Kari Chapin

This book is exactly what anyone considering a handmade business should read- it points out things you maybe neglected to realize when daydreaming about your own creative business. To run a successful business you'll probably need to read a lot more in depth on certain aspects but this book will get creative people thinking "It's not just about sitting round being an artist"; though that's a wonderful aspect there is marketing, legal issues, accounting, and much more to think of. Highly recommend if you're thinking about this path for yourself.… (more)

I was lucky to find this book at my local library. It is chock full of practical advice for anyone who wants to sell their handmade goods. It covers everything including general advice on setting up a business, branding, promotions, pricing, promotion, and selling via craft fairs, stores and ONLINE. Kari interviewed a lot of people who are successfully selling their work and includes many suggestions and observations from them. There is a great index of resources at the end of the book. It was invaluable to me. I had no idea there were so many blogs and podcasts (audio and video) by crafters. I feel like I found my tribe.… (more)

There's no shortable of books like this on the market nowadays - everyone wants to capitalize on their hobbies & make a buck or two - I don't blame anyone for that, because I started doing that myself four years ago!

Having a "hobby" business - aka a business that a lot of people do for "fun" or as a "hobby" has its own unique challenges not seen with other business models - like a restaurant, for example. If you own a restaurant, you don't have to worry about competing with the restaurant down the street who's doing it for "fun" and isn't really interested in making a profit, just to have fun. Crafters are different - we have to fight sterotypes and crafters who are selling their products for "fun", undermining those of us who do this for a living - like me.

I'm a full time professional knit and crochet designer - I don't do this for fun (though I love it), I do it to pay the bills. I always read books like this hoping to learn a thing or two, but unfortunately this is another book that's marketed more towards someone selling physical goods, i.e. the finished hat, not the hat pattern. There are some good ideas here, making it worth reading, but if you are established like I am, then don't expect to learn a lot as this book is geared towards beginners.… (more)