Canvas Things

www.canvasthings.com.au

1. Tell us about your business

“Canvas Things” (www.canvasthings.com.au) is a sole craftsman who designs and manufactures a wide range of quality AUSTRALIAN CUSTOM-MADE canvas products using quality materials & threads. Offering a personalised service for that individual or unique canvas product required, and also REPAIRS to a wide range of canvas products, whether it be the hole in your caravan annex, torn window mesh, broken zip or your torn horse rug. “Canvas Things” has been located in Yarrambat Victoria for many years and has a reputation for quick, personal and quality service.

2. When and why did you start your business?

The business was born from a combination of factors in 2002: Wanting to turn my skills and hobby in to being able to satisfy customers needs for a quality product and a unique product that suited their individual needs, and turning a hobby in to a full time business.

3. On a personal level, what have you achieved with your business?

I love my business, I don’t treat it purely as a job I have been able to achieve a growing number of satisfied customers whom return for repeat business or whom refer others to me for business. This is very satisfying personally.

4. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in growing your business?

Having to meet and balance the peaks and troughs of work demand. Sometimes having to work 7 days a week to meet the peaks of work demand Striking a good work/family-time balance.

5. What activities have been successful in promoting your business?

Doing a quality job for the customer every time Handing out business cards at every opportunity Attaching a business label to all new products I manufacture Handing out a promotional flyer with all repair jobs completed Advertising locally Business promotional sign at workshop location Business web site Listing on Australian web business directories.

6. What activities were less successful for marketing your business?

Attending weekend markets with products I manufacture Advertising in high priced ‘out-of-area’ publications.

7. Name your favourite thing about your business

I own it the decisions I make are to my personal benefit My hours and days are flexible.

8. Who or what other businesses or business people inspire you?

The individualism and product quality of crafts/trades people Honest and reliable crafts/trades people.

9. What are your plans for the future of your business?

To maintain or grow at a steady rate without sacrificing my personal-life time To meet the customer work demand and maintain product quality.

10. Share your best business tip with our readers.

Do a quality job for the customer every single time. Do not sacrifice quality of materials or craftsmanship to satisfy a lower price a customer may require.

Visit us at: www.canvasthings.com.au