Need some advice, please?

**handmerounds** · 08-23-2004, 01:13 PM

Hi all! Well, I'm new here and haven't posted very often, but I do read your posts almost everyday! I need some advice from some experienced moms out there. I am a stay at home mom of two toddlers. I have been taking night classes at the local college for my degree in elementary education. I'm in my junior year. The problem is I'm not sure if that's what I want to do. I like the idea of having a college degree and having the same schedule as my kids when they start school. But there is a local craft & gift mall called "The Factory" that rents booths. My idea is to open a home decor/gift shop in there. I wouldn't have to be there, just keep my booth nice and stocked. I have been selling on ebay for a while now so I have some experience with selling. (I would probably continue selling on ebay also). I thought if that went well, then I might could eventually open my own store in a few years when the kids start school. I know that I'd "love" to do this, but it seems more risky than plan #1. Plus, I'm already half way through with my degree, any advice??

**Sara Noel** · 08-23-2004, 01:19 PM

I think if you don't have a passion to teach, then you would be doing a great injustice to yourself and future students.

I had items in a craft mall years ago. I did quite well while it lasted. Unfortunately, they went bankrupt and one day I went there to service my booth and the doors were boarded up. It was a bad experience. I'd make certain the craft mall you have a booth in is reputable. The one I used was fairly new. They collected the sales tax also. I wish I had learned more about how they were doing financially before placing my items with them.

There are many craft malls that will allow you to have booths. (including out of states malls)

I loved doing craft shows and I did most of my work out of my home. A storefront is wonderful, but the overhead cuts right into your income. It really depends on the location on how well it will do. (Unless crafts would be secondary to another product/service that was similar)

I think if you're doing something you love...it's all good. I think an education is important and even if you never teach, it's something you've accomplished and is better than just dropping it entirely.

**handmerounds** · 08-23-2004, 01:57 PM

Thanks for the advice! You hit the nail right on the head, as they say.

**DaisyLady** · 08-23-2004, 01:58 PM

I agree with Sara that if you really don't have the passion to teach then maybe that is not for you.

I too had thought to place my crafts in a craft mall. They were quite popular here in Canada for a while. But when I looked into it more closely, I discovered that it was very expensive to rent the booth. In the end I decided against it and ended up being very happy with my decision as the company went bankrupt a short time later. Some crafters that I knew in that mall ended up in the same situation as Sara.

I have my own "storefront" on the internet that I am in the process of developing as well as selling by word of mouth, local farmer's market, and local craft shows. For me this is working well.

Can you apply the college credits you have already earned to a different degree? Maybe something more general so that later you can work at a post-graduate degree if you need to specialize.

Good luck with your decision.

**handmerounds** · 08-23-2004, 02:48 PM

The booth is $125 per month to rent. It is in a prosperous downtown location and has many businesses in it. The thrift store is located in it. It has a restaurant and conference rooms. It also has a walking track inside. I believe it is a reputable place.

**Darlene** · 08-23-2004, 03:09 PM

I guess if I were in your shoes and so creative I'd try to do both. Wishing you the best.

**handmerounds** · 08-24-2004, 01:46 AM

Thanks for the replies, I really appreciate them.

**Katybird** · 08-24-2004, 06:50 PM

You have already gotten great advice from the other ladies so I just wanted to send you best wishes for whatever you decide to do.

**Guest1** · 08-24-2004, 07:04 PM

me too!!

**forestdale** · 08-24-2004, 07:15 PM

I have a couple of degrees and really, if you don't have a mad passion for what it is you've got your degree in, it just ends up being a piece of paper.

If your passion is craft, continue to do that and pour all your energy into it. My husband and I have a gift + everything else store, we live in Australia, and it's a seven day a week cut throat business. Our store is in a small tourist village and we get around 200+ people through every day. Our bottom line is $350 per day, which mean that we must make $350 EVERY day to cover our costs before we even start making any money for us. Don't get me wrong, it pays to work this store but the overheads are horrendous and the hours are long and sometimes tedious.

Do what you love. Life's too short to do what you think you should do or what might be a good idea. What could be better than earning money doing something you love doing?

I don't know anything about craft malls in america but if ebay is working for you, stay there and expand what you're doing. If your business continues to grow look at doing something different when you have a better idea of your output and customer base and when your kids are in school.

And good luck.

**handmerounds** · 08-24-2004, 10:28 PM

I really am doing pretty well on ebay. I enjoy it so much it doesn't even seem like work, it's fun! I guess that should tell me something right there.

I've been trying to de-clutter my house and decided to sell my apple collection that I had in my dining room and kitchen. I just had too much stuff!! Plus, I am ready to simplify and I'd like to do something different in there. Anyway.......I just sold my apple lot for $162.00 on ebay yesterday. I was SO EXCITED!! (If anyone wants to see it they can seach for apple lot and then check the "completed listings" box on the left hand side.) I could probably sell more on ebay than the craft mall at this point.

I am going to take one night class this fall (Children's Literature). I'd like to see how it goes and decide what to do from there regarding my degree. In the mean time, I'll continue selling on ebay and enjoy being a sahm.

Thanks for the support and the encouraging words! You all are so kind to take the time to respond. I'll keep you posted!

**homesteadmamma** · 08-24-2004, 10:52 PM

WTG on selling your apple lot. Thats wondeful news.

Good luck as you continue to sell on eBay.

**frugalmel** · 08-24-2004, 10:57 PM

WTG on your ebay sales.

on your decision.

**Michele Annette** · 08-25-2004, 09:07 AM

Have you ever thought of an online store? I am currently setting one up for my items. I know it's not the same as being in a shop, but it may be another avenue to pursue in the future. I wish you the best on deciding what you want to do!

**AmyBoz** · 08-25-2004, 10:08 AM

Originally posted by Katybird
You have already gotten great advice from the other ladies so I just wanted to send you best wishes for whatever you decide to do.