As a crafter, your home based business opportunities are limited
only by your imagination. The ability to create beautiful or
unique items will always be in demand. Who doesnt appreciate
the originality of something handmade  something that will be
treasured for many years to come? People love these
individualized craft items and most will happily pay whatever
price you ask. Consider some of the following ways that you can
make money from your craft talents.

Selling your craft items at local craft shows remains one of the
most well-known home based business opportunities. This type of
business is extremely simple to set up. Other than the cost of
creating your particular craft item, you just need to pay a
table or booth rental fee at the show. In many places, crafters
can also display their items on a consignment basis in local
stores which rent table or booth space. Of course, you still
need to consider any tax liability, but starting this type of
business can be very inexpensive.

Why not try one of the more innovative craft-related home based
business opportunities? Instead of just selling crafts that you
have created, you can also market craft patterns and supplies.
Compile your own collection of craft patterns into a simple
booklet. Then, market it to people at craft shows or on the
Internet. To benefit from this idea even more, why not purchase
the needed supplies and put everything together in a craft kit?
Many people will happily pay for this extra service because they
wont need to spend the time planning the project and obtaining
the materials.

One of the most popular online home based business opportunities
continues to be selling crafts or craft-related products on eBay
and other auction web sites. Of course, you can encounter quite
a bit of competition. However, if your product is very unique or
extremely specialized, you can be quite successful in auctions.
Also, try selling your pattern collections and craft kits in
this way and you may be surprised at the success you experience.

Take advantage of the many home based business opportunities
available for crafters and, before you know it, your creativity
will put you on the road to financial success.

Do I Need It?

Well, that all dependsIf you have insurance, you probably wont
use it. If you dont have it, youll probably be sorry.
Insurance is just one of those necessary evils. Keep the
following points in mind when you consider whether or not you
need home based business insurance.

First, will you be obtaining a business license of any kind? If
so, you will need to check the licensing requirements. Some
local governments require that you maintain a certain level of
liability insurance especially if people will be coming to your
home during the course of your business. If your local
government doesnt require home based business insurance, then
you must look at your individual situation and make that call.
You may want to consult a licensed insurance agent to advise you
of possible affordable options.

Will you keep an inventory in your home? In that case, you will
probably want to insure it against a potential loss. Most
homeowners insurance policies do not cover the loss of business
supplies so check with your local insurance agent to find out
the best option for your home based business insurance needs.

If you will use your car consistently in your business, you will
probably need to contact your auto insurance agent. Premiums
usually increase when you drive your car for regular business
use. One thing to keep in mind is that business use of a car is
often tax deductible so this can help defray the added home
based business insurance cost.

Many people run their businesses without any type of insurance 
sort of under the table if you will. This is probably fine if
you run a fairly small operation and dont mind replacing any
materials that you lose. However, if you anticipate people
coming to your home or maintain a significant inventory,
wouldnt you rather be safe than sorry? Starting a business is
hard enough without risking the loss of all of your hard work
because you didnt invest in home based business insurance.

You already know how wonderful it can be to work from home, but
do you realize how many home based business tax advantages
exist? Here in the United States, many people operate home based
businesses just to take advantage of the numerous tax
deductions.

Claiming the use of your home in your business can give you some
hefty deductions on your tax return. As with anything
tax-related, you must meet certain requirements determined by
the Internal Revenue Service. However, if you use one room or
part of a room specifically for your business, you can receive a
significant home based business tax deduction. This can include
portions of your utility bills specifically related to that area
of your house as well as any relevant home improvements.

Your phone and other office services can also provide you with a
substantial home based business tax deduction. If you maintain a
separate fixed phone line or cell phone specifically for your
business, then all costs related to those phone lines can be tax
deductible. However, if you use equipment or services in both
personal and business environments, it is more difficult to
establish a tax deduction. Its not impossible, but you must
meet some fairly strict requirements and maintain good records.

Using your car in your business gives you the potential for
another good home based business tax deduction. Of course, you
must keep excellent records but you can deduct mileage and
car-related expenses that you incur while conducting your
business. With any type of business, other incidental costs come
up. You can also take deductions for purchases of items such as
office supplies, postage, advertising materials and expenses.
You can potentially deduct even more by hiring your children or
spouse to work as employees for you. This enables you to deduct
health insurance premiums and other typical employee-related
expenses.

In order to find out about the many home based business tax
deductions available to you, consult an experienced tax advisor.
With proper advice and good recordkeeping, your home based
business can become even more successful.