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When it comes to at home manufacturing businesses, most people choose to do the manufacturing off-site, and simply manage the day-to-day business it involves from their homes. If you're thinking of how to start a manufacturing company, here are some tips to consider.

If you're planning any sort of manufacturing at home, you must have a license to do so. In many neighborhoods, at home businesses of any kind just aren't allowed. With a home based manufacturing business, even where they are allowed, there will be many regulations and laws that you will have to follow. And you should know that any rules that apply to the big manufacturing companies will also pertain to your starting a manufacturing company from home.

These rules and regulations will primarily concern safety, pollution, and quality control issues. You likely have to do some major work on your home to meet these regulations, as well as setting up the necessary equipment for your at home manufacturing business. Getting all the licenses, approvals, certifications, and permits takes time. Doing these things can also be quite daunting.

So daunting, in fact, that most people who are involved in starting a manufacturing business choose to run the business from their homes, but do the actual manufacturing in another location.

By doing this, the facility where they do their actual manufacturing is in a place where all the codes and regulations are already met. They will often also have all the necessary equipment so that all a person does is have to staff up to get their at home manufacturing business going.

Regardless of which way you choose to go, you should understand that it will take time to have everything in place before you can actually start your at home manufacturing business. This is not a start-the-same-day business opportunity. You will need to have a business plan that maps out your strategy for starting your at home manufacturing business.

Some questions to think about as you plan your at home manufacturing business strategy are:

• Where's the best location?
  
• How will I finance my home manufacturing business?
  
• Will I need to hire people?
  
• If so, how many people will I need?
  
• Should I hire an accountant?
  
• What equipment and supplies do I have to have?
  
• Do I have the business knowledge I need?
  
• Are any special permits or certifications required?
  
• Are there any government regulations concerning the product my home manufacturing business will be making?
  
• Where do I want this business to be in 6 months? A year? Two years?
  
• Am I willing to do what's necessary to make this business a success?
  
• Does my family support my at home manufacturing business idea?
  
• Do I have the space I need for an at home office?
  
• Would having a partner be beneficial?
  
• What sort of tax plan is best for me?
  
• Who's my competition and what are they doing?
  
• Is there a need for my product?
  
• How will I get my product to market?
  
• What sort of advertising and marketing should I do?
  

As you can see, there are lots of things to think about when thinking about how to start a manufacturing business at home. But to be successful, it's necessary to do as much research and planning in the beginning as possible. This saves you a great deal of time, money, and frustration in the long run. No one has ever regretted taking the time to do something right, but far too many people have huge regrets over leaping before they look. You don't want to be one of them.

Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

About the Author
Randy is owner of Profitable Home Businesses, How to Plan a Baby Shower and Las Vegas Weddings. Randy owned and operated a very successful storefront/mailorder business from 1988 to 2003.