Consulting at home, theirs or yours? - Learn How To Make Hats Online | Hat Academy Millinery Courses2024-03-28T20:10:25Zhttps://hatacademy.com/forum/topics/consulting-at-home-theirs-or-yours?commentId=6485913%3AComment%3A237649&feed=yes&xn_auth=noIn the U.S., in many municipa…tag:hatacademy.com,2018-05-24:6485913:Comment:2392602018-05-24T09:36:53.048ZCynthia G Peacockhttps://hatacademy.com/profile/CynthiaGPeacock
<p>In the U.S., in many municipalities, it's very easy to run a business from home. I run a business from home (not a millinery business), and I have about two or three people visit my home every day. I get deliveries a couple of times a week. In my experience, if you don't disrupt the neighborhood you're good. </p>
<p>I'm very interested in starting a hat business too. I've happened upon a very interesting business model accidentally. I brought my hairdresser a little hat I had made. She…</p>
<p>In the U.S., in many municipalities, it's very easy to run a business from home. I run a business from home (not a millinery business), and I have about two or three people visit my home every day. I get deliveries a couple of times a week. In my experience, if you don't disrupt the neighborhood you're good. </p>
<p>I'm very interested in starting a hat business too. I've happened upon a very interesting business model accidentally. I brought my hairdresser a little hat I had made. She went bonkers over it. I'm not being modest here. It was just a little leather button with some leather trim on it. I gave it to her because I thought the color would look good on her. She suggested that I set up a little display in her shop and make a sample book. She would act as something of a vendeuse for the hats. I could meet the customer at the shop if needed. We haven't figured out the details yet, but I think it may just be a good idea. </p>
<p>Many of the new styles -- buttons, perchers, saucers, etc. -- don't really even need a fit consultation. </p>
<p>This is one of those "nothing may come of it" ideas, but it may just be one of those win-wins. </p>
<p>Thought I'd share it here in the event it might help someone else. </p> Hi Jain,
I have worked from h…tag:hatacademy.com,2018-05-04:6485913:Comment:2376492018-05-04T05:59:33.265ZCherrywood Designshttps://hatacademy.com/profile/SuzanneMadden
<p>Hi Jain,</p>
<p>I have worked from home for 19 yrs now. I have always been able to work with clients by first emailing to find out what they are after and then a phone call to have a chat and get more of a feel for what they want. Before I start any work, I always post them small samples of colours we have talked about for them to match against outfit and accessories (that way no come back). </p>
<p>During the process of making their items, I always send photos which is so much easier now…</p>
<p>Hi Jain,</p>
<p>I have worked from home for 19 yrs now. I have always been able to work with clients by first emailing to find out what they are after and then a phone call to have a chat and get more of a feel for what they want. Before I start any work, I always post them small samples of colours we have talked about for them to match against outfit and accessories (that way no come back). </p>
<p>During the process of making their items, I always send photos which is so much easier now with mobile phones. I have never had an issue or a disappointed client. I also have a showroom at home, but not all clients are local. </p>
<p>Hope that helps</p>
<p>Suzanne</p> Hi Elaine
If the business is…tag:hatacademy.com,2018-05-02:6485913:Comment:2374482018-05-02T07:55:33.680ZTara Kayhttps://hatacademy.com/profile/TaraKay
<p>Hi Elaine</p>
<p>If the business is new and only has an online store, is any insurance required in your experience?</p>
<p>Many Thanks,</p>
<p>Tara</p>
<p>Hi Elaine</p>
<p>If the business is new and only has an online store, is any insurance required in your experience?</p>
<p>Many Thanks,</p>
<p>Tara</p> My studio is home based and I…tag:hatacademy.com,2016-07-28:6485913:Comment:1828962016-07-28T09:57:11.533Zedith fhttps://hatacademy.com/profile/edithf
<p>My studio is home based and I am covered</p>
<p>My studio is home based and I am covered</p> The Commercial Public Liabili…tag:hatacademy.com,2016-07-28:6485913:Comment:1830372016-07-28T09:22:12.102ZElaine Mergardhttps://hatacademy.com/profile/ElaineMergard
<p>The Commercial Public Liability Insurance is essential - you are so right Charmaine. Only $200 - $300/yr People have public liability in home insurance but many have discovered the hard way that when money is exchanged for product it is commercial and if customer or student has an accident /fall at the home they are not covered by normal PL Insurance. For peace of mind it is worth it. :)</p>
<p>The Commercial Public Liability Insurance is essential - you are so right Charmaine. Only $200 - $300/yr People have public liability in home insurance but many have discovered the hard way that when money is exchanged for product it is commercial and if customer or student has an accident /fall at the home they are not covered by normal PL Insurance. For peace of mind it is worth it. :)</p> Make the client come to you i…tag:hatacademy.com,2016-07-27:6485913:Comment:1828582016-07-27T08:41:29.975Zedith fhttps://hatacademy.com/profile/edithf
<p>Make the client come to you if they are serious! As it would be easier for you to access all that you need to colour match/ compliment the client outfit or skin tone!</p>
<p></p>
<p>If you go to visit them then you have to carry a lot of stuff, set up, and also include the costs of the visit or visits in the commission.</p>
<p></p>
<p>I choose to remain where I'm comfortable and the client also gets to see completed projects and some being built thus increasing the potential of additional…</p>
<p>Make the client come to you if they are serious! As it would be easier for you to access all that you need to colour match/ compliment the client outfit or skin tone!</p>
<p></p>
<p>If you go to visit them then you have to carry a lot of stuff, set up, and also include the costs of the visit or visits in the commission.</p>
<p></p>
<p>I choose to remain where I'm comfortable and the client also gets to see completed projects and some being built thus increasing the potential of additional sale.</p>
<p></p>
<p>I only go to clients homes with the put together or finished piece with a few just in case trims if they decide to add to original!</p>
<p>But they are aware that cost has to be totalled in final price! Always take deposits before starting work...non refundable!!</p> Hi , I work from home. I thin…tag:hatacademy.com,2016-07-26:6485913:Comment:1829192016-07-26T09:20:59.463ZCharmaine Mitchellhttps://hatacademy.com/profile/CharmaineMitchell
<p>Hi , I work from home. I think the most important thing is to have public liability insurance, it is easy to arrange and gives peace of mind. Also if you decide to have a table at a show, they usually require it. For remote clients, I often will post a card with some small samples and people can decide if its a match. I don't charge for this service as the cost is really only a postage stamp.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>Hi , I work from home. I think the most important thing is to have public liability insurance, it is easy to arrange and gives peace of mind. Also if you decide to have a table at a show, they usually require it. For remote clients, I often will post a card with some small samples and people can decide if its a match. I don't charge for this service as the cost is really only a postage stamp.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p> Thanks Marion, good point abo…tag:hatacademy.com,2014-02-19:6485913:Comment:925302014-02-19T19:00:43.065ZJain Kidsleyhttps://hatacademy.com/profile/JainKidsley
<p>Thanks Marion, good point about being able to leave !</p>
<p>The weekends delivery has turned out fine as she has called to say her mother loved it, so off to pick up payment tomorrow, *( dont ask, but fall out from the shop closing) and wont be doing a leave and see one again.</p>
<p>Thanks Marion, good point about being able to leave !</p>
<p>The weekends delivery has turned out fine as she has called to say her mother loved it, so off to pick up payment tomorrow, *( dont ask, but fall out from the shop closing) and wont be doing a leave and see one again.</p> Jain,
Some pluses for visitin…tag:hatacademy.com,2014-02-18:6485913:Comment:924512014-02-18T08:41:29.161ZMarion Lowehttps://hatacademy.com/profile/MarionLowe
<p>Jain,</p>
<p>Some pluses for visiting the client in their own space is that you do not have to deal with public liability or business insurance costs in your own home; you get a better picture of the 'personality' of your customer and their outfit and accessories will be to hand for them and they can try it on in their own space with their own family/friends around if they want them to be there too. Also YOU can be in charge of your time with the client. ie you can leave when you need to by…</p>
<p>Jain,</p>
<p>Some pluses for visiting the client in their own space is that you do not have to deal with public liability or business insurance costs in your own home; you get a better picture of the 'personality' of your customer and their outfit and accessories will be to hand for them and they can try it on in their own space with their own family/friends around if they want them to be there too. Also YOU can be in charge of your time with the client. ie you can leave when you need to by stating you have another appointment. When people come to your own house it can develop in to 'chat' and other distractions so you may find your time is better spent doing the traveling - of course this depends how far away your clientele are.</p> Thanks Bridget, my house is…tag:hatacademy.com,2014-02-17:6485913:Comment:921582014-02-17T18:28:06.353ZJain Kidsleyhttps://hatacademy.com/profile/JainKidsley
<p>Thanks Bridget, my house is just not conducive to having more than 1 person in at a time (me liking space around me too) and I also did clothing from home for a select set of clients, so aware of how it can take over. I will have to see how it pans out.</p>
<p>Thanks Bridget, my house is just not conducive to having more than 1 person in at a time (me liking space around me too) and I also did clothing from home for a select set of clients, so aware of how it can take over. I will have to see how it pans out.</p>