Author: christine

Planning to take a vacation but not sure what you need to do for your Silhouette or Cricut craft business before you go?

Here’s my checklist of things to do before you leave for vacation.

6 Things to Do Before You Take a Vacation from Your Craft Business

1. Let customers know early. Make several announcements on social media, your website, or your shop about your vacation beginning several weeks before you leave.
2. Be specific. Be specific about the details of your vacation. I’m not talking where you are going. Instead, include what dates you’ll be gone, when (and if) you’ll be accepting orders while you are gone, whether or not you will you be keeping up with emails or issues that arise, or if you will be offline and completely unreachable.
3. Schedule social media ahead of time. Keep up with your social media content while you are away. Schedule either with each network or use a third party service.
4. Set up autoresponders. Set up messages to instantly reply to customers on social media and email who may message while you are away. Promptly return any messages when you arrive home.
5. Have a sale. Hosting a sale either immediately before you leave or immediately when you return can help offset having your business closed.
6. Share some pictures. Sharing a few vacation pictures while you are gone, reminds customers that you are gone. As a bonus, it helps customers put a face to your business.

How Do I Handle a Vacation From My Etsy Shop

If you sell on Etsy, read this article on 3 methods for closing your Etsy shop.

Allow Yourself an Extra Day When You Get Home

One more thing: When I go out of town, I always allow myself one extra day or two to be home before returning to work. This gives me time to catch up on laundry, household chores, mail… and rest!

Does it sometimes seem like the craft market is saturated? Do you feel that everyone now has their own Silhouette or Cricut machine?

If you do, it might be time to go looking for customers in different places. Instead of listing products for sale on marketplaces (like Etsy or Goimagine) and social media (Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok), you can sell your products directly to fellow small business owners.

Today, I’m sharing a list of handmade products to sell to local businesses.

10 Handmade Products to Sell to Local Businesses

Thank You Gifts for Realtors and Real Estate Agents

It is customary for realtors to give a thank you gift to clients upon purchasing a home. If you create floating frames or wooden signs, you may be able to sell “Welcome” or “New Home” themed signs or wall decor to your local realtors. Each time a realtor sells a home, they return to you to purchase again.

Cupcake and Cake Toppers for Bakeries and Cupcake Stores

Consider approaching your local bakery about custom made cupcake toppers or cake toppers. If you create custom stencils with your Silhouette or Cricut, your local store may also be interested in using them in their kitchen.

Photo Props for Photographers

Photographers are often in need of signs and photo props to use during their photo shoots. Photographers will need different props depending on the season, so partnering with one could lead to steady work throughout the year.

Party Props, Decor, Paper Goods, or Favors for Party and Event Planners

Like photographers, party planners need props and decor to use during events. It may be signs, paper goods, favors, or other items.

Themed Bags for Book Stores, Sewing Stores, or Yarn Shops

Customers of local book stores, and sewing or yarn shops often carry items like books or crafting supplies with them. A line of themed bags would work well for all three!

Coffee Themed Goods for Coffee Shops

Coffee lovers love their coffee themed products! I know that both of our local coffee shops have coffee tumblers, sleeves, and themed products made by crafters in their stores.

Decor for Event Rental Stores

Similar to other event businesses, event rental stores may purchase handmade items to rent to their customers along with the usual offerings of tables, chairs, and tents. If you like working in the wedding niche, this may be a good opportunity for you.

Client Gifts for Travel Agents

Like realtors, travel agents often send clients a small token of appreciation for using them. Custom made luggage tags or an embellished frame to display their favorite vacation photo may work well.

Etched Vases for Florists

Local florists and flower shops needs vases. You could sell embellished ones (or embellish the ones they already have) using glass etching or vinyl.

Uniforms for Tradesmen

Small companies like landscaping, plumbing, HVAC, electricians, and plowing companies often order locally for t-shirts and uniform needs. If the business needs a larger quantity than you can do, outsource them.

What ideas can you help me add to this list? Let me know in the comments, and I will add them in.

Wait, one more before you go: If you like working with vinyl and looking for a quick way to get ‘in’ with local businesses head to this post on hours of operation decals.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had an interest in volunteering for different causes and have also enjoyed doing my part to give back to others. One of my favorite things about the Silhouette Cameo is that it makes it easy to give back to my local community or to help raise funds in adverse times.

Fundraising with your Silhouette Cameo falls into three different categories:

1. Create an item or items and donate them to a fundraiser, auction, or gala in the name of your company. Generally, when donating an item to be sold or auctioned you donate the materials used, as well as your time in creating them. The cause or event keeps 100% of the money they raise from the sale and your company name is typically listed on an event program, donation list, or other promotional material. This can be a great way to spark interest in your business while giving back. Themed gift baskets full of Silhouette Cameo made products do well at this style of event, as do home decor items. Be sure that your business information is displayed clearly on the donation item packaging.

2. Create an item or items and give them to another company or person to sell. This style of donation works well for smaller companies and individuals looking to raise money. The company or individual may pay you to create the items, you can offer them free of charge, or at a discounted rate. For example, memorial car window decals are popular right now to show support of a lost friend or loved one. I’ve seen several examples online of families selling this style of decal to raise money for final expenses or family members left behind. In this style of donation, your company name is not associated with the sale of the item.

3. Create an item or items, sell the product, and donate a portion of the sale to a charity, cause, or individual. This last style of fundraising is the most labor intensive, as you also need to sell the final Silhouette Cameo made product. When listing the products online, or selling locally, be sure to advertise that a portion of the sale goes to XXX fund or charity. Donating to a well known charity can help your sales, especially if the other company helps promote the item. The amount that you donate to the cause is up to you, and can range from 1 to 100% of the total sale price or 1 to 100% of the total profit (the sale price minus the cost of making the item and labor). When making your monetary donation to the cause or charity, be sure to use your business name.

Before you agree to fundraising for an individual, charity, or other cause, be sure to thoroughly research it. Unfortunately, not every cause is legitimate. However you decide to give back with your Silhouette Cameo, be sure to record your expenses – including labor – in your accounting program. If you don’t have a favorite accounting program yet, be sure to read my previous post on Accounting and Bookkeeping in your Silhouette Cameo business. How have you used your Silhouette Cameo to fundraise? Share your ideas in the comments.

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