Month: September 2022

Selling crafts and other items that you have created yourself can be incredibly rewarding. But it is important to ensure that you have a way in which you can plan your projects so that you have enough time to market and sell them, without burning yourself out.

One way that you can achieve this is by setting yourself up with a crafting calendar. You can utilise the calendar to plan your crafting time and to ensure that your projects run as smoothly as possible. This calendar can be created using a paper calendar or you might want to look at setting up a digital calendar in outlook or even on a spreadsheet. The choice that you make will depend on how many items you create and whether you prefer to have things in a digital or paper format. There is no right or wrong way to create a crafting calendar, so why not get creative with it?

Here are our top ten tops for planning a crafting calendar.

1. Plan in your existing commitments

Before you start planning your crafting projects and entering in the key dates surrounding them, you should first plan in your personal commitments. It is important to think about any holidays that you have planned or childcare or other family commitments and have these set as non-negotiable slots in your calendar. This then gives you a realistic view of the times you have available to create your products.

2. Create you crafting time slots

Being creative uses a very different mindset to being more analytical and it is important that you plan in time where you will be creating your products. You can then plan in other time to manage and promote your business. This might be allocating time to your accounts or looking for answers to questions such as “How much does craft insurance cost?” When it comes to each dedicated time slot, try and be strict with yourself and carry out the activities that you have planned

3. Plan for seasonal holidays

Holiday seasons can be very busy for crafters. Not only will you want to ensure that you spend time with your friends and family during these periods but you will also need to create stock to sell. Forward planning is definitely needed for these key times of the year. Christmas in particular is a time that is filled with opportunities to sell you products at craft fayres and craft markets as well as online. You should make sure you have researched How much does craft insurance cost? This is particularly important when it come to protecting yourself and your customers from any issues that might arise.

4. Making sure you have enough materials

Keeping on top of your stock is one thing, but you also need to keep an eye on the materials that you use to create your products. If you know that you need to regularly order certain items for your projects, make sure that you allocate time in your calendar to do this.

5. Project manage your creations

Each of your products will need to be carefully managed and the best way to achieve this is through project management. You should allocate dedicated time to create the items for each project and ensure that you are being realistic about the time frames needed. You can add in any deadlines that might apply if you are making items for a particular time of year or for a specific individual. Make a note of the materials that you need and ensure that you plan in some contingency time in case something goes wrong in the design or creation phase.

6. Book in Fairs and Craft markets

Craft fairs and markets can book up very quickly, especially around Christmas. Try and book in advance and note these in your calendar. You can then project manage all the products that you plan to make for the event. You should also have a look at how much craft insurance costs for craft fairs which will then give you time to research the options available and get your policy in place.

7. Work out your production time

As a part of your project management you should time how long it takes to create each of your products. This way you are able to allocate the time that is needed and you can focus on one product at a time. It can also be useful to know how long it takes to create your products for when it comes to looking at your pricing.

8. Plan in your sales opportunities

If you work with retailers or other stockists you will need to have a note of when you need to replenish the stock that you provide them with. It can be useful to have these dates worked out in advance so you can ensure that you factor this into your production timeline.

9. Don’t forget your own marketing

Marketing is incredibly important for any business and you should ensure that you allocate time at least each month to plan your own strategy. This could be creating posts to share on your social media channels or it could be producing leaflets or flyers to hand out at a craft fair that you are due to attend. By giving yourself a regular time slot to look at your marketing you are more likely to ensure that you get your products in front of new prospective customers.

10. Make time to relax

Running a business can be hard work and there are times where you might feel that you are lacking creativity. One of the best ways to achieve this is to ensure that you make time to relax and to refill your own creativity. This could be taking a day off each month to take part in an activity that you enjoy or planning time into your day to enjoy a short walk out in nature.

Wouldn’t it be great to know for sure the answer to the question “Which hand made products sell best?” To know exactly the market trends of the next six to twelve months and be able to produce the perfect products which will sell like hot cakes? Unfortunately, none of us can do this. And while we can certainly look back retrospectively at the hand made craft products that sold best in the previous year, and even look at what is currently trending, this should be a guide only, not a straight jacket with which to steer us in a pre-determined direction.

So, what has been trending over the last months/years? Health and beauty products and jewellery often come out at the front, alongside consumables, personalised clothing and art work.  However, market trends and consumer preferences fluctuate, so it cannot be guaranteed that these will always be at the top. A browse through Etsy or Pinterest and a quick Google search will reveal the top selling products at any one time. Maybe a more pertinent question to ask though,  is how this knowledge could impact your decision making. Do you jump onto the crest of the current trend, hoping your products will sell amongst all the others? Or do you step out and start up a completely different line, knowing it’s not amongst the top sellers? Will you try to find a niche within the trending markets?

Most crafters would agree that the business grows out of our passions, natural abilities and vision. It would simply not make sense therefore for someone who loves to work with wood and makes exquisite household utensils or children’s toys using this skill, to throw it all in and start making bath bombs instead, just because they rank highly in the selling tables.

On the other hand, what if you are already creating products in the top selling range? How can you make yours stand out from the rest? If you are selling at craft fairs, can you include demonstrations as part of your sales pitch? Could you allow for customers to be involved in a small part of the production process? For example could they choose the beads on a simple pair of earrings and watch you put them together? On social media, reels or videos are trending over pictures, so can you translate this enjoyment of watching action into your craft fair stall?  Your enthusiasm, expertise and love of your craft will shine through and act as a honeypot for the bees! Remember you will need insurance for crafters when attending fairs, so pick up the phone and we’re here to help find the best fit for your needs.

As with all small businesses, do the market research and find your niche within it. For example, hand made toys may not hit the trending list, but there is a market for them, and within that people will pay a premium for a product which is not only well made and has longevity, but also brings with it a comforting sense of nostalgia.

Whatever your chosen direction, ensure you get good competitive insurance quotes, which will not only give you the necessary foundations for your business, but will be cost effective. We are here to advise on the best insurance for crafters, and thus help you get your business onto a good footing.

Back to trending products. While it would not necessarily be a good idea to change your direction simply to be in line with current top selling craft products, you may be able to adapt your individual line in that direction. For example, if you know that jewellery sells well and you are a potter, could you make stands on which to hang necklaces or ear rings? Or burners for wax melts? Or could you expand your skills and make bath bombs to sell in gorgeously decorated bath shaped pottery receptacles?

Likewise, being aware of seasonal selling trends is also important to maximise on sales. Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day all need careful consideration, and although many of us might wish they were not so commercialised, it can work to your advantage. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of our throw away culture, and may well be looking for gifts which are more sustainable, support small businesses and will last more than a few weeks (unless of course we’re talking about mouth watering handmade chocolate fudge!)

On the subject of sustainability … it’s on everyone’s lips at present and top trending products often capitalise on this. We are also a nation for whom the desire for authenticity is on the rise.  Consumers will value an item which has genuinely been made locally and with sustainable products. Even with the current squeeze on finances, customers will still pay a premium for such products. So, can you look at where your raw materials are sourced, how workers are treated, and what chemicals are used in the manufacturing process. Can you reduce the gap in some way between the producer and you the consumer? For example, if you make wax candles can you source your wax from local beekeepers? Or use locally grown herbs for beauty products? Ultimately, it’s more about what hand made products of yours sell best than about top selling products nationally. You can chase after the current trends, but if these do not reflect your abilities and passion then they will not work for you. So, be confident in your own skill set and vision for the direction of your business. Ensure you have good insurance for crafters in place, and then set about making the best products you possibly can with enthusiasm and enjoyment.

Turning your crafting hobby into a business gives rise to several questions that need to be answered. It can be an exciting time for you as you look to make a such a big change to your working life. However, as with most challenges, being prepared is the best way to approach it. If you can get these key elements correct then you may be well be set up for a successful business and you’ll feel fulfilled by it too.

Location

It can’t be stated enough that the location where you base your craft business is a key element to how well it’s going to perform. Most craft businesses are run single-handedly and if you don’t have a happy and relaxed workspace how are you going to be able to produce the best work that you can sell to prospective and existing customers? Therefore, you need to plan out your space carefully. There are so many factors to consider when it comes to location.

Making space work for you

Firstly, you need to manage the practicality of the space in relation to you own wellbeing. Consider how you want to work. Will you be sat down for long periods of time? If this is the case then you need to look at a comfortable chair for you to support your back and legs. Make sure that you have the time and space to move around at regular intervals to keep muscles moving. In contrast, if you are standing for long periods then you will need a comfy chair to rest in for a bit.

Is everything where you need it?

If you have specialist equipment for your crafting, then this has to be allocated space. You will need to be able to navigate around the room easily. With that in mind, it’s also essential to make sure that you have you crafting equipment near to hand. The last thing that you will want is to waste valuable time moving from one side of the crafting room to another searching for materials. Ensure that your most used items are grouped together and are easily accessible. Also, if you have a pre-existing back condition you may want to consider asking an occupational therapist to come in and check your working environment for you. 

Light bulb moment

One factor that many people find is that having natural light coming into their work space is of paramount importance. If natural light is an issue you can buy bulbs that replicate sunlight, which may be a good option.

Many creatives do their best work with a view of nature or of something similarly inspiring. For example, a cityscape can be just as rewarding to look at as a landscape in some cases. If this is not an option, place art that you like or fresh flowers around the room. A word should also be said about secure storage of certain items. Some things that people work with need extra care and protection.  For example, craft insurance for candles is available to help support you in the creation and sale of these types of products.

Equipment

What you use to create your crafting masterpiece is also dependent on the tools and equipment you use. It may be tempting to try and cut costs at the start of the business by looking at buying cheaper or budget-based options. This may seem like a prudent financial approach, but it can work out to be a false economy in the long run. If you buy a cheap piece of equipment, you may well find that it breaks or needs replacing soon after you have bought it.

The best approach is to look at a decent piece of equipment that you know you will get many years of service out of. It will depreciate, but at a much slower rate than a budget option. The key element here is to shop around, look at testimonials from other users or speak to them directly. It’s ok to get a rep in to show you the benefits of the equipment and how it’s going to fit into your operation. Also remember that early equipment costs can be reclaimed through your tax filing.

Storage and stock control

There are 2 elements to address here. They relate to the location that we looked at earlier. Firstly, a computer based stock system for your materials and products may be needed. There are plenty on the market and it could be a simple spreadsheet. Secondly, how you store the products may have to be considered from a safety perspective. As we mentioned before when it comes candles, a popular crafting choice, there are several storage options to be aware of. Covering yourself for accidental loss through craft insurance for candles is a very good idea. General insurance for all of your crafting business should be a top priority. You will need to consider the physical storage options such as boxes and shelves.

Your wellbeing

Lastly, you need to consider yourself in all of this. This is your business and along with craft insurance for candles, cards or whatever items you choose to produce and sell, you should make sure that you look after your own health and wellbeing. This may mean taking time out during the day to relax and enjoy a nice walk or it may mean having items in your crafting space that inspire you and that bring you some joy. You should also think about ensuring that you have easy access to refreshments and water in particular. If you work on your own for long periods of time you may also want to consider the security that you have in your space. It might be appropriate for you to have an alarm or a camera installed that will allow you to see who is coming and going.

It’s so easy to get stressed out as a small business owner and it’s a relief to know certain everyday choices will help us to manage the ups and downs. We specialise in craft insurance for UK artists and crafters to help with any unexpected ‘downs’, but, we thought, why not come up with some reminders to help multiply the ‘ups’!

Starting a small business means freedom and being the boss. Freedom, however, doesn’t necessarily mean we can do anything and everything. Everyone has the same amount of time, but how we spend it dictates the results we are living with. In fact, spending time doing certain activities might be quite unhelpful!

Our priorities differ from person to person, however, if our overall aim is to keep the business on an even keel and stay sane we need to prioritise accordingly. Saying yes to one thing is going to mean saying no to others. We have to be selective about what we spend our time on.

Here is a list of some of the things that might be helpful to prioritise:

Waking up early

Getting a head start on the day sets a great tone for the rest of the day. The peaceful mornings allow much-needed focus time, free from disruptions. The desire to crawl back under the covers can be combatted by getting rid of the snooze button!

Also, if we know in advance that we have a difficult item to cross off our to-do list, it can be tackled first thing in the morning to avoid that sense of dread. Then get ready to usher in feelings of accomplishment and a readiness to conquer whatever else comes across our path throughout the day.

Things that prevent us from waking up early can be de-prioritised, such as binge-watching Netflix series until late, stargazing or that extra glass of wine! 

Planning time and scheduling in priorities

As a small crafting business owner, have you ever complained that there are never enough hours in the day? The problem here might not actually be a lack of time, but lack of a schedule. A schedule helps you to plan, anticipate, and keep your life organised. Then, just as you schedule time for certain tasks you need to get done, you can schedule free time too. Taking a break allows the brain to take in new information and to generate creativity.

Working to a routine.

With a regular routine, you know what to expect, which leads to a sense of peace. Your body also likes a routine — your internal body clock dictates when you feel tired or energised and can impact your ability to focus. If your energy and concentration dip around 3 p.m you could schedule a walk or a workout to feel re-energised.

Having less clutter around.

A cluttered home and work-space, can really affect how you feel about everything. It can result in overwhelm and brain fog when you have so much disorganisation to contend with. A deep clean once a week, with a bit of general ‘upkeep’ throughout the week should suffice to keep the clutter down. Why not schedule it in?

Learning to Say ‘No’

When you start out, you say yes to everything because you don’t have a choice, but as time goes on and you have had your share of negative experiences, you start to recognise the warning signs. Sometimes it’s because clients overstep your boundaries and you realise too late that you didn’t set them effectively in the first place. At other times it’s because you took on a job or a commission that you didn’t really have time for and now it’s impinging on other areas of your life. You are allowed to say no. Remember that your time is limited and it’s best to work on your terms. Ask yourself: “Is this something I want to do and do I have time to do it? 

Becoming a delegator

All small business owners will remember the time when they had to do everything. However, as you learn to work ‘smarter’ you realise that many tasks can be easily outsourced. If you’re trying to do it all, then you’re probably not doing a good job at every single thing. That’s why outsourcing parts of the business will even help you to scale your business.

Think about the things that you struggle with…is it the social media, the admin or even the decluttering? These things can all be outsourced as your business grows. Ask yourself: Which tasks do you want to spend your time on and which ones would you rather avoid? The truth is that you’ll probably waste time trying to do the things that you aren’t so good at, so outsourcing will free you up to do things that you enjoy doing and are successful at.

Unplugging from the phone

Everyone needs time away from emails and looking after customers. Whether it’s reading, going for a walk, or talking with others, they’re all great ways to engage a different part of your brain and help restore you.

And also, don’t forget about powering down devices to avoid blue light at least an hour before bedtime. Apparently, people who do this sleep better and are more rested and alert the next day.

Insuring yourself against the unexpected

Knowing that all aspects of your small crafting business are covered against the unexpected will bring peace of mind. If you aren’t sure whether you are covered in a worst case scenario, why not contact us at Craft Insurance? UK crafters tell us that getting insured with us is simple and very easy to organise. With Craft Insurance, UK artists and owners of small crafting businesses can get a tailored quote online to receive proof of insurance in minutes.

Having an awesome summer! We hope you all have a lovely break and a chance to recharge your batteries.