Lets face it life as a small trader is not easy. If you were to actually sit down and think about it fully you’d run for the hills before you even start. Why would you do this to yourself? Passion? Income? The need for freedom of the hours you work? Nope that can’t be it. Ok you do get to be flexible with the hours you work but you will work plenty. Marketing, planning, accounting, research and development. The list is long. Jack of all trades, master of none has never been more relevant. But would you change it?

I will admit I never wanted an office job. I always wanted to be my own boss. In some ways at my day job I am but I digress. Did I ever think I would have my own business. I’d hoped but I never thought it would happen. Is it worth all the hard work? Some days honestly no. This small trader is never going to be able to pay the constant household bill from just this source of income. So why keep going? Because I love it.

Some people are lucky enough to find products that they can produce quickly, are in demand and will turn a profit enough to support themselves. Not me. Knitting takes time. It can play havoc on your hands and I will hold mine up and say I can’t do day sessions knitting without suffering for it later. The joy comes from actually creating something. People buying it and getting wonderful feed back.

Let me give you an example. I had a lady message with a question about an item that she wanted slightly different. Could I do that for her? Indeed that’s no problem. I get the order done and dispatched to receive a review a few days later praising my customer service. Gold star for me if you please. The following day she messages me. She had received so many compliments on her new purchase and was so happy. That is why I do it.

To get that kind of message about something I have made is priceless. It makes the hours of working, stressing and self doubt worth it. So if you buy from a small trader and love your purchase let them know. It may be the thing that keeps them going.