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Elizabeth.Mark · Newbie

Making a Business

Buffington · Guru

Interesting thought although better for a book than a dvd/video. There are many good books out there on starting a biz, not specifically on dolls but none the less...

I'll pass this on to the office.

Date: Oct 13, 2009

its all very confusing,id love to set up my own buisiness, but where would one start.

bieng a single parent soley responsible and juggling making babies there wouldnt be enough hours in the day. how would you work out your prices etc is there a demand for our little creations. so many questions can any one help ashamed

with love treaclepudding.

mkhammy1 · Senior Member

Hi! You've asked some really good questions! I've been a small business owner for over 25 years, but it was a business I inherited so I didn't have to start it. But I did start my own small business for doll furniture, and now am also working in my reborns. The absolute best way to find answers to your questions is on the internet. A good business plan will help so much in being successful, and you can find lots of free business plan forms online. I found a really good one (but can't at the moment remember which website), but will check when I get to the office and let you know. As far as ebay is concerned, you just really need to do your research. Look at listings that have sold and see how they pictured their babies and at their descriptions. You'll also be able to find templates on ebay as well.
As far as pricing, money management, etc., the first (and most important) thing you need to do is set up a very simple bookkeeping system. You need to keep track of all your costs involved so you'll be able to determine profit and loss. You can probably also find simple systems online. There are lots of expenses to take into consideration besides the price of your sculpt. If you'd like, I'll be happy to tell you some things to keep track of.
I always put whatever I make back into my business, mostly because by the time I subtract all expenses, my profit is actually very small, and I need to continue to buy materials.
Most of all, don't get discouraged. It take time to build a business and a lot of hard work, but it can be so very satisfying! I'm not sure how you contact me personally on the forum, but maybe someone else can tell you how. I'd be very glad to help! Hugs, Melinda

Play Days Dolls · Guru

Thanks for answering, Melinda! I'm so glad you are willing and able to share your experience. I would give bookkeeping advice, too, but the math has never been my strong suit.

However... I find one of the hardest parts of starting your own business / working at home is the perception that you have much flexibility in terms of time and schedule. People want me to come with them to do this or that, or have lunch, babysit... whatever. They would never dream of asking if I was employed in by someone else. A little flexibility is a good thing, but constant interruptions make it much more difficult to be productive. What people don't realize is that when you have your own business, you are responsible for all the tasks. What doesn't get done during working hours means taking time from another part of the day to complete the work.

Another pitfal is the tendency to work around the clock if the office is in your home. That can actually lead to exhaustion.

I've learned to try and stick to a schedule, and limit the number of outings and interruptions, and round-the-clock work sessions.

mkhammy1 · Senior Member

Thanks Linda! I still go to work every day at my "real" job, so my time for my favorite business is limited. People are getting used to me saying no to stuff because I have to work when I get home, but it's still hard to do sometimes! I had to learn to limit my time in the shop to no more than 2 hours a night during the week. When I don't, I get burnout very quickly and the creative juices just don't flow! I work pretty much every Saturday for 8 to 10 hours a day and sometimes 4 or 5 hours on Sunday, depending on what's going on at church. Once in a while, if I have a commission to get out the door, I'll take a day off from the "real" job to work in the shop. What's hard about it is that people don't take my work seriously sometimes and think of it as a hobby, so they can't understand why I want to work so hard. Believe me, if I could make a decent living with my furniture and dolls I'd quit that real job in a heartbeat, but it doesn't look like that's gonna happen anytime soon! But I'm gonna keep after it because it's my love and my passion! Melinda

Buffington · Guru

Most of my friends and family don't take me seriously either. And my husband things I'm just goofing off/playing around when I do shows. If I was gonna goof off I wouldn't sit at a show for 15 hours for less than minimum wages! And no, no one (except others that have work-at-home jobs) understands that flexibility doesn't mean you can run here and there all the time because "they" have free time lol
It's always good to make a schedual and try to stick to it. That way people may just get the idea that you're serious about this business. You'd have to do that if you worked "out of the house" anyway. When I'm not at school I try to do about 6-7 hours a day on my business, just like working out.

Hey! Keep the faith, it'll turn around!

As far as starting a biz, check with your local city hall or small business loan place (doesn't mean you have to get a loan) as they will either help or point you in the right direction of who can help. Here in the USA we have to have a tax ID # if we sell taxible items so talk to the sales tax people in your state. And check out your local library, they should have all kinds of information on starting a business. Networking is a good place to get answers too!

Date: Jun 9, 2011

cool very informatioal you can email me at kristine4christ@att.net so we can talk more about this. I would love to know that website if you found it

kristine

Buffington · Guru

This post is from 2009 hun. And I don't know what website you are referring to. Maybe if you elaborate more I can help you find it.