Bracelets & Ankle Bracelets

Income $75,000        $150,000

The range of income for the first year will be dependent upon how many shows you participate in and how many retail locations you serve. You could also design a website and sell your products directly to people from all over the world.

Description

One should have a knack for creating crafts in order to make this a viable business. In other words, if you are not able to see how shapes and colors work together, this might be a very challenging business for you. For those who are able to see how the shapes, and colors go into the making of the pieces, it is easy. Assembling unique pieces is the key. You will develop your own style, and you should have a variety of designs from which people are able to choose. There should also be a varied price range that will appeal to a wide base of clients. You can accomplish this by utilizing silver plated versus silver materials; glass versus crystal; and artificial stones versus gemstones.

When I was in the business, I was much more successful at selling to high-end women’s apparel stores than at craft shows. I was also successful at creating business relationships with women who sold women’s apparel independently.

Clients

Your clients will consist of upscale women’s clothing stores, beauty salons. If you choose to sell your products at craft fairs, you clients will consist of walk by traffic.

Marketing Plan

If you decide to sell your products at craft shows, it is important that you find out which shows are rated the highest for traffic and dollar amount spent by that traffic. When I started selling at craft shows, there weren’t nearly as many resources available as there are today. Choose wisely as the entry fees are rather expensive and you’ll need to make sure your traffic will yield a sufficient return.

Power Partners

Your Power Partners will consist of anyone who sells women’s apparel. This could include clothing, shoe, hats, and scarves stores. You should also be able to sell your products at You could also sell to beauty salons and spas.

The conversations with these Power Partners should indicate your willingness to include them as you become aware of clients who might need their services. It is important you meet with these Power Partners in person the first time, and then keep in touch with them weekly by email or by phone.

Requirements

You will need to acquire a large supply of beads, tools and other materials with which to create a large enough inventory, so that you are able to support yourself. You will also need display cases and a means with which to transport your products.

Resources:

I discovered several websites, which were very detailed in how to begin. Here are a few of the ones, which were the most helpful.

Acquiring a website name for $8.95/yr:

http://www.godaddy.com/gdshop/default.asp

Web hosting: www.hostgator.com

http://www.artscraftsshowbusiness.com/

Personality Type: Expressive, Amiable

Total Start Up Costs: Less than $2,500

(includes business cards, tools, display units, a phone and advertising)