KaraBoo
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 17:14:51 GMT -5
Posts: 3,076
|
Post by KaraBoo on May 23, 2016 16:45:39 GMT -5
have not read all the posts, but....... Forget about the concept, idea, fantasy, etc, etc, type thinking for a moment. The whole key is going to all come down to FINANCIALS, regardless of how good the idea or concept. Your whole focus at this point should be on money and financials. Some thoughts: Are you really a business oriented person? Are you a realistic number cruncher? You will have expenses for: Rent Employees Janitorial Income taxes Other taxes, B&O, L&I, withholding, etc, etc Insurance, liability, premises, property, etc Utilities Accounting Legal Fixtures and equipment. Monthly supplies All the above and other Overhead, till you make a profit Advertising Liquor License Are you a risk taker? Regardless of your business form you will probably have to personally sign for all the above. I see your overhead at at least $5000 to $10,000 per month minimum. Can you do enough volume to justify the risk? If you are going to keep your job, do you think any minimum wage employee is going to successfully run a business for you? If you are working a 40 hour job now, are you willing to work an extra 30-40 hours per week on top of your job? Could you survive the 6-12 months of overhead and little to no income to get a business started? As a former business owner for 20+ years, i just dont see how you could possible make it with no assets or money to invest. Evan than, it appears to be a business where you would just be buying yourself a low paying job unless you could ramp it up and leverage it with many locations, many employees, etc, etc. Most people on a forum like this will see and hear what supports them and their idea. You would be well off to only consider those that do NOT support what you want to do and see if you can come up with very CLINICAL and financially based reasons why they are wrong. Listen to Milee, she knows what she is talking about. I am not being negative. I am being clinical and realistic. Lots of people that have NO CLUE will cheer-lead you into a business that has no hope of success. I really appreciate EVERYTHING about this post. It is exactly what I'm looking for - the nitty-gritty on what it truly takes to run a business. Let me see if I can answer some of the questions: Am I a business oriented person? Honestly, I'm not sure. I want to say yes, but that may just be my pride speaking. I am a cross between an INTJ and INFJ (depending on the day depends on how I rate when I take the tests). As I explained to one person - I can see both the forest and the trees (the big picture and the minute details). Can I realistically crunch numbers? Yes. Do I always listen to the answers those numbers are speaking - no - but I am getting much better than I was in the past. Are you a risk taker? I look before I jump. I weigh the risks vs benefits and attempt to make the logical choice based on what the facts are showing. If the facts show that it's safe to jump, I'll jump. If the benefits are inconclusive, but the risk is small, I'll jump. If the risks are greater than the benefits but just slightly, depending on the subject matter, I may still jump - but usually won't - this is on a case by case basis. If the risks far outweigh the benefits, I definitely will not jump. It's kind of like that statement - "Would you jump out of an airplane without a parachute for 1 million dollars? What if you were told the airplane was on the ground? It all depends on the facts." That is me in a nutshell.
|
|
milee
Senior Associate
Joined: Jan 17, 2012 13:20:00 GMT -5
Posts: 12,344
|
Post by milee on May 23, 2016 16:45:44 GMT -5
One of my ideas also included classes on wrapping christmas presents (that seems to be an art form that not everyone possesses). Not sure where the "3 hour block" came from - the original idea was to rent per hour. I was thinking how pool halls rent pool tables per hour on a tab and you settle up when you're done with your table. Maybe that's an unrealistic thought, but that was my original thinking. OK, continuing with the comparison to a pool hall... a pool hall is a good example of how you can't just have one income stream (renting table space) to be profitable. Pool halls that are profitable aren't just big empty rooms with a row of pool tables and no other amenities or activities. Profitable pool halls earn a big chunk of their income from bar and snack sales and they amp up attendance by scheduling tournaments.
What other amenities or activities are you going to offer to provide income in addition to table rental?
Oh, and as for lacking skill on Christmas presents, I'm normally a reasonably good wrapper but if I eff up or am pressed for time and do a half-assed job, I just smile and tell the recipient that my child wrapped the present. No class needed.
|
|
giramomma
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Feb 3, 2011 11:25:27 GMT -5
Posts: 22,140
|
Post by giramomma on May 23, 2016 16:52:52 GMT -5
If you are going to do kid friendly activities, I might explore running "camp" days aimed at kids that go to private school. The Catholic schools in my area don't follow the public school district schedule 100%. Kids have different days off for teacher in service..fall breaks, etc. As a parent, you really either have to take a day off, or have a relative help out, or hope another parent at the same school can help fill in the gaps. We can't have our teenaged baby-sitters help out, because well, they are in school. And my oldest is a tween and has been out of the daycare realm for a really long time. Places like the Y do drop in care for public schools, but not private ones. I also can't second what OPED said enough about spending more on kids then themselves. I'm not hard core, but I've gone from spending $100/month to about $100/year on crafting because of expenses. ETA: I understand you said you wanted to gear this to adults..I do have some reading comprehension
|
|
giramomma
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Feb 3, 2011 11:25:27 GMT -5
Posts: 22,140
|
Post by giramomma on May 23, 2016 16:55:09 GMT -5
Oh, and as for lacking skill on Christmas presents, I'm normally a reasonably good wrapper but if I eff up or am pressed for time and do a half-assed job, I just smile and tell the recipient that my child wrapped the present. No class needed.
Ha! I dig in my bag of gift bags and find some tissue paper lying about the house.
|
|
KaraBoo
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 17:14:51 GMT -5
Posts: 3,076
|
Post by KaraBoo on May 23, 2016 16:56:54 GMT -5
I have not read this whole thread yet but if it has not been mentioned I think you need a place for people to store things especially if you get regulars. All my crafty things seem to need room and they are not something I would want to lug back and forth much.
This was also made as a suggestion that I didn't give serious thought to other than to make note of it. Simply because then I open up the potential of people abandoning their crafts and a huge(er) mess to clean up. Think abandoned storage lockers - if people just walk away from (sometimes) $100's-$1000's of dollars of personal items, how much easier is it going to be to walk away from a craft locker? Not to mention the headache of attempting to contact people who have abandoned said lockers. In theory - a good idea; in reality - not so much..... But I really DO appreciate the feedback!!
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 7, 2024 14:37:40 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 23, 2016 17:00:41 GMT -5
Again though, what is going to distinguish yourself from any other place. If it's not practical to offer lockers, to have tools and equiptment on hand, etc. what is going to be the draw?
|
|
tallguy
Senior Associate
Joined: Apr 2, 2011 19:21:59 GMT -5
Posts: 14,563
|
Post by tallguy on May 23, 2016 17:00:56 GMT -5
All right! Quilting tournaments! How much room do you plan to have for spectators? Okay, I'll stop now.
|
|
KaraBoo
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 17:14:51 GMT -5
Posts: 3,076
|
Post by KaraBoo on May 23, 2016 17:04:08 GMT -5
All right! Quilting tournaments! How much room do you plan to have for spectators? Okay, I'll stop now. Ahahaha!!! I can just see it now!!! Quilter #2 is going around her second corner, while...OH NO!!! Quilter #1 just snapped a thread, leaving an opening for Quilter #3 to jump into the lead!
|
|
tallguy
Senior Associate
Joined: Apr 2, 2011 19:21:59 GMT -5
Posts: 14,563
|
Post by tallguy on May 23, 2016 17:10:08 GMT -5
Just wait until they start the relay.
|
|
KaraBoo
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 17:14:51 GMT -5
Posts: 3,076
|
Post by KaraBoo on May 23, 2016 17:12:39 GMT -5
Again though, what is going to distinguish yourself from any other place. If it's not practical to offer lockers, to have tools and equiptment on hand, etc. what is going to be the draw? That's why I'm here - to figure out if this is truly a reasonable idea. The more detailed you guys get, the more I'm realizing that what I'm envisioning in my head may not be feasible. But that's okay! I want to do this exercise to the end! Because it is making me think of way to still accomplish my dream, but with a way to succeed in the best way possible.
|
|
Wisconsin Beth
Distinguished Associate
No, we don't walk away. But when we're holding on to something precious, we run.
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 11:59:36 GMT -5
Posts: 30,626
|
Post by Wisconsin Beth on May 23, 2016 17:18:30 GMT -5
I brought the concept up on the playground to a couple of moms.
Mom#1 would love a place with big tables for scrapbooking, esp if you have the cricut cutter thing. She'd bring her own cartridges for it. She would as lso love a place to do messy things with her kids and have someone clean up afterwards.
Mom#2 would happily book kid bday parties there, providing that the cost included a planned craft and all supplies neccesary. And she could bring cake in. I think she'd expect you to help the kids as needed.
All three of us are in for Christmas cookie decorating there.
|
|
gooddecisions
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 22, 2010 13:42:28 GMT -5
Posts: 2,418
|
Post by gooddecisions on May 23, 2016 17:24:44 GMT -5
I brought the concept up on the playground to a couple of moms. Mom#1 would love a place with big tables for scrapbooking, esp if you have the cricut cutter thing. She'd bring her own cartridges for it. She would as lso love a place to do messy things with her kids and have someone clean up afterwards. Mom#2 would happily book kid bday parties there, providing that the cost included a planned craft and all supplies neccesary. And she could bring cake in. I think she'd expect you to help the kids as needed. All three of us are in for Christmas cookie decorating there. Mom #3 (me) would consider paying $135/week per kid for summer drop-off day camp craft opportunities. But it didn't sound like that's her niche market.
|
|
Wisconsin Beth
Distinguished Associate
No, we don't walk away. But when we're holding on to something precious, we run.
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 11:59:36 GMT -5
Posts: 30,626
|
Post by Wisconsin Beth on May 23, 2016 17:25:05 GMT -5
I should add Kara, both of these mom are connected to child activities here in a way I will never be. If something like this was available, I suspect they'd know about it.
And mom#2 values experiences a lot. Gift cards for something like this would make her happy.
|
|
Wisconsin Beth
Distinguished Associate
No, we don't walk away. But when we're holding on to something precious, we run.
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 11:59:36 GMT -5
Posts: 30,626
|
Post by Wisconsin Beth on May 23, 2016 17:26:15 GMT -5
I brought the concept up on the playground to a couple of moms. Mom#1 would love a place with big tables for scrapbooking, esp if you have the cricut cutter thing. She'd bring her own cartridges for it. She would as lso love a place to do messy things with her kids and have someone clean up afterwards. Mom#2 would happily book kid bday parties there, providing that the cost included a planned craft and all supplies neccesary. And she could bring cake in. I think she'd expect you to help the kids as needed. All three of us are in for Christmas cookie decorating there. Mom #3 (me) would consider paying $135/week per kid for summer drop-off day camp craft opportunities. But it didn't sound like that's her niche market. no. The thread moved while we were at the playground after school.lol
|
|
milee
Senior Associate
Joined: Jan 17, 2012 13:20:00 GMT -5
Posts: 12,344
|
Post by milee on May 23, 2016 17:34:35 GMT -5
Mom #3 (me) would consider paying $135/week per kid for summer drop-off day camp craft opportunities. Around here, moms would stand in a three hour line to sign their kids up for a craft day camp that only cost $135/week. That's about half the rate charged by most of the summer day camps around here... So unless Jerry Sandusky is the head camp counselor, you'd have more kids than you could handle at that price point.
|
|
giramomma
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Feb 3, 2011 11:25:27 GMT -5
Posts: 22,140
|
Post by giramomma on May 23, 2016 17:34:38 GMT -5
I think you are going to have to narrow your focus.
I googled paint bars, and in a city of 200K, I had several organizations come up. Some of them offer things like corporate events, bachlorette parties, etc. IMVHO, this doesn't mix well with an all ages atmosphere.
One organization organizes events at different bars and coffee houses. Another does space in house. They all offer classes. Most importantly, it's really the only thing they do. Ie, they also are not offering Christmas Gift Wrapping Classes.
Here's one class that I wish I had more access to: How to get started on Etsy. Our tech college offers one class every 3 months. It's at a bad time, and I can't do it. I could read books, but I'd rather take a class to learn about this stuff.
|
|
milee
Senior Associate
Joined: Jan 17, 2012 13:20:00 GMT -5
Posts: 12,344
|
Post by milee on May 23, 2016 17:40:22 GMT -5
Again though, what is going to distinguish yourself from any other place. If it's not practical to offer lockers, to have tools and equiptment on hand, etc. what is going to be the draw? That's why I'm here - to figure out if this is truly a reasonable idea. The more detailed you guys get, the more I'm realizing that what I'm envisioning in my head may not be feasible. But that's okay! I want to do this exercise to the end! Because it is making me think of way to still accomplish my dream, but with a way to succeed in the best way possible. So if the total of the original plan is to offer table space and clean up for an hourly rate, the general consensus is that there's not enough of a draw with that to support a viable business.
Part of what makes a good entrepreneur is realizing when to press forward with your plan and when to stop wasting time on something that won't work. At that point you decide whether to alter the plan or to drop it.
So, if you're realizing what you're envisioning in your head isn't feasible, what do you do now?
|
|
KaraBoo
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 17:14:51 GMT -5
Posts: 3,076
|
Post by KaraBoo on May 23, 2016 17:40:58 GMT -5
Okay - so....you've all just about convinced me (already) that my original idea is WAY bigger than what I'm ready to tackle. HOWEVER.... That doesn't mean the idea is totally kaput. I've just adapted and rethought my idea. Shooby is right - I already have my business plan, I just wasn't charging any money for it before. Now I could and still keep my day job (for now). I'll provide and bring the craft to you (your choice out of a selection {that I'm comfortable w/teaching/demonstrating} - discussion available for something not offered) for a set price per person ($20-$50 depending on the craft and length). Minimum number of participants (maybe 4-6?), maximum (15-20?) - over that would need to be discussed (reason why to follow). Cost per craft would include: Tables Chairs Craft & all supplies to complete craft Instructions/cheerleading on completing said craft Tent (if needed/wanted - possible extra cost) Set up/tear down I already own both a Suburban and a truck (both paid for) to haul these items. I already own 2 8' tables (I have access to more) I do not have chairs, but I have access to some, and can definitely buy some. I already own a very nice 10'x 20' tent w/sides - It takes a minimum of 2 people to set up, but it's doable. I already have the experience to lead/set up and tear down events like this. I already have experience w/booking and scheduling. I have some (need more) experience w/running a website. Reason why I would want to discuss hosting larger groups - the tent I have would barely fit 15 people (10 is ideal), 20 would be absolute max (unless they're okay with not everyone sitting under the canopy). Plus it gets into the logistics of hauling tables and chairs for that many people. It would be better off if they had a hall/rental space (yes, yes, I know!! Ironic! ) to host the event in rather than me hauling everything to them. I'm okay with hosts/party bookers to pick out a craft I don't offer, as long as it is "available and feasible". That's where the discussion with them would come in. If they wanted to have a 1 hour party, but the craft they want to do takes minimum of 3 hours, that would be a discussion. Or, if the craft supplies are not available to me (requires specialty items that I don't have or no experience in), that wouldn't automatically be a no, just another discussion. Then it can be - whatever the host wants it to be - sorority group, girl/boy scout troop, friends getting together, wedding/baby shower, divorce party (hhhmmm.....voodoo dolls might make for an interesting craft! ), or anything else you might be able to come up with! Thoughts?
|
|
KaraBoo
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 17:14:51 GMT -5
Posts: 3,076
|
Post by KaraBoo on May 23, 2016 17:49:06 GMT -5
Mom #3 (me) would consider paying $135/week per kid for summer drop-off day camp craft opportunities. Around here, moms would stand in a three hour line to sign their kids up for a craft day camp that only cost $135/week. That's about half the rate charged by most of the summer day camps around here... So unless Jerry Sandusky is the head camp counselor, you'd have more kids than you could handle at that price point. AND - you'd all totally find me in the loony bin with that set up! Not just no, but hell no! I googled a place around here someone suggested to me that was for kids (same as you're describing) - it was $80 per kid, only for a class (not all day), and I thought that STILL wasn't enough for me to do kids full time! Don't get me wrong - I'll do kids parties - but I really want to focus on adults. From my experience before - they're handful enough!
|
|
Wisconsin Beth
Distinguished Associate
No, we don't walk away. But when we're holding on to something precious, we run.
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 11:59:36 GMT -5
Posts: 30,626
|
Post by Wisconsin Beth on May 23, 2016 17:55:54 GMT -5
Okay - so....you've all just about convinced me (already) that my original idea is WAY bigger than what I'm ready to tackle. HOWEVER.... That doesn't mean the idea is totally kaput. I've just adapted and rethought my idea. Shooby is right - I already have my business plan, I just wasn't charging any money for it before. Now I could and still keep my day job (for now). I'll provide and bring the craft to you (your choice out of a selection {that I'm comfortable w/teaching/demonstrating} - discussion available for something not offered) for a set price per person ($20-$50 depending on the craft and length). Minimum number of participants (maybe 4-6?), maximum (15-20?) - over that would need to be discussed (reason why to follow). Cost per craft would include: Tables Chairs Craft & all supplies to complete craft Instructions/cheerleading on completing said craft Tent (if needed/wanted - possible extra cost) Set up/tear down I already own both a Suburban and a truck (both paid for) to haul these items. I already own 2 8' tables (I have access to more) I do not have chairs, but I have access to some, and can definitely buy some. I already own a very nice 10'x 20' tent w/sides - It takes a minimum of 2 people to set up, but it's doable. I already have the experience to lead/set up and tear down events like this. I already have experience w/booking and scheduling. I have some (need more) experience w/running a website. Reason why I would want to discuss hosting larger groups - the tent I have would barely fit 15 people (10 is ideal), 20 would be absolute max (unless they're okay with not everyone sitting under the canopy). Plus it gets into the logistics of hauling tables and chairs for that many people. It would be better off if they had a hall/rental space (yes, yes, I know!! Ironic! ) to host the event in rather than me hauling everything to them. I'm okay with hosts/party bookers to pick out a craft I don't offer, as long as it is "available and feasible". That's where the discussion with them would come in. If they wanted to have a 1 hour party, but the craft they want to do takes minimum of 3 hours, that would be a discussion. Or, if the craft supplies are not available to me (requires specialty items that I don't have or no experience in), that wouldn't automatically be a no, just another discussion. Then it can be - whatever the host wants it to be - sorority group, girl/boy scout troop, friends getting together, wedding/baby shower, divorce party (hhhmmm.....voodoo dolls might make for an interesting craft! ), or anything else you might be able to come up with! Thoughts? This might be where Ryan comes in with the ability to find your craft kits cheaply and slap your own brand on it.
|
|
giramomma
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Feb 3, 2011 11:25:27 GMT -5
Posts: 22,140
|
Post by giramomma on May 23, 2016 17:56:55 GMT -5
What kind of crafts are we talking? How would you distinguish your expertise vs. that of a craft store? Have you looked to see how much craft stores are charging for classes?
How many people can you get to and help individually? The craft classes I go to are capped at 8, so folks get help. Even 3-7 day retreats are capped to about 13 or so women.
Around here, Zentangle classes are $25/two hours for non-beginner courses. The Beginning course is $35, but that includes all your supplies.
What sort of connections do you have to get crafting supplies at low prices?
|
|
KaraBoo
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 17:14:51 GMT -5
Posts: 3,076
|
Post by KaraBoo on May 23, 2016 18:00:54 GMT -5
Beth - What do you mean? Could you explain more?
I already have access to several sites to buy crafts in bulk. The camp I used to volunteer at, I had to purchase materials for 100 people at a time (we hosted 80 campers), so I'm already well versed in how much of something/items I will/would need for the various crafts we did.
Some of my crafts: Birdhouses Wreaths Wooden nesting boxes Stepping Stones Clay pots shelving Tie-die t-shirts Felt pillows Pine wood derby cars (like boy scouts - did that only once - it was a blast as we raced them at the end of camp as the evening event)
There's more, but I'm going blank at the moment.
|
|
milee
Senior Associate
Joined: Jan 17, 2012 13:20:00 GMT -5
Posts: 12,344
|
Post by milee on May 23, 2016 18:03:01 GMT -5
Hm. Good ideas:
- Use the "pop-up" model to earn some money and gain experience offering crafting classes. - Good way to get experience in running a business. - Great market test to see what types of crafts appeal to people, what crafts work well in groups, what crafts produce good finished product.
Not sure these parts work: - My spidey senses tell me that with this model - moving tables, tents, etc. - to a location an offering a class to small numbers of people, you're going to be doing an outsized amount of work for the amount of money you'd earn. Example - say 6 people pay $50 for the craft party, easy $300 - right? Not really when you count the time it took to answer the 5 calls and emails it took to answer the questions of prospective crafters (say 2-3 hours), time to purchase and organize the supplies (1-2 hours), time to drive-set up-craft-clean up (5-6 hours), general business overhead time allocated to each job (1-2 hours) = 9 to 13 hours total. Assuming the supplies for the craft cost $50 and your other business OH (website, insurance, etc.) is another $50, you have $200 to cover the 9-13 hours you spent on the party, so your wage is $15-$22/hr. Now being self-employed remember you'll need to cover the extra social security and medicare taxes on that plus your own "benefits" so that is equivalent to a corporate job that pays approximately $11-16/hr. Not a loss, but not big money considering all the hassle, either. In other words, use this to gain experience but it's not something you want to build a business on or do long term. And none of that includes cost of gas or cost to purchase any large equipment like tables. - OMG, the tent will be huge hassle and expense for small gain. Not always comfortable, exposed to the elements, so many ways this could fail and a huge PITA. Run away from that idea.
|
|
KaraBoo
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 17:14:51 GMT -5
Posts: 3,076
|
Post by KaraBoo on May 23, 2016 18:05:53 GMT -5
What kind of crafts are we talking? How would you distinguish your expertise vs. that of a craft store? Have you looked to see how much craft stores are charging for classes? How many people can you get to and help individually? The craft classes I go to are capped at 8, so folks get help. Even 3-7 day retreats are capped to about 13 or so women. Around here, Zentangle classes are $25/two hours for non-beginner courses. The Beginning course is $35, but that includes all your supplies. What sort of connections do you have to get crafting supplies at low prices? With my camp experience - these were mostly all "beginners" - not seasoned crafters. We had 80 campers, split into 2 groups of 40 (2 craft sessions). At camp - I've had as many as 8 helpers and as few as 2 (and me) to help with 40 people at a time. It's not apples to apples comparing it to craft store classes in my opinion - I would be bringing the craft to them, on their time frame, rather than the other way around. That charge would be different than the crafter going to them. Buying in bulk always brings cheaper costs. I would pay slightly more as an individual, but only because the camp was non-profit, so I benefited from the tax-exempt status of buying through the camp tax-id.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 7, 2024 14:37:40 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 23, 2016 18:08:17 GMT -5
In my opinion this would be a horrible business to make money on. Here is why: - Competition from local Community College/Public School System (these adult classes are offered via these institutions in my area, actually everywhere I have ever lived, and they don't pay rent, utilities, etc. as they use public facilities). Just the teacher gets paid for their time.
- Senior/Condo communities offer the same thing in many locations (you can even join if you don't live in the community)
- Price resistance. Hobby services have a huge consumer resistance to price increases and suffer larger loses in recessions. This is all disposable income, which when disappears, so does the client.
- Contracts. To do a private system you have to sign leases, etc. that are all longer periods. This has some level of fad/economic dependency, so not being able to ramp up/down fast enough will kill the 10-20 year business plan (how do you manage the down cycles).
- Adult entertainment is the 1st to go from a budget. Even the kid programs/doggy day care will do better in recessions than adult hobbies. There is no guilt when you stop taking a class for yourself. The other programs can use emotional guilt and coupons to help in the down cycles, not so much with the adult classes.
- Staffing/hours of operation: Seniors want 10 am-4 pm timeslots, working people want 8-10 pm and weekends. Hard to staff as an individual and keep the largest possible clientele.
Just points to think about. Overall, I'm not the type to see the opportunities on small businesses (statistics are against them as very few make it past 7 years and even more never make more than a job for the owners). Of course this is coming from someone that works in the professional services industry, so I get how people like Swamp do well, but struggle with all the other small businesses.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 7, 2024 14:37:40 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 23, 2016 18:08:57 GMT -5
We took a ravioli cooking class at the library community room last year. 30$ and all materials, we tried some there and walked with 2-3 dozen ravioli each. It was a 2-3 hour class? I think about 12 of us? I think mostly the class was intended to draw attention to her catering and other food and fitness offerings? Great class though!
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 7, 2024 14:37:40 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 23, 2016 18:11:54 GMT -5
What kind of crafts are we talking? How would you distinguish your expertise vs. that of a craft store? Have you looked to see how much craft stores are charging for classes? How many people can you get to and help individually? The craft classes I go to are capped at 8, so folks get help. Even 3-7 day retreats are capped to about 13 or so women. Around here, Zentangle classes are $25/two hours for non-beginner courses. The Beginning course is $35, but that includes all your supplies. What sort of connections do you have to get crafting supplies at low prices? With my camp experience - these were mostly all "beginners" - not seasoned crafters. We had 80 campers, split into 2 groups of 40 (2 craft sessions). At camp - I've had as many as 8 helpers and as few as 2 (and me) to help with 40 people at a time. It's not apples to apples comparing it to craft store classes in my opinion - I would be bringing the craft to them, on their time frame, rather than the other way around. That charge would be different than the crafter going to them. Buying in bulk always brings cheaper costs. I would pay slightly more as an individual, but only because the camp was non-profit, so I benefited from the tax-exempt status of buying through the camp tax-id. But you wouldn't be buying for 80.
|
|
milee
Senior Associate
Joined: Jan 17, 2012 13:20:00 GMT -5
Posts: 12,344
|
Post by milee on May 23, 2016 18:14:42 GMT -5
Some of my crafts: Birdhouses Wreaths Wooden nesting boxes Stepping Stones Clay pots shelving Tie-die t-shirts Felt pillows Pine wood derby cars (like boy scouts - did that only once - it was a blast as we raced them at the end of camp as the evening event) ThIere's more, but I'm going blank at the moment. Those aren't bad ideas, but they're all available at free or low cost classes around here. Prices vary by area, but in this area it would be tough to get people to pay $20 for any of those crafts which again puts you into the very large amount of work for very small amount of profit zone.
Wondering if you could get interest and profit up by offering more unique ideas like your voodoo doll divorce craft. BTW, I think the voodoo doll would also go over for business groups. I had a voodoo doll dressed in a suit in my office and people loved it. Interesting stuff like that - where again people can drink wine and giggle while making it - might have more appeal or buzz.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 7, 2024 14:37:40 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 23, 2016 18:25:56 GMT -5
Some of my crafts: Birdhouses Wreaths Wooden nesting boxes Stepping Stones Clay pots shelving Tie-die t-shirts Felt pillows Pine wood derby cars (like boy scouts - did that only once - it was a blast as we raced them at the end of camp as the evening event) ThIere's more, but I'm going blank at the moment. Those aren't bad ideas, but they're all available at free or low cost classes around here. Prices vary by area, but in this area it would be tough to get people to pay $20 for any of those crafts which again puts you into the very large amount of work for very small amount of profit zone.
Wondering if you could get interest and profit up by offering more unique ideas like your voodoo doll divorce craft. BTW, I think the voodoo doll would also go over for business groups. I had a voodoo doll dressed in a suit in my office and people loved it. Interesting stuff like that - where again people can drink wine and giggle while making it - might have more appeal or buzz.
Adding to this, there is a difference in a craft which is designed for a 'captive audience' so to speak, and one which would need to entice a customer to initiate purchasing. Besides Felting (i'm not sure that's what you meant by felt pillows?) I personally and am not sure i know many adults who would intiate purchasing any of those crafts for themselves and an adults audience. I completely believe you when you said adults had a blast doing and racing derby cars. I just have to question whether or not, if those people had not been in a camp setting where the craft was provided, they would have been likely to pursue that for themselves...? Which is a a difference when selling to a general audience. If that makes sense.
|
|
Wisconsin Beth
Distinguished Associate
No, we don't walk away. But when we're holding on to something precious, we run.
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 11:59:36 GMT -5
Posts: 30,626
|
Post by Wisconsin Beth on May 23, 2016 18:52:17 GMT -5
Beth - What do you mean? Could you explain more? I already have access to several sites to buy crafts in bulk. The camp I used to volunteer at, I had to purchase materials for 100 people at a time (we hosted 80 campers), so I'm already well versed in how much of something/items I will/would need for the various crafts we did. Some of my crafts: Birdhouses Wreaths Wooden nesting boxes Stepping Stones Clay pots shelving Tie-die t-shirts Felt pillows Pine wood derby cars (like boy scouts - did that only once - it was a blast as we raced them at the end of camp as the evening event) There's more, but I'm going blank at the moment. one of our postets, I think it's Ryan, started a business by finding supplies overseas and then brands them with his own labels aND sells them for a profit here. He had an amazing post on it in one of Dark's business threads.
|
|