Start a 'cottage industry'... official MoneySavingExpert.com discussion

cazac71

Thankyou both for your replies, i`m not quite sure exactly what else i`ll be trying yet, bowls maybe, anything really!

emmajg

I have been "running" my origami "cottage industry" for a while now and I've seen etsy but never sure if it's worth making a load of items as they take a lot of time to make and they may not I know similar items don't sell on eBay but then I'm sure where people "search" or even know if they exist. I currently make to order, any advise would be great, as I've also thought of stopping altogether !
www.papergifts.me.uk or https://www.smart-paper.co.uk

positivelymummy

can i please ask anyone who sells via etsy how you work out your shipping price? especially for overseas sales etc? back in the olden days (ok a year or two ago:D ) posting an item used to be simple, but since they changed it from weight to size i'm lost

RosaThorne

positivelymummy - Go onto royalmail.com and follow the pricing links, then you enter weight, destination and size (letter, large letter, package) and you are given a choice of services

positivelymummy

RosaThorne wrote: »

positivelymummy - Go onto royalmail.com and follow the pricing links, then you enter weight, destination and size (letter, large letter, package) and you are given a choice of services

excellent stuff, thanks:beer:

RosaThorne

Just discovered a new stash of fabric in the spare room wardrobe - Making bags next week, do people still buy bags without a fastening or would they prefer a button/zip??

Frugaldom

You could always put a velcro fastening inner pocket for security, handy for change & mobile phones

RosaThorne

Didn't even think about velcro
I've been trying to figure out zips and the sewing-in-of for ages and just can't get to grips with it. Thanks

bonsibabe

Hi all, just read all 14 pages and my head hurts lol.:D I want to start something to help pay off our debts. Hubby is a soldier and i stay at home with the kids. I have a disability which makes it difficult to get a job, specially where we live as childminders can charge whatever they want (they are in really short supply here!). I make my own cards and I can knit but I don't have a sewing machine (wouldnt know how to work one anyway lol). I've thought about doing Cv's and typing for people but wouldnt know where to start.

I would love to have out debts paid off really soon, as we may be moving back to Uk this year.:j

Any advice from anyone would be greatly appreciated?? Thanks!:beer:

Frugaldom

emmajg wrote: »

I have been "running" my origami "cottage industry" for a while now and I've seen etsy but never sure if it's worth making a load of items as they take a lot of time to make and they may not I know similar items don't sell on eBay but then I'm sure where people "search" or even know if they exist. I currently make to order, any advise would be great, as I've also thought of stopping altogether !

Hi Emmajg, I just had a look at your websites and I think your items look fantastic! I've never spoken to anyone who does origami, so know knothing about it but I do know that it looks like the kind of thing I would expect to see in specialist outlets and gift galleries. Do you need to buy in the paper supplies or have you a 'recycled' range? Sorry if it's on the website, I only took a quick look.

You could also try eBid with a free seller account and then join the sellers' promotional community. Costs nothing, so what have you got to lose other tan a bit of your time and a very small percentage fee if whatever you list sells? I can't remember if it's 2% or 3% but not much more than that. Rather than include thumbnail photos, which would cost, you could link to the existing photos on your site within the main listing. Just don't include the link to your site and it should be OK.

Bonsibabe - don't limit your typing to just CVs and personal stuff. Depending on your location, there may be a great deal more typing work than you expect. Firstly, are you living on or close to base?
In the meantime, make a list of all the secretarial/administrative services you could offer, research pricing and start preparing a leaflet.