Looking to set up a small card & gift business from home, has anyone done this

[Jedimastermama]

I’m looking to start a small business from home, working around my two LO’s (1&3)
I’ve been looking into cards and gifts (need to narrow this down).

Was just wondering and hoping to chat to others who have set up similar. How have you found it?

Thank you

Yes and unless you are selling very unique stock you will struggle to sell. It is a saturated market.
Aside from what to sell and where you will buy it from, you need to consider things such as where you will sell and how will you accept payments, how customers will get their products (collection with Covid considerations or posting), if you rent whether your landlord will allow it, or mortgage company if that applies, insurances you may need, business bank account as a lot of banks don't allow business use on a personal account, learning the Consumer Contract Regulations 2013 and how to comply with them.
It isn't for the faint hearted

Thank you for your reply @delilahbucket, it’s a lot to think about. I just to set myself up working from home.

Just seeing how others have managed doing something like this...selling cards/gifts/candles online.

If you are selling on line from a marketplace like Ebay or Amazon its doubtful if your LL or mortgage provider will even find out! I did this at home for years and considered it my own business. Its not like customers were coming to my home to buy. I began in a small way and was simply going to the post office with parcels 2/3 times a week. For all the neighbours knew I was simply shopping. I now rent a unit in a storage facility but there was a time when I kept my stock in the spare bedroom. Trading from home if you sell online is a grey area.

Thank you @sneakysnoopysniper. Sorry for late response. I’ve been giving this idea a lot of thought and would really like to set something up. Obviously start off small and in time if things go well, I’ll see what the next step would be.
I’m in a mortgage free position, so that should make things little easier. I’ve been reading around and looking at cards/gifts from potential supplies. But I suppose it’s taking the leap and getting things going. I have space to store stock. With two kids under 5 I’m hoping to work around them. Eldest starting school in Sept.

@sneakysnoopysniper can I ask, how long did it take you to start up?

Thanks

Jedimastermama I am looking to set something up too (small scale) using spare room as store room and potential to use another room later, if things take off. I am planning to use ebay and Etsy. I have young children too. It does feel like a bit of a leap but I won't know until I try. I have a horrible fear of failure and already forecasting disaster! I am mortgage free fortunately it is not something I could do if I were in a different financial position.

I'm hoping for flexibility i.e. perhaps working a couple of evenings around dc for example as well as school hours. The thought of returning to an office makes me feel drained. Having said that, I am concerned at becoming isolated so I am currently looking into using shared workspace for admin type work so at least will have a few co-workers around me once a week or so.

@Dramatic46374 you are absolutely right, you won’t know until you give it a try. I keep thinking this on a daily basis. Today I’ve actually started to research and make some plans.
That’s a good idea looking into shared workspace.

Good luck!! 🙂

Jedimastermama Good Luck to you too. Please keep us posted about how things are going.

I have a business name, a logo, storage space, a number of products, a quantity of packaging (though require more) a separate bank account. I'm waiting to see if ebay are going to transfer over to the new payment system, which will hopefully coincide with pre-schooler starting pre-school, I don't want the faff of starting on paypal and then transferring over. I am under the impression it will be soon.

@Dramatic46374 Wow! You are nearly there, ready to get going soon.
Can I ask do you make your own products to sell? I’m planning on buying cards from suppliers. When I’m living there are a couple of card shops which have some nice cards, but I’ve gone online for a card that’s quirky, different etc... but I know a lot of people make some really beautiful cards and sell them.

Hope it all goes well with ebay.

Exciting times ahead!

No, I'm not making my own product. I'm selling vintage and non-vintage/mix of vintage on eBay. The source of the product is the biggest issue for me and might influence number of potential sales (and I wouldn't rely on it as a main source of income) but fortunately, I don't have to take this into account currently. I don't want to say it is a hobby because I want to make enough to equal me working two days a week but it is all very much unknown at the moment.

@Dramatic46374. I totally understand what you’re saying and if you can make enough to equal working 2 days a week, it’s a very good start.