If you love and are good at sewing, maybe you dream of having your own tailoring business that you run from home. Maybe you don't know where to start or whether it's the right decision. By spending some time thinking about your ability to run your own business and then setting up your company wisely, you can earn money doing the work you love from the comfort of your own home.
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Part 1 of 3: Determining Business Continuity
Step 1. Assess your skills as a tailor
Before planning to set up a business, you should first assess your skills as a tailor. By considering your abilities objectively, you can decide whether tailoring is the right option.
- One way of assessing ability is to compare your work with other tailors around. Is your work comparable or better? You can't expect success if you can't compete.
- Do people often ask where you sew clothes? If so, that's a good sign that your skills are needed, especially since word of mouth can attract customers.
Step 2. Think about whether a home tailoring business can be adapted to your lifestyle
Realize the impact this business has on your lifestyle as well as your family. Consideration of the time, emotional, and physical demands of being a tailor is essential if you are to run a successful business.
- Are you able to cope with the physical demands? Sewing means having to sit or bend over in front of a sewing machine for hours on end.
- Think about whether being a self-employed tailor fits your personality. Client management is very important and if you don't like working with other people this may not be the right choice.
- You have to provide a special space in the house, especially if you are going to meet clients. Are you willing to sacrifice space?
- You should also consider the location. If your house is located in a remote area, it is difficult for potential clients to reach you.
Step 3. Evaluate whether the tailoring business can meet the financial needs
Let's say a home tailor makes an average of IDR 36 million per year. This amount varies depending on how often the tailor works and where he operates. Continue this plan if the average or minimal income can meet your needs.
- The average salary of a factory tailor is equivalent to the minimum wage.
- With the annual income as above, it means that the monthly income of a home tailor is IDR 3 million or IDR 100,000 per day.
- Prices can be determined by checking the cost of comparable services in your area. Prices should be competitive, but make sure your work is worth the price. Mentors can help set a fair price for both you and the client.
- One aspect to consider when setting a price is how fast you sew. If you need longer or faster, adjust the price based on speed to ensure your skills and work are properly rewarded.
- Remember that you will have to pay taxes and other fees.
Step 4. Check your current sewing kit
You should have a high-quality, complete, or industry-standard sewing machine that will last for years. You will also need a supply of fabric, thread, and needle. If you need large capital, this venture may not be the right decision.
- You'll also need a spare sewing machine just in case the first one needs repair.
- Remember that high quality equipment is at the core of the business and allows you to reap income.
Part 2 of 3: Setting Up a Home Business
Step 1. Set up a business
Maybe you need to set up a legal entity to legalize the business. Setting up a business as a legal entity, as well as developing a marketing strategy and billing structure, can show clients that you are a serious business.
- If you have questions, consult with the MSME association formed to help small entrepreneurs.
- Make sure you have all the correct and necessary licenses, certificates and insurance to start a business. The MSME Association can also help if you have questions.
- In some cases, you may not need to set up a legal entity for a home business. However, it is recommended that you set up the business properly to limit the possibility of personal liability in case of problems with the business.
- Make sure you register your business at the Directorate General of Taxes.
- Maybe you need an accountant to help with your finances, from registering with the Director General of Taxes to creating a budget.
Step 2. Develop a short-term and long-term business plan
Make a plan as a business guide. A plan is essential for growing a business and accommodating unforeseen events, such as illness or lawsuits.
Plan in detail. List owner and employee responsibilities. Create a list of services and prices that can be changed on demand. Finally, make sure you calculate the cost of supplies and salaries
Step 3. Make room for the sewing area
You must provide a dedicated space as a business base. Set up one or more spaces where you can work without distractions.
- You need enough space to meet clients, finish stitches, and store materials.
- Make sure the room is warm and inviting to clients. The place of business must be clean and tidy. Make sure potential clients can get some privacy when trying on clothes.
- If possible, create a separate driveway from the house. Otherwise, the client will enter through the house. So, your home should always be neat, clean and tidy.
Step 4. Purchase inventory
You should include sewing supplies in your business plan. After setting up the company, buy the extra supplies you need to get started.
- In addition to a high-quality sewing machine and spare machine, make sure you have an adequate supply of thread, needle, and embroidery supplies. You'll also need quality scissors that won't damage the fabric.
- If you have a computerized sewing machine, you may need additional software to create various patterns.
Step 5. Find a mentor for you and your business
Choose a mentor who understands small business or sewing business. A mentor will help grow your business and guide you through difficult times or situations.
Mentors can provide valuable advice on all aspects of the business, from pricing to dealing with difficult clients, or continuing education as a tailor
Part 3 of 3: Building a Business
Step 1. Offer a variety of sewing services
Most tailors offer a variety of services such as repairing clothes, hemming, and sewing new clothes. The more diverse your services, the more likely you are to succeed.
- If you decide to offer additional services, make sure you are aware of fashion trends and sewing methods. Find information by reading finance and fashion magazines.
- Even if you offer several services, it's a good idea to focus on the types of stitches that help attract customers. For example, you can work very well on delicate fabrics, such as lace. Consider specializing in sewing wedding dresses.
- Don't be too diverse. Offering a few services that you are good at will be much better than dozens of services that you know very little about.
Step 2. Create a pricing structure
Determine the pricing structure of your services. By knowing how much to charge from the start, you will appear more professional in the eyes of potential clients.
- You may need to set a base price and make adjustments depending on how much work to do.
- Know the prices of tailors or other companies for reference.
- Make sure your price is commensurate with the experience and location. For example, the cost of sewing clothes in Jogjakarta is certainly not as much as the cost of sewing in Jakarta.
Step 3. Create a billing and payment system
After determining the pricing structure, create a billing and payment system. Consider the types of payments you accept and how receipts are generated to help certify your business and make it easier to generate income reports.
- Make sure you have a separate business bank account from your personal account.
- In addition, have separate credit for business.
- Ensure all aspects of pricing and billing are transparent to clients and vendors. Fair business practices are critical to your success.
Step 4. Create a portfolio that shows your character
Portfolio is one of the means to demonstrate ability to clients. You can also use the portfolio to advertise on the web and social media.
- The characteristics that set you apart from other tailors will attract potential clients.
- Capture the work you've completed and make consistent updates on the web.
- Make sure you include a variety of stitch types and styles to appeal to a wider range of tastes and client budgets.
Step 5. Develop a marketing strategy
Advertising is the first impression clients get, and you need to consider a variety of media to attract them. With concise and simple ads, you can attract a wide variety of clients.
- If you want to design your own ads and websites, look for other business ad references in your area. Build a brand that is simple, distinct, and attracts potential clients and customers.
- Create brand-friendly ads. Use the same colors and design schemes to get potential clients and customers to associate those elements with you.
- Small businesses rely heavily on word of mouth promotion. Develop customer base through referrals and maintain strong business relationships with clients.
- Form partnerships with other businesses to advertise your business. Consider a system that asks other businesses to provide your business card at their office and you provide theirs as well.
- Involvement in community activities is also free marketing. You can donate services or contribute to charities to introduce your name in the community.
Step 6. Give a guarantee
Provide a guarantee for the quality of your goods and services. If you believe in quality so that you can guarantee it, potential clients will be interested in trying it and customers are likely to keep coming back.
Step 7. Follow garment trends and sewing methods
The clothing and garment business is largely determined by trends. By keeping up with the latest sewing methods and clothing trends, your business has a chance to be successful.
Read business publications, attend sewing conventions, and make connections with other tailors to help hone your skills and personality
Step 8. Sell your product in various places
If you sew garments at home, consider selling them in different places. You can also sell products at festivals and the internet to increase profits.
- Online marketplaces for craft projects like sewing are a great place to introduce your talents to a wider audience.
- Craft fairs, weekly markets and festivals also provide options for selling products and increasing profits. These places also introduce you to potential clients.
