Craft E Newsletters

So you’re thinking about opening a Co-Op to sell your crafts

Since I opened The Speckled Goose and rent out space to other crafters, I thought that I

would share some of my lessons learned from operating a co-op type environment.

Renting out space is a great way to get additional product in your store, and help pay the

rent. It also gives you a larger variety of items to sell. This works great for me as

I don’t make candles or jewelry.

One of the draw backs is if your vendor doesn’t pay their rent, or make their payments

in a timely manner. This can cause trouble if you’re counting on this money to help make

your rent payments. If your vendors don’t make their rent payment, you’re still responsible

to your landlord to make your payment on time.

You also need to be able to communicate with your vendors incase they are slow payers, or

there is a problem with their products. You can’t let issues go on too long without communication.

It will only cause stress and you don’t need that. You are in business to make money,

not make friends.

Ok, so you have decided to open a store and rent out space within your store. Make sure

that you juror potential vendor products prior to signing a lease with them. This can save

you a lot of problems and embarrassment in the future. TRUST YOUR GUT!

Lease ~ yes, you want to sign a lease with all of your vendors. Spell everything out in this lease.

Opening The Speckled Goose is one of the best things that I have done. I get to craft all

the time, talk with customers, and make a little money in the process. If this is one of

your dreams, I say go for it. Just make sure that you’re ready for a lot of work, some stress,

long hours and lots of enjoyment. If you have any questions about something that

I haven’t covered, please send me an email and I will be happy to help.