So you enjoy making wreaths and have decided to go into business
for yourself. Congratulations, that sounds like a positive
idea and hopefully will be a profitable one. First, however,
you will want to make your business plans so that your start
up won’t also be your shut down. You will want first
of all to make sure of your work space. Do you have an area
that can be dedicated specifically to wreath making? Making
wreaths in front of the TV is one thing when it’s a hobby/craft
project but are you, and other family members, going to be
willing for this space to be dedicated full time to wreath
making? If not, do you have another place in your home that
can be used as your place of business, perhaps a little used
guest room or a part of the basement could be dedicated to
this.
Once you have your work area secured, what about a storage
area for finished wreaths and for materials? There may be
times when you will want to temporarily store some of your
wreaths until an order is completed. For some wreaths, this
will call for a cold or cool area where they can be properly
maintained. Also, buying materials in bulk at bargain rates is a bonus, but
you’ll need to be able to store the materials properly.
Designing and printing up a brochure and some business cards
is a good idea also. Not all potential customers will be able
to talk with you immediately, but having a business card and
brochure to leave will give them the opportunity to check
over your product a little more closely on their own.
You will also need a name for your business. You will need
something to put on those brochures and business cards.
A product display unit is nice also. Making a photo album
of your wreaths will enable you to show potential customers
something of your work without trying to carry a lot of it
around with you.
You might want to talk with the bank also and find out about
setting up a business checking account. Many wholesalers insist
that customers must use business checks in order to prove
that they are a legitimate business.
You will need a bookkeeping system also so that you can keep
track of how much you are taking in and paying out. Also,
when tax time comes, and it will, this will be a big asset
to you and may just help you in making sure that you are remembering
everything. Also, you may be able to deduct a certain percentage
of your household expenses as business expenses if your business
is being run from your home. This also includes gas and wear
and tear on your vehicle.
Lastly, you will need a sales book and pen. Go out and get
orders, don’t take more than you can fill, and don’t
forget to enjoy yourself. Congratulations on your new business.
Dawn Keadic enjoys decorating with wreaths, both indoors
and outdoors. For more information on wreaths, including wreaths
you can make at home, visit http://www.unique-christmas-wreaths.com
