E-Books are big
business on the Internet these days. If you are not familiar with e-books,
they are simply books (usually less content than a printed book) that are
available for immediate download after purchase from a website. E-books are
great because they are easy to create, free to distribute and have a high
profit margin.
Not everyone has the skill or
patience to mend their own clothes or alter them to fit properly.
But everyone one has to get these things done. That where you come
in - with an eye for detail, wielding your needle, and ready to go.
You could specialize in alterations, home décor, or in any other
area that you can imagine a demand for in your location. In doing
alterations, you will replace zippers, adjust the lines of a suit
jacket, or bring a pair of pants in an inch or two. You will also be
called on to do the routine task of tightening buttons, mending
tears, or hemming pants. You will definitely have variety in your
day. If you choose to focus on home décor, tasks will include work
with draperies, pillows, bedding, and other home items.
To get started in the sewing business, you will need sewing
expertise and the equipment required for your chosen specialty. If
you are thinking about committing to this business, you probably
already have most of what you need to do business. The basic items
include:
· Sewing machine
· Measuring tape
· Assorted needles and threads
· Mirrors
· Pattern markers
· A variety of types of scissors
· Telephone with voice mail
To attract customers, start by making sure your business
location, whether it is your home or rented space, is zoned for
business. This is important because you are hoping for a steady flow
of customers to your door. Check with your city and also your
neighborhood association for local rules and regulations.
Market your business with a yellow pages display ad and regular
running newspaper ads. Create flyers and distribute them in hair
salons, the better laundries, apartment complexes, senior housing,
and dry cleaners. As you do quality work for you customers, they
will tell others about you.
Since you will perform a variety of tasks, devise a pricing table
so that you can easily provide quotes to customers when they call.
Generally, you will charge by the piece. Rates for alterations can
run $5 - $40, depending on the level of difficulty. Other work, such
as making draperies or sewing an item from scratch can be charged at
much more. If you develop a solid client base and market yourself
continuously, you can make $15,000- $60,000 per year.
