PROFITS FROM TOYS AND WOODEN NOVELTIES IN YOUR SHOP

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åPROFITS FROM TOYS AND WOODEN NOVELTIES IN YOUR SHOP
Make and sell toy cars, wagons, wooden puzzle and hobby horses.
retail them at flea markets, fairs, through national ads, direct
from your shop or yard and/or wholesale them to stores or catalog
sales companies.
Wooden toys have a special appeal that most other types of toys
do not-- nostalgia and parent confidence. Parents remember the
wooden toys they had as children lasted a long time and that they
were safe. Wooden toys like hobby horses or stick horses are so
old, they are "new"!
For the past few years, wooden items have become more and more
scarce as they have been replaced by plastic and wood filled
plastics that can be molded. Many items are advertised these days
as "genuine wood" to inform the buyer they are nor plastic or
laminated sawdust, and infer that they are therefore worth more.
The overall result is that an item made of "genuine wood" is now
considered more valuable than the substitutes that just a few
years ago were considered an "improvement" over wood.
In the wooden toy business, you have the option of making variety
of things or specializing in one item or series of items.
You also have the luxury of being able to use what other
industries would call scraps -- because not many of your toys
will require 8, 6 or even four foot pieces of wood.
This means that you can use materials that others can't -- and
that if you can locate a good source, your materials should be
half or less of the going rate. As a result, you will be able to
offer finished toys of good quality wood at excellent prices and
still make a very nice profit.
This type of business will appeal to the wood enthusiast, or
anyone who enjoys shop work; the variety of possible toy products
is endless -- limited only by the toy maker's imagination and
facilities.
If you specialize in larger items such as hobby horses, one
well-placed ad for genuine, old-fashioned hardwood horses could
keep you busy!
The only "secret" to this business is to have a plan for getting
your materials at a good price, a procedure to fabricate and
finish the toys efficiently and professionally, and effective
means of letting the right prospective customers know where they
can be found and how much they cost.
Most wooden toy makers limit their output to models they can
build with tools and equipment on hand. They set up a procedure,
as close to assembly line as possible to allow high quality items
to be produced efficiently: jigs for cutting, clamps for gluing,
patterns for drilling, stencils for painting -- with designated
areas for operations like sanding or painting that require them
to be separated.
Although the finished items are all made by hand, there is no
need to completely finish one item before starting on the next --
it is much "smarter" to cut out two dozen horse heads at once; to
sand them all while the area is set up for that operation, and to
give them all their first coat of paint at the same time.. The
items are still hand made, only a lot more efficiently.
The bottom line is that quality is just as high (perhaps even
higher as you perfect each step), but the price is lower because
you can produce them cheaper.
One inexpensive way to advertise is to rent a display window in a
store (even a vacant store -- see the real estate agent about
renting just the window until the store is leased).
Set up a nice looking display of your products --several models,
a variety of items (or your "pride and joy") in an attractive
display - one that is calculated to interest children as a toy,
as well as the parents as a good investment.
Tip: "Eye level" for a child is 3 to 4 feet, so place items you
want to see at their level!
Put price tags on the items. or a placard (about 8 x 10) in or
near the items, along with a couple of lines about their quality
and,of course, where they can be purchased.
If you are willing to make alterations, indicate that custom
items are available (but leave the price open until you find out
what they have in mind).
Plan your production schedule to peak about 30 days before the
holidays -- seasonal sales you lose because you ran out of items
sell are GONE!
In the beginning, you will probably want to try several different
products -- and procedures. You need to learn which things you
can make best and which ones will sell best.
Once you have settled on a line of products (if you do), it would
be wise to gear your "assembly line" to those products.
Use a piece of tin or masonite for a cutout pattern; holes in it
to mark places to drill. Work out a production schedule for steps
that take time, such as glue setting and paint drying -- where
you take an item from the clamps, sand it lightly, lay it out for
the painting phase and immediately place another item (or sets of
items) the available glue clamps.
If you glue, setting time is one hour (temperature regulation may
speed this step) and you have 5 sets of glue clamps, you can set
aside 5 or 10 minutes per hour for this phase to produce 5 items
per hour or 40 per day (the last set is left overnight to be
changed first thing in the morning).
As you progress in your wooden toy business you will discover
more and more "shortcuts"-- that produce the same quality (or
even better) at a lower cost. You will also learn of other items
that are in demand and will make more decisions on whether to
expand or add new products.
Wooden toys can be sold retail through ads, displays, and by
using a little extra imagination.
For example, show a child playing with your toy in your ad (to
help "plant" the idea that your toys are fun to play with). Plan
different ways to "push" your line -- give prizes at community
affairs (raffle, children's competitions), try cable TV ads and
the local newspaper.
Use a good camera to take black & white photos and have the
newspaper make "cuts" of some of your best efforts to put in ads
and brochures. When the market warrants, add color brochures with
illustrations and little write-ups of your toys.
Perhaps some of them are authentic copies of antiques, or can be
associated with interesting stories or history. Don't hesitate to
experiment with different wood combinations and patterns.
For example, two plywood with opposing grains for strength and
effect; tongue & groove glued larger pieces; checkerboard
patterns (like parquet floor pieces) or anything else you can
think of.
Wholesaling brings in less revenue per item but eliminates much
of the cost of advertising and time needed for dealing with
potential buyers of one or two items at a time (you may be able
to make much more turning out toys than selling them). Here are
three proven methods for wholesaling are:
1. Store sales, Take samples and price lists to retail stores in
your area and ask them to order. A variation is to mail out price
lists and brochures to stores that carry similar merchandise. In
this case, write a "cover" letter of 1 - 2 pages on good quality
letterhead paper. Describe your products briefly (stress their
quality) and their availability. Include a price list and an
ORDER FORM. For stores in your area, follow up this first contact
with a personal visit, phone call or another letter 2 weeks
later!
2. Catalog sales. List your products with an existing catalog
sales firm (printing your own is expensive and should be tried
only when you are experienced). the procedure is similar to mail
sales to stores (above), but you also need to include your
charges for packaging and shipping of a single item because the
mail catalog store can either buy your products outright or have
you drop-ship them as orders come in.
3. Fair sales. arrange for a booth at trade shows, large flea
markets and community fairs. Take a good selection of your
merchandise, business cards, brochures, and order forms and set
up an attractive display.. Although the objective will vary with
the type of activity. the general idea is to retail, make
contacts, gain recognition, and to take wholesale orders.
Be especially watchful for ways to profitably use every scrap of
material and reduce the amount you spend for supplies.
Make little toys from pieces left over from big ones, even if it
means modifying a pattern or designing a special toy so it can be
fabricated mostly from materials that would otherwise be wasted.
Using these materials efficiently is the purest form of profit!
The, calculate your best prices on paint, sandpaper, wood and
even tools and supplies. It may be that buying glue in 5 gallon
cans will save you a good deal -- unless there is a spoilage
problem. In this department, the most expensive thing you can do
is to keep buying from the same source without constantly
checking -- and figuring how to get more for your money.
One source for fresh ideas would be subscribing to a couple of
good trade magazines.
One of the more obvious potential problem area to watch out for
is overstocking items that don't sell.
The cause of this problem is invariably personal taste --
although poor sales techniques and/or shoddy work can also be
contributors. Just remember that before you invest too heavily in
any one product, do as the professionals do -- test market it
(see how it sells).
Just because you like something is NOT a good reason to make up
10,000 of them (remember the Edsel? -- but if your customers like
them -- that's different! If your problem is shoddy work, the
CHEAPEST thing to do is get rid of the problem -- wholesale them
to an outlet (burn them if necessary), but don't allow them to
spoil your reputation and confidence.
Finally, if they aren't selling, alter your method of
advertising. If that helps, work on that aspect until you find
the winning combination!
BUSINESS SOURCES
HARBOR FREIGHT SALVAGE, Box 6010, Carmarillo, CA 93011,
800/388-3000. Discount tools and shop equipment. Call for free
catalog.
NORTH AMERICAN MACHINERY, Box 20409, Tallahassee, FL 32316,
800/874-8160. Sells a router that copies relief designs onto
chairs, plaques, etc.
HARCOURT, BRACE JOVANOVICH, 545 5th Ave.,New York, NY 10017.
Publishes TOYS, HOBBIES & CRAFTS Directory - &8. (Large,
professional trade publisher).
GOODFELLOW, Box 4250, Berkeley, CA 94704. Magazine that
specializes in wholesale toys and crafts -- good place to
advertise.
POPULAR WOODWORKER, 1300 Galaxy Way, Concord, CA 94520,
415/671-9852. Publication for all types of wood workers: carving,
cabinet making, crafts for advanced hobbyists, etc. Sample $2.
CREEKSIDE CREATIONS, 3505 Bean Creek Road, Scotts Valley, CA
95066. Marionette kits and patterns -- also buys.
ASSOCIATION OF FAIRS & EXPOS INTERNATIONAL, MPO 985, Springfield,
MO 65811. Monthly list of fairs, etc.
JOHN MUIR PUBLICATIONS, Box 613, Santa Fe, NM 87504. Prints lists
of flea markets that sell for about $10.
EDGEL PUBLISHING CO., 545 5th Ave.,New York, NY 10017,
212/503-2900. Publishes TOYS, HOBBIES & CRAFTS, magazine for
hobby and crafts dealers.
I.C.I. Box 158, Intercession, FL 33848. Cypress slabs for craft
work; clocks tables and marketing kits.
CRAFTS REPORT, 1529 E 19th St.,Brooklyn, NY 11230. Information on
major professional craft shows.
DOVER PUBLICATIONS, INC., 31 East 2nd St.,Mineola, NY 11051.
Discount books, clip art, stencils, etc.
QUILL CORPORATION, 100 Schelter Rd.,Lincolnshire, IL 60917-4700,
312/634-4800. Office supplies.
NEBS, 500 Main St.,Groton, MA 04171, 800/225-6380. Office
supplies.
IVEY PRINTING, Box 761, Meridan, TX 7665. Letterhead: 400 sheets
plus 200 envelopes - $18.
SWEDCO, Box 29, Mooresville, NC 28115. 3 line rubber stamps - $3;
business cards - $13 per thousand.
ZPS, Box 581, Libertyville, IL 60048-2556. Business cards (raised
print - $11.50 per K) and letterhead stationery. Will print your
copy ready logo or design, even whole card.
HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY MARKET YOUR HOBBY PRODUCTS
If you are not necessarily trying to get rich buy but would like
your hobby to at least pay for itself and perhaps grow into
something someday, try considering your hobby as small business.
Even if you don't get rich you may be able to deduct the cost of
your materials.
A serviceman stationed in Alaska loved to go fishing but found it
to be very expensive sport up there. So he bought a fishing fly
winding outfit and started making his own flies to save money.
When discovered his lures were as good if not better for Alaskan
fish he decided to try and sell some of them to help cover the
costs of his "vice." he sold a few dozen to an Anchorage
department store every few months and not only made enough to pay
for his fishing, but helped his photography "habit" as well!
For tax purposes there is a fine line between a hobby and a
business. The IRS defines a hobby as "an activity from which you
do not expect to make a profit" (this makes the U.S. Government a
hobby!). The general rule is that you must make some profit in
three out of five years to legally take the hobby expenses as
business deductions.
This rule is not generally applied to obvious businesses like a
shoe store on Main Street. However, it is for racehorses and
leather crafts, which they consider more likely to be hobbies
than businesses (and they're probably right most of the time).
Business expenses and losses are deductible; hobby losses can ply
be deducted up to a amount taken in, and then only if you itemize
on Schedule A.
When you make the decision to convert you hobby into a business
it is necessary to do several additional things.
First, you should figure out exactly what it costs to make each
product (including you labor at the going rate). You must be able
to intelligently predict how many you can turn out and how soon.
Keep accurate records of all business related transactions. You
can only deduct expenses for which you have records! Once you
compute your production costs, you can estimate your retail
and/or retail rates.
A general rule is 2 times your cost for
wholesale; 4 times for retail.
For example, something that costs $5 to make would be priced at
$12.50 wholesale and $20.00 retail. You must be able to make a
fair profit at the wholesale price and dealers should receive
about 40% of the retail price as their profit.
Note that if you retail and wholesale both, you must be careful
not to undercut your dealers. When you say the suggested retail
price is $20, make sure you do not sell that product for any less
of your dealers will leave you cold!
It really doesn't matter what your hobby is, so long as it is a
product or service that others will buy. As you convert to a
business, it might (or might not) be necessary to alter your
production methods and even the products themselves.
If you make a nice hobby horse you will probably want to make
some jigs and figure out a way to make them more efficiently. You
have the choice of turning out one masterpiece a week for $100 or
10 good ones at $10 apiece.
Your decisions may well be influenced by demand as well as your
personal preference. If you make pillows and someone likes your
work and wants a bedspread, why not?
You can do just that one bedspread or expand your business to
include bedspreads as an additional product if it looks like they
will sell well.
Depending on the degree that you would like to go into marketing,
plan to {"showcase" your products or show them in their best
possible light. Notice how jewelry stores display their wares
exquisitely on dark velvet under small spotlights (not ordinary
florescent lights) to make them gleam and sparkle. That's
showcasing!
If you are artistic and have the means to make up a catalog to
send prospective customers, fine. Take flattering pictures of
your products with complementing backgrounds and have them
printed in brochures or booklets. Black and white pictures are
better for non-color reproductions because they offer better
contrast.
You can also advertise (with pictures, if available) in the
local media: newspapers, radio, cable TV, small magazines or even
by mail. It is usually a good idea to test market your products
(and ad comparison) before spending a lot on advertising.
If the response to your testing is poor it could be yours ads,
timing, prices, the vehicle or that you simply haven't reached
your intended audience. The testing period is when you
experiment: try various size ads, wording, pricing, etc.
How do you get usable advice? In some cases, merely by asking.. A
tip is to check with retailers of similar products. Since they
don't make them, they will often give you their unbiased opinion
of why they do or do not sell.
When you find one that will advise you, ask for their suggestions
on quality, pricing and potential salability of your products
(this, by the way, may help your chances of selling to them
later).
Once you have determined that your product will sell at a price
to make you a reasonable profit, make up samples and good quality
photographs and start contacting potential markets. If you -plan
to wholesale, call on prospective clients and give them full
information pricing, quality and your return policy (yes, you
should have one).
A shorter method is to offer your products on consignment to
local stores. They usually won't buy very much until they know
there is a market (why should they replace something that DOES
sell with something that MIGHT?).
remember, however, that your intent is to get as many of your
products on display as possible, so consignment is good for both
you and the store in the early stages.
If you plan to retail, you need an advertising plan for ads,
displays, notices, announcements, news coverage and perhaps
prizes in local contests. Ads in the local paper (also, radio and
cable TV) might start out with a larger (e.g. 3" x 5")
announcement of your product and possibly an introductory
special, followed by smaller display and a less expensive,
permanent classified ad.
Displays are any means of showing your product to the public,
such as renting space in a vacant store window or giving a
merchant a special deal to allow you to set up a display.
Notices can be put up on store and church bulletin boards or
listed on cable TV. Announcements can be ads, radio spots,
posters, signs that simply inform the public that your product
exists.
News coverage is usually very effective and should be a major
consideration. When you place your initial ads in the local
paper. ASK THEM to send out a reporter!
Most local and small town papers are happy to do this because the
articles are local interest. Make the best use of their exposure:
focus on your products, not your ego!
When you are satisfied your market potential and ready to produce
in volume at a good wholesale price,, start contacting
progressively and larger markets.
Check on mail order companies, distributors and catalog of
publishers. If you retail, place ads in vehicles with larger
circulation. Send out professionally done brochures and price
lists among with a short but cordial cover letter describing your
product and offering additional information. Be sure to include
information on how to order. For retail customers, include a
"handy" order blank and possibly an addresses return envelope.
Depending on the product of your hobby and its acceptance, your
small business venture might keep growing. Many of today's large
businesses started out as small hobbies. Some craft products can
profitably be marketed through large catalog houses. Others are
best for local retail sales and a few lend themselves to
customizing, where customers come directly to you for personal
service.
Your success in marketing your hobby depends on the demand for
the product (which you try to stimulate), the price quality, plus
your ingenuity, determination and enthusiasm.
Something as uncomplicated as renting a flea market stall once a
week may be just the ticket. It may be as far as you really want
to go. But, if things go well, you may want to expand your
production and sales efforts.
When you expand, think about buying and selling COMPATIBLE but
non-competing items made by other hobbyists (or supplied by hobby
manufacturers). After all, your marketing system is in place and
is working, so why not make extra profit for relatively little
extra work or cost?
One mistake many hobbyists make in the business world is to put
so much time, effort and TLC into their products that can't
possibly sell for their actual worth.
If you are going into business, find a happy medium so you can
turn out quality products at an affordable price and still make a
fair profit. A second tip is to be able to separate your product
from your ego. Never take rejection for it to flop that have
nothing to do with you! Keep your mind and ego clear so you can
concentrate on improving the product's acceptability!
BUSINESS SOURCES
MIESEL HARDWARE SPECIALTIES, Box 247, Mound, Mi 55364.
800/441-9870. Hardware for hobbies and toys: eyes, miniature
wooden wheels, brass hinges, etc.
LHL ENTERPRISES Box 241, Solebury, PA 18963. Hobby and craft
supplies.
TOYS, HOBBIES $ CRAFTS. Edgel Publishing Co.,545 Fifth Ave.,New
York, NY 10017. Magazine for hobby and craft dealers. Check their
ads for good supplier sources.
SBA MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE PUBLICATION, P.O. Box 15434, Ft Worth,
TX 76119. SBB-1 lists 26 types of crafts and 341 available craft
booklets.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TOLE & DECORATIVE PAINTERS. Box 808,
Newton, KS 67114. Association of people interested in painting or
enameling on wood and metal.
HOBBY INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA, 319 E 54th St.,Elmwood
Park, Nj 07507. Association of hobby crafters and hobby business
people.
HOBBY PUBLICATIONS, Box 420, Englishtown, NJ 07726. Publishes
ANNUAL TRADE DIRECTORY for hobby sources.
AMERICAN CRAFT COUNCIL. 44 West 53rd St.,New York, NY 10019.
Publishes CRAFT HORIZONS magazine for small crafts. Includes
information on craft shows... Good place to advertise crafts.
Also publishes AMERICAN CRAFT with coverage of Christmas ornament
crafts.
CRAFTS. 1529 East 19th St.,Brooklyn, NY 11230. Specialty magazine
about crafts.
INNOVATIONS, 1555 Ashdale, Sugarland, TX 77478. Buys handmade
crafts, especially Christmas and child heirloom merchandise. Send
color photo & price.
DOVER PUBLICATIONS, INC.,31 East 2nd St.,Mineola, NY 11051.
Discount books, clip art, stencils, etc.
QUILL CORPORATION, 100 Schelter Rd.,Lincolnshire, IL 60917-4700,
312/634-4800. Office supplies.
NEBS, 500 Main St.,Groton, MA 04171, 800/225-6380. Office
supplies.
IVEY PRINTING, Box 761, Meridan, TX 76665. Low priced letterhead
and stationery.
ZPS, Box 581, Libertyville, IL 60048-2556. Raised print business
cards and letterhead stationery. Will print your copy ready logo
or design. Excellent prices.
WALTER DRAKE & Sons, Inc.,4119 Drake Bldg.,Colorado, Springs, CO
80940. Short run business cards, stationery, etc. Good quality
but little choice of style or color. Can be difficult to deal
with (they are a "short-order" mail order house).
ARTS AND CRAFT NEWSLETTER. West Oak Hill, Willison, UT 05495.
Newsletter for people interested in arts and crafts.
ARTS & CRAFT CATALYST. P.O. Box 15102, Ft Wayne, IN 46885.
Bi-monthly publication with information on craft shows across the
country.
DISCOUNT CRAFT SUPPLY. 6234 2nd Ave.,North, St Petersburg, FL
33710. Beads, felt, etc.
HP BOOKS, Tucson, AZ 85703. Offers book: "catalog Sources for
Creative People" with 2,000 sources for patterns, plans, kits,
etc.. - $9.
CRAFT, MODEL AND HOBBY INDUSTRY DIRECTORY. 255 West 34th St.,New
York, NY 10001. Write for details about this directory.
GLASS STUDIO. Box 23383, Portland, OR 97223. Trade magazine for
Arts and Crafts Dealers.
99 WAYS FOR A PHOTOGRAPHER TO MAKE MONEY
SPECIAL EVENTS
1. Photograph vocational school graduates
2. Wedding photographer
3. Photograph large parties
4. Photograph at banquets
5. Prom and graduation photos
6. Photograph fashion shows
7. Photograph trade shows
8. Wedding movies
9. Photograph new stores' grand openings
10. Photograph local performances
11. Commencement day photographs
PEOPLE
12. Take pictures of people mounted on ha horse
13. Make polaroid pictures of seamen going abroad
14. Take pictures of people wearing special costumes
15. Photograph people on a fancy motorcycle
16. Take pictures of people in nightclubs
17. Take pictures on the beach
18. Antique photo shop - produce 1890's type portraits for the
"nostalgic crazy"
19. Take I.D. photos
20. Take passport photos
21. Specialize in legal photography
22. Produce community yearbooks
摘要：

åPROFITSFROMTOYSANDWOODENNOVELTIESINYOURSHOPMakeandselltoycars,wagons,woodenpuzzleandhobbyhorses.retailthematfleamarkets,fairs,throughnationalads,directfromyourshoporyardand/orwholesalethemtostoresorcatalogsalescompanies.Woodentoyshaveaspecialappealthatmostothertypesoftoysdonot--nostalgiaandparentco...

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