Willow basket workshop for shops and commissions

Gift shops, garden centres, florists and homewares stores buying stock, plus businesses and individuals ordering custom baskets, hampers or display pieces.

Wholesale sales at a lower price per basket in bulk, higher-priced custom commissions, retail sales at markets and online, and optionally paid workshops.

• Consistent weaving across a repeatable range
• Costing and pricing for wholesale and retail
• Dealing with shop owners and custom clients

• Check council zoning and approval if your workshop is at home or in a rented unit
• Public liability and product insurance are worth checking, especially for wholesale
• Wholesale margins are thin, so check you can still earn a fair hourly rate
• If you grow willow, check your state's rules on planting and whether the species is restricted in your area
• Retailers may pay late, so agree payment terms clearly

Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $15,000, depending on your workshop space, tools and materials. These are estimates, so cost your own setup before committing.

Check council zoning and approval if your workshop is at home or in a rented unit. Also check public liability and product insurance, especially for wholesale, and if you grow willow, your state's planting rules and whether the species is restricted in your area.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your range, wholesale orders and commissions. Wholesale margins are thin, so check you still earn a fair hourly rate. Plan for at least about 25 hours a week.