can do things the old fashioned way and call in your order over the phone. You'll usually find an establishment's phone number listed in the short profile displayed at the top of your search engine results.
- If you decide to dial up the eatery, make sure you use the correct area code and any necessary extension numbers for outgoing calls. In most cases, these will be labelled on or near the phone in your room.
- Add a drink to your order to avoid paying for overpriced hotel beverages. There's no sense in dropping $5 on a canned soda from the minibar in your room when you can get a fresh one delivered with the rest of your food for a fraction of the price. Just mention that you'd like to tack on one or more drinks while you're putting in your order.[6]
- A lot of the time, this is the only way to enjoy specialty beverages from various restaurants without actually dining on-site.
- Review and pay for your order. Once you've selected all the items you want, take a moment to look over your completed order and make sure it's correct. Then, use the provided spaces to put in a name for your order, the address of the hotel where you're staying, and your credit or debit card information. Some apps and websites might also allow you to pay using other mobile methods, such as ApplePay or PayPal.[7]
- While paying for your order through a third-party delivery service, you'll have the option to add a tip to your total. Either choose one of the specified dollar amounts ($1, $2, $3, $5, etc.) to keep things quick and easy, or tap the "Edit" button to enter a custom amount.[8]
- Your final total will include the price of your food plus tax, plus a delivery fee and a small service charge, if you went through an app.
[Edit]Receiving Your Food - Track your order if you placed it through a third-party delivery service. Pull up the app for the service you're using and navigate to the "My Orders" tab. There, you'll find the unique tracking number assigned to your order, along with a short message displaying its current status and an ETA (estimated time of arrival). Your order status will update periodically, so be sure to check back if you're curious as to the whereabouts of your food.[9]
- You can also keep tabs on your order by clicking the "Track My Order" link in the confirmation email you get as soon as it's been received.
- Some services even provide their customers with digital maps allowing them to follow their delivery person's movements in real-time.[10]
- Tip your delivery person for their trouble if you haven't done so already. Don't forget to hand off a cash tip to your delivery person before they depart, assuming you didn't charge the extra amount to your card when you paid for your order. 10-15% of the total cost is customary in most parts of the world. If you're feeling generous, consider leaving 20% or more. It will certainly be appreciated![11]
- As a general rule, it's alright to tip a little less if there was a delivery charge included in your order total.
- Keep in mind that most food delivery people work primarily on the basis of gratuity, which means if you don't tip, they don't get paid (much).[12]
- Be prepared to sneak your food in if the hotel doesn't allow outside orders. Not all hotels are equally open to their guests having meals delivered from other businesses. If you're lodging somewhere that has a strict no-outside-food policy and you just can't live without your sesame chicken fix, it might be wise to intercept your delivery person in the parking lot or go pick up your order yourself to keep the transaction on the down-low.
- Crack a window before you dig in if your hotel prohibits guests from eating inside their rooms. That way, there will be less chance of the appetizing aroma giving you away.
- While very few hotels have rules expressly forbidding outside food, there are some that do. Take the time to read the fine print in your booking agreement so you won't be at risk of being kicked out for violating the terms of your stay.[13]
[Edit]Ordering Room Service - Look for a room service menu in your room. One of these will usually be waiting for your on the desk or bedside table. It may also be included in your check-in materials. Room service menus often take the form of slick, multi-page brochures at large chain hotels; in more modest hotels and inns, they may be limited to a single printed page.[14]
- You'll find a wide range of foods to choose from in the average room service menu, from light breakfasts and simple lunches to full meals and even single items like smoothies, specialty coffee drinks, and bottles of wine.
- Don't be shocked when you see the prices listed next to each item—hotel room service is infamous for being exorbitantly expensive. Try to look at it as the cost of convenience.[15]
- Call the number printed on the menu to place your order. You'll be connected with someone from the hotel kitchen, who will be on standby to take your order. Tell them what you'd like and what room you're staying in. They should give you an estimated time for delivery before hanging up.[16]
- Feel free to modify, customize, or enhance your order however you desire. Most hotel kitchens are happy to accommodate special requests.
- These days, many nicer hotel rooms come equipped with tablets that make it possible to put in an order for room service with a few swift taps. This type of technology could come as a relief if you don't feel like having to talk to anyone.[17]
- Be ready to receive your order when it arrives. After the kitchen prepares your food, they'll dispatch a member of the waitstaff to send it up to your room. Room service etiquette differs from one hotel to another. In some cases, your waiter may knock and then excuse themselves quietly. In others, they may wait for you to answer the door to confirm that you're in your room.[18]
- Make sure you're decent when you answer the door.[19]
- You're welcome to tip your waiter if you're in a giving mood, but be aware that a sizable gratuity is frequently factored into the price of room service food.[20]
- Hang up your "Do Not Disturb" sign if you don't wish to be bothered. This will signal to your waiter to drop off your order, which you can then come out and collect at your own leisure.
- Place your tray outside the door to your room when you're finished eating. Leave any uneaten food that you don't want to save on the tray, in addition to your dirty dishes, utensils, and linens. Another member of the waitstaff will come along shortly to retrieve it and take it back to the kitchen.[21]
- If you want to go the extra mile, call room service back when you're done eating to let them know that your tray is ready for collection.
- Don't pile your room service tray with product packages, paper, used coffee filters, or other non-food-related trash you've generated in your room. That's what the waste basket is for.
- Have your room service orders charged to your room. That way, you can simply pay for everything all at once when it comes time to check out. This is a standard practice in many hotels, and one that makes things easier for the majority of guests.[22]
- Some hotels may also offer their guests the option to pay with cash upon delivery. In-room payment might work better for you if you only plan on making use of room service once or twice or want to avoid putting too many unnecessary expenses on your credit card.
- If you're traveling on limited funds, you stand to save quite a bit of money by ordering out as opposed to racking up exorbitant room service charges.
- Many big-name hotel chains have begun partnering with third-party delivery services, making it easier than ever to get whatever tickles your fancy delivered right to your room.[23]
[Edit]References |
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