Handmade willow baskets for markets and online

Gardeners, home decorators, gift buyers and shoppers at craft fairs, farmers markets and online marketplaces.

Price per basket, with small baskets selling cheaply and larger or custom pieces fetching more. Extra income can come from custom orders and gift sets.

• Hand weaving or willingness to learn
• Patience and attention to detail
• Basic photography for online listings
• Friendly selling at market stalls

• Check whether you need a state sales tax permit and how to collect sales tax at markets and online
• Check city or county rules on home occupation permits and HOA or lease limits
• Consider product liability or general liability insurance, and ask market organizers what they require
• Hand weaving is slow, so work out your price per hour before setting prices
• If you harvest willow yourself, check you have permission to cut it and rules on moving plant material

Startup costs are typically around $300 to $1,500, depending on your tools, willow supply and market stall or online shop setup. Treat this as an estimate and start with a small range of designs.

Monthly revenue is typically around $200 to $1,500, depending on how many baskets you make and sell and which markets you attend. Hand weaving is slow, so work out your price per hour before setting prices.

Check whether you need a state sales tax permit and how to collect tax at markets and online. Check city or county home occupation rules and HOA or lease limits, what insurance market organizers require, and whether you may cut willow you harvest.