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Post by luvswool and dyestuff on Nov 7, 2014 15:46:18 GMT
Zed, couldn’t you use your Etsy shop name as a business? Or is it more complicated than that in the UK?
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Post by zed on Nov 8, 2014 11:06:43 GMT
I could, but I can't just 'be a business' without it being viable. I'd have to register for tax etc. I'm in a catch 22, I can't start a business as my sole source of income unless it is viable, but also don't have the opportunity to try many things to see if it would be viable. I tried a scheme a couple of years ago, which lasted for a year. I missed out on a lot of time to try things though, because of some dodgy medication which basically wasted 6 months. I'm going to try it again, and try to make the most of it.
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Post by luvswool and dyestuff on Nov 8, 2014 16:17:10 GMT
Zed, so glad to hear you’ll give the business another go! You’ve received so many wonderful suggestions here, and you are so talented and creative.
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Post by zed on Nov 9, 2014 10:14:57 GMT
Thanks, Cathy I'll still be limited by how much I'm allowed to earn, but at least I won't be as restricted on trying things to generate income, like I am now.
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Post by angela on Nov 9, 2014 10:59:07 GMT
Zed, I think that workshops and online workshops/books are the way to go for making felting pay whilst holding exhibitions etc to promote work.
I am hearing of quite a few people on crafting forums who are stuggling to cover the cost of the stall at craft fairs. Combination of factors I think.
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Post by zed on Nov 10, 2014 12:06:10 GMT
It seems everything has it's pros and cons and what would work for us individually isn't always so easy to do. 'Craft fairs' need an image overhaul I think so that people going realise it is (mostly) real skilled artisan products and not some tat made from a kit bought from QVC.
The trouble I've found with e-books and tutorials is that it takes a really, really long time to produce a good quality one, and then the lack of interest can be so disappointing. You have to do the same amount of work whether 3 people buy it or 300.
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Post by Pandagirl on Nov 10, 2014 16:37:55 GMT
The good thing Zed, is that your ebooks will never go out of style or age. :-)
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Post by zed on Nov 11, 2014 9:07:27 GMT
Thanks, Marilyn
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Post by Shepherdess on Nov 11, 2014 15:31:23 GMT
Its hard for good craft fairs to stand out among the rest. It's hard to know if they are good artisan sales or as you say people selling cheap tat made forma kit by unskilled people. you need to help spread the word when you find a good one to get people out to it. You really have to go look. unfortunate it means you have t be thinking about next year. its not easy. There is the up front fees and if you are not well its hoping you will be able to do it. If you can share with someone it can make it easier if you can't make it. They can sell your stuff to if they are willing. Three off us share a double booth at one sale and one of us got sick and we took her stuff and sold it. She would have done better if she had been there but she didn't have to cancel.
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Post by angela on Nov 13, 2014 20:53:55 GMT
I brought your ebook zed. It is one of the best ebooks for felting I have brought.
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Post by zed on Nov 14, 2014 10:38:30 GMT
Aaw, thanks Angela I'm glad you like it
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Post by Teri Berry on Nov 14, 2014 21:13:29 GMT
Hi Zed
thinking about registering for tax, not sure what your financial situation is but if you are earning above the £10k threashold for paying income tax it is worth registering your business as you will get tax rebates on what you spend on materials, equipment, craft fair fees and travel expenses. If you are not earning could you set up a company with your partner so you are getting a tax rebate on what she is earning instead?
One final point, if the tax office finds out you have been selling in a business sense and did not register with them within 3 months they can fine you (i.e. be careful what you say when you do register).... sorry to put a downer on things but feel you should have all the info.
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Post by zed on Nov 15, 2014 17:18:05 GMT
Hi Teri Ha, I wish! I get disability benefits, so I am only allowed to earn up to £20 per week at the moment. Last year I did permitted work, where you can try part time employment or self employment and earn up to £100 (ish) per week without your benefits being affected. It's meant to be a stepping stone into work. I didn't quite earn that much, in fact once all the sales were added up and costs deducted, it worked out at about £14 per week, so when they asked what I was doing next - either signing off benefits to continue work or reduce hours to reduce income, I just said I'd leave it how it is since it was under the £20pw. So that's what I did. I just got a call from them (Benefits agency) a few days ago actually asking me to send in some accounts, just to check I'm still under the limit, so I've been trawling through paypal for days and hand drawing a spreadsheet because my printer died. I was registered with HMRC, that self assessment is not fun! I didn't know about the company thing, that might help in the future, I'm going to try the permitted work thing again.
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Post by Shepherdess on Nov 16, 2014 13:07:44 GMT
Do you have space you could do a pop up sale? You can do it in your living room. You advertise on line and around where you live. It's low cost. I don't know how well you would do in your area, but its a thought
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