How to Not Overbuy Wreath Supplies
Hey guys! I’m back with another Tip Tuesday video for you! Today’s tip is going to be geared toward the new sellers out there. We’ll be talking about how to not overbuy wreath supplies and what I did when I first started my business to make sure I wasn’t spending too much and I could actually make a profit. Let’s dive right in!
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For anyone who is just starting their business of selling handmade items, it’s really easy to fall into this one particular trap – feeling like you need to have ALL OF THE SUPPLIES. I’ve been teaching wreathmakers for years, and trust me – if you’ve fallen into that trap and found yourself with tubs of ribbon and shelves full of greenery that you’ve had for ages and never used, you’re not alone.
But it’s time for some tough love.
That is not a good way to become a profitable business owner.
Now, if you haven’t fallen into this trap yet, great! Keep reading and learn how to avoid it! If you’re looking around your work area right now and realizing you’re at that point – don’t worry! We’ll get you back on track.
I do recommend thinking about putting a spending freeze on your account though until you can get your supplies under control. And don’t feel bad about that. I still do it myself sometimes and I’ve been at this for over 10 years!
How to Shop For Wreath Supplies Like A Business Owner
First, let’s talk about that ‘gotta have it all’ trap.
When you were making wreaths just for your own front door, did you go into the craft store and just start throwing everything you thought looked pretty into your cart?
Probably not.
You went in with a plan!
You knew you were making one wreath and you bought the supplies for that one wreath.
But when you start selling, there’s a little switch that flips in you that tells you you’re missing out on opportunities to sell by not buying more supplies. Don’t fall for it!
But that’s not to say you can only buy supplies for one wreath at a time. We all know that you’re going to need to have more than one wreath in your shop at a time. So what you need to do is find a happy medium between shopping for a single wreath and buying cartfulls of supplies.
Here’s how I managed to do that.
My Beginning Shopping Method
When I first started out, my plan was to buy supplies for three wreaths at a time. I needed to build up an inventory but I was also on a budget. So what I would do is go into the store and pick out supplies for ONE wreath.
I would find a sign or a ribbon or flower that inspired me, and I would use that to build up what I wanted the wreath to look like. I would find coordinating materials, and hold everything together to make sure it meshed well. Once I was satisfied with my choices, I would put them in the cart to one side, and start the process over.
I would find another wreath theme, get everything I needed for it, and move on.
Then again once more.
By the time I was done, I had three different piles in my cart, each with exactly enough materials to make one wreath. I never bought anything that I didn’t need for one of the three wreaths that I was making that day.
And then I would go home. No more shopping until those wreaths were made and ready to go.
Now, I’m not saying I waited until those three wreaths sold before I would go buy supplies for the next three.
But having a limited amount of supplies can help you be less overwhelmed with choices and more productive in your crafting.
(Even now that I’m able to buy my materials in bulk, I still don’t keep everything out and in front of me while I’m working. I still just pull out what I want for each wreath that I make.)
If you stick to this method, not only will you be able to keep track of spending and make sure that you can sell each wreath for a profit, but eventually, you will start getting a stockpile of extra materials. You know, not every wreath is going to use the whole spool of ribbon. There’s always extra greenery.
Then you can save the extras and have them for when you need a little something extra in a future wreath. And bonus! It’s already paid for!
Tips for Staying Profitable
1. Don’t Use Credit
If you look at my business now, it might seem hard to believe that I actually started out with just $500 cash. But once I decided to start selling my wreaths, I knew I had to treat it like a business if I wanted to make this work. So I made the decision to invest ONLY $500 to start. I refused to carry any debt in this business.
I also believe that it’s harder to be truly creative when you don’t truly own the supplies you’re using.
2. Think About How You Can Repurpose Materials
One way you can really save on materials is by using leftovers during other seasons. Take a spool of red ribbon for example. If you bought it to make a Christmas wreath and you have leftovers, you can still use that for Valentines Day, Fourth of July, fall themed, etc… Pink could be Valentines Day, Spring, Easter, Mother’s Day… The list goes on.
Once you have supplies, it’s your job to use them up until they’re gone. You have to make the most out of the money you spent on it.
3. Don’t Be Afraid To Use ‘Out of Style’ Materials
You’re in the craft stores all the time. You know what’s in this year and what is “so last season”. Your customers don’t. Not only that, but most of them don’t care!
If you’ve got out of season stuff that you didn’t use from a previous year, don’t be afraid to use it. Again, tough love. If you spent money on it, you need to figure out how to use it. That’s part of being a business owner.
4. Join a Business Group
My favorite tip for business owners is to try not to think of other wreath makers as your competitors, but as your people!
I love to see members of my Inner Circle helping and learning from each other. Even the most experienced makers are learning new things about this business all the time. This is something I really wish I had when I first started my business, which is why I created the group. I’m so excited to see its members succeed and be surrounded with other business minded creatives. It’s just such a great community.
If you’re interested in learning more about my Wreath of the Month Club, click here! Otherwise, check out the video below. Don’t forget to subscribe!
Craft Tip Tuesday Video – How to Not Overbuy Wreath Supplies
If you enjoyed this and want to learn to wreath the professional way, join me in our exclusive Wreath Making of the Month Club, seats open soon!
Happy Wreathing,
Julie
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How to Price Wreath to Sell for Profit
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Thank you Julie for your invaluable insights and advice in “How Not to Overbuy on Supplies!” Your words of encouragement inspired me! I appreciate your knowledge and creativity as a successful business entrepreneur. I am new to the selling aspect of a successful business. Yesterday, August 24, 2020, I joined the “Julie’s Success Business Membership,” and look forward to the vast learning experience in creating and selling wreaths!
Awesome!! I can’t wait to work with you!
Hi Julie! I’ve admired your wreaths for a long time and my first successful bow was the “funky” bow two years ago when I first started…in my dining room!! Lol. It actually gave me confidence that i could make this work! I just signed up and am so excited to learn!! Your videos are wonderful, easy to follow and thorough. I have an extremely successful FB page and debating on ETSY., but lots to learn. Can’t wait to learn from the best, thank you!!!?
Yes it is a lot. Take it one day at a time. This is also the best time to get started here in time for the holidays.
Thank you so much! I am really picking up tips even though I just joined. I do have a question that you have probably already answered and I just haven’t found it yet but I am so curious. How do you store your wreaths until they sell, especially if they don’t sell for a while or you have them until next season?
I hang in my garage. Create wreath towers out of 3 wire shelving zip tied (this holds 6-8 wreaths and 6 lantern swags) and you can hang whereever you find space. I also used to use the green wire funeral easels.
Hi Julie! Thank you for this, I think I will make myself read it once a week! I live about 45 minutes from the nearest craft store so the impulse to make sure I have lots of supplies on hand is very strong. My thinking is becoming more business-like all the time though, thanks to your reminders!
Too late,Julie, I already have a room full of supplies. Have been buying a little at a time over the past three years, still scared to create, but did one for my neighbor last year and she liked it. With your site and support I am going to jump in and really get my feet wet.
How do I register to get on your wed site. An how do I join the wreath of the month club please?
Just go to http://www.learntowreath.com
An where you get your supplies from also?
Various places. We have a full list in our Wreath Making of the Month Club.
THIS…..THIS is absolutely a Must Read. Thank you for posting this, Julie. I had a ton of supplies and my husband is just looking at me like, “When are you gonna use all this stuff?” He sees it as money just sitting around and he’s right! Now that I have more direction from looking at your other videos and postings, I’m so much more prepared mentally on how to move forward. Since finding your site a few days ago and joining your business circle, the ENTIRE TRAJECTORY of my mindset has shifted. I actually feel the most inspired and POWERFUL since starting out. I feel WAY less overwhelmed but “all of the possibilities”. You are truly an answer to my prayers. God bless you, Julie.
Julie , what’s the easel you use?????
Hey Tina – Here is the affiliate link for the easel Julie recommends: https://rstyle.me/+shuQf-ktsfgOY7HYqr_4Gg
Hello Julie,
I’ve been feeling very overwhelmed thinking about making wreaths for other people when I’ve only made three wreaths for myself. I sent one to my sister that I reconstructed until I thought it looked good. Instead of enjoying making wreaths I’m getting myself stressed out. How long does it take to feel confident in your skills? I’ve already felt like quitting when I’m just beginning.
Thanks
You only get confidence by doing. We all have the initial fear…I’m I good enough, will it fall apart after a week, will it get damaged in shipping, etc. It’s very stressful at first but keep doing it and it becomes second nature.
Thank You! You inspire me to continue with this wreath and other crafts business, I just started, Thank You for your knowledge and wisdom, and Thank You for sharing, May God continue to bless you and your business and your family.
I love your wreaths. I’m fairly new to this but you have already helped me so much. I’m not interested in making this a business, I’m just doing it for the enjoyment. I’m wondering if there are websites where you can buy supplies cheaper than at a regular retail store. Thank you, Lyn
No, not without a resale license.
TU!!!! Retired from Nursing over a year ago. Wanted to do this. Have lots of supplies but can now see the light at the end of the tunnel with your help. Will take a deep breath and handle 1 project at a time.
Hi Julie after making a single wreath to sell on Etsy should I buy more if I’m hoping to sell multiples on Etsy? And how many should I anticipate to make? I have been in situations before that I couldn’t get anymore of the supplies . What is your recommendation?
Thank you so much I am always watching your videos and learning a lot.
Hey Diane – This is something Julie covers in her Success Circle. If you are interesting in joining, you can learn more and sign up here: https://southerncharmwreaths.com/success-circle
Thank you so much for sharing this Julie. I have always had a problem with being one of those who tends to go overboard with buying everything all at once, so I truly needed to hear your words of wisdom. I’ve just joined both the Wreath Maker of the Month Club and the Color Clarity Masterclass. I was a florist years ago, but I let my career as a nurse and nurse practitioner take over my life until I finally burned out a year ago. I remember the joy it brought me though when I used to bring happiness to others with the wreaths, arrangements, and swags that I made for them. It was therapeutic for me back then and I feel like that’s what I need now. After 20 years, though, I feel like I need to relearn everything that I’ve forgotten plus all the new stuff that’s come along. I feel like the Lord brought me to your website Julie. Thank you so much for being willing to help me and all the others through your knowledge and experience.