Stained Glass
Stained Glass Business - How To Start Yours
Operating a stained glass business can be a greatly rewarding way of fulfilling not only a dream as an artist, but also one as an entrepreneur. The craft of stained glass making has its origins with the medieval artisans who sweated over their creations which vivified temples, castles, cathedrals and other buildings throughout Europe and elsewhere. Stained glass art offers artists and buyers a compelling medium steeped in fine and gilded craftsmanship that raises glass itself to rich and rarefied levels. Combining a love for the art of stained glass and the commerce of getting it to the connoisseurs will provide you with a truly special reason to leap out of bed in the morning.
You must have a good business sense if your stained glass venture is going to succeed, of course. Making sure you have the proper amount of supplies and workforce on hand is first and foremost. Choosing the right employees (if any) with the right experience to be able to render stained glass projects worthy of sale is also imperative to your success. Attracting and keeping the right kind of clientele (ones who will actually purchase your wares) is also, of course, key to keeping your business alive. You must generate a buzz and get people to, as well as talking about, your stained glass business. If you can pull of all of these things, you're most likely going to be in pretty good shape running this type of venture.
Finding relatively inexpensive stained glass dealers is a good step in the right direction. You'll want to keep costs down as much as possible, as in the running of any business. Hiring interns who are art students so that you (in most cases) don't have to pay them is another smart move that will also be like college credit for the students, to apply to their future career in art! Your student employees will also have the opportunity to test the waters, to see if they have what it takes to make a living in stained glass. Also, networking with other business owners, and more specifically, with other art dealers and stained glass business owners, will generate more leads and traffic into your door. Being located in an "arty" or advantageous area, perhaps near art dealers, galleries, college campuses, etc. if it's at all possible, is one more idea to consider.
At least one business owner blogging about his "Stained Glass Adventures" writes that the stained glass business is highly competitive and labor intensive. He also recommends working with warm glass as opposed to flat glass work, in order to expand the possibilities of what you can do in a studio setting. He says remaining open-minded and non-competitive in your thinking of the next stained glass business down the street is a very good thing--that guy is actually helping your business, he says, by increasing knowledge about the craft in the community, therefore upping the chances of more people ending up in your store!
Make sure to plan out and research your business plan thoroughly. Figure the cost of all the materials and start-up to be around 1/4 to 1/3 of the overall retail value of your business. The fleeting nature of this type of business in particular means relationships and networking must be solid, and core customers kept. People's interest in stained glass is fragile at best, and it is certainly not a "blue chip" type of industry. Most, if not all stained glass business owners get into it largely due to their love of the craft--not as a result of being shrewd profiteers, so be aware of the general market fragility, have fun, follow the above instructions and may your passion for stained glass translate into profitable customer appreciation!
About the Author
Have you ever wanted to make an income with your hobby? If you are good at making stained glass, Steve Weber has more information on his site about how to start a Stained Glass Business.
Stained Glass in Doubleglazing
 |
 4 LBS 60 40 SOLDER Stained Glass Supplies $46.00 Time Remaining: 12h 22m Buy It Now for only: $46.00 Buy It Now |
 SCATTEREDStained Glass Window Panel Signed and Dated $67.00 (9 Bids) Time Remaining: 20h 15m |
 BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLY Stained Glass Window Panel NR $66.99 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 20h 40m |
 large stained glass art artsy scrapbook stamp $2.99 Time Remaining: 29d 12h 6m Buy It Now for only: $2.99 Buy It Now |
 FLORAL SWIRLStained Glass Window Panel Signed and Dated $98.77 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 20h 11m |
 10 LBS 60 40 SOLDER Stained Glass Supplies $115.00 Time Remaining: 7d 6h 43m Buy It Now for only: $115.00 Buy It Now |
 Beautiful STAINED GLASS Hanging Window Panel Suncatcher 9x25 hummingbird $69.99 Time Remaining: 9h 55m |
 Abstract Sun Stained Glass Panel $58.09 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 19h 56m |
 Tiffany Styled Stained Glass Window Panel 13x 22 9120 22 $49.99 Time Remaining: 5d 10h 15m Buy It Now for only: $49.99 Buy It Now |
 Antique American Stained glass windowArts Crafts1of 2 Circa 1915 $56.00 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 16h 25m |
 White Blue Peacocks SUNCATCHER Stained Glass $19.95 Time Remaining: 28d 15h 54m Buy It Now for only: $19.95 Buy It Now |
 Large Tiffany Style stained glass window panel Iris 23 x 365 $139.99 Time Remaining: 21h 18m |
 Notre Dame Stained Cathedral Rose Glass Window with Steel Chain $59.99 Time Remaining: 1d 20h 8m |
 Stained Glass G2 Bottle Cutter Generation Green Recycles Wine Bottles NICE $18.70 Time Remaining: 15d 19h 8m Buy It Now for only: $18.70 Buy It Now |
 ANTIQUE LEADED STAINED GLASS WINDOW MORTISED FRAME BEAUTIFUL COLORS DESIGN $64.00 (11 Bids) Time Remaining: 14h 1m |
 STAINED GLASS SUPPLIES EPHREMS BOTTLE CUTTER KIT BEST 1 $40.00 Time Remaining: 29d 8h 58m Buy It Now for only: $40.00 Buy It Now |
 Antique American Stained glass transom windowOld PhiladelphiaCirca 1898 $228.49 (23 Bids) Time Remaining: 16h 43m |
 STAINED GLASS SUPPLIES GENERATION GREEN BOTTLE CUTTER $19.53 Time Remaining: 10d 9h 56m Buy It Now for only: $19.53 Buy It Now |
 Large Tiffany Style stained glass window panel peacock 23 X 365 $155.99 Time Remaining: 21h 22m |
 NICE ANTIQUE STAINED GLASS DOOR QUEEN ANNE ARCHITECTURAL SALVAGE $250.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1d 11h 58m |
 Purple Iris Night light stained glass Tiffany Flower $18.95 Time Remaining: 14d 20h 47m Buy It Now for only: $18.95 Buy It Now |
 1 Antique Stained Leaded Glass Window C Pre 1900s $189.99 Time Remaining: 1d 18h 27m Buy It Now for only: $229.99 Buy It Now |
 1 8 RH Lead Came Channel for Stained Glass 30 feet $11.99 Time Remaining: 29d 21h 12m Buy It Now for only: $11.99 Buy It Now |
 STAINED GLASS WINDOW PANEL 8 WIDE X 26 1 4 L $49.99 Time Remaining: 2d 8h 25m |
 Large Tiffany Style Stained Glass Window Panel Flower 2275 X 3675 $144.99 Time Remaining: 21h 18m |
 WWJD Woven Bracelets Mix Match Lots of Colors NEW $0.99 Time Remaining: 12d 23h 12m Buy It Now for only: $0.99 Buy It Now |
 Moonlit Tree Stained Glass Window Panel $79.99 Time Remaining: 9h 3m Buy It Now for only: $129.00 Buy It Now |
 Fleur de Lys French Design Stained Art Glass Window Panel Hand Painted Suncatchr $110.75 Time Remaining: 13d 18h 43m Buy It Now for only: $110.75 Buy It Now |
 Antique American Stained glass windowArts Crafts1of 2 Circa 1915 $66.00 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 16h 29m |
 P75 Older Large Beautiful Multi color Leaded Stained Glass Window From France $98.83 Time Remaining: 21h 3m Buy It Now for only: $115.00 Buy It Now |
 1 lb Avril 50 50 Stained Glass Solder + LOW SHIPPING $11.99 Time Remaining: 28d 7h 40m Buy It Now for only: $11.99 Buy It Now |
 THREE Antique English Stained Glass WIndow 22 1 2 x 12 263 More in Store $289.99 Time Remaining: 12h 45m Buy It Now for only: $320.00 Buy It Now |
 Tiffany Styled Stained Glass Window Panel 13x 22 9120 48 $49.99 Time Remaining: 2d 10h 54m Buy It Now for only: $49.99 Buy It Now |
 Princess House Fantasia Sapphire Blue Stained Glass Plate Panel $89.95 Time Remaining: 1d 19h 18m Buy It Now for only: $99.95 Buy It Now |
 Easy Victorian Florals Stained Glass Pattern Book Books $8.95 Time Remaining: 29d 15h 38m Buy It Now for only: $8.95 Buy It Now |
 Vintage 1970s Stained Art Glass Window Signed Phillippe Studio MannfordOklahoma $19.99 Time Remaining: 2d 10h 57m |
 NEW 9 Stained Glass Art Seven Patch Suncatcher NIB 915 $31.97 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1h 34m |
 Tiffany Styled Stained Glass Window Panel 13x 229120 10 $49.99 Time Remaining: 18d 11h 21m Buy It Now for only: $49.99 Buy It Now |
 STAINED GLASS GREEN BUTTERFLY SUNCATCHER $9.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 12h 28m |
 Fuji instax Mini Instant 50PCS Limited Edition Stained Glass Film + Wall Ablum $69.99 Time Remaining: 6h 28m Buy It Now for only: $69.99 Buy It Now |
 LOT GALLERY GLASS BOOKS PAINT + ED SIBBETT STAINED GLASS CAROL GRAFTON $11.50 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 11h 12m |
 Victorial Memorial Stained Glass Window Panel in Pine Frame $25.28 (5 Bids) Time Remaining: 5h 55m |
 Stained Glass Supplies Beginner Kit with NEW Grinder $138.95 Time Remaining: 16d 12h 54m Buy It Now for only: $138.95 Buy It Now |
 Stained Glass Wind Chime Navy Blue and Clear Textured Glass OOAK Handcrafted $17.95 Time Remaining: 17h 30m Buy It Now for only: $19.95 Buy It Now |
 Stained Glass Variety Pack 6 Sheets 8x10 Random Colors $11.99 Time Remaining: 28d 7h 42m Buy It Now for only: $11.99 Buy It Now |
 Old Vintage Antique English Triple Pane Stained Glass Window in Wood Frame $595.00 Time Remaining: 5h 39m Buy It Now for only: $675.00 Buy It Now |
 NEW 6 Stained Glass Beveled Purple Rose Suncatcher 630 $23.97 Time Remaining: 1h 52m |
 Stained Glass Supplies 2x10 Bevels Clear 5 $6.29 Time Remaining: 29d 6h 42m Buy It Now for only: $6.29 Buy It Now |
 Beautiful Old Vintage Flower Honeycomb Hindged Stained Glass Window Antique $450.00 Time Remaining: 5h 29m Buy It Now for only: $540.00 Buy It Now |
 COPPER MATE PASTE FLUX Canfield Stained Glass Supplies $4.99 Time Remaining: 3d 17h 32m Buy It Now for only: $4.99 Buy It Now |
 Beautiful Hand Crafted Stain Glass Speed Boat Nautical Decor $7.95 Time Remaining: 55m |
 GE 46645-5 25-Watt Stained Glass Light Bulb, 5-Pack List Price: Sale Price: $26.95 You save: $12.05 (31%)  Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product  |
 Basic Stained Glass Making: All the Skills and Tools You Need to Get Started (Stackpole Basics) List Price: Sale Price: $13.57 You save: $6.38 (32%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThis highly detailed guide contains everything the beginner needs to know to make beautiful basic stained glass projects -- presented with lavish colour illustrations and precise instructions that eliminate the guesswork from each step-by-step activity... |
 First Stained Glass Window Film 24-by-36-Inches List Price: Sale Price: $23.45 You save: $3.54 (13%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description24" x 36", First Stained Glass Window Film, An Inexpensive Alternative To Stained Glass, Translucent But Not Transparent, Allows Light To Enter The Room, Provides Privacy, No Adhesive Necessary, Will Tile Together Like Wallpaper, Top To Bottom, Left To Right, Can Be Easily Removed With No Adhesive Residue After Years Of Installation, Easily Trimmed To Fit, Self Static Adhering, No Adhesives. |
 Gallery Glass 17030 Window Color Value Set List Price: Sale Price: $13.99 You save: $1.00 (7%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionEnjoy the beauty and privacy of stained glass windows in your home with the affordable, and fun, do-it-yourself method of gallery glass. The original simulated leading and stained glass paint, gallery glass is always as easy as outline and paint... |
 The Stained Glass Garden: Projects & Patterns List Price: Sale Price: $9.90 You save: $10.05 (50%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 3 to 5 weeks See Reviews For This Product DescriptionGrow a glass garden—and beautify any space with the exquisite decorative items you’ve created. George W. Shannon and Pat Torlen, two master teachers and artists who run the On The Edge Glass Studio, offer an array of glorious patterns for stained glass flowers, butterflies, birds, birdfeeders, planters, lanterns, and mobiles... |
 Wisteria Window Film 24-by-36-Inch List Price: Sale Price: $21.34 You save: $5.65 (21%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description24" x 36", Wisteria Window Film, An Inexpensive Alternative To Stained Glass, Translucent But Not Transparent, Allows Light To Enter The Room, Provides Privacy, No Adhesive Necessary, Will Tile Together Like Wallpaper, Top To Bottom, Left To Right, Can Be Easily Removed With No Adhesive Residue After Years Of Installation, Easily Trimmed To Fit, Self Static Adhering, No Adhesives. |
 Gallery Glass 16405 Window Color Paint Set with Combing Tool List Price: Sale Price: $10.21 You save: $0.78 (7%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionEnjoy the beauty and privacy of stained glass windows in your home with the affordable, and fun, do-it-yourself method of gallery glass. The original simulated leading and stained glass paint, gallery glass is always as easy as outline and paint... |
 Stained Glass For Dummies (For Dummies (Sports & Hobbies)) List Price: Sale Price: $14.87 You save: $10.12 (40%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionDiscover the artist within and create beautiful stained glass Beautiful stained glass isn't reserved solely for church windows-it can be used to create intricate patterns in home windows, decorate cabinet doors, patio doors, ceilings, skylights, mirrors, lighting fixtures, garden decorations, and much more... |
 Brewster 93814 Brewster Stained Glass "Caming Lines", 6-Foot, Black Sale Price: $10.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionInspired by the timeless beauty of stained glass, Brewster Home Fashions’ "Stained Glass Appliqués" truly replicate the look and feel of authentic stained glass. Handcrafted, 3-dimensional, and easy to apply, these self-cling stained glass replications will transform a simple window space into a focal point, create an elegant entrance way, add privacy to any room, or a period look to glass cabinetry... |
 Craftsman Mission Style Tiffany Stained Glass Nightlight Sale Price: $22.95 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionHand-crafted nightlight is designed by the same technique made by tiffany lamps. Manufactured by selective pieces of stained glass and soldered together by the copper foiling technique. |
|
|
Pike and Bass Stained Glass Window $284.99 Pike and Bass decorative window showcases colorful fish designsStained glass window is a sportsman's dreamAccent piece is perfect for a den or game room |
|
|
Cone-shaped Stained Glass Sconce $50.99 Wireless LED wall sconce combines style, convenience and flexibilityLED light fixture is mobile, lightweight and flexibleSconce features cone-shaped stained glass with amber-colored diamond pattern |
|
|
Stained Glass Tulip Wallchiere LED Wall Light $90.72 Introduce unique beautiful lighting into your home or business with a Tulip Wallchiere LED wall lightInterior lighting is sure to bring bright colors to any home decorWall sconce features stained glass design |
|
|
Tiffany-style Peacock Window Panel $106.99 Dress up your decor with this stunning Tiffany-style window panel. Rich colors of red, blue, pink and purple capture a beautiful peacock motif on this window accent. |
|
|
Beer-themed 16-inch Tiffany-style Stained Glass Lamp $139.99 Highlight your game room with a light all will enjoyOfficially licensed 16-inch stained glass Tiffany-style lamp is the perfect gift for the beer person in your lifeBilliard room/den accessory is available in several styles |
|
|
Tiffany-inspired Stained Glass Dragonfly LED Sconce Light $59.99 Introduce unique beautiful lighting into your home or business with a stained glass wall lightInterior lighting is sure to bring bright colors to any home decorWall sconce features a mosaic design with little dragonflies |
|
|
Stained Glass Thunder Bird Design LED Wall Light $86.28 Introduce unique beautiful lighting into your home or business with a 'Thunder Bird' LED wall lightInterior lighting is sure to bring bright colors to any home decorWall sconce features a stained glass design |
|
|
Victorian Stained Glass Fireplace Screen $198.99 This elegant fireplace screen is a classic Victorian design. A welcome addition to any home decor, the screen is created from pieces of stained art glass and features cheerful shades of green, gold, orange and beige. |
|
|
Stained Glass Fireplace Panel $229.99 This elegant fireplace screen is a beautiful floral and vine design. A welcome addition to any home decor, the screen is created from pieces of stained art glass and features cheerful shades of blue, green and beige with red jewels. |
|
|
Tiffany-style Birds Window Panel $97.19 Dress up your decor with this stunning Tiffany-style window panel. Rich colors of blue, purple, red and green capture a beautiful bird motif on this window accent. |
