How to Start a Cricut Business from Home


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How to Start a Cricut Business from Home!   Everything you need to know about starting a Cricut business or side hustle from home.    Learn all the tips, tricks, and all my best advice about starting a Cricut business.   From the best selling items, how to price handmade goods, the business end of things and everything in between!   If you are thinking about making an income with Cricut, save this post--this is for you!

How to Start a Cricut Business from Home!


Everything you need to know about starting a Cricut business or side hustle from home. 


Learn all the tips, tricks, and all my best advice about starting a Cricut business.


From the best selling items, how to price handmade goods, the business end of things and everything in between!


If you are thinking about making an income with Cricut, save this post--this is for you!


How to Start a Cricut Business from Home!   Everything you need to know about starting a Cricut business or side hustle from home.    Learn all the tips, tricks, and all my best advice about starting a Cricut business.   From the best selling items, how to price handmade goods, the business end of things and everything in between!   If you are thinking about making an income with Cricut, save this post--this is for you!

Do you have a Cricut Machine


Or are you considering one? 


It can be a difficult to justify the investment in a machine.


Please ask me any questions you might have.


I know this is a big decision.


I was a young mother and a wife...we were struggling with work and money.


I didn't have money to buy clothes for my kids.


I had to borrow money from my husband's grandpa to buy diapers for my baby.


I really needed to find a way to support us a little more than my husband's paycheck.


Do you have a Cricut Machine?    Or are you considering one?    It can be a difficult to justify the investment in a machine.   Please ask me any questions you might have.   I know this is a big decision.   I was a young mother and a wife...we were struggling with work and money.   I didn't have money to buy clothes for my kids.   I had to borrow money from my husband's grandpa to buy diapers for my baby.   I really needed to find a way to support us a little more than my husband's paycheck.

The decision to buy an expensive machine was weighed out heavily in my mind. 


We received some money for Christmas and I spent it all on myself (with my husband's blessing)...to buy a Cricut. 


When I bought my first Cricut Explore Air 2 machine, I was determined to have it pay rent for sitting on my desk! 😊


I made enough money, casually, in just a couple MONTHS to pay for the machine completely. 


I'd love to teach you all my tips and tricks for making money from home with a Cricut Machine.


Here's a post on 5 Ways To Make Money using the Cricut Explore Air 2.


In short, if my machine broke/got lost/etc., I'd buy another one without any hesitation. It's worth its weight in gold.


Have I convinced you to buy a Cricut Machine yet?


The decision to buy an expensive machine was weighed out heavily in my mind.    We received some money for Christmas and I spent it all on myself (with my husband's blessing)...to buy a Cricut.    When I bought my first Cricut Explore Air 2 machine, I was determined to have it pay rent for sitting on my desk! 😊   I made enough money, casually, in just a couple MONTHS to pay for the machine completely.    I'd love to teach you all my tips and tricks for making money from home with a Cricut Machine.   Here's a post on 5 Ways To Make Money using the Cricut Explore Air 2.   In short, if my machine broke/got lost/etc., I'd buy another one without any hesitation. It's worth its weight in gold.   Have I convinced you to buy a Cricut Machine yet?

First consider which machine is right for you:


Read this: What to Know Before Buying a Cricut Machine


Cricut Maker 3 or Cricut Maker--Highest price point. Most versatile machine with multiple tools using the adaptive tool technology. This is the machine that keeps on giving. This is my recommendation for various reasons covered in this post.


Cricut Explore 3 or Cricut Explore Air 2--Mid price point. Very amazing machine. Great for cutting, deep cuts, drawing and scoring. This is the machine I started with and it's worth its weight in gold.


Cricut Joy--Lowest price point. Portable and space saving machine. Only machine to use the card mat for easy card making. Cuts and draws. Perfect budget and space friendly. Great for on the spot personalization.


First consider which machine is right for you:   Read this: What to Know Before Buying a Cricut Machine   Cricut Maker 3 or Cricut Maker--Highest price point. Most versatile machine with multiple tools using the adaptive tool technology. This is the machine that keeps on giving. This is my recommendation for various reasons covered in this post.   Cricut Explore 3 or Cricut Explore Air 2--Mid price point. Very amazing machine. Great for cutting, deep cuts, drawing and scoring. This is the machine I started with and it's worth its weight in gold.   Cricut Joy--Lowest price point. Portable and space saving machine. Only machine to use the card mat for easy card making. Cuts and draws. Perfect budget and space friendly. Great for on the spot personalization.

Here's the breakdown comparison for the different machines so you can see what they are capable of.

 Each machine is wonderful and can earn you an income...so pick the Maker if you can, or snag the one you can afford and get started today! Sell stuff, save money and buy the next one!

There's a couple new machines on the market now!


Cricut Maker 3, Cricut Venture, and the Cricut Joy Xtra. 


Lots to choose from, but my heart still belongs to the Cricut Maker/3 family.


Here's the breakdown comparison for the different machines so you can see what they are capable of.   Each machine is wonderful and can earn you an income...so pick the Maker if you can, or snag the one you can afford and get started today! Sell stuff, save money and buy the next one!  There's a couple new machines on the market now!   Cricut Maker 3, Cricut Venture, and the Cricut Joy Xtra.    Lots to choose from, but my heart still belongs to the Cricut Maker/3 family.

Learn Your Machine:

There's a few supplies you will need in order to get started making and selling. 


There are tons of things you can sell...and some of them have a high learning curve or an expensive start up. 


I'd recommend getting a bundle if possible, because then you have some supplies to start with.


Get your Cricut Machine. Open the box immediately. 


Plug it in. Hook it to your computer/phone/tablet, and get started. 


Cut something out of paper to start with. 


Get to know the machine a little using easy images in Cricut Design Space and cut out of scrap paper. 
Don't wait or hesitate. 


Get the machine out and start making money...your future self will be so happy!


GET A BUSINESS LICENSE:


File a DBA with your city so you are covered selling. 


Every state has different rules and regulations about business starting, so find your state website and see what it takes. 


Mine was easy to set up and not too expensive. (Varies between $10-100)


Learn Your Machine: There's a few supplies you will need in order to get started making and selling.    There are tons of things you can sell...and some of them have a high learning curve or an expensive start up.    I'd recommend getting a bundle if possible, because then you have some supplies to start with.   Get your Cricut Machine. Open the box immediately.    Plug it in. Hook it to your computer/phone/tablet, and get started.    Cut something out of paper to start with.    Get to know the machine a little using easy images in Cricut Design Space and cut out of scrap paper.  Don't wait or hesitate.    Get the machine out and start making money...your future self will be so happy!   GET A BUSINESS LICENSE:   File a DBA with your city so you are covered selling.    Every state has different rules and regulations about business starting, so find your state website and see what it takes.    Mine was easy to set up and not too expensive. (Varies between $10-100)

What To Sell:

What will you sell? 


There are 100's of things you can sell using your Cricut. 


In fact, here's a post with 100 Cricut Projects to Make to Sell.


Here's a post on just 101 Things you can make with Cricut.



But let's start small.

When I started selling items, I sold...VINYL CANISTER LABELS.

What To Sell: What will you sell?    There are 100's of things you can sell using your Cricut.    In fact, here's a post with 100 Cricut Projects to Make to Sell.   Here's a post on just 101 Things you can make with Cricut.    But let's start small. When I started selling items, I sold...VINYL CANISTER LABELS.

That's right! I just cut labels out of vinyl and sold them--and people bought them! 


I sold six custom labels, in either black or white adhesive vinyl for $12. 


The vinyl used was only about 4x12" of vinyl, so it was essentially 1/12th of the roll. 


With one simple roll of vinyl I made nearly $150 with only $8 spent on vinyl and $8 transfer tape. 


I sold enough to make back my initial $300 investment!

Vinyl Bumper Stickers are another great option. 


Selling weeded vinyl with transfer tape on top is perfect because it makes shipping so easy too. 


Helpful Tip:


Shipping costs can drive the price up...big, bulky wood projects are heavy and cost a lot to ship. 


By selling cut vinyl, you can sell to a world wide market, using envelopes and forever stamps! 



NOTE: Do not sell copyrighted images. Design something yourself and it's yours to sell.


That's right! I just cut labels out of vinyl and sold them--and people bought them!    I sold six custom labels, in either black or white adhesive vinyl for $12.    The vinyl used was only about 4x12" of vinyl, so it was essentially 1/12th of the roll.    With one simple roll of vinyl I made nearly $150 with only $8 spent on vinyl and $8 transfer tape.    I sold enough to make back my initial $300 investment!  Vinyl Bumper Stickers are another great option.    Selling weeded vinyl with transfer tape on top is perfect because it makes shipping so easy too.    Helpful Tip:   Shipping costs can drive the price up...big, bulky wood projects are heavy and cost a lot to ship.    By selling cut vinyl, you can sell to a world wide market, using envelopes and forever stamps!     NOTE: Do not sell copyrighted images. Design something yourself and it's yours to sell.

Depending on where you will sell your items (next topic), you can branch out on the items you make.


Especially if you have the Cricut Maker


The maker cuts fabric, leather, felt, engraves acrylic and dog tags, cuts thin balsa and bass wood. 


You'll have so many options to branch out if you invest in the Maker for just a little more money up front.


Depending on where you will sell your items (next topic), you can branch out on the items you make.   Especially if you have the Cricut Maker!    The maker cuts fabric, leather, felt, engraves acrylic and dog tags, cuts thin balsa and bass wood.    You'll have so many options to branch out if you invest in the Maker for just a little more money up front.

Here's some more advanced ideas of things to sell:

Learn how to personalize tumblers using a Cricut machine and permanent vinyl. These stunning tumblers make a great gift for teachers, bridesmaids or handmade holidays. Take it a step further and make tumblers to sell as a side hustle.


These more advanced items require additional supplies...the Cricut EasyPress 2 for Iron-On Vinyl or Infusible Ink


Make money simply first, then invest in more materials with the profit you turn. 😊


Helpful Tip:

Pay off your investment. 


Put 10% in savings and then put the rest into the business and invest more. 


Repeat. Get Rich. 😊


Helpful Tip: Pay off your investment.    Put 10% in savings and then put the rest into the business and invest more.    Repeat. Get Rich. 😊

Where to Sell:


This is the tricky part. Marketing, selling, putting yourself out there. 


Here's 5 ways to make money with the Cricut.

And there's much more on this post: How to Make Money Crafting.


Craft Shows

I have done a few craft shows. Essentially making a bunch of inventory and hoping it sells. You need canopies (if it's outdoors), tables, tablecloths, risers, displays, products, price tags and a way to accept payment. (I use Paypal Business--they'll even send you a card reader for free)


Usually a craft show event will charge an entry fee. I've paid anywhere from $20-$70 to set up a 10x10 foot booth. Some shows are so large, they cost $1000's to set up. So make sure you have the inventory to cover the show and turn a profit.


I have always come out ahead at craft shows...but they are my LEAST favorite way to make money. It's more costly because of stock, travel and packing it in and out. You have to sit at your booth all day...haul everything in and out. Plus, you have to store the excess when you come home. It's effective and some people love it. It's just not my favorite.


You'll have tons of people walk up and look at your well made items and say "I could make that" and then leave. It's a little frustrating. Lots of looking and few sales. 


If you are going this route, make 90% of your items cost less than $10. People are much more likely to commit if they are impulse item prices. Have a whole table of $10 and under products! Have a few items that cost more, are impressive and large...but just a few of them. Make sure to have business cards too--so people can follow up if they want something large or personalized.


Helpful Tip:

If you are doing shows, having Cricut Joy would be useful to have on site, if you have electricity.

 Then you can customize items on the spot! Everyone wants something with their name on it.


Where to Sell:   This is the tricky part. Marketing, selling, putting yourself out there.    Here's 5 ways to make money with the Cricut.    Craft Shows I have done a few craft shows. Essentially making a bunch of inventory and hoping it sells. You need canopies (if it's outdoors), tables, tablecloths, risers, displays, products, price tags and a way to accept payment. (I use Paypal Business--they'll even send you a card reader for free)   Usually a craft show event will charge an entry fee. I've paid anywhere from $20-$70 to set up a 10x10 foot booth. Some shows are so large, they cost $1000's to set up. So make sure you have the inventory to cover the show and turn a profit.   I have always come out ahead at craft shows...but they are my LEAST favorite way to make money. It's more costly because of stock, travel and packing it in and out. You have to sit at your booth all day...haul everything in and out. Plus, you have to store the excess when you come home. It's effective and some people love it. It's just not my favorite.   You'll have tons of people walk up and look at your well made items and say "I could make that" and then leave. It's a little frustrating. Lots of looking and few sales.    If you are going this route, make 90% of your items cost less than $10. People are much more likely to commit if they are impulse item prices. Have a whole table of $10 and under products! Have a few items that cost more, are impressive and large...but just a few of them. Make sure to have business cards too--so people can follow up if they want something large or personalized.   Helpful Tip: If you are doing shows, having Cricut Joy would be useful to have on site, if you have electricity.   Then you can customize items on the spot! Everyone wants something with their name on it.

Why limit yourself to just a town full of people at a craft show, when you can market yourself globally?
Market yourself online.


5 Places to Sell your Cricut Business Online:

1. Etsy

     Etsy is the place for all things handmade. Set up a shop and then promote your items on social media sites and Pinterest. Etsy charges 20 cents for each listing posted and a percentage when an item sells. Price the items high enough that it covers for the fees. When I sold my vinyl canister labels, it was 100% on Etsy.


2. Facebook

     Facebook has lots of great ways to sell items. On your own page, just mention to your friends that you can cut custom vinyl. You'll be surprised how many friends want something cut out for them. 


     Facebook Groups. There are lots of Facebook groups that you can sell your handmade goods in. Join them all and market your products. 


     Facebook Marketplace. Post things for sell locally on Facebook marketplace. This means that you physically meet up to exchange money for goods...so it might not be your thing. But it's an option for large custom decor, porch signs, door mats, etc.


3. Instagram 

     Instagram is a wealth of exposure. Link your Instagram account to a website, Etsy page or blog. Then promote the things you make to your followers. Offer giveaways to increase followers and engagement. Take awesome, bright pictures and show off what you make. Let your readers know you sell them and the price...or to DM you for more info. Then send them the link to your website/blog/shop/etc.


4. Shopify Website

    Set up a shop for all your handmade goods. Shopify is an awesome platform that costs about $30 a month, but you can sell as much as you want without adding fees. Post bright pictures and add descriptions in details, with sizes included. Then lead people to your Shopify site through social media, especially Pinterest.


5. Amazon Handmade

    Amazon Handmade is similar to Etsy, a place for all things handmade. You can apply for an artisan account and get selling. It's free to list items and the fee is 15% when something sells. There are professional tools you can opt in to as well, but not needed for artisans. 


Can you image what your revenue stream would be like if you hit all 5 of these?


This is how most people make money online...not just with one little job, but diversifying and having multiple revenue streams. 


5 Places to Sell your Cricut Business Online: 1. Etsy      Etsy is the place for all things handmade. Set up a shop and then promote your items on social media sites and Pinterest. Etsy charges 20 cents for each listing posted and a percentage when an item sells. Price the items high enough that it covers for the fees. When I sold my vinyl canister labels, it was 100% on Etsy.   2. Facebook      Facebook has lots of great ways to sell items. On your own page, just mention to your friends that you can cut custom vinyl. You'll be surprised how many friends want something cut out for them.         Facebook Groups. There are lots of Facebook groups that you can sell your handmade goods in. Join them all and market your products.         Facebook Marketplace. Post things for sell locally on Facebook marketplace. This means that you physically meet up to exchange money for goods...so it might not be your thing. But it's an option for large custom decor, porch signs, door mats, etc.   3. Instagram       Instagram is a wealth of exposure. Link your Instagram account to a website, Etsy page or blog. Then promote the things you make to your followers. Offer giveaways to increase followers and engagement. Take awesome, bright pictures and show off what you make. Let your readers know you sell them and the price...or to DM you for more info. Then send them the link to your website/blog/shop/etc.   4. Shopify Website     Set up a shop for all your handmade goods. Shopify is an awesome platform that costs about $30 a month, but you can sell as much as you want without adding fees. Post bright pictures and add descriptions in details, with sizes included. Then lead people to your Shopify site through social media, especially Pinterest.   5. Amazon Handmade     Amazon Handmade is similar to Etsy, a place for all things handmade. You can apply for an artisan account and get selling. It's free to list items and the fee is 15% when something sells. There are professional tools you can opt in to as well, but not needed for artisans.    Can you image what your revenue stream would be like if you hit all 5 of these?   This is how most people make money online...not just with one little job, but diversifying and having multiple revenue streams.

What Should I Charge?


This is a very broad topic. 


I always charge double of what I immediately think. 


I charge enough that I am thrilled to make the item, instead of feeling grumpy about it...or like it's wasting my time.


Here's a good formula for what to charge for handmade goods: Cost of Supplies + $20-50 an Hour for Time Spent

Here's a good formula for what to charge for handmade goods:

Cost of Supplies + $20-50 an Hour for Time Spent


It mostly comes down to what you feel your time is worth. Some items cost nearly nothing to make, like the vinyl canisters...and nearly no time. 


So you have to be creative and come up with a price you feel good about. A price that makes you feel giddy inside while you are making the item.


WARNING: If you are upset about a project while making it, you are NOT charging enough money for it. Double the price for the next one. 


What Should I Charge? This is a very broad topic. I always charge double of what I immediately think. I charge enough that I am thrilled to make the item, instead of feeling grumpy about it...or like it's wasting my time.   Here's a good formula: Cost of Supplies + $20-50 an Hour for Time Spent   It mostly comes down to what you feel your time is worth. Some items cost nearly nothing to make, like the vinyl canisters...and nearly no time.    So you have to be creative and come up with a price you feel good about. A price that makes you feel giddy inside while you are making the item.   WARNING: If you are upset about a project while making it, you are NOT charging enough money for it. Double the price for the next one.

What Else Can I do to Make Money with my Cricut?


Maybe you aren't ready for a full blown Cricut Business...maybe you just need a little SIDE HUSTLE.


Don't worry about a business license yet, just make a thing here and there to sell when you want.


Accept some custom orders from friends for the holidays and then take a break. 


Helpful tip:

Make something fun with your Cricut Machine, for yourself...but also, make another one to sell.


Every time you make something, make 2 of them. Then list it for sell on Facebook or Instagram. 


This alone should help your machine pay for itself---or at least pay for the additional materials you will inevitably buy.


If you make one cake topper, make another and list it for sale! Boom--easy business.


What Else Can I do to Make Money with my Cricut?   Maybe you aren't ready for a full blown Cricut Business...maybe you just need a little SIDE HUSTLE.   Don't worry about a business license yet, just make a thing here and there to sell when you want.   Accept some custom orders from friends for the holidays and then take a break.     Helpful tip: Make something fun with your Cricut Machine, for yourself...but also, make another one to sell.   Every time you make something, make 2 of them. Then list it for sell on Facebook or Instagram.    This alone should help your machine pay for itself---or at least pay for the additional materials you will inevitably buy.   If you make one cake topper, make another and list it for sale! Boom--easy business.

That's it! 

Everything you need to know to start a business with a Cricut!


Cricut has taken all the guess work out of running a business from home--the variety of products you can make with a Cricut is awesome! 


The wide range of products to suit every skill set and need. 


What are you the most excited about selling? 


Did I answer all your Starting a Cricut Business questions? 


If not, leave them in the comments and I'll respond! 


Save this LONG post for reference, there's so much information here. 


I've poured my heart and soul into telling you all the tricks of the trade! 


Good luck in your Cricut Business!


Like, Pin and Share!


How to Start a Cricut Business or side hustle from Home. Everything from what to make to sell,  how to price things properly, what business stuff to take care of and where to sell your items. Get started crafting a dream business today!


Here's some more helpful Cricut posts:






What Cricut Machine Should I Buy? What Cricut Machine should you buy? This is a real question that I get asked all the time. It's a huge investment to purchase a machine and you want to make sure you are going to use it...and it will do what you want it to do.  I love my Cricut Machines and have worked with Cricut as a craft blogger since 2017. I love the user friendly interface, strong support system, technical support and the easy "plug and play" set up for the machines.



Get the best bulk blanks for crafting with the Cricut from Amazon and other sources. These are perfect for handmade gifts, selling as part of your business or making for Summer camps and events. Find the best quality blanks at great prices for crafting with the Cricut.









Check out this link for tons more things you can make with your Cricut!

100 things to make with the Cricut cutting machine. Perfect for starting a Cricut home business for the holidays.


Check out this post on 5 ways to make money with the Cricut Explore Air 2, which has key tips that can be applied to any of the Cricut electronic cutting machines. 

here's 5 ways to make money with the Cricut explore air 2, which can be applied to any of the Cricut electronic cutting machines.










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postscript

Comments

Carley said…
Girlfriend, you had me at hello! I swear you could be my new best friend! Lol My cousin raved to me about the money-making abilities with a Cricut. She is super artsy-craftsy and says that those large flowers used at weddings and receptions make a bunch of money for her. I have had home businesses in the past for clothing. I still have interest. Those cute things you make, I totally want to do that. Does the Maker do all of the above? Sorry to take the lazy research method out, but I have lots to get done (I know, don't you as well!). Thanks for looking out for us all! My oldest sister did crafts as a widow (she's significantly older than me. This was during the 70s & 80s). I always wanted to craft and earn money like her. I would love to have clothing and crafts as a side hustle on my way to a family history business.
Doodlecraft said…
Hi Carley, yes! The Cricut Maker does everything I have pictured. It's the machine I recommend all the time.
Carley said…
I am looking like a full day of school tomorrow (last thing I wanted to do). I love that you said casual because that is the only to do it right now. I am so busy between family and school! Totally want a side hustle, even still!
This is a great article I am definitely saving it!
Unknown said…
One of the people that is fixing my home said he will buy a mug and tshirt with his logo on it, and I don't even have much planned for my business! I'm glad this post exists, or I will be a goner!! Lol
Unknown said…
You are God sent. Thank you for your tips. They gave me that little extra push I needed :)
Anonymous said…
I have been debating on doing this for so long! I think I have made up my mind! I just dont know exactly where to begin.
Unknown said…
How did you decide how to handle your payment method?
Unknown said…
I eventually want the total Cricut online business and I know that I will need to get the appropriate license to sell my products online. However; can I still sell online as a side hustle through Facebook to friends and family (without limitations) and forgo the any licensing until I have established a customer base? Another option I I have been looking into is selling only through Private Club Membership, but still confused on the legalities of profit and taxes concerning that one.
Doodlecraft said…
Places like Etsy, Ebay or most online stores have the payment methods built right in. When I do big trade shows I use the Paypal app and card reader they send for free. If I do stuff in person, I take venmo. Just whatever works best for tracking, recording and taxes. :)
Doodlecraft said…
Yes, start selling on facebook to friends and family. It doesn't really take much effort to get a business license, but decide if it's your passion by taking a few orders and seeing the return. I don't know much about clubs and memberships...but my best advice is start with something! :)