Online Vs. Store Front Craft Business

Which is more intimidation to you, starting an online craft business or a storefront craft business? I'm willing to bet a lot of you would say that starting an online craft business is the more intimidating of the two.


For many the Internet is very mysterious. They may feel comfortable navigating their way from site to site, but prefer to leave web design to techno geeks. Yet a craft store across town is something tangible. It is familiar and comfortable and, even without a background in business management, many people see starting a physical craft business as something that falls within their capabilities.

There are pros and cons to both, but the cost of setting up an online craft store compared to the cost of starting retail craft store is probably the biggest difference. The other big advantage to an online craft store is flexability. Not being tied to a 9-5 job is a huge motivating factor for the movement toward online businesses.

Although I confess to a bias toward online craft businesses, a storefront craft store does have its advantages. Getting traffic to a storefront can be a lot easier than online. In fact most people say the biggest criteria in a successful store is location. The idea of personal interaction with customers can also be very apealing to many.

If starting an online craft business is tempting you, but the idea seems too complicated, you might want give it some more serious thought. Starting a craft store at Etsy.com is as simple as registering (free), setting up the shop (they guide you through it), establishing a Paypal account (free), and uploading a few pictures of your crafts. Pretty simple compared to finding a retail location, buying furniture and equipment, keeping regular hours just to name a few.

A simple online craft store linked with a craft blog or craft website is only as complicated as your willingness to write valuable information that will drive traffic to your site. But a physical craft store requires that same amount of effort with a lot more at risk, namely your money.

Take a look around the internet at online craft stores. If you like what you see and want to try it yourself, don't be intimidated. If you need help, my other website, http://cashcrafters.com/ offers free advice to starting an online craft business.

Good luck,

Theresa