If you have enjoyed sewing as a hobby, chances are you must have dabbled with the idea of starting a home sewing business as well. And why not? If you have the talent and skill to develop intricate clothing patterns or create well-tailored apparel pieces, you should most certainly pursue this as a full-time career. Becoming financially independent is also one of the biggest plus points of starting a full-fledged business.
However, just like any other business, starting your own sewing business will come with its own challenges due to which you need to be prepared. Thankfully, if you are vigilant with your planning, you will be able to overcome any potential hurdles effortlessly – rather as effortlessly as possible.
We have compiled a list of 6 steps below using which you can chalk out a basic framework for your home sewing business.
Step 1: Draft a business plan
Of course, the first thing that you should do here is create a business plan with every stage carefully written down and thought through.
Start with carrying out a very thorough analysis of your local shops and marketplaces. Think of this as market research that can help you land clients, with both cold and hot leads.
Formulating a description of the services that you want to put an offer should be next on your list. As this is one of the key factors that will serve as bait for your prospective clients, you need to get it right.
Now, no business plan is complete without taking into account expenditures that you have to incur to kickstart the business. Here, you need to consider the prices of your sewing machines, thread, property rent, and any other equipment that you might be needing.
Step 2: Get your documents and paperwork in place
You need to figure out the required documents for your business, licensing, and permit requirements. Generally, every business has to be registered with the state and local authority whether you form a partnership or corporation, limited liability or otherwise.
It is recommended that you enlist the services of an attorney who can guide you through the entire process. Don’t forget to look into business insurance plans as well since you never know when they might come handy.
Then comes the dreaded tax filing. Start with applying for an employer identification number that you can use when submitting sales taxes. For this purpose, you can consider getting in touch with the Internal Revenue Service too.
Step 3: Start looking for sufficient space
Sewing is quite an elaborate job which is why you need your own space that is well lit and makes you feel at ease. If you plan to rent out a space, your options include leasing for opting for business incubators. But, since we are only concentrating on a home-based sewing business, this part can be left out.
Start familiarizing yourself with home-based businesses and rules that need to be remembered. You see, as not every region gives permits to carry out business operations in residential areas, you shouldn’t risk it. It won’t be much of a problem as there are only a select few regions that put restrictions on people.
Step 4: Fill your arsenal with all the required tools of your trade
From buying the best sewing machine to having advanced computer software such as Wild Ginger and GigaPromo for creating and printing patterns, your sewing business will require investment. You also need to stock up on needles, threads, and emergency supplies. Again, you need to acquire a license and permit before you can start setting up your workspace.
Also, if you plan on recruiting other people, make sure you have enough equipment and supplies for them as well.
Step 5: Start developing a portfolio to display your work
Just like a leather goods exporter always carries samples of bags and wallets with them when visiting his buyer, or a writer has his or her own website, you will also need to develop a portfolio that includes some of your finest work.
There are a lot of people who undermine the importance of a portfolio, and they couldn’t be more wrong.
A portfolio is the best way in which you can showcase your capabilities without looking too brash. Since things are going digital, we would highly recommend creating your own website or having an online portfolio to promote your work.
Step 6: Get started with the pitching to potential clients
You don’t need to restrict yourself to third-party clients. Even if your acquaintances or family members don’t end up purchasing your products or services, they could always get the word out about your business. And since promotion and advertisement is more than welcome at this stage, it is you who will win in the end.
Another fantastic way to draw in customers is to put up billboards. You could also distribute flyers in areas that have high traffic. The other alternative is to advertise in the local newspapers that have your contact number to help the clients get in touch with you.
If your budget is a bit tight at this point, you can simply use social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to reach clients. Simply post photographs, necessary information, and customer testimonials to get the ball rolling.
Concluding thoughts – it will all be good!
These are the six crucial steps to get your sewing business started. Now, we are not claiming that these steps are the only things that you need to do. Once you get started with the planning and drafting of the business plan, you will realize the nuances that you need to consider. This is exactly why you should always keep an open mind and be ready to face challenges.
Just keep a positive and optimistic attitude along with a determination to succeed. Frankly, these are the most important ingredients that you need to ensure your business becomes a success.
