Starting a sewing business from home can be an excellent opportunity to earn some extra income for you and your family. If you have a love of sewing and the skills and dedication necessary to service customers or sell a product, then this type of home business may work well for you. While covering the specifics of what is legally and financially required to start operating a home-based business is beyond the scope of this article, hopefully some additional insights can be gleaned for tailors and seamstresses everywhere.
There are basically two types of business opportunities related to sewing. The first is sewing is a service which entails clothing alterations and repairs, custom attire like wedding dresses and suits and apparel design. Of the two options, sewing as a service might be the more difficult business model because it requires an extensive network or broad customer base to generate and maintain revenue. It may also require a specific high-end skill set, especially for creating custom outfits, which may not be applicable or appropriate for all home based sewing businesses.
The other type of sewing based home business involves creating a product for mass market consumption. Whether it's making Christmas sweaters for cats or football themed beer cozies, using your sewing skills to create a product may be the better option for some sewing businesses. There is minimal need for customer interaction other than processing orders and answering questions about availability or arrival dates. Depending on the product, you may be able to work at your leisure and sell your wares on various retailer websites such as eBay.com and Etsy.com. Selling a product is more appropriate for people who like to sew as a hobby in their spare time.
Purchasing equipment for a sewing business operating out of your home may cost as little as zero or as much as tens of thousands of dollars. If you already own a sewing machine which is able to satisfy most current and future needs, then it may not be necessary to purchase additional equipment. If you're looking to manufacture clothing like T-shirts or sweaters on an industrial scale you may need to purchase specialized sewing equipment like a serger. Even highly computerized top-of-the-line sewing machines can run thousands of dollars. Make sure to purchase the exact sewing equipment you need to accomplish your business goals for the foreseeable future. As with any business, if sales increase additional equipment can be purchased or financed.
Besides what is needed to start a sewing business from home, you will need to take other steps necessary to operate as a business. Staring a business from home includes filing registration paperwork with the State Corporation commission designating what type of business you are operating. Opening a business account, and possibly a merchant account, at your local bank or credit union. Creating a business plan outlining your budget, expected revenues, expenses, pricing information, competition and other business-related analysis. Operating a sewing business from home is similar to any other business with the exception of customized or special use equipment. Keep this in mind and adapt your business as necessary to become and stay successful.