With the right approach, your passion for crafting can become a significant source of income. Whether you're a stay-at-home parent looking to contribute to your family's finances, a retiree seeking to monetize a lifelong skill, or simply searching for a fulfilling side hustle, starting a craft business and selling crafts online could be the perfect opportunity for you to make money.
How to make money as a crafter: tips for success
Making money as a crafter is not just about creating beautiful items it also involves strategic planning and understanding of the market. To succeed, your craft business should have a unique selling proposition, high-quality products and a clear target audience. It's essential to identify crafts that not only interest you but also have a substantial market demand.
A profitable craft business stands out through its distinctiveness and quality. It offers products that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also serve a purpose or solve a problem for the customer. Successful craft businesses often have a strong brand story and excellent customer service, which helps build a loyal customer base. Additionally, they operate with good profit margins and have streamlined processes for production, inventory management and sales.
Before diving into a crafting business idea, conducting thorough market research is crucial. It helps you understand what products are trending, what customers are willing to pay and who your competitors are. Knowing your customer's preferences and pain points can guide you in product development and marketing strategies. Market research involves analyzing online marketplaces, attending craft fairs and getting feedback from potential customers. This knowledge will inform your decisions and help you start a business that is not only profitable but also enjoyable and sustainable.
11 ways to make money as a crafter
Crafting can open up a world of opportunities to earn money. Here are 11 ways you can turn your crafting skills into a profitable business idea.
01. Sell crafts online
Online marketplaces like Etsy, eBay and Amazon Handmade have made it easier than ever for crafters to reach a global audience and make money online. These platforms cater specifically to handmade goods, vintage items and craft supplies. Setting up a shop on these sites allows you to showcase your work to millions of potential customers, with the added convenience of built-in payment systems and customer review mechanisms.
You can also make money selling crafts online with your own online store or eCommerce venture. You can use an eCommerce website builder like Wix to understand how to create your website.
Learn more:
02. Start a craft blog
If you have a knack for storytelling and writing, starting a craft blog can be a great way to share your expertise. By creating engaging content, you can attract a following and then make money from it through ads, sponsored content and partnerships with craft brands.
This can be a long-term way to make money as a crafter as it requires the consistent creation of quality blog content and a dedicated readership before it can be monetized.
To start a blog you’ll need to use a blog maker - opt for one that comes with reliable and secure hosting, robust security features and customized blog templates, like Wix.
Starting and monetizing a blog can be a great business to start with little money.
03. Teaching craft classes
Teaching is another excellent way to earn money while helping others learn a new craft. You can offer classes or workshops in person or online through your website. If you record the classes you can also sell them even after the event for passive income. This can also be a great way to make money as a teacher if your specialty subject is art, check out other business ideas for teachers to get started.
04. Selling craft supplies
If you have access or can get access, to wholesale craft materials, consider selling them to other crafters. This can be done online or in a physical store and it can be a way to make money as a crafter alongside other business ideas.
05. Crafting for events
A fun and creative way to make money as a crafter is to make custom crafts for events. Custom crafts for events such as weddings, birthdays and corporate functions can be highly profitable as the orders are often for large events. Crafts for events include personalized decorations, favors and other gifts.
06. Custom orders
Offering custom orders allows customers to request one-of-a-kind items and often allows you to charge a premium for the customization. Commissions, as a way to make money for therapists, can range from personalized gifts to bespoke home decor, providing a personal touch that off-the-shelf products lack. Custom orders are also a great way to establish your reputation as a quality crafter within a niche.
07. Selling craft patterns
Experienced crafters can make money by designing their patterns or tutorials and selling them online. This also creates an effective passive income stream, as the same pattern can be sold to multiple customers.
08. Collaborations with local businesses
When looking for ways to make money as a crafter, consider collaborating with local businesses. This might include local gift shops, either brick and mortar or online, that will be happy to display your crafts either for a percentage of the sale price once sold, or they’ll buy them upfront and sell them for you. These partnerships can also help you promote your craft business and get them in front of a wider audience.
09. Attending craft fairs
Craft fairs are a popular way for crafters to make money. Generally, the only investment required will be the fee for attending the fair and transport costs. Craft fairs can also be a great way to network with other crafters. In terms of making money, it all depends on the success of the fair - the people there and the popularity of your crafts within that market. Popular fairs are often more expensive to attend and should be factored in when calculating potential profitability.
To find craft fairs in your area you can check out:
10. Subscription box services
Subscription boxes are a popular way for crafters to make money. You can curate and send out monthly boxes with craft supplies and patterns for buyers to make their crafts or create boxes of small handmade items. The beauty of this craft business idea is that it means recurring income and you better predict your path to profitability based on how many subscribers you have.
Some examples of craft subscription boxes you could sell include:
A different crafted ornament for the home each month, in the holiday months these could be holiday themed, for example, Christmas decorations
A different crafted toy each month for children, a knitted teddy bear, a patchwork doll
11. Make and sell craft kits
Make money as an artist by targeting beginners to the industry or art, with craft kits that contain all the necessary materials and instructions for a project that is popular with beginners. Assembling and selling these kits can attract a wide range of customers looking for an easy way to start crafting.
Potential craft kit ideas include:
Easy craft kits for children to make their own crafted toys
Craft kids for holiday decorations
Craft kids to make accessories, such as scarves, hats and gloves
How to start making money as a crafter
Embarking on a craft business journey requires careful planning and attention to legalities. Here's how to lay the groundwork for a successful craft enterprise.
Business planning
A comprehensive business plan is your roadmap to success. It should outline your business goals, target market, product line, pricing strategy and financial projections. Additionally, consider the legal aspects of starting a business, including registering your business name, obtaining the necessary licenses and permits and understanding tax obligations.
Intellectual property protection is crucial in the crafting world. Look into trademarks for your brand and copyrights for your unique designs to safeguard your creative works.
Creating a business website
In today's digital age, a business website is essential. It serves as the central hub for your brand, where customers can learn more about your products, make purchases and contact you. Ensure your website is user-friendly, mobile-responsive and optimized for search engines to improve visibility. Also consider making an eCommerce website to sell your crafts.
Marketing and promotion
Effective marketing strategies are key to attracting customers. Utilize social media, email marketing and content marketing to showcase your crafts and share your story. Engage with your audience by posting regularly and responding to comments and messages.
Building relationships with other crafters, bloggers and influencers can help you reach a wider audience. Attend craft fairs, join crafting communities and consider partnerships or collaborations to expand your network.
How to make money as a crafter FAQ
How much money can I make from a craft business?
The income from a craft business varies greatly depending on factors such as the types of products you sell, your pricing strategy and how much time you invest in the business. Some crafters make a few hundred dollars a month, while others can generate a full-time income.