Idea?

[canerva]

I've been having a flu. Of course there's nothing special about that, even if the flu was one of the nastiest I've experienced so far. What makes this particular flu worth mentioning is the idea with which it left me. I'm not sure if it is a good idea; it came to me one night when fewer was climping up.

Comments

[arwensong]

I think that is a great idea! People do something similar here with craft projects of other types, often with ceramics. The person in charge sells the materials (at a mark-up) and charges for the kiln time and the lessons. She either teaches a group how to make a particular item or each person works on something they picked out. I know it is done with quilts and other sewing classes but I have never gone to those. But yes, it is a great idea in the format you suggest.
Be careful to charge enough is my recommendation...your knowledge and expertise should not be undervalued. That and charging mark-up on the materials is something we assume is par for the course in this country.
Arwen

[canerva]

Thanks for your thoughts, they help a lot. The main problem will be the funding. I have got no money, and I'm not willing to borrow from my relatives or friends. But if I want to get the funding I have the create a sound plan.

You're right, one of the most important things to make into a plan is the pricing of my services. I need to make enough money to pay the bills, after all. The rent of the place would be the main cost. It can't work in a place where it's hard to get, so it has to be a central location. But it doesn't need to be a big place, at least not at the beginning. Another big money hole is marketing. People need to know about the service, and they need to want it.

Thanks again, for your support. I feel more in control just having this plan to fall back to. :)

[blondrunner]

Here, many places rent space and materials for people to make ceramic statutes and such, and often it turns into a social event for many people. Ceramic decorations are nice on occasion, but one gets very tired of them quickly. Clothing, on the other hand is a necessity (except for our naturist brothers and sisters!) so one always needs it...and making it in a social setting with someone who knows what they are doing might be fun. I think the key would be to market this idea as BOTH social and practical, adding coffee and decadent snacks to the mix. If it can work with something frivolous like ceramics, it should definitely work with clothes. I will follow with interest.

PS

[blondrunner]

I added my brilliant thoughts before I saw that Arwen had said almost the same thing.....hmm, maybe proximity makes people think alike?

Re: PS

[canerva]

Or maybe people who think alike are drawn to each other.

[canerva]

Thank you! It's good to know that you and Arwen don't think I'm a fool. A complete fool that is. ;)

I agree with your notion of marketing it as both social and practical thing. Actually, I think that the social aspect of it will be the aspect that attracts people. I don't think they want to be told that they are poor. And by stressing the point that it is a social activity I can attract people from every income croup, which lets me more room for pricing my services. Good point.

[twinflower78]

Mie en näistä business-hommista ymmärrä mittään, mutta ei sun idea ainakaan huonolta kuulosta. Onnea vaan, jos toteutat idean! :) Ei mulla oikein muuta sanottavaa tähän ookaan. :P

[canerva]

No kiva ettei aivan pöllöltä kuulosta sentään. :)