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When you start selling what you make, the materials are only part of the cost. You also need ways to label, weigh, package and ship orders, and these supplies decide how professional your business looks and how much time each order takes.
This guide covers four non-craft supplies new sellers commonly need, and offers tips for keeping startup costs low while you find out what sells.
Quick comparison
Comparison of the products recommended in this guide
Don't buy everything at once. Sell your first few items, use basic packaging and invest in a label printer or better materials once orders show demand. Money spent early on equipment can't be spent on testing new products.
Packaging is part of the product
Customers judge a product by how it arrives. A neat sleeve, a rigid backing for prints and a thank-you card cost little and make the order feel considered.
Know your costs
Track what each item costs to make, package and ship, plus fees from the platform you sell on. Price based on those numbers, so you don't discover later that you're making little or nothing.
Rules and keeping organized
Selling usually involves business licensing, taxes and sales tax rules that depend on where you live, so check them locally. This guide isn't legal or tax advice. A tidy workspace helps too, and our craft room organization guide has ideas.
Frequently asked questions
What supplies do I need to start a craft business?
Beyond materials, you'll typically need packaging, mailers, a scale and shipping labels, and a way to print them.
Do I need a thermal label printer?
It isn't essential at first, but it saves time and money if you ship several orders a week.
How can I keep startup costs low?
Start with basic packaging, sell a few products and add equipment as orders grow.
Hand-held presses, clamshell presses, mini presses and combo machines compared for beginners making shirts, bags and small items with heat transfer vinyl.
The sticker making supplies a beginner actually needs: printable sticker paper, a craft knife and mat, a corner rounder, clear bags and an optional cutting machine.
