| Today craft supplies are the heart of any arts and | | | | Be creative with your raw materials! You may be able |
| crafts business. Without supplies and good suppliers, | | | | to save quite a bit by using recycled wood, textiles, |
| your business will be in jeopardy. Search the right | | | | plastic, metal and anything else you may use. Of |
| supplies at the right price and your business will have a | | | | course all of your supplies cannot be obtained through |
| much better chance of grow successfully. | | | | recycled materials, but you might be surprised at |
| Starting and running a craft business can sometimes | | | | where you can cut costs if you give it some thought. |
| be as confusing as it is rewarding. Here are 5 things to | | | | 5. Shop at Discount Stores |
| know before starting your venture into the world of | | | | Many large chains offer comparable prices on certain |
| professional crafting. | | | | upon art and craft supplies. If you intend to resell the |
| 1. Shop Around | | | | finished product that you make and have a Tax ID |
| Always comparison-shop for supplies. Prices can vary | | | | number, you can avoid paying sales tax. Ask the store |
| greatly from vendor to vendor. Once you find a | | | | manager for details on tax exemption status. |
| low-cost supplier, don't stop there! Over time, prices do | | | | Marketing is the another key ingredient to any |
| change. It's a good idea to keep an eye out for | | | | successful business! You must have ways to get the |
| another distributor. | | | | word out about your products. Whether you will be |
| 2. Buy at Wholesale Cost | | | | attending craft shows, placing mail order ads, or selling |
| Many suppliers offer discounts to qualified buyers. | | | | your crafts online. |
| Qualifications differ, but usually a Retail Tax ID number | | | | Selling crafts online involves more than simply publishing |
| will suffice. Call your local courthouse to find out whom | | | | a Web site. Successful online marketing requires time, |
| to contact to obtain a retail tax permit in your area. (If | | | | dedication and a basic understanding of marketing in |
| you are selling crafts, you should already have one.) | | | | general. Your online craft shop is merely an extension |
| Once you have your tax identification, ask individual | | | | of your real-world business and all forms of marketing |
| suppliers if they offer wholesale discounts and how to | | | | should compliment each other to work efficiently and |
| qualify. | | | | effectively. |
| 3. Buy in Quantity | | | | This article is not only intended to give crafts people |
| Often, buying supplies in bulk can save money. When | | | | ideas on how to market an arts and crafts supply |
| comparison-shopping for materials, ask each vendor if | | | | wholesale Web site, but also to help crafters become |
| quantity discounts apply and if so, what the | | | | aware of the importance of real-world marketing of a |
| percentages off will be. | | | | cyber-world storefront. |
| 4. Use Recycled Materials | | | | |