by staff

One day, you’re washing your clothes at your utility sink faucet with that handmade soap you created. It works well and everyone you know wants the recipe. You think for a few minutes and decide you could sell this as a DIY product. The only question is how to do it. Here’s your guide for how to have the confidence necessary to sell your DIY items to the public.

Step 1: Have Confidence
Now that you know people like your DIY creation, it’s time to begin the process of confidence in your product. Just remind yourself about the people that ask about it. You know more than one person in your small area asked about purchasing it. Remind yourself that as you go forward. Now that you have the confidence, start figuring out how to sell it.

Step 2: Local Listings
Add your site to your local links page for people to take notice of your new DIY items that you’re now selling to the public. That’s how easy it is to get your start to create a second income, which can even lead to a new company. You can also list the sales and contact information at church or school. Be careful about business sharing. It might upset the boss. If your work has a shared board though, go for it! Once you’re making enough money to know your confidence is growing, it’s time for the next step.

Step 3: The Brand
Now it’s time to get creative. You need a name for your business. Have fun with it. Your brand can even include what your DIY is in the name. If you make soaps and your name is Kelly, then call it something as simple as Kelly’s Soaps. It’s your call. Also, check with a website domain creation site. Make sure your name isn’t taken. That way you can trademark things later.

Step 4: The Business Plan
Now you need to create a business plan. Once you follow your next step, you’ll need this to be an official business, with all the benefits thereof. Your business plan should include a marketing budget and steps to get the brand out there. You can search for a template to have the right one for the type of funding you’ll apply for later.

Step 5: The Tax Man
Have a little chat with an accountant now. That way you won’t have any surprises down the road. You’ll also need to decide if you’re going to file as a sole proprietor, LLC, or a C-Corp. Most young DIY entrepreneurs start as sole proprietors until they make more than $10,000 in profit. Your local state laws will vary on this, but that’s why you go to an accountant. This is also a good time to get your business tax number if you’re not going as a sole proprietor.

Step 6: Permits and Licenses
Now check out your state’s small business website. You need to file there if you have an LLC or C-Corp. You also need to figure out if you need to apply at the county or federal level. The state business website tells you all that information. SBA is a great source of help for your new DIY business. By now, you should have all the confidence you need to sell your DIY items to the public.

Step 7: Take a Deep Breath
Are you ready? It’s time. Set up your shop or online site. Some people do both. People start online then open a store locally when they hire people to work for them. Here are some sites to begin on.

• Etsy
• eBay
• Folksy

Now that you’ve begun your online sales, watch to see how it goes. A lot of people start on eBay and include a link to their site to create marketing for a low fee. Basically, you only pay the sales fees on each purchase. You should create cards to put in your packaging when you send the purchases to your customers. Also, include customer boxes and stickers for brand awareness.

As you grow your DIY sales to the public, you’ll gain more customers as they share the brand with friends. Create a social media profile and enjoy the profits. If you don’t have the confidence necessary to sell your DIY items to the public by now, then you should. You’ve made it.

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