Articles by Alice Stacy on ArticleSnatch.com

How To Start A Cosmetics Business

Tue, 10 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Industry analysis indicates that the sales of cosmetics and toiletries in the U.S. are expected to sustain a steady increase of 5-6% until at least 2010, when annual sales will top $7.6 billion. That forecast makes for optimal conditions for starting up a cosmetic business that can be run from your home. At present, just over 50% of cosmetic and toiletry items are sold by major retailers or chains. The rest are divided amongst various beauty product specific companies as well as many independent businesses. The very size of the market, allows for either concentrating on a particular area, or selecting several target consumers such as make-up for teens, women, those who have specific conditions, products for men, as well as natural beauty products for the health-conscious. In operating a home business, you will need to first study the market and potential clientele in your area, and whether you want to supplement those sales with an Internet presence. You can find information not only in your local area but also by doing research online. **End Summary** Topics: ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For more information on staring a cosmetics business, visit http://www.MakeUpBusiness.com

How To Start A Craft Business

Sat, 30 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0400

In 2001, the Craft Organization Directors Association (CODA), unveiled a study that showed just how strongly the fine crafts market affects our national economy. As a $13.8 billion industry, it is creating nearly twice the sales of cosmetics, and almost half that of the toy industry. A whopping 53% of those sales are done through wholesaling to companies/businesses that retail the end product to consumers. Those companies in turn are supplying the American market with quality crafted goods made by talented artisans. Not only are they purchased as personal items, home dÃ©cor, but gifts as well, all of which is contributing to a steady growth in business opportunities. If you are interested in this type of business for yourself, it's a good idea to check out the sales statistics for your area, and the type of crafts that you are interested in. Visit retail/craft shows and take note of how many vendors there are of each type of craft, and who appears to be selling the most. Make up an informal survey for friends, co-workers, or groups you belong to, and ask what crafts appeal to them, and which they buy for gifts. **End Summary** Topics: craft business]]> craft sales]]> home-based business]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For more information, visit http://www.craftbusinessopportunity.com

How To Start A Scrapbooking Business

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0400

According to the Hobby Business Association, more than 13 million Americans enjoy scrapbooking as a pastime, and in fact, 20% of all "crafters" are part of one of the fastest growing crazes in the U.S. Gone are the days of simple albums and photos taped in. Today, a scrapbook is a work of art, a treasure trove of memories and moments that people preserve for themselves, or create as gifts for others. If you have an artistic flare, and have taken an instructor's course in scrapbooking, you might decide to open a business that can be operated from home, either as evening "parties", or weekend brunch sessions that are conducted in other people's homes, or your own. There are many wholesalers from whom you can buy pre-assembled kits to get the beginner started, although the majority of your profits will come from establishing a relationship with wholesalers so you can supply former students with what they need for new and more ambitious projects. Before jumping into the scrapbooking business, do the same basic research as you would for any other. Investigate how popular it is. Survey friends, family, co-workers and others on whether they are interested in the subject. **End Summary** Topics: scrapbooking]]> home-based business]]> scrapbooking business]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> If you're interested in scrapbooking as a business, visit http://www.scrapbookingbusinessopportunity.com for more information on the opportunities that await.

How To Start A Home Decor Business

Thu, 07 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0400

The home decorating industry in America generates a solid $270 billion dollar market annually. People are choosing to spend more time at home, and more money on making that home what they want it to be. Home dÃ©cor items are also becoming increasingly popular as gift items for family, friends, and office exchanges. If you look around you'll see a multitude of products to enhance and embellish the home; from small trinkets to large dÃ©cor items, there's always something for everyone. Knowing there is a market for these types of products is only the beginning of your decision to start a home dÃ©cor business of your own. You'll need to decide exactly what facet of the business attracts you most; what do you like, what can you see yourself doing for many years. If you have training in design and decorating, you may be able to develop your own consulting firm, partnering with local businesses who will give you price reductions for the guaranteed orders you bring in. This is a type of career that takes dedication, and commitment to customer satisfaction. **End Summary** Topics: home decor business]]> work at home]]> home-based business]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> If you have a flare for decorating, and are interested in home dÃÂ©cor as a business, visit http://www.homedecorbusiness.com for more information.

How To Start A Business In The Wellness Industry

Tue, 22 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Over the last five years, consumers as a group have opened up the market for health and wellness businesses, because of their increased awareness and focus on eating and living a healthy lifestyle. In 2004 alone, Americans spent $42.8 billion dollars on natural and organic products that were part of their diet, personal care, and environmental concerns. That makes the health and wellness industry a home business with great potential if you go about it the right way. First, decide what aspect of the industry you want to start out with. It doesn't mean you can't expand later, but it does give you a primary area to concentrate on for the start up. Surf the Net for sales statistics on your particular interests, such as herbal supplements, natural beauty products, health foods, and diet products. Try surveying co-workers and members of any groups you belong to regarding their purchase of health and wellness products. Look at your own financial resources and decide how much you have to invest at the start. **End Summary** Topics: wellness industry]]> health products]]> natural products]]> home business]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For idea on the type and nature of health and wellness businesses that can be run from home, visit http://www.wellnessopportunitywatch.com .

How To Start A Business In The Pampering Industry

Tue, 15 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0400

With the increased pressures of parenthood, and work commitments, many people find themselves without either the resources or time to indulge in long vacations or sessions at a spa to counter the stresses of everyday life. But what they are turning to in increasing numbers, is the personal, private pampering that can be had at home through skin care, aromatherapy, and other products that steep a person, even for a short while, in the luxury of scents and surroundings that provide much needed relaxation. That makes today the perfect time to investigate starting up a business that focuses on some aspect of the pampering industry. That can mean anything from training as a masseur and operating a "traveling" service out of your home, with a portable table and supplies, or it can mean retailing the types of lotions, scented candles or other items that have a proven track record in sales. First, you should investigate the sale statistics for your area of interest. Decide whether your business will be wholly local, or Internet-based as well. **End Summary** Topics: home based business]]> business start up pampering business]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> If you are interested in the field of pampering businesses, visit http://www.pamperingbusiness.com for an idea of what opportunities await.

How To Start A Pet Supplies And Accessories Business

Thu, 10 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Pets are a part of 63% of American households, which is over 69 million homes. And 45% of those homes have more than one pet. Approximately 37 million homes own a cat, and 43 million own a dog. All of this means that the market for pet supplies is guaranteed to be steady, and in fact, has grown by $2-$3 billion dollars annually, since 2002 with an estimated expenditure for 2006, to reach $38.4 billion dollars. Could this be the time to start a pet supplies and accessories business? If you go about it the right way, and invest time and thought in your approach, you are more likely to outlast the five year "new" period that sees so many businesses close. What is your business going to sell? That is entirely up to you. There is a growing market for a variety of pets, with dogs and cats leading the way. In both areas, toys, and gourmet treats are hot commodities, as are designer duds for the family pooch. **End Summary** Topics: pet supplies]]> pet accessories]]> home-based business]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For more information on the types of opportunities that exist in pet supplies and accessories, visit www.petbusinessopportunity.com