Handmade for Profit!: Hundreds of Secrets to Success in Selling Arts and Crafts [Paperback]

Barbara Brabec (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1996

If you're making crafts, you should be making money.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

"The first step to building a profitable crafts enterprise at home," declares noted crafts-business expert Barbara Brabec, "is to think of it as a business, not a hobby ... whether your annual income goal is $500 or $50,000." Handmade for Profit explains clearly how to do just that, with coverage of 16 different retail markets, including fairs and shows, shops and galleries, and Internet and catalog sales. All of the other necessary basics are presented as well, from building confidence, developing your product line, and setting prices, to creating a printed professional image with brochures, business cards, labels, and more. Of particular interest is the final chapter, which details precisely how to turn your hobby into a successful business.

From Library Journal

Brabec and Platt are both successful craft authors with a wealth of business experience to share with those who are just starting out. Although their product lines are somewhat different, the business methods covered in both books are essentially the same, with particular attention paid to selling at shows, malls, and individual shops. Both authors combine a chatty style full of personal anecdotes with practical, down-to-earth advice about production, marketing, and legal considerations. Persons wanting to go into business and those already selling should read both books, and more, to have a realistic picture of the requirements for a successful craft business. Both titles are recommended.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 271 pages
• Publisher: M.Evans & Company (October 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0871318121
• ISBN-13: 978-0871318121
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,049,237 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Through her writing and teaching, Barbara Brabec has been helping individuals launch and grow successful businesses at home since 1971. Now retired from this field, she is moving in new directions as an author and self-publisher of non-business books while also helping other authors as a book editor and self-publishing consultant. She published her first memoir, THE DRUMMER DRIVES!, in March 2010 with a companion blog. Visit BarbaraBrabec.com for details and a wealth of articles about business, writing, publishing, life, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

64 of 66 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Absolute MUST for Crafters, December 13, 1999

By 

Karen (Media, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Handmade for Profit!: Hundreds of Secrets to Success in Selling Arts and Crafts (Paperback)

Barbara hasn't forgotten a thing in this wonderful book. From start to finish, each page is filled with a surplus of information. From setting goals to setting prices; marketing to networking, Barbara discusses it all. Any crafter who is interested in selling their work should buy this book. No, borrowing from the library simply will not do. You'll want this book around all the time. It's the crafters' Bible!

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lots of info, September 4, 2001

By 

Lisa Smith "Lisa Smith" (Florida United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Handmade for Profit!: Hundreds of Secrets to Success in Selling Arts and Crafts (Paperback)

I'm only half way through the book and already she's saved me the cost of the book. Her advice is sound and should help anyone who's dabbled in crafting for a while and never quite knew how to get serious about selling. This is an easy-to-understand wealth of information, and a perfect start on my journey to success.

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Handmade for Profit 2002 edition, December 11, 2002

By 

Linda Kindle (Indiana, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Handmade for Profit!: Hundreds of Secrets to Success in Selling Arts & Crafts (Paperback)

Barbara has done it again. This new book has every tool you will ever need to run a profitable crafts business. Every aspect is covered from what products to make, legal requirements, record keeping, how to price merchandise, and how and where to market your products. This new edition also includes excellent chapters on selling on the web. A must read for anyone who wants to sell anything! No question is left unanswered!