CraftSells.com

I am going to attend a new craft show next weekend. I have not presented or even visited a show organized with this organizer. This organizer seems to have been doing small shows for some years. It is a risk as I am sure how the attendance going to be. However, the business has been slow and the fees to attend are low. So I decided to attend. The show is at a local hotel. I will take low to medium priced jewelry to present. Wish me luck!

I have also been busy putting together the craft business package for anybody who wants to start and run their own successful craft business. This package includes business check lists, IRS forms, business forms, craft business books, etc. This is going to be most comprehensive craft business information available anywhere.

President Obama yesterday announced a stimulus plan for the small businesses. His plan focuses on tax breaks for the small business and tax credits for those who lend to small businesses. He also talked about making credit available to small businesses via more loan guarantees provided by the SBA. All this sounds good but does it really help a craft business?
I am hoping it helps me. I have good credit as an individual. I want a small line of credit for my bead jewelry business. But I have been unable to do so as I have no collateral. I do not want to borrow against the house, as I have enough mortgage as is. If I can get SBA to guarantee my line, I should be able to get the loan. This will really help me in my day to day operations. I would be able to buy some really nice, large beads that I have been wanting to get. These beads would make gorgeous focal beads for simple necklaces. I may even sell to my larger customers on credit (if I am feeling adventurous).
This going to take time. I know it may take up to a couple of months before the money actually starts flowing. I hope I can hang in there..

In the current economy, most small businesses are tightening the belt. My business is no different. Fortunately this is a one woman shop. So I have not had to lay off anyone. I did have to change the plans. I was planning to add pieces of jewelry in silver to my jewelry items. However, in last year the cost of silver has gone through the roof and I cannot afford to buy all that I need. I first considered buying the silver spacers and beads on my personal credit card but then changed my mind. This is new market for me and I have not even worked out how much would silver pieces sell for. Would anyone want to buy silver stuff in this economy as these would be at least 3-4 times more expensive than regular items? On top of everything, I just do not want to debt at this time. Therefore I am going to continue doing what I am doing and make inexpensive pieces of jewelry that all my customers can afford anytime.

Are you planning to expand your business at this time?

Welcome to Anu’s craft business blog. Craft business is fun and hard at the same time. You need all the help and encouragement you can get.  I want to share tricks and tips to succeed in this business in any economy. I will share resources I found invaluable.

My goal is to share my experiences and learn from yours.

Adios for now