Handmade lamp maker (home studio)

Home decorators, gift buyers, interior designers and small boutiques looking for something different from mass-produced lighting.

Selling finished lamps directly at a markup over materials and time, through an online shop, craft fairs and wholesale to local stores. Custom orders can be priced higher.

• Design and making by hand
• Basic wiring and assembly
• Photographing and selling products online

• Electrical product safety: check whether your lamps need to be tested and listed by a lab such as UL or ETL, and what your retailers or marketplaces require
• Product liability insurance, since a faulty lamp can cause fire or shock
• Home occupation permit, HOA or lease rules for workshop use at home
• Sales tax registration with your state and a local business license, check with your city or county
• Shipping fragile items, plan packaging costs and breakage

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your tools, your materials and the certified electrical parts you buy. This is an estimate, so price your first small batch of lamps before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $3,500, depending on how many lamps you make, your prices and whether you sell online, at markets or to boutiques. This is an estimate of revenue, before materials and shipping.

Check whether your lamps need testing and listing by a lab such as UL or ETL, and what your retailers or marketplaces require. Also check product liability insurance, home occupation or HOA rules, and sales tax registration and local licenses.