So you like making things. Lot’s of friends and family have told you that your stuff is great and it could become a business. Maybe they are right, but are you ready?
The idea of making an income from something you enjoy doing may sound appealing, but here are a few points you may need to consider first before you dive in at the deep end.
– Work out the numbers. Will the cost of materials plus the time you spend making, marketing and shipping be covered in your selling price?
– Are there enough hours in the day to do everything that needs to be done. Maybe you need to consider out sourcing some tasks. Who will look after the kids?
– Do you enjoy bookkeeping. No? Then factor in the cost of a bookkeeper.
– Are there really enough customers for your product?
– Are you prepared to make your product over and over and over? It may get boring.
– What are you willing to sacrifice to make it work?
– What are your goals? Financial and personal.
The last is the most important. Knowing and setting realistic goals for yourself and your situation can be the difference between, a viable and sustainable business where you and your family are happy, or potential burnout and disillusionment.
Take some time out to think about all some of these questions. Only you will know if you are ready to start your adventure into the business world.
This post is bought to you by Cintia – My Poppet
Cintia Gonzalez is a blogger, crafter and online store owner. She started her first handmade business Cinti does Vintage in 2005 and then went on to open her retail store My Poppet in 2007. Both the My Poppet blog and the online store are constantly evolving as family commitments change, and that’s a good thing!
