Three free days

FtbEmz

Hello. I’m due to start a new role soon which will see me working the same number of hours as I currently work except instead of it being spreading over five days, it’s spread over two days. This will leave me with three non-working days. This is great during the school half terms etc, but I’d really like to make the most of those free days and start a side business. I crochet so that’s an option, but I was wondering if anyone had done anything similar and could offer any suggestions or advice? Thanks.

TELLIT01

There is a massive difference between a hobby you enjoy and making a viable business from it.  Have you considered how long it will take to make an item, the cost of materials, and how much you would be able to sell it for.  Add to that the marketing costs, packaging and postage.....  I'm not saying it's not practical, just hoping you have considered all aspects.

74jax

I left work last year and as I'm crafty bought a Cricut machine. Love it!

I looked into a small business (many friends said it would save them from buying online and they could personalise items easier).

I worked out :
Time in hours x minimum wage. 
Plus cost of material.
Plus electricity used. 
Plus small business insurance.
And then doubled this to earn 50%profit on the cost charged. 
I always charged postage as the cost of envelope, and then postage - I didnt charge for my time posting. 

I did it for a short while, covered cost of the machine but then I considered how I love it as a hobby, and didn't want to fall out of love with it, so I stopped selling and now it's a hobby. 

But once you have figure, know how to 'test' them accurately and within the law, it's relatively easy.

Join some FB groups and ask ideas on there.

Don't do it for less than it costs you, or it's not worth it as a business.  I was gappy with minimum wage per hour, but you might want different.

Things to look at -
Insurance 
Testing - check with your council
Selling fees
Postage
Copyright laws
Keeping records

superbigal

FtbEmz said:

Hello. I’m due to start a new role soon which will see me working the same number of hours as I currently work except instead of it being spreading over five days, it’s spread over two days. This will leave me with three non-working days. This is great during the school half terms etc, but I’d really like to make the most of those free days and start a side business. I crochet so that’s an option, but I was wondering if anyone had done anything similar and could offer any suggestions or advice? Thanks.

Is the OP Tom Daly ?