So I am going to be sharing another homebiz idea, the 3rd in our series on Home Businesses on a Tight Budget. You can catch up on previous posts to see Part 1 and Part 2 just so we are all on the same page.
If you have a creative flair and are really good with your hands, being a Jewelry Designer may be right up your alley. People are always looking for ways to stand out and many they lean towards doing that through their accessories. Its the easiest and sometimes the most budget friendly way to show one's individuality. This is a very good choice for a home business because you really don't need that much space or staff to start off. The easiest way to start out is to make a few samples, then decide on your signature style or your own niche. Then you need to brand your business and get the word out because no matter how intricate your work is, no one will come to you if they don't know you exist. Check up the Tech Solutions for Home Businesses post for more details on how to do that.
Every crafter who displays and sells handmade goods knows that ninety nine percent if the business comes from repeat customers and referrals. While owning a store may not be immediately profitable, setting up booths at craft fairs, lifestyle fairs and even fundraisers for a cause you support are a great way to get your pieces out. You can also be a vendor for boutiques and high end clothing designers who already have clientele that would buy your pieces to go with their clothing purchase.
With handmade goods, you don't necessarily have to make items in bulk because you would be competing against some huge factory with 5,000 workers churning out almost the same items for much less. Let me give you a heads up, you will never win. The idea is to make your items unique but bear in mind that being one of a kind doesn't necessarily mean expensive. Be sensible about your choice of supplies. That you spent 100 hours beading an intricate necklace with precious stones from the depths of a dangerous valley in the amazon may not entirely be your clients' business. They would probably be smiling as you ramble on about how rare the stones are and thinking 'Errr.... looks like a regular necklace to me.' Be sure that your target market would appreciate your 'expedition' beforehand. Get a following first, then you can get out there and be as outlandish as you want, especially when a client has developed a rapport with you and trusts your judgment and style choices.
Never stop learning! People will not take your business seriously if you don't do the same. There are tons of books on your craft, there are even more resources online. Seriously! All you need to do is Google 'free classes on jewelry design' or something and you will be flooded with information. There is no reason why you cant learn something new each month or each quarter at least. The great thing about this is home business option is that you can get paid by taking on classes as well. Ka-ching!!
Like I always say though, be sure its not just about the money because you will most definitely be wasting your time. The handmade industry is not for people who want immediate gratification. You need to work at it and ensure that your product is not mediocre because it just wont stand a chance against the cookie-cutter counterparts.
Do I hear you say so many options!! Yep! Get going!!
Images courtesy: RA Custom Jewelry
No comments:
Post a Comment