I am looking for volunteers to answer the Q&A below. I am currently working on the market research section of my business plan. I won't go into much detail on what my actual plan is, but it will benefit so many craft enthusiasts.
Firstly, thank you for volunteering. I am attempting to start my own business and I thought a Q&A would be a great way to get to know my target market. Putting a business plan together is a long and difficult journey. I want to create the best business I can. I really need you help to get to know what your craft needs are. Please give as much information as you can because it will enter into my business plan.
I have composed a list of questions, however if you have any extra information or advice for me, please feel free to write it underneath all of your answers. If you would rather send your answer privately my email address is mail@dolldolldolly.com
- Do you or have you ever struggled with finding space to work on large projects?
- Would you like to meet fellow craft enthusiasts and learn new skills from others?
- Are you struggling with craft costs? Do you own your own sewing machine or overlocker?
- What crafts would you like to have a go at? What has prevented you taking these crafts up? Are they messy? Expensive? Take up to much room?
- Do you find it hard to exhibit your work? Confidence? Are you finding it hard to enter into the craft fair circuit?
- Would you spend money to invest in your craft environment?
- Do you enjoy the social aspect of crafting or do you like to work alone?
Thank you
Abbey x
Struggling with space depends on two things for me - the kind of craft I want to do (can it be done on my lap/at a small table/need large table or floor space), and how much space I have for the equipment to be stored.
ReplyDeleteI'm always up for meeting new fellow crafters and learning new skills!
In regards to craft costs, I don't struggle with the crafts I already do (card making and little bits of other crafts) however there are other crafts I would love to try that I can't as I can't afford to. I do have a sewing machine that was given to me from my Grandma, but I don't have an overlocker, however my current skills with sewing wouldnt require me to need an overlocker.
I would love to try letterpress printing, and screen printing, but I don't have the space or money, nor have learnt the basic skills yet with these crafts.
In regards to craft fairs, I have been selling my cards since July 2011 and have done 3 craft fairs, however I have found sales to be much lower than expected at these events, which in turn has certainly dampened my confidence in wanting to be involved in any further craft fairs.
In regards to spending money on my craft environment, that would depend on two things, my current earnings situation and how exactly the improvement would benefit me. As someone on very little earnings currently, the improvement would have to be vastly worth it.
I do enjoy the social aspect of crafting, however I never seem to do it in company. But I do like to converse with fellow crafters on sites such as twitter, which helps me feel connected.
x
Do you or have you ever struggled with finding space to work on large projects?
ReplyDeleteI tend to go round to a friend's house for this, so it's not so much of a problem (although I wish I lived in a bigger place!)
Would you like to meet fellow craft enthusiasts and learn new skills from others?
I'm a member of the Brighton Craft Guerilla, and our mission statement is to encourage craft and to teach- we're small at the moment, but I'd like to see us get bigger over the next 18 months or so. But I think workshops are great- it' just finding the venues to organise them (which we've mentioned doing)
Are you struggling with craft costs? Do you own your own sewing machine or overlocker?
I don't really struggle with craft costs atm, but I know some who do. I have a 1940 handcrank Singer machine. Knitting and embroidery are more my forte!
What crafts would you like to have a go at? What has prevented you taking these crafts up? Are they messy? Expensive? Take up to much room?
I'd really like to work with glass. I would have no idea how to do this though! Silverwork is also something I'd like to have a go at! I think they can be expensive classes though.
Do you find it hard to exhibit your work? Confidence? Are you finding it hard to enter into the craft fair circuit?
I recently did Brighton Craftaganza (with BCG) and spent months working on my stuff. I was so nervous about my work- but as a group we did really well and my own work made a good profit. I do different things though, so I had a range of items in different price brackets and to suit different customers.
Would you spend money to invest in your craft environment?
I like the idea of being a member of a collective- say, hiring a studio or something. As a knitter, all I need is a sofa, really!
Do you enjoy the social aspect of crafting or do you like to work alone?
I go to a knitting group occasionally, but I prefer working by myself, particularly if I'm working on something difficult.
Would really love to hear what you discovered! I feel compelled to do a spot of market research now! I'm in the process of reading - The Handmade Marketplace: How to Sell Your Crafts Locally, Globally, and Online by Kari Chapin which is really motivating!
ReplyDeleteHi, Are you well?
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