If you are able to sew, this is such a great 'business idea' for you, especially if you own your own sewing machine and like to sew. You will be able to make a good profit from this idea if you are able to make the purses yourself.
Let's face it, most teens love unique and fun purses. This type of purse won't be too expensive for them and they can show that they are unique and different by choosing their favorite logos or phrases commonly worn on t-shirts. Most teenagers would never wear the same favorite t-shirt every day, but in the case of a purse, they can make their favorite statement every day by carrying their purse with them.
There are so many types of designs that you can choose from by using t-shirts also, just because the purse is constructed from stretchy cotton knit material. This will allow you many different shapes to work with; large, bulky, long, floppy, light, etc. You can also use another material to line the purses with, so they will have more structure. Used clothing can work well for this too. This just gives you such a great variety of styles and shapes to offer.
Where would you sell these unusual purses? You can sell online, at flea markets, to local stores, and more. An online store would be a great idea for a stay-at-home parent. You could make the purses and ship them out from your home. Make sure that you have close-up, clear pictures of each of the purses and styles. Take orders too, just in case someone would like a purse they don't see on your site. You also have a huge customer base this way and most teenagers have no problem using computers to look for something they really want.
Offering some of these purses on auction sites is a great way to get your business known quickly too, even if you take a few losses on the purses, you can use it as advertising; a much cheaper way to advertise.
Check with your local schools and see if they are sponsoring any future bazaars or flea markets too, this would be a great way to offer your bags to the very ones they should appeal to. Most schools or PTAs offer such things to make extra money to fund various groups in the school, if they don't have any events like this, see if they would be interested in doing so.
You should be able to easily ask for, or sell, each purse for about $20 each; of course, this is an average price that you should aim for. Be creative in designing many styles of purses that you can make and offer high-end models also, there are always people that want something better than every one else! Keep offering new and exciting purses and you will have return customers on a regular basis, women can never have too many purses even the young ones.
Resources:
http://sewing.about.com
http://www.savvyseams.com/
http://tinyhappy.typepad.com
http://henriettashandbags.com
http://www.etsy.com/how_selling_works.php
October 15, 2009
