Start the day by eating the frog

If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first thing in the morning. And If it’s your job to eat two frogs, it’s best to eat the biggest one – Mark Twain

Photo by Stephanie LeBlanc on Unsplash

What does ‘eat the frog’ mean?

I came across this fabulous advice at the weekend, whilst scrolling Pinterest and YouTube videos on how to be more organized and productive (whilst being neither)

If like me, you have a tendency to crumble at the mere sight of your to-do list, then this philosophy may well be for you.

To explain simply, this is a concept to increase your productivity. Pick your worst, hardest task, and do that first – this is the frog. You can read an excellent explanation of it here.

What’s your frog?

My frog(s) are blogging, social media, engaging with my customers, brushing up on marketing skills.

This is crucial to the successful growth of our business, but it always slips down the pecking order, because the daily admin of the business takes precedence. In fact, it’s been slipping for months.

I feel guilty about it, and tell myself I’ll do it when I’ve caught up, or when it’s a little quieter, or when a week is 8 days long.

Why am I sharing this with you?

You need to know that you are not alone. We all get overwhelmed. But, every day is a fresh opportunity to do something that’s difficult, that will help your craft business.

So this morning, after replying to the first wave of 40 emails from the weekend, I sat and ate that big fat frog.

And having eaten the frog, some stress and anxiety has floated away, and I feel no guilt about taking a break for lunch, knowing I don’t have this frog waiting for me.

What’s your frog? And when are you going to eat him up?

Do I need craft insurance?

public liability insurance for craftspeople

So you’re ready to turn your craft hobby into a business?

What started as a hobby, is starting to become a bit more than that. You’ve been selling your handmade crafts to friends and family, but now “You should try selling these online” has started to be a phrase you hear a lot.

So, you bite the bullet, “Right, lets see if I can make my craft hobby into a business”

You’ve made sure that your products comply with all of the relevant legislation, you’ve done the testing, you’re ready to go, what else might you need to think about. Click here to read top-tips-for-starting-a-craft-business/

You should ask yourself, do I need craft insurance?

What insurance do I need for my craft business?

Let me walk you through the craft insurance that is offered by us at Ian W Wallace Ltd, and things to look out for if you’re comparing insurers.

Public and Products Liability

This covers you in the event that somebody makes a claim against you, because the product that you have made has injured them, or caused some damage, or, if you have managed to accidentally injure someone, at a market or during a teaching workshop.

We refer to this as sleep easy insurance. Nobody expects or wants this sort of thing to happen, but what if it does? Public and Products Liability insurance will give you the peace of mind, should something unexpected happen.

Where does the cover apply?

Our insurance will cover you to sell online, through other peoples’ shops, and selling at events, such as craft fairs and markets (when we are finally allowed to) This isn’t covered as standard by all insurance policies, so make sure you do your homework before opting for the cheapest craft insurance policy you can find. All insurance policies are not built equally, and the old addage buy cheap buy twice really can apply!

What products will the insurance cover?

Likewise, make sure the policy that you want to take out can cover all of the products that you want to make. Not all insurance companies will cover all crafts, so ask the questions.

How much will it cost?

Whilst you’re shopping around is, in addition to the basic cost of the insurance policy, what other potential fees might you be hit with?

If you start to make new products, will it cost you anything to add them to your policy? How much would it cost to change your address? If you increase your cover, will there also be an administration fee? All of these things can make what started as a cheap cover, to quite an expensive exercise. Whilst on that subject, we do not charge an admin fee for information updates. If you increase your cover, you will only ever pay for the pro-rata additional amount – no extra fees!

Start shopping around by getting a quote with us

Top tips for starting a Craft Business

Tiff Reynolds, the owner of Springers Cottage Soaps, gives her top tips for starting a craft business.

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Soap created by Springers Cottage Soaps

Everything is expensive, to begin with. The costs of starting a craft business mount up quickly, so make a business plan, including costings, to know exactly how much you will need to spend to get up and running.

Don’t forget to include the cost of your time, as this will help you know what percentage of your turnover is profit.

Do your research on everything.

  • Think about what sort of products you want to make.
  • How many ranges do you want to offer?
  • What equipment will you need, that is essential for manufacturing? Who are your target customers?
  • How do you want to sell your products – online or at events?

Practice, practice, and practice some more. When practicing, make small batches, so you don’t waste valuable materials and ingredients. You will make mistakes, which you will learn from.

Stay on top of your administration.

  • Be compliant with any legalities that apply to your craft.
  • Speak to trading standards to ensure that you have the correct and current information.
  • Make sure that you have the correct insurance.
  • Research bank accounts and stay up to date with your accounts.

What are the rules for selling cosmetics?

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Soaps manufactured by Handmade by Kathryn

If you’ve looked into making and selling your own cosmetic products, you’ll be aware of just how confusing it can be. The scary thing is, some people new to the industry don’t even know that there is any legislation to comply with!

First of all what is a Cosmetic?

A “cosmetic product” shall mean any substance or mixture intended to be placed in contact with the various external parts of the human body (epidermis, hair system, nails, lips and external genital organs) or with the teeth and the mucous membranes of the oral cavity with a view exclusively or mainly to cleaning them, perfuming them, changing their appearance and/or correcting body odours and/or protecting them or keeping them in good condition.

https://www.handmadebykathryn.co.uk/blogs/news/the-legal-stuff-what-are-the-rules-for-selling-cosmetics

Kathryn Adams from Handmade by Kathryn has been kind enough to put together a checklist of things you need to consider when selling cosmetics. You can download the checklist HERE.

And for more detailed information please head straight over to Kathryn’s blog post
The Legal Stuff – What are the rules for selling cosmetics?

You will find related information in our Facebook group The Craft Challenge, as well as all sorts of other golden snippets of information

Never lose the thread of our story updates

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Image courtesy of Gill Sealey – Creator and owner of The Happy Weaver Craft Co or rather, to be specific, courtesy of her talented daughter. Photographer in the making!!

What’s new this week Thursday 18th February 2021

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Picture courtesy of Danae Crowley, trading as Crowley Aromas
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We have been absolutely inundated with queries regarding wax melts, simmering granules, sizzlers, carpet fresheners, room sprays, reed diffusers, car fresheners and various other room fragrance and cleaning products.

Well, good news! Yes, we can absolutely cover all of these products, providing that they comply with all applicable legislation, and are fully CLP compliant.

If you have an existing policy with us, and want to add any of these items to your existing activities, you can do so through YOUR ACCOUNT via the website. Or you can simply give us a call or drop us an email, so we can update your policy for you, at no additional cost.

Or, if you would like a quote for a new business venture, get a quote today

workshop insurance

We have been updating our FAQ’s to try and help make the information you want easier to access. You can click HERE to view all of our FAQs but here are some of our more frequently asked questions answered:

  • Q: Do I have to be a registered business to have insurance
    A: No you do not have to register a business to take insurance with us. Many of our customers are hobbyists who want to make a bit of extra money, or, dip their toe in the water to see if they could make a business from it.
  • Q: Can I add to my insurance during the year?
    A: Absolutely! Just give us a call, or drop us an email. If you want to update contact details, or add to your product range, we can amend your policy at no additional cost. We don’t charge admin fees. If you want to increase your cover, then you will just be charged the pro rata additional premium to your next renewal date. Again, no admin fees in sight!
  • Q: Do I need a different policy if I want to sell at craft fairs, or through somebody’s shop?
    A: Nope. Our public and products liability policy automatically covers you selling online, selling at events, or selling through 3rd party retail premises, or a rent a shelf type scenario.
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Lastly, I just wanted to invite you all to join The Craft Challenge Facebook Group. It’s a wonderful community consisting of like minded creatives, offering each other support, knowledge, experience and camaraderie. The aim of the group is to creative a successful online presence, essentially to help you make more money from your online sales.

You are not alone in the craft world – whether you are an experience craft business owner, or just starting out, you would be most welcome to join us.

We even have the occasional online get together at our virtual pub ‘The Crafter’s Arms’, where we get to know each other, give each other ideas and have a bit of a giggle.

5 unique Valentine’s Day gifts for your ‘one of a kind’ someone

We’ve put together a few ideas of gorgeous Valentine’s Day gifts for people who want to give something just a little bit different. All of the gift ideas shown, have been lovingly handmade by crafts people in the UK.

Atlantean Charms dragon chain maille bracelet
Sadie from Atlantean Charms makes beautiful chain maille jewellery. This dragon bracelet is just stunning, but there is also an assortment of rainbow coloured necklaces and bracelets too.
Click HERE to see more
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Handmade fused glass cocktail stirrers, especially for your special someone who likes their cocktails stirred, not shaken.
These are created by Janice Bradshaw, who is designing and making fused glass art on The Fylde Coast.
Click HERE to see more
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Bewitch your alternative lover with a pair of romantic skull earrings from Perfidious Jewellery.
Click HERE to check out the amazing range of unusual jewellery and accessories
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If teddy bears aren’t your beloved’s bag, then how about showing your love with this handsome chap.
Textile artist Sharon Inns, owner and creator at Sprites Et Al makes one of a kind textile fantasy dolls, art and jewellery that are quite literally out of this world.
Click HERE to see more of her whimsical textiles.
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This gorgeous soap will help you ask your special someone, ‘will you ‘Bee’ mine?’ The natural skincare range from A Basket of Bees is made from honey and beeswax from their own bees. Who wouldn’t want the gift of glowing healthy skin?
Click HERE to have a look at all of the full range.

Merry Christmas

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Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2023.

We are here for you through December up until the 22nd of December with normal service. 

We will then be closed from Friday 23rd December to the Tuesday 27th December, and Monday 2nd January 2023

Our opening hours differ on:
28th December 10.00am – 13.00pm
29th December 10.00am – 13.00pm
30th December 10.00am – 13.00pm

We are closed at weekends as always.

Normal office hours will resume from 3rd January onwards

If you need to contact us during this period, please email policy.administration@craftinsurance.co.uk which will be periodically monitored. 

If you need to make a claim during the Christmas period, please contact Hiscox claims directly. The claims team can be contacted Monday to Friday, 09.00 to 17.30, on +44 (0)1206 773 899

We wish you all a safe and happy rest of the year and we are looking forward to seeing you in 2023.

All the very best from,

Ian, Samantha and Naomi at Ian W Wallace Ltd

The Home of Craft Insurance

Now is not the time to give up on your dream of running a craft business

The events of 2020 do have a silver lining

2020 has hit the craft industry hard. Most of our craft fairs, festivals, and events are cancelled which means lots of us can’t sell.

We’ve chatted about how to do things differently to try and improve business. Here are some more reasons why you shouldn’t give up now.

Customer behaviour has changed

2020 has triggered a change in buying behaviour, and whilst the High street has taken a hit, many small online businesses have benefited.

Larger online stores are under tremendous strain to keep up with high demand. This has resulted in people turning to independent businesses to fulfil their needs.

People are becoming Eco conscious

Society is becoming more aware of the impact of our behaviour on the planet. They want to make a difference, no matter how big or small. 

We don’t want mass produced items from a factory. We value handmade products, using sustainable or even recycled materials, and locally made.

Sentiment over materialism

Separation from friends and family this year has made people more sentimental.   A crafts person will go the extra mile to make products unique, personal, and made with love that satisfy this.

Why Britain’s Crafters must adapt to these new challenging times

Crafters must find new and inventive ways of doing business if they want to survive further lockdowns and fewer craft events to attend.

It has been approximately seven months since Britain first went into a lockdown due to COVID-19 completely changing the face of the craft industry.

Crafters now more than ever need to change with the times and evolve because if they don’t, their craft businesses just won’t survive.

Get your business online

Rosie, the founder of Organik Orangutan needed to find a different way to do things and now offers soap making workshops online.

‘ I’ve often been asked if I do online workshops but I’ve always said no as I honestly didn’t think I could! So, yes because of COVID I had to run them online or my little business wouldn’t survive. I send out all the ingredients etc and run the workshops on Zoom. They’re going really well and I was surprised at how easy it is. I actually prefer it in some ways ? and intend to continue. I will be adding new workshops soon.’

Selling online

If you haven’t sold online before, you’re in for a real treat because there’s an online opportunity out there for everyone. Social media ie, Instagram and Facebook are popular sales platforms, because they are relatively easy to learn and free to use.

There are a number of ‘build your own websites’ now about on the market, so giving you a way of getting online without spending out on a web designer.

There are also online shops that you can sell through, for example Etsy, folksy, and conscious crafties.

Rosie of Organik Orangutan during a soap making workshop

Stand out from the crowd

Taking your business online is a golden opportunity to stand out from the crowd.

You can offer your customers a truly unique experience when they buy from you.

I recently purchased a handcrafted leather binder from a crafter through Folksy. When it was delivered, it was very securely packaged, which I appreciated. When I opened the outer plain packaging, I was overwhelmed to find a beautifully wrapped binder, presented in a bespoke box. To top it off there was a handwritten thankyou for my custom. I cannot even explain the joy this gave me, but I can say that it made me feel special as a valued customer. Would I have received the same treatment face to face at a craft fair? Who knows, but it was definitely a great experience receiving this treasure through the post, and because of that, I desperately want to buy from her again!

So what are you waiting for? Adapt and evolve your craft business, you won’t regret it.

Monthly online event for crafters

The monthly online event for crafters in August/September is Knitting Hill Carnival

Sunday 30th August – Sunday 27th September

We host a monthly online event for crafters to showcase, exhibit and sell, to try and assist during these strange times, when actual craft events are a tad sparse. ⁠ This monthy Ian W Wallace Ltd proudly presents Knitting Hill Carnival

Knitting Hill Carnival will last a whole month.⁠ Starting on Sunday 30th August⁠

Here’s what you need to do to take part⁠:⁠

  • Follow @ian_presents #ian_presents and @ianwwallaceltd to keep up to date with all the news on our monthly online event for crafters.
  • ⁠To exhibit your crafts, make sure you tag @ian_presents and use the hashtag #ian_presents and #knittinghillcarnival⁠
  • ⁠Please share this post with everyone. Together, we can make this the biggest and best event yet!!⁠
  • Please encourage your family and friends to support us by getting them to follow @ian_presents and #ian_presents and #knittinghillcarnival⁠
  • Emphasise that we need them ALL to follow, like, comment, tag, and of course, to buy from the crafters shops if they can.⁠

If you would like to take part in Knitting Hill Carnival or any of our monthly online event for crafters, and haven’t yet got any public and products liability insurance in place to sell your handmade crafts, this can be done nice and quickly by clicking the Get A Quote button below.

Products Liability covers you, if a claim is made against you for injury or damage caused by the normal use of the product. Insurance is not just going for events you know. ?⁠

We already have a myriad of crafters joining us this month, any we will be sharing links to their Instagram pages and their online shops, but we have plenty of room for more if you want to get involved.

Our previous events have been an absolute blast, with good online interaction from ‘stallholders’ and ‘buyers’ alike which made for a really good buzz, and a lovely welcoming atmosphere.

We are so proud to be able to offer something like this for our customers, and the best bit is that we really feel we are getting to know you, putting faces to names, and getting an even better idea of how the craft industry ticks. You never stop learning right? We are becoming a lovely big craft family community 🙂

So, we will hopefully see you there,

All the best,

Naomi Wallace (Great at customer service, awful at making coffee!!!)