Buying wholesale can save you money on craft supplies.
Making a scrapbook filled with pictures of happy family memories or turning a bit of fabric, a few buttons and a handful of string into a work of art requires skill and creativity. A crafter is someone who can transform ordinary materials into objects of utility and warmth. Whether you like to make sweaters as you sit on the subway or you want to earn a living helping others do so, you will need supplies. A crafting project requires the right materials to be successful. Buying items wholesale is a great way to save money before you start.
Instructions
1. Purchase supplies online. Many craft stores have online stores as well. Often these stores have items available at wholesale prices. Some craft stores will only sell to members who are in the trade and have federal tax identification numbers, which can be obtained from the IRS. Others will sell to the public without the need to prove that you have a business. Look for stores that allow you to see the item close up before you buy it. A site should have detailed pictures and exact specifications that indicate all you need to know before you buy.
2. Work with business to business retailers. A business to business retailer is a store that only sells to other businesses. In order to buy from them you have to have a federal tax identification number. You also may need a state vendor's license. Such retailers can save you hundreds of dollars on everything from beads to yarn and glue. If you work in multiple mediums such as painting and fabric you may need to work with more than one retailer. Consider working with or starting a club related to your favorite crafting activity so you can share in the savings with other members.
3. Visit a craft supply warehouse. Craft supply warehouses specialize in providing bulk items at a discount. Such stores also focus on providing items that might otherwise be obscure or difficult to find such as polymer clay, wooden toy wheels and vintage bakelite beads. If the craft warehouse store is far from your house ask them to send you a catalog. Most supply warehouses will have the same items and sale prices in the catalog as they have on the shelves. When visiting the store plan ahead so you don't miss crucial items you may need later on.
Tags: business business, craft stores, federal identification, have federal, have federal identification, save money, stores have