How to Achieve Handmaking Business Success: Do Something But Not Everything

That's the point I was trying to get across in the previous two posts. But, it seems that it didn't come across clearly. So, a quick post to clarify this "don't do everything but don't do nothing" approach to running a handmaking business. It's important, because I consider this to be one of the major failings in many a handmaker's business plan. And, the three golden rules are:-

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1)Know what your business is and what's somebody else's. You do not have to be a retailer to be a handmaker. Retailing is a whole extra business. Many handmakers see it as a logical first step. It is not. There's nothing logical about spending loads of time and effort trying to compete with professional retailers for shoppers' attention and cash. If you really believe in your product, your aim should be to bring it to market as quickly and professionally as possible. After all, it's sure to sell, isn't it? Hardly surprisingly, building your own retail presence is not the fastest route to market. Using existing retail and piggy backing on their professionalism and success is much quicker. You get faster feedback, advice and within a few days you'll know whether it's going to fly. Go the DIY route and months later you could still be wondering whether it's the website/shop that's wrong or the product.

2)Woo existing retailers with your proposition. Use the time and effort you might have squandered on your own retailing effort more productively. Get in there. Get noticed. Don't just make a noise. Spend sometime on your pitch (how handmakers should approach retailers) and be sure to have the basics like pricing right. You'll be dismissed out of hand if you have forgotten the first 17.5% of an RRP goes to the VAT man, for example (advice on pricing for handmade goods). But be assured, the best handmakers don't get stocked, it's the ones who get noticed and give retailers what they want who do.

3)Sharpen your business skills for handmaking success. If you want your handmaking business to be a success, you must address both aspects. What aspects? Well, the 'handmaking' and the 'business'. Taking it from hobby to major source of income means turning professional. You have to switch mentally to treating it as a business and running it as one. That can be a big change. Things have to be costed. You have to be available to talk to retailers and customers. And, you must have the skills to run a business well. So, if you can't do costings or know nothing about marketing or setting prices, then you need to set about learning. This stuff is going to help or hamper your success and that's largely down to you. So make sure you have the business skills and attitude to do your handmaking talent justice.

I hope this clears up any confusion over the last two posts. I'd be delighted to hear any feedback or comments.

I am considering writing a step-by-step, easily digestible guide to handmaking business - from set-up to success over the course of this year. It would be great to hear whether you think that would be worthwhile. Drop me a comment if you have an opinion.

All the best

Steve