Tips on supplementing that income

[homesteadmamma]

Lets write down some tips we've learnt in supplementing our incomes.

- when your purchasing supplies (such as I did with the quilt), purchase them at sale price if at all possible.

- add on a certain percentage to the above price. So I purchased some material when it was on sale price, then added 20% on to the sale price. It isn't much, but it does add up.

- Try to find items for free. Dh does woodworking for our small craft business and most of the wood he has gotten so far he has gotten free from a furniture manufacturing company. Look around for free items. Its amazing where you'll find them.

- ask friends/family if they have what you need. Often they are wanting to get rid of items they no longer use and yet don't want to throw out.

- Look at yard/garage sales for items. I've found tons of lace once at a yard sale and she was asking $5.00 for 2 bags. I talked her down to $3.00 for both bags and now I have oodles of lace for my bears.

- make things that are unique if your doing crafts.

- advertise for free if possible. Advertising costs money but if we talk to business associates, friends, relatives it doesn't cost. If you have a community newsletter (some of the smaller towns do), advertise in them. Its usually free or they charge a very minimal amount. Get the word out to others.

- make your own business cards, whether you have a printer or not. It doesn't cost much to purchase blank business cards and either print them from your computer or write your name on.

- keep meticulous records of all expenses and income. It really pays come tax time to have those records up to date!!!

I'll think of more tips later. Add on your tips that you've learnt in trying to supplement your incomes.

[~Sherry~]

Use what you have on hand for crafting... right now I have apples, oranges, lemons, and limes on the dehydrator for craft use. I will make wreaths and swags with them... I can make ornaments with them... I can also use them for added trimmings on other crafts... I could make homemade potpourri too.