New Crafter's Business Resources Page at AllCrafts.net
We've added a new section of resources for crafters who sell their
crafts and those who would like to!
http://allcrafts.net/business.htm
Good luck, and much success to our professional crafters!
Categories:
Crafting Business
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AllCrafts.net Arts & Crafts Book Review - Make Money Making Scrapbooks for Others
Make Money Making Scrapbooks for Others: The Complete guide for Creating the
Career of Your Dreams by Sue DiFranco
Wondering if you could work from home, doing the craft you love? Well,
if you have a talent for scrapbooking, you may be in luck. This book is
a thorough and encouraging guide to every aspect of starting and
succeeding as a Custom Scrapbook Artist (CSA).
The 3 main sections of the book are: (1) Starting a CSA business, 2) How
to be a CSA, and, 3) Marketing your business.
There are many issues to consider when opening a home-based business.
From local zoning laws, to registering a business name and a domain
name, a business owner needs to make careful decisions. There is
excellent info in these chapters to guide you in starting your business
right. The checklist at the end of the chapter is handy for any
businessperson.
Once the basics of a business are covered, the book moves to the details
of being a Custom Scrapbook Artist, and really begins to excel. This
author is not afraid to tackle difficult issues head-on, and she begins
with the thorny topics of copyright and supplies. Avoid the pitfalls
when you are reselling scrapbook supplies in albums to your clients by
reading this chapter. It's good info.
Many business crafts books give little attention to teaching pricing,
while it is usually a craftsperson's first and recurring question. The
pricing chapter considers the issue from different perspectives, giving
you tools to apply to your marketplace.
I enjoyed the detailed example of arranging a client consultation -
before the meeting, confirming the meeting, what to bring, and more.
Being well prepared for working with your client and their photos will
help make the entire album go more smoothly.
Marketing your business is the largest section of this book. No
marketing experience is necessary - it begins with the basics. The next
chapters provide enough business promotion ideas to last for years. Many
of these techniques are applicable to any business. Here are some of the
topics - "Almost" Free Marketing, Direct Mail, Publicity, and Paid
Advertising.
After you've become a bit established, your business will be ready to
try the more advanced techniques. She suggests ways of marketing to
niches, and adding items and services. Plenty to keep your business
humming along.
This book is up-to-date - websites and pay-per-click search engine
marketing are discussed. There is an extensive reference section of
vendors and groups to contact. A CD containing documents to help you in
your business, including a sample contract, is included.
The tone of the book is encouraging while presenting a great deal of
specific practical information. It covers many issues that I had not
considered, including the tricky topics of supplies, pricing, and
customer contracts. Many of the ideas and tips are helpful for any
home-based business.
If you are considering this career choice, I highly recommend this book.
You will return to it again and again - as you begin as a CSA, and while
running your business.
Categories:
Crafting Business,
Crafts Book Reviews,
Newsletter,
Scrapbooking
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Craft Show Success E-Book Review
Looking to turn your crafts into a business? Considering the craft
shows? I've just read an e-book for you!
"Craft Show Success" is full of advice from the trenches of the
local craft show up to juried fine art shows. Excellent for the beginner
to novice craftsperson.
First, the book covers the basics of going into business with your
crafts and many of the issues involved. The author goes into detail
about how to design products, as she advises that your inventory should
change about 30% per year.
Other chapters cover:
* Setting your business up for success
* Keys to selecting the right crafts shows
* Tips and ideas for a better booth
* Using a marketing plan to expand your business
This book is excellent for those starting to sell at craft shows and
great for those wanting to be more successful at shows, too.
This is an e-book that you can buy online and download immediately.
Categories:
Crafting Business,
Crafts Book Reviews
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