MISI - Handmade in the UK

Craft away the credit crunch blues!

Everyone could do with a bit of extra cash each month, especially in the current climate. If you have broadband at home and a modicum of crafty talent, then the solution could be closer than you think.

1. Assess your abilities 

What are you good at? It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a crafty qualification behind you. If you have a creative head use it to your advantage.
There are plenty of tutorials, magazines, crafty books from your local library and crafty social groups you can join. Have a search online or visit your local library to find your local Craft Crop or Knitting Circle. Make whatever takes your fancy!

2. Use your resources

Craft supplies can be costly and can take a good chunk out of your profit. Look out for things that you can user as cost effective and environmentally friendly craft supplies and increase your profit margin. If you can’t find anything around your home that you can reuse, then visit your local charity shops. They’re treasure troves of materials, beads and scrap booking supplies. Vintage is “in”, so don’t be afraid to cut up a pair of 1950’s curtains. You can market your new creation as ‘Recycled and Vintage’ the two words of the moment that are bound to bring the consumers flocking in.
Think creatively!

3. Dare to be different
Don’t be afraid to expose your creative uniqueness to the world. Crafty consumers are often looking for something unique for a special gift or to treat themselves. Who knows - your unique idea might be the next big trend!

4. Know where to sell

MISI (“Make It Sell It”) is a great place to start. It’s an online Craft marketplace where you can showcase your work in your very own store. It’s free to set up and a product listing will then set you back just 20p for a five month run. When your item sells you will be charged 3% commission.

5. Marketing your crafty store

Get blogging – Blogging is a great way to get your name out there. If you update it on a regular basis and get a good following it can prove to be an excellent free marketing tool.

Social networking - Create a fan page on Facebook, tweet about your crafts on Twitter, chat on forums (using a link to your craft store in your signature) and submit your crafts to Style Hive. The more social networking you do, the higher exposure you will create for your crafts.

Spread the word – Don’t forget to tell your friends and family about your new crafty venture. Make sure you provide a link to your new store in any business cards you hand out or emails that you send.

6. Make sure its legal

As with any online selling, you should inform the Inland Revenue about your new crafty business. The last thing you need is to end up with a hefty fine after all your hard work!