How to Start a Beading Home Business

Last Updated: March 12, 2023 References Approved

A beading business specializes in the design, creation and distribution of beaded items such as beaded jewelry, crafts and fabrics/clothing, or in selling beads and beading materials. Beading is popular amongst professional crafters and home hobbyists alike. Beading does not require a lot of space or significant technical training, making it a very accessible home business option. If you are interested in selling beads or selling your hand-crafted beaded items, follow these tips on how to start an at home beading business.

Steps

1
Learn as much as you can about beading and about running a small business.^{[1]
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- Find tutorials online.
- Check out books from the local library.
- Ask local fabric and craft supply stores about any workshops they might offer.
2
Create a beading home business plan. It should cover the following topics:^{[2]
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- Business name. Do you prefer a catchy business name, or would you rather use your own name?
- Target market. This will determine how you market your business to find potential customers.
- Products and/or services your business will offer. For example, do you want to specialize in beaded jewelry, or would you rather offer hand-beading services?
- Product pricing. Consider the cost of materials and the amount of time and labor that will go into fabricating and/or marketing your product and how much profit you need to make.
- Marketing. What types of marketing materials will you use, and through which avenues will you solicit business?
- Protocol for tracking inventory, invoices, sales and costs. You will need to implement an accounting plan for this, which can be as simple as purchasing computer software and learning how to use it.
- Costs to start up and run your business.
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3
Save money for startup costs. You will need supplies, marketing materials, licensing fees and basic office supplies.^{[3]
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4
Obtain the necessary licensing from your government's business regulatory agency.^{[4]
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- Business license. This allows you to operate your business legally.
- Resale license. This enables you to purchase wholesale supplies and materials.
- DBA license. The "Doing Business As" (DBA) License is a requirement only if you plan on doing business under a fictitious name.^{[5]
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5
Stock up on supplies.
6
Build an inventory of product that you can display, advertise and sell.
7
Create marketing materials. Business cards and flyers are suitable for initial startup, but you may opt to invest in some brochures down the line.^{[6]
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8
Explore a variety of sales and marketing avenues. There are many ways to spread the word about your beading home business:^{[7]
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- Create a website. Your web address should go on all of your marketing materials.
- Advertise. Use online and print classified ads, take out advertising in local newspapers and lifestyle magazines, and hand out business cards and flyers.^{[8]
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- Set up booths at arts and crafts fairs. This is a great way to establish a presence in the crafter community and to reach out to new, out-of-area customers.
- Approach storefronts. If you opt to make jewelry or other beaded items, ask if they would like to either purchase or consign some of your product to sell in their stores.
- Host beaded jewelry parties. Charge guests a flat fee for all the supplies and guide them through the process of making their own custom design. You may also encourage others to host the parties, allowing you to provide the supplies and instruction for a fee.
- Spread the word through social media sites.

Community Q&A

Question

Can I start a business on my own, without a group?

Community Answer

Yes, but it's a good idea to plan out everything you need first.
Question

Can I start a jewelry business with my Rainbow Loom?

Community Answer

Of course. Be sure to add touches that are different than those of other sellers, though.
Question

I want to start a business of jewelry beading, so how do I get my brand out there?

Community Answer

Your best bet is social media. Sign up for Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest to start. Then post daily with photos of your wares. Make sure those photos have your brand name somewhere close to the product. You can also open up a store on Etsy.