Starting a handmade goodies business can be a very exciting endeavor, but one that will require careful budgeting and attention to the tastes and needs of your customers. Many people consider the entrepreneurial route, but it is a risky road to take, especially if you don't set yourself up for success. You don't have to sell a unique product, but you should offer a one-of-a-kind service.

Anyone can open a hand-made products small business with the right attitude and financial backing. Competition will be fierce. You can't expect to put your feet up because it's your own business. On the contrary, you should expect to work very hard in the beginning. Before quitting your full time job in the hopes that you become your own boss and open a handmade goods business, ask yourself the following:

1. Are you committed? It takes more than just a good idea to open your own handmade goodies home business. It takes time, money and hard work.

2. If you are launching your business from your home, make sure you have the necessary zoning approvals.

3. Have you done your research to make sure there's demand for your product or service? You may have a great idea, but how many others have the same idea?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Start your own hand-made goods business with credibility and get licensed

All businesses are legally required to obtain some type of government license. Other official documents include seller's permits, federal and state employer tax ID numbers and trade name certificates. There are many online resources and state departments that can help you file these documents.

I recommend: FindLaw offers an online checklist for you to confirm that you have not missed any necessary filings. The Internal Revenue Service can help you obtain a federal tax ID number.

Join an association and build industry credibility when you launch a handmade items business

When you open a handmade products business, you don't have to go it completely alone. Consider joining an industry association for support. Organizations bring together professionals with the same goals and challenges. As a member you have access to certification and educational opportunities. You'll also attend networking events, so you can meet industry peers, vendors and suppliers.

I recommend: The Society of Arts and Crafts and the National Craft Association both organize events for educational and networking opportunities. They also offer access to publications and other tools to help you get started.

Partner with reliable vendors when you launch hand-made goodies home business

As a business owner, it's imperative that you partner with vendors who can help you build your business. Your vendors must be dependable, accommodating and reasonably priced. You want to build a long-term relationship with your suppliers, and they must also share your interest in pleasing your clients. Additionally, they should offer a wide variety of products.

I recommend: Create for Less offers a large variety of craft items from scrap-booking goods to handmade jewelery. Tools GS features precision tools for craft making.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Marketing is a very significant step when you launch a hand-made goodies small business. Consider advertising in trade magazines and newspapers to begin with, and think about publishing a website.

I love to the idea of handmade things. Anything that is not mass produce and one of a kind. I used to sell my handmade items on ebay.com which ranged from greeting cards, organic soaps, jewelries and photographs. But at the end the overhead was too much for me to handle.

An ebay listing
- 35 cents to list an item
- 3.5% commission fee after the item is sold
- listing is up for 7 days and maximum of 10 days if you pay a bit more
- for photo you get one upload for free and the more photos the more money
- more options more money
- set up a bid or use buy it now
- if you set up a shop the monthly fees adds up pretty quickly

One day awhile surfing the web I found something that I was looking for ... etsy.com.

An etsy listing

- set up a storefront for free
- 10 cents listing per goodies and they stay up for 6 months
- 4 photos of your product to upload for free
- 3.5% commission fee per goodies sold

After setting up my shop for less than a month I sold 2 items for the price I want. And since it is a niche market cause people who browse the shop are looking for the unique handmade touch of everything. It is a great way for a small handmade goodies business to start.

If you are just starting out with selling your unique creation you definitely should check out etsy.com.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

DIY passion is the key

Anything about handmade is the passion and the love that you put into every little thing you make. You start out with making things for your friends and families. And why not for the world to enjoy your crafty creations.

I recommend: If you need some resources check out the diynetwork.com. They have sections for crafts and hobbies. Also hgtv.com.
Use your local craft stores as resources too such as Michael's and Joann's.

Join crafty groups.

I would recommend to join some local craft groups or any groups that shares your interest. It is the best way to get critiques of your work and to improve on them.

I recommend: I like flickr.com to showcase creations because you can sign up to be in groups and get critiques of your work. A great online group is getcrafty.com. Every creative needs a journal so sign up for a blog at blogger.com and start typing inspiration, ideas and showcasing your work to others.

Get raw materials.

As a crafter you should have stocks of raw materials to work with such as paperstocks, beads, yarns etc. Best way is to buy in bulk among your crafter friends. You will have more to work with and you spend less money and space for storage.

I recommend: Buy from the manufacture if you can get wholesale price. For retail stores, I like dickblick.com or misterart.com for general art supplies, michaels.com for scrapbooking and paper supplies, and joann.com for fabrics. Also do not forget to check out your local flea markets, swap meets and craft fairs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  start with something you really love to do then expand to other things
• •  know your niche market you are trying to reach will help you price your goodies accordingly
• •  do not be discourage if something doesn't go well the first time
• •  if you need help don't be afraid to ask for it
• •  most of all have fun with it