Hey there, future business owners! I’m Zara, and I’m 12 years old just like many of you. I started my own company called Assetsforkids to help kids learn about money and business.
Today, I want to share something amazing with you. We can start our own kids craft business right from our bedrooms! The craft industry is worth $40 billion, which means there’s real money to be made.
I know starting a business might sound scary. But trust me, if I can do it, so can you! We’re going to learn how to make money with our creative skills.
Being young entrepreneurs doesn’t mean we can’t succeed. It just means we need to be extra smart about how we do things. We’ll cover everything from picking the right crafts to make to handling money like real business owners.
The best part? We can sell our handmade crafts online and start small. Then we can grow from there!
Why I Started My Craft Business and How You Can Too
My craft business started when friends wanted to buy what I made. Like Sarah, I loved making things. My room became a gift shop with bracelets and bookmarks.
Seeing others happy with my creations was amazing. Their smiles made me want to keep going. I wanted to teach others about money and business too.
You don’t need to be perfect to start. My first things weren’t perfect, but it was fun. If you enjoy making things, you’re already ready.
| Starting Steps | What You Need | Time Required | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Choose your craft | Basic supplies | 1 day | $5-15 |
| Make first items | Materials and tools | 1-2 weeks | $10-25 |
| Show friends | Finished products | Few days | Free |
| Take first orders | Order notebook | Ongoing | $2-5 |
Start small and grow slowly. This advice can help you build confidence and earn money. Every successful business owner started where you are today!
Picking the Perfect Crafts That Kids Want to Buy
I learned which crafts kids like by trying many things. I made lots of crafts that no one wanted! The secret is to think about what you and your friends use every day.
Friendship bracelets are always a hit because kids love to show off cool accessories. Custom bookmarks are great because we all need them for school. Pet portraits and drawings of favorite characters are also very popular.
Older kids like decorated phone cases and laptop stickers. Bath bombs and lip balms are good if you have help with safety. Funny sayings on t-shirts always sell well.
Here’s what crafts sell best based on my experience:
| Craft Type | Age Group | Price Range | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friendship Bracelets | 7-14 | $3-$8 | Kids love unique accessories |
| Custom Pet Drawings | 8-14 | $10-$20 | Personal and meaningful |
| Phone Case Decorations | 10-14 | $5-$15 | Practical and trendy |
| Painted Bookmarks | 7-12 | $2-$5 | Useful for school |
Watch what kids at school wear and talk about. Are they into certain colors or shows? Make crafts that match their interests. Keep prices low because most of us use allowance money.
Super Important Safety Rules for Selling Online
Online safety for kids is super important. It’s more important than making money. Trust me on this one!
Never sell online without your parents’ help. We’re smart, but there are dangers. Your parents need to know everything.
Always have an adult set up your online accounts. This is true for Etsy, Facebook, or any other platform. I learned this the hard way when I tried to do everything myself at first.
Never use your real full name for your business. I use “Assetsforkids” instead of “Zara’s Crafts” to keep my identity private. Pick something creative that doesn’t give away who you are.
Here are the most important safe selling practices you must follow:
| What to Never Share | Why It’s Dangerous | Safe Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Home Address | Strangers could find you | Let parents handle shipping |
| Phone Number | Unwanted calls or texts | Use business email only |
| School Name | Someone could find you there | Keep school life separate |
| Real Photos of You | Identity theft risks | Focus on craft photos only |
When taking pictures of your crafts, use plain backgrounds. Don’t include anything that shows where you live. No house numbers, street signs, or neighborhood landmarks should appear in your photos.
These internet safety tips will keep you protected: always have your parents read messages before you send them to customers. If anyone makes you uncomfortable or asks weird questions, tell your mom or dad right away.
Set up a separate email just for your business that your parents can check. Most people online are good and just want to buy cool crafts, but we need to stay smart and safe!
Young Entrepreneurs Selling Handmade Crafts Online Safely: Best Places to Sell
Finding the right place to sell online can be hard. But, I’ve found some great platforms for kids like us. With your parents’ help, you can start a craft business.
Etsy is my favorite place to sell. It’s like a big craft fair online. Millions of people look for unique, handmade items here. It makes selling easier because they already want what we make!
Amazon Handmade is another great choice. It’s on the big Amazon website. So, lots of people will find your crafts. They also don’t charge monthly fees for approved sellers. This helps young entrepreneurs save money.
| Platform | Best For | Safety Level | Parent Help Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Etsy | Unique handmade crafts | High | Account setup only |
| Facebook Marketplace | Local sales | Medium | All interactions |
| Showcasing work | High | Account management | |
| Amazon Handmade | Large audience reach | High | Application process |
Start by selling locally. Try school fairs, neighborhood events, or friends and family. It’s a safe way to practice before going online. Just like starting your first online business as a kid.
Remember, your parents need to help with your account. Start small, learn, and grow your business safely!
How Much Should You Charge for Your Amazing Crafts
When I first started selling my crafts, figuring out pricing was tough. It was like solving a puzzle without all the pieces. But learning how to price handmade items right changed my craft business.
Here’s a simple formula for pricing crafts for kids. First, add up all your material costs. If you spent $3 on paint and canvas, that’s your start. Then, pay yourself for your time. I usually charge $4-6 per hour since we’re just starting.
The most important part of pricing for young entrepreneurs is thinking about your customers’ budgets. Most kids have allowance money, so prices should be realistic.
| Item Type | Materials Cost | Time Investment | Suggested Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bookmarks | $0.50-1.00 | 15-30 minutes | $3-5 |
| Friendship Bracelets | $1.00-2.00 | 30-60 minutes | $5-8 |
| Painted Canvas | $2.00-4.00 | 1-2 hours | $8-15 |
| Custom Keychains | $1.50-3.00 | 45 minutes | $6-10 |
Don’t be afraid to start with lower prices while you’re learning. You can always raise them as your skills improve and customers love your work more!
Making Your Crafts Look Amazing Online
Great photos make crafts sell. I learned this when my bracelets didn’t sell until I took better photos.
You don’t need fancy cameras for good photos. I use my phone and simple tricks to make my crafts look pro.
Lighting is key for photos. Take pictures near a big window for natural light. It makes colors pop. Avoid overhead lights as they make things look yellow and weird.
Use plain white paper or solid-colored backgrounds. This makes your craft stand out. Clean backgrounds make your online shop look better.
Take photos from different angles. Show straight-on, side views, and close-ups. For jewelry, have someone wear it. For big items, show them hanging on walls.
Write fun descriptions to excite buyers. Say “sparkly ocean-blue bracelet for summer adventures!” Keep it short and fun. Always mention sizes so buyers know what they’re getting.
Good photos and fun descriptions make crafts hard to resist. Trust me, these tips will help your sales go up fast!
Smart Ways to Handle Your Money Like a Real Business Owner
Managing your business money is like being the boss of your own treasure chest! I keep track of every penny. This helps me see if I’m making money or just breaking even.
I use a special notebook for my business finances. Every time I buy supplies or make a sale, I write it down. I also keep my business money separate from my allowance money in a different piggy bank.
My favorite money rule makes budgeting easy. For every $10 I earn, I follow a simple plan. This keeps my business growing.
| Amount Earned | Materials & Supplies | Business Savings | Personal Profit |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10 | $4 | $4 | $2 |
| $20 | $8 | $8 | $4 |
| $50 | $20 | $20 | $10 |
| $100 | $40 | $40 | $20 |
Sometimes I donate part of my profits to causes I care about. It feels amazing to help others with money I earned myself! I also save all my receipts and celebrate every milestone – when I made my first $20, I did a happy dance because I earned it!
Learning business ideas for young entrepreneurs taught me that money management for kids is a skill that will help me forever.
Conclusion
I’ve shared what I learned on my handmade business journey. You now have tools to start something great. From choosing crafts kids love to staying safe online, you’re ready.
Starting small is key to success. Pick a craft you love. Set up your space. Ask your parents to help with your first online listing.
My first sale was just two dollars. But it made me keep going. Your first sale will be just as exciting, no matter the price.
The future of the kids craft business is bright. You have ideas others want. You make people smile. And you’re brave to try new things.
Be patient when sales are slow at first. Every successful person faced challenges. Keep creating and learning from each experience.
Your business adventure starts now. Stop doubting yourself. You have everything you need inside. Grab your craft supplies and start today.
FAQ
What age do I need to be to start selling crafts online?
You don’t need a certain age to make crafts. But, you must have your parents’ okay and help to sell online. Most places like Etsy say you must be 18 or have an adult help you.
It’s important to get your parents involved from the start. They will help with accounts, payments, and keeping you safe online.
Which crafts sell best to other kids my age?
Friendship bracelets and simple jewelry are big hits! Painted bookmarks, custom drawings, decorated phone cases, and bath bombs are also popular. Make things you and your friends like.
Think about what’s popular at your school. That way, you’ll make things people want to buy.
How do I stay safe when selling crafts online?
Safety is key! Always sell with your parents’ knowledge and help. Don’t share your real name or personal info online.
Always have your parents check messages before you send them. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, tell your parents right away.
What’s the best platform for young entrepreneurs to sell handmade crafts?
Start with local sales at school fairs or to friends and family. For online, Etsy is good for handmade items. Facebook Marketplace is great for local sales, and Instagram is perfect for showing off your crafts.
Remember, your parents need to help with online accounts.
How much should I charge for my handmade crafts?
Use this formula: add material costs and what you want to earn per hour. But keep prices reasonable since you’re working with allowance money. I charge -8 for small items, -15 for medium, and -25 for big projects.
Start with lower prices while you learn.
How can I take better photos of my crafts without expensive equipment?
Your phone camera is all you need! Take photos near a window for natural light. Use plain white paper or a clean sheet as your background.
Take pictures from different angles. Show close-ups of cool details and have someone model jewelry pieces.
How do I manage the money I make from my craft business?
Keep a notebook to track every penny. I use a different piggy bank for business money. For every I make, goes to materials, is saved, and is my profit.
What if my crafts don’t sell right away?
Don’t worry – every business takes time! I started with clay sculptures that didn’t sell at first. Start with 2-3 crafts you know kids like, get good at those, then try new things.
It might take time to find your perfect customers. That’s totally normal.
Do I need special business licenses or permits to sell crafts?
It depends on where you live and how much you sell. Your parents should check local rules for young entrepreneurs. Many places let kids sell small amounts without special permits.
But, it’s always best to check first. Your parents can help find out what’s needed in your area.
How can I get more customers for my craft business?
Tell friends and family about your business. Word of mouth is powerful! Take amazing photos for social media, with your parents’ help.
Participate in school events or craft fairs. Always do your best work so customers come back. Happy customers tell their friends, helping your business grow.