What a great time to start a quilting related business!
Why would anyone start a business right now, especially a craft-related business like quilting? I have the answers.
1.Quilts are always a practical yet beautiful long-lasting gift. Whether it's a quilt for a newlywed couple or one that celebrates the birth of a baby, a quilt gift will always be treasured and used. It's a very practical gift. In hard economic times, gift-giving doesn't stop; people become more practical.
2. Quilts create a connection with family. Everyone has a cherished quilt in their family ' one made by a grandmother, or received on a special occasion. Those quilts become heirlooms and are usually passed down for several generations to enjoy. They enjoy not just the practicality of the quilt, but the wonderful story that goes along with it. People are more likely to give a quilt as a gift because they have a tradition of becoming a family heirloom treasure.
3.Even in bad economic times, there are still people who can afford custom, top-dollar quilts. Those people are not affected by the failing economy and are not likely to be a do-it-yourselfer who would choose to make the quilt themselves.
4. You don't have to sell quilts to have a quilting-related business. There are many other options. For instance, you could offer your fabric remnants for sale through an online auction. Maybe you would choose to offer a quilting service, either hand or machine quilting tops made by other people. You cold even offer quilting classes. If you think no one will pay to take a class during these hard times, try working out an arrangement with a local public entity like a library, community college or community resource center. Often times, they'll have grant funding available to offer free classes to the community (so you'd be paid by the organization, not by individuals).
5. If you love quilting and would like to make extra money to help your family through these tough financial times, there's no time like the present to start a quilting related business! Whether you will make and sell quilts or offer a quilting service, start-up cost can be very minimal. Write out your business info on 3x5 pieces of paper and post them on free bulletin boards around your community. Many newspapers offer free classified ads -- use them to your advantage!
The American dream is to make money doing something we love. If you love quilting, it's time to start your quilting business. Quilting businesses are great because you can work at them part time, in your spare time, until you feel comfortable making the transition into a full time career. If you're already a quilter, you have the supplies you need at hand ' no need to invest in anything new.
You won't necessarily need to rent a retail location to start your quilting business. Keeping your business home-based will allow you to skip the overhead expenses of rent and utilities! Make sure to dedicated a specific area of your home to nothing but your quilting business. If you keep records of your home's utilities, you may even be able to deduct a portion of those expenses when you file your taxes.
You define success for your own quilting business. Maybe your goal is to make an extra couple hundred dollars to save for a special occasion? Maybe your goal is to replace your fulltime job with your quilting business. Maybe your dream is even bigger than that. With a little planning, it's possible to achieve your quilting business dream!
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Penny Halgren is a quilter of 27 years who enjoys sharing her knowledge of quilting with those who would like to learn how to quilt. Sign up for free weekly quilting tips and more at http://www.thequiltingcoach.com