Own business...?

I want to open up a small shop that sells crafts and hand made things (cards, keepsakes, etc). The shop would sell templates, all kinds of card, material, all things crafty.

How do I find out about suppliers? I know quite a lot about most things else (I hope!)

To find out about suppliers:

- Check out the products you want and contact the manufacturers. Establish a wholesale account with them though be prepared to purchase in their required quantities

- Attend craft tradeshows. You will meet the manufacturers and suppliers in the industry and will allow you to start networking and establish relationships. Go to sites such as http://www.tsnn.com to find out trade shows in the industry that are upcoming

- Subscribe to trade publications. These magazines always have ads from manufacturers and suppliers in the industry. Often, they will have an annual buyers guide that lists all the manufacturers and suppliers in the industry

- Join trade organizations. For the greeting card industry, for example, you can join the Greeting Card Association http://www.greetingcard.org/ - they will have suppliers list for the industry

- Contact sales agents. They will help you in touch with manufacturers and wholesalers in the industry. You can check with retailers and ask them for recommendations of agents. Or check the industry association for information on sales agents working your area.

- Use the web. Thomas Register http://www.thomasnet.com/ which is the most comprehensive resource for finding information on suppliers of industrial products and services in North America