WAHM > Stay at Home Mom Work Ideas > Traditional Product > Personalized Gift Business from Home

Start a Personalized Gifts Business

A personal gift business provides customers with the option to add a name or a message to the products that you sell.  This personalization can be in the form of a monogram, an engraving, or a personal note.  The methods of personalization offered are up to you. 

How to start.  Decide on your target market by choosing which gifts to offer.  If you cater to businesses, the gifts can be watches, pen and pencil sets, address books, date planners, and the like.  If your market is the individual consumer, the choices for gifts become endless.  Choosing a niche narrows down the market. 

Once you decide what to offer, search for wholesalers that provide what you want to sell.  You will have inventory since personalization is being offered and will be done by you.  If you are not skilled at engraving, you can search for someone to do this portion for you. 

Starting costs.  Costs for equipment, supplies, and inventory can run around $5,000.  This amount depends on what equipment you already have and what you still need to purchase.  A monogramming machine and software for clothing or engraving instruments are expensive. 

You will budget in for a second party if the monogramming is done by someone else.  A computer with Internet access for web advertising and selling, a printer, fax machine, and telephone comprise the office equipment.   

Skills needed.  As a personalized gift seller, creativity comes into play.  Play around with fonts, colors, and styles to find different ways to personalize gifts for your customers.  Communication skills are important especially if you will be using others to complete part of the work on your product.  Attention to detail is crucial when working with names. 

Marketing.  This business can be run completely from a website if you want limited personal contact.  Your website can be run as a storefront that features the items offered and the type of personalization for each.  To get the word out, advertise on other sites and join business forums.  Selling advertising space on your website makes money and helps out other business owners. 

As a local business, host parties for friends and family members to showcase your talents.  Wedding showers, baby showers, and birthday parties are a great way to give uniquely personal gifts and see them created at the same time. 

Want a unique gift?  Have it personalized. 

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