Things You'll Need

Instructions

Starting an Internet Craft Supply Business

1

Decide on a name for your craft supply business, and apply for a business license (D.B.A.) at your local courthouse.
2

Purchase a domain name and a web hosting package. This step is essential to branding your business, so make sure that the domain reflects the name you've chosen and the type of business you want to run.
3

Build your website using design tools, or hire a freelancer or web design firm. Your website should be accessible and easily navigated, with plenty of content to help attract potential customers.
4

Take photographs of the products you will sell through your craft supply business, preferably using a single-color backdrop and a high-quality digital camera. Then upload those photographs to your computer for inclusion in your website.
5

Write colorful, informative descriptions for each of the products you intend to sell, and set prices that are commensurate with other prices on the Internet. When you are just starting out, it sometimes helps to set a mid-level price that provides a profit, but undercuts some of the competition.
6

Determine how you will ship items once customers buy, and how you will accept payment. You will also need to purchase packing materials that will keep your products safe en-route.

Starting a Storefront Craft Supply Business

1

Lease or purchase a storefront from which you can sell products for your craft supply business once you have a name and a business license. Most craft supply stores are small and cozy, but make sure you have sufficient room to display your products.
2

Create a logo for your business, then order signage to place outside your storefront. It is important that sidewalk and street traffic can see your business and know what you are selling.
3

Purchase display shelves, cases and racks on which to store your products. Ideally, they will represent an underlying theme of your store, and will reflect the culture you hope to create. For example, if you like color and flamboyance, don't purchase plain dark wood shelves--add some color!
4

Obtain a cash register, safe, receipt book, special order notebook and other implements that will help you run a successful craft supply business. Organization is key, so make sure you have a way to track orders for products you don't have in stock.
5

Hire one or more employees as needed, keeping in mind things like payroll tax and insurance. You might be able to run a craft supply business on your own for a while, but eventually you will probably need help.