You’ve probably been card making for a while and already been selling them to friends and family with a good response. Maybe aquaintances have seen your cards and asked if you’d make some for them. You’re ready do start a business – maybe just on a part-time basis.

Put a portfolio together of your very best cards so you have something to show prospective customers. Price your cards (there will be another article about pricing at a later date) as this gives customers a guide if they want something similar.

Then go out and tell everyone you know that you are now making cards professionally and are taking orders – tell them all to tell their friends. And then go and tell the tax man. Sorry, but this bit is vitally important. As soon as you set up a business you must inform HM Revenue and Customs – and you’ll find them very helpful. When Madeleine set up her card making business she received loads of free adevice from the tax office – mainly on how to avoid paying tax! The same advice from an accountant would have cost