I sell different things but im starting to focus on the charactors i come up with and making them in a variety of ways. Resin, crochet, artwork, clay. Its moving to be all based around specific charactors with stories.
I’m thinking about starting an online crochet business, but like you said it’s very time consuming. How do you keep up with your sales even with all the time it takes for just one product?
This advice is fantastic. Especially tracking your expenses and such. I just started my business and It started as a hobby first so I didn’t keep all my receipts. Thats one thing I regret but I did not expect to start a business. So my advice is if you MIGHT start a business down the line save everything and track everything. Since I started mine later in the year I’m really not losing out THAT MUCH since I’m still small scale and hardly selling that much but for next year I’m definitely tracking EVERYTHING. I’m thankful I didn’t go any longer without tracking things honestly, I thankfully cover it all in my prices but at the end of the day I should’ve been smarter. So learn from us and track your expenses! I definitely learned and thankfully with a business only being like basically a month old it’s not like I ruined my whole business income. Just got to do better in the future. People need information you are putting out so TY.
Thank you so much for your comment! I'm happy to do content like this. When I started out I couldn't find much information that was specific to a crochet business, so I'm happy to do it! I've learned a lot already and there's still so much to learn haha
I am going to start my own business also! over the past couple years I have not been keeping receipt's so I am going to have to go back from my orders to see what ive bought. she gave great advice!
I appreciate this video very much. I crochet and sew my finished products for a living. I’m retired and have the time to crochet and sew but not freedom to do markets. I am my husband’s caregiver so I would do Lives on my Facebook weekly. That to be too taxing so I’m not consistent and that’s probably why my sales dropped. I post on Facebook and IG and sell to a few customers but not enough to sustain an income of more that $50/month. Etsy is not for me. So I’m trying to figure this all out. No website yet. Your comments about not being a garage sale is so true. I never thought of it like that. When I was selling just crocheted toys and diy spa items or home/kitchen decor, I was selling at least 2-5 items a week. I added sewing totes, makeup bags and purses to give my wrists and shoulders a break from crochet but got crickets. No one bought anything after that. I have my items in 3 small businesses and they sell so there’s that. I guess I should just niche down like you suggested and do my sewing for charity.
I’ve found having a niche is important for places like Etsy. If the products are too varied then the algorithm doesn’t know who to send to your shop. I have a bit more variety in person, which works well for me. Some plushies for the kids, wearables for everyone, and around the house items for parents. I’ve learned some variety is good but too much can be overwhelming for the buyer.
Who do you recommend watching in addition to this channel, i love crafting from crochet to quilling to press on nails! I know the ones for nails. Its the newer crafts im making quilling, crocheting, quilling canvas creations, Christmas Ornaments ect. I used to follow lots of polymer clay accounts life happened & im just getting back to what i love! My daughters are now adults so im trying to find who i am besides a wife & mom! So please share all your fave pages!!🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Yes please, more videos! Tips on starting the business, organizing things, craft shows, other places you sell, etc. When you say you do it full time, what exactly do you mean? Like, a few hours every day you’re sitting there crocheting?
I couldn't agree more on niche-ing down. I have the tendency to want to make so many different things and that's what I've been doing but I'm making some changes now so it is more clear to my customers what I make.
A lot of this advice was super helpful! I've been a visual artist for years and have done several shows. A year ago I began crocheting plushies, did 3 events and have made more than I ever have with my visual art. Kinda sad lol but i absolutely relate to your switching businesses!
I just found your channel and love it. I’m just starting my new business and I’m having trouble with my niche. I love to crochet/sew scarves, scrunchies, washcloths, face scrubbies, headbands, bags.
Wow, what an insightful and helpful video! Really appreciate you sharing your experience and expertise ☺ I really want to start my own business but it feels so overwhelming
Love this advice and would love a craft room tour also or any other advice you have. I’m just getting ready to start crocheting but hope to do plushies soon. Would love any tutorials, etc!
Hello. I just discovered your channel. I have been crocheting for almost 50 years. It has always been a hobby, except for those occasional, "Hey, can you make me a ...?" situations. I have recently started participating in a few markets since retirement. Good for you! You do amazing work! Also, could you please tell where you got the pattern for the cute bird you are holding in the picture? He is darling!
I love this video! It was super helpful!! I have a question, I just started crocheting in August of this year and I already want to start a business doing it lol. I wouldn't want to start the business til next year, so I guess my question is do you think I should wait til I've been crocheting for like a year first? I just don't know when to soon is and if I should just enjoy it as a hobby right now? Thank you so much!! ❤❤❤
Hello! I really like your videos and I love plushies you make so much, and you are such an inspiration! I was wondering if you could do another crochet market prep, and maybe the preparation for it too! I have rewatched your video so many times, and it would be great to ave a new one. I just love seeing your collection!
Hi regarding the niche thing, do you recommend niching down to a specific category even within crochet? You mentioned mixing up of random things like art, crochet items, vinyl etc. How about doing crochet only but crochet wearables, crochet decor, crochet amigurumi, crochet bags, etc? Do you recommend we niche down further in the crochet category? Thanks.
Yes please more videos like this. My mom is wanting to maybe start a business (crochet and hand knitting) and maybe myself too. Do you need a license to sell at craft shows or on Etsy? I know you’re in Canada and that may be different than the states but any info is helpful!
My gosh I really appreciate this advice 🥰🙏🙏🙏 Most of the videos explain how american sales work and it's so different here in Canada! Thank you thank you!!! Would you be able to explain exactly how you ship your products? 🥺 I can't figure out how to get the total cost of shipping prodcuts or how to make it more affordable!
What do you say about selling different types of crochet items. Such as baby hats, baby blankets, and some plushies? Or some small crochet home decor items (pumpkins during fall season)?
thanks for the info. I wrote down everything that has to do with shipping (will be doing some serious online search). My question is, do I need to have an LLC to sell on Etsy?
Yes I make and sell handmade crochet hats from preemies to adults and styles are animals Characters and regular hats would these be a hood selling items.
Oh the subject of shipping cost, I have actually cancelled orders due to the high shipping cost. If the shipping costs more than the product I probably won’t complete the order
I am also a crochet lover and make a lot of things with crochet. But how can I sell my crochet items online and start my business. Please help me in this
I used to kind of use a formula, but after so long you can kind of just gage how much items should be based on cost and time. The first thing I think about is about how much it cost to make the item, then how long it took and how much I want to pay myself hourly, and then I factor in what I think the item is actually worth based on how unique and detailed it is. Everyone prices their things differently, you'll find what works for you!
Thank you! Quick question. I am wanting to start a small business selling just stuffed toys/amigurumi. I am super confused with this, as I hear that the toys have to be tested and regulated. I am in the US. But if I understand correctly, if for ages 12+ none of this has to be done. Do you have any advice on this?
I'm definitely not qualified to answer this as I'm not in the US and I wouldn't want to steer you wrong lol I'm sure you can find all of that info online though!
Hi! I’m also from Canada and looking into applying for markets, do you know if i have to be registered/licensed to be able to attend craft sales/markets! Thank you :)
I've never come across a market where you have to be a registered business. However, you may need to have business insurance. You would need to check with the organizers of the market you're attending regarding if they require you to have insurance or not!
How long did it take for your Etsy store to take off. I have had mine for 3 months and have had 10 sales. Appreciative but would defintely like more...
I would say it took a couple months. We got like one sale in the first month. I went viral on TikTok and my business blew up, so like I said, social media is a game changer! Also, focusing on SEO is super important. Also pay attention to your Etsy analytics to understand where your customers are coming from so you can focus on what's lacking
You make the marketing sound so easy. It is not. I have been on Instragram so many years and follow everyone. Etsy is so confusing to set up and figure out. I need someone one to hire to help me. Hashtags and tagging I have done TONS of work and so little sales. So I do not agree what you are saying.
Not too sure how I make "the marketing sound so easy", but okay. Personally as a newbie I found Etsy super straight forward to set up, I had no issues. I find it very beginner friendly. But to each their own! This is a video with a few tips that worked for me, not a guarantee to your personal success. Sometimes hiring a professional can be helpful for sure :)
