So you've thought about turning your sewing interests into a much needed extra income for your family, or you are out of work and have been seriously considering setting up a full time sewing business in your home? After all, sewing has been a hobby for many years and you have sold items at craft fairs, holiday bazaars and boutiques in town. So, how hard would it be to turn a sewing hobby into a business?
Sewing is a very diverse, covering many categories such as quilting, embroidery, custom clothing, home décor, and specialty items. Each one of these categories has endless products or services that a business can be created from. So if you have dabbled in all of these categories or just a few, how does one decide which to pursue?
Conduct Market Research
Once you have decided on the type of sewing business products or services do market research.
- Visit competitor's stores or business locations from the local phone book. Research can also be done via Internet searches, visiting websites, trade associations, networking groups and through social media.
Find out more about your specific type of sewing business.
- What is happening in the industry?
- Is it growing or shrinking?
How many businesses like yours are in a 25 mile radius?
- Are these businesses, successful and reliable?
- How will you be different?
- What are they charging?
What type of customer are you looking for?
- Why will customers come to you?
- What is the income of your average customer?
Result from the market research will help you to set ideas and goals to move ahead with a business plan. You will know what your competitors are offering and can be one step ahead when market your business.
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