Handmade Toys - Some Tips For Getting Started In A Making Toys

By Carm Paynter

According to some North American media reports there are a lot of imported toys being finished with paints containing lead. Large numbers of these imports have been recalled, hopefully we found them all. Considering the number of toys that are imported and the possibility of getting lead paint off these toys one could wonder what the alternative might be.

Some of us who are already retired or at least have some free time should be considering making wooden toys as one of our retirement hobbies. I'm also suggesting to you that there is a substantial market for handmade toys and this latest import problem has just increased that market. The type of handmade toys you choose to make will be determined by your interests and what you determine would be most popular in your area.

Start by getting yourself established with a good supplier of the materials you will need to make wooden toys or any other type of handmade toy you desire to make. You should never use sub-standard materials. I emphasize that quality is especially important for toys, they will get a lot of use and abuse. Quality is important for all practical items that your customers will use on a daily basis. A poorly fabricated toy or anything else you make, will get you a lot of unhappy folks, especially kids and you will quickly lose any customers you had.

Once you have established a relationship with a supplier for your supplies, you will need to consider what's needed in your area and what form your advertising should take. There are several ways in which you can market your toy products. Having a web site that you could direct clients to for a look at the toys you make is a fantastic way to get your name out there and to showcase your work. People who shop online are quick to refer you to their friends if they have had a pleasant experience and are happy with the outcome of their online toy purchase.

Local events and opportunities such as arts and crafts fairs, flea markets, farm markets, trade shows, small outlet stores and even mall kiosks are all possible retail resources that you should investigate. Marketing your own toy designs to specialty stores is a great way to start your home toy business. Make sure you maintain your level of quality throughout your business dealings and sales process. Anything less will have a negative impact on your success.

Giving some of your toys to fund raising drives, silent charity auctions and regular charity auctions that are high profile will get you excellent exposure. Your work will be associated with the high quality of the event. A charity auction is usually designed to raise funds and attracts the people who are eager to buy items at these auctions. Your work will get a lift in the eyes of these people just from your association with the event. This could lead to future sales if you market yourself properly during the event. It's even worth giving away some of your toys so you can say that "so and so" has some of your work. This kind of marketing can only improve your credibility in your local area.

Remember we have protection for intellectual property in the form of design copyrights to be considered. If a customer has a copyrighted design that s/he would like for you to fabricate don't forget this. However, the best part of all of this, the plus side, you can copyright your own designs. Consider this if you design a popular product no matter what it is. This could lead to increased revenues in your Home Based Business. Be vigilant and always try to improve your creation to make it the best it can be before copyrighting.

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