I need your help

[Wagamama]

I've been thinking about starting my own business since no jobs seem to be coming my way. I thought i'd open up either a gift basket company or a candle making one. What do you guys think? Can i operate out of my parents home? please be honest and give me any advice/tips or comments that you can. Thanks

 

[Buckalew]

There may be some zoning laws for your parents home. I'd check into that.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Originally posted by Wagamama
....I thought i'd open up either a gift basket company or a candle making one....

Who would be your customers? How would you reach them?? Make them aware you are in business? Would you sell to the end user or wholesale to retail stores??

 

[doxdogy]

First let me wish you good luck in your business startup. I am in the process of starting my own business. First, I would do research, research and more research. Search the internet for message forums regarding gift baskets and candle making to get any tips and tricks. Also, attend arts and craft fairs and see what other persons are charging for similar items. I had no problems with zoning, because no customers will be coming to the house. The main outlay will be for your supplies to start the business. Write yourself a good business plan. Decide on what market you are going to target? Is there anyone else in your city offering the same goods and services? If so, how big is the company and what are the markets that they are targeting? Find one little niche that isn't being targeted and think about the cost/profit of that market. I don't know if this is the correct way to go about it, but that is the path that I chose and so far it seems to be working for me. If you want to ask anymore questions, please feel free to e-mail me.

 

[Ricola]

Don't overthink things. You can't possibly figure it all out up front. You will get scared and give up, at least if you are anything like me. Pick something you like to do, and do it. Make baskets. Make candles. Whatever. Just get going on it, or it will remain a plan forever. Find people who want them, and sell them.

I am speaking from the position of dreaming about self-employment for years, and then finally making the transition. You won't catch me going back.

Oh, and the key, the most important thing in all this, is to sell the things for more than it costs you to make them.

 

[DocRafiki]

Doxdogy & Ricola -

What are your businesses? I'm dreaming here for the distant future.

Wagamama - good luck! Even though the stores are over-saturated with umpteen million candles, I actually saw some the other day that were so original and beautiful. I would think it would be so much easier to be original with gift baskets.

 

[doxdogy]

DocRafiki:
Home embroidery. I will mainly be targeting pet owners. I was lucky that I was able to get the company I was laid off from to purchase my machine for me.