Home Business Idea:Alterations
Business description-If you know how to and enjoy sewing you can put your talent to work sewing items or offer repair and alteration services. Home based alterations businesses can find themselves making changes to cheer leading squads and drill team uniforms, making draperies, tablecloths, quilts, pillowcases and sheets, costumes, doll clothes, or even making cloth labels for children's clothing. You might want to design and sew original items such as tote bags for the beach, diaper bags, overnight duffle bags, or infant and kid's clothing as part of your alteration services. However the bulk of many alteration businesses are still that of repairing zippers, turning up hems and other basic repairs that many people simply do not know how to do or feel that they do not have the time.
Materials needed-You will need a sewing machine and sewing supplies, such as thread, needles, etc. In addition most alterations experts have advanced sewing skills. A computer can be helpful for processing orders and using it for billing.
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Space requirements-You will need room for sewing and alterations. In addition you should have a separate, suitable room for greeting and dealing with clients (this is the room that can be used for fittings as well). You will also need suitable parking for clients.
Time requirements-This is a business that you can truly work as much or as little as you want to. However with that being said most alteration services have a turnaround time for their clients. Much of your reputation and therefore your success will be determined by how fast you can turn items around for your clients.
Income potential-2 ½ The income potential on this job will vary widely from one area of the country to another. When pricing you should have a detailed price list of what you will be sewing and it should be printed with your business name and graphic prominently showing. Keep in mind that each service you provide needs to be priced with the cost of materials and your time included. Customers will want to know your pricing, timeline, and any other policies they should be aware of. You should not under value your time and price your hourly fee appropriately. It is important to do your research to see what others in your area charge and price your seamstress/tailoring services competitively.
Keys to success-The following tips can be helpful in making your at home alterations a success:
- You should make a professional portfolio that demonstrates the scope of your skills.
- Create a catchy business name and have business cards made up. You will want to use the same graphic on the portfolio, business cards, and everything else you create. This will help generate "branding" of your business.
- It can be helpful to join your local Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, or other creative clubs in your area.
- Work with your local Dry Cleaner, Boutique, Dance Studio and formal wear business owners to see if a cross-referral relationship can be arranged. Referrals can become your best marketing tactic in growing your business.
- Always pass out your business cards to everyone you come in contact with. You may be surprised how many acquaintances you have at the grocery store, church, kid's events, etc.
Risk-If you are not a seamstress to begin with the costs of setting up shop can be high. If your business fails you could be left with a studio of sewing equipment that could be hard to get your money back on. However most alterations businesses report a steady demand if you can continue with a high degree of professional looking work.
