Saturday, June 20, 2009

Putting it Together - Craft Assembly

There is a lot of debate about work at home craft assembly...some think it is a scam while other love what they do. The truth is that while you won't get rich, if you have a bit of free time and enjoy crafting chances are that it will be something that's right for you.

So why the bad reputation? Many of these businesses that contract craft work require a start up fee for everything from membership to shipping. Often you will have to supply or purchase the materials necessary yourself or through the company. Many of these companies do refund your fee but only after a certain number of kits or units have been returned and accepted by the company. This also goes for any return of your money if you choose not to continue with the project. Some fee returns can be partial as others can be none at all depending on what the policy is.

Another shadow cast on craft assembly is that there is no guarantee that your work will be accepted. After sending in any completed items, they will undergo inspection and based on this is how much you will be paid. Quite a few people believe that this process is rigged so that there is never a full order being approved while others seem to have no experience with this practice.

The pay rate for the items vary depending on the item and can be as low as a few cents to a few dollars. Some carry the misconception that all is required is a glue gun, a few minutes, and it is just thrown together. This is not a way to work from home and get rich quick, it takes hard work, long hours, and dedication.

I suggest that if this is an area that you might enjoy, ensure that you fully research the company with the BBB, ripoffreport.com, and consult anyone that might have any experience with the company since it is not uncommon for people to experience different sides with the same company. Normally I would say not to send any sort of money, which I will say, however this is normal for craft assembly and the best way to protect yourself is to use good judgment, do your homework, and if you still aren't sure, go with a company that offers a decent refund of your fee.

Here are just a few of the better known home craft assembly companies:
New England Crafters
The Magical Gift Company (same as above)
EZMark Bookmarks
Tiny Details
SonRise Greeting Cards
Cottage Industries

***Please note, I have not personally tried any of these companies. I have heard some good things about them but do not endorse or recommend anything other than you doing research for yourself. NEVER PAY FOR A LIST OR DIRECTORY OF CRAFT BUSINESSES!***

1 comments:

Anonymous said...

I want to comment to the information you have given about work at home crafting companies and New England Crafters. I feel the information you have given is the most accurate information I have read online to date.

I do disagree with some of what you have posted but mostly agree with the information given.

After much research and consideration I feel the work at home craft companies that pay some workers are a scam.
It seems to me after talking with many who have spent money attempting to make money with these crafting companies most have failed in making money. Because of this and all involved that seems deceitful on the crafting companies part my opinion is the companies are scamming folks so they can profit.

I wish I had a positive opinion about these crafting companies but after much thought and research I feel they all are scamming most who pay that money upfront.