Information Resource: A Business Starter Kit for Custom Craftspeople.

Okay, I've taken a look at the Reddit post.

Product/Service Opportunity Analysis:

1. Identified User Need/Problem: The user, a new custom furniture maker ("just barely getting going"), is unsure about basic business practices, specifically regarding the standard procedure of taking deposits for custom orders ("Is it wrong to request a deposit?"). Comments from other users confirm that taking deposits (e.g., 50%) is not only acceptable but standard and advisable ("good practice," "50% is normal," "Totally reasonable"). This highlights a knowledge gap among skilled artisans who are transitioning into or are new to running a business. They may have the craft skills but lack fundamental business acumen.

2. Target Audience:

   • New artisans, crafters, and makers (e.g., woodworkers, custom furniture makers, jewelers, textile artists) who are starting to sell their custom work.
   • Skilled individuals who are excellent at their craft but inexperienced in business operations, client management, and financial best practices.
   • Users of platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Etsy, local craft fairs who are moving from hobbyist to professional.

3. Proposed Product/Service: Product Name Idea: "The Custom Creator's Business Starter Kit" or "Artisan Business Essentials" or "From Craft to Cashflow: The Maker's Guide to Custom Orders."

   Product Type: Information Resource (Digital Product)

   Description: A comprehensive yet accessible digital guide or mini-course designed specifically for artisans starting to take custom orders. It would cover the essential business practices needed to operate professionally, protect their work, and ensure profitability.

   Key Content Modules/Topics:

   • Quoting & Pricing Custom Work: How to calculate material costs, labor, overhead, and profit margins. Templates for professional quotes.
   • The Importance of Deposits: Why deposits are crucial (covering material costs, securing commitment), standard percentages (e.g., 30-50%), and how to communicate this to clients.
   • Contracts & Agreements: Simple contract templates for custom work, outlining scope, timeline, payment terms (including deposit, progress payments, final payment), revision policies, and cancellation clauses. Explaining why these are important for both maker and client.
   • Payment Schedules: Different models (e.g., 50% upfront, 50% on completion; or milestone payments for larger projects like the 50/40/10 mentioned).
   • Client Communication: How to professionally discuss terms, manage expectations, and handle inquiries about deposits and contracts.
   • Managing Orders & Workflow: Basic tips for tracking custom orders.
   • Dealing with Platforms: Specific advice for platforms like Facebook Marketplace (as mentioned by the user) regarding building trust when deposits are involved.

   Format Options:

   • Option A (Basic): A downloadable PDF Ebook + a set of editable templates (quotes, contracts).
   • Option B (Enhanced): A short online video course with downloadable workbooks and templates. Could include short interviews with experienced artisans.

4. Expected Benefits/Revenue:

   • Revenue Model: One-time sales of the digital product.
   • Pricing:
     • Option A (Ebook + Templates): Could be priced affordably, e.g., $29 - $49.
     • Option B (Video Course): Could be priced higher, e.g., $79 - $149.
   • Value Proposition for Buyers:
     • Saves time and reduces the stress of figuring out business basics from scratch.
     • Helps avoid common pitfalls like underpricing, not getting paid, or client disputes.
     • Increases professionalism and client trust.
     • Empowers artisans to run a more sustainable and profitable custom-order business.
   • Market Potential: Large, as there are many individuals starting small craft businesses. The barrier to entry for selling crafts is relatively low, but business knowledge is often a hurdle.
   • Scalability: High for a digital product. Once created, it can be sold repeatedly with minimal additional cost.
   • Estimated Revenue (Example for Option A): If 100 artisans purchase a $39 toolkit in the first few months through targeted marketing (e.g., in craft forums, Facebook groups for makers), that's $3,900. The potential is much larger with broader reach.

Why this is a good opportunity: The Reddit post directly expresses a need for knowledge ("Is it wrong...?"). The comments validate that this knowledge is standard for established businesses but not intuitive for newcomers. This indicates a clear demand for a resource that bridges this gap in an accessible and actionable way. The product directly addresses the user's pain point and offers a practical solution.