Starting a furniture making business can be a smart way to turn creative skills into a moneymaking venture. If you have already sold a few pieces of furniture to family and friends, it will be fairly easy for you to take the next step and create a business out of your passion. With your talent and some basic business skills, you should turn a pretty penny from your craft in no time.
Instructions
1. Develop or enhance your skills in furniture making. Take classes or work with a master to further expand your talent. By mastering different periods of furniture and a variety of classical styles, your products will appeal to a wider range of buyers.
2. Register for your local business license. This ensures that you are meeting the legal requirements of your local community.
3. Consider various ways to get in front of prospective customers. Develop a website showcasing your products. Research craft and trade shows where you can be an exhibitor. Take a few of your pieces to art galleries and private, retail furniture stores for wholesale or consignment sales. Market your pieces to interior designers in your closest major market.
4. Develop a smooth process for your retail environment. Even if your storefront is nothing more than an open area at the front of your workshop, you can provide an engaging atmosphere for customers who stop in. Ensure that each customer is greeted promptly. Ask questions to determine the customer's preferences for style, period and color. Offer to take custom orders. Be sure to thank the customer for visiting your business.
5. Maintain accurate financial records using accounting software. This will enable you to compile and review financial reports including profit and loss and balance sheets on a frequent basis. By increasing income, keeping expenses to a minimum and using organizational skills, you can capitalize on the art of furniture making.
Tags: furniture making, your local, your pieces, your products, your talent