5 Proven Tips to Create a Thriving, No-Risk After-School Craft Club

Posted on Dec 11, 2024

Starting an after-school craft program for kids is a simple way to:

  • Get lots of kids signed up for your craft classes fast,

  • Secure pre-payments for low financial risk,

  • Make recurring money (kids sign up term after term), and

  • Have more freedom in your personal schedule.

But you might wonder: “How can I do this?”

The good news is that you don’t need a lot of money or years of experience to succeed.

By choosing the right school, you can create a thriving program without needing your own space or spending a lot on advertising. 

 Here's why schools are a great choice: 

  • Ready-to-Use Venue
    Schools often allow you to use their classrooms or activity spaces for free or at a minimal cost, providing a convenient and budget-friendly location for your craft classes.

  • Built-in Audience
    Students are already at the school, making it easy for parents to simply extend their kids' day by signing them up for your class. This convenience can significantly boost enrollment.

  • Marketing Support
    Schools often promote after-school programs through newsletters, bulletin boards, or online channels. This can save you time and money on marketing while helping you quickly fill your classes.

In this blog, we share our top 5 tips for making your school-based craft program super profitable:

 Tip 1: Pick the Right School 

Schools make the perfect venue for craft classes, offering numerous benefits that simplify your setup and marketing efforts. 

To maximize these benefits, ensure that you do your research first and pick the ‘right’ school.. 

Find out:

  1. Are there other after-school programs at the school?

  2. Are they well-attended?

  3. What do they offer, and what do they charge?

If you get a ‘yes’ for 1 and 2 and you see that parents are willing to pay a reasonable amount for after-school activities, you’re good to go!! 

Approach the principal or activities director and find out if you can offer your craft club program at the school.

 Tip 2: Price Your Program Right 

Your pricing strategy is critical to ensuring your program is both profitable and appealing to parents.

Striking the right balance will not only help cover your costs but also demonstrate the value of your program. Here’s how to get started:

Tips for Setting Prices:

  • Check District Regulations
    Some school districts may have rules about how much you can charge per hour for after-school programs. Check these regulations first to ensure your pricing is compliant.

  • Factor in Costs
    Account for all expenses when setting your price, including supplies, facility fees, and your time. Make sure your pricing is sustainable and reflects the effort you’re putting into creating a high-quality experience.

    Our CCC Academy members, who are real-life club owners, charge an average of $25 per child per class. Some even charge $35 to $50 per class, depending on the school district and duration of the class. 

  • Check Local Rates
    Research what other extracurricular programs at the same school or nearby schools charge. Pricing your classes in the same range will keep your program competitive.

  • Use our Pricing Calculator
    To simplify the process, use our Pricing Calculator to determine an hourly rate that accounts for costs, time, and potential profit. This tool can save you hours of guesswork and ensure your pricing is fair and profitable.

 Tip: 3: Take Pre-payments 

Encourage parents to pay on a termly or monthly basis in advance. This simplifies your finances and ensures a steady, reliable cash flow.

Some club owners, like Lauren, prefer a monthly booking system. She explains, “I take monthly bookings for my craft club, so I’m getting a regular income and not chasing money every week.”

Extra Tip: If registration fees are standard at your school, consider incorporating one for your program. 

This can encourage longer commitments from parents while providing you with an upfront cash injection to cover startup costs. 

Craft club owner Natalie says, “When parents register, they register for the whole session. I get all the money upfront, then I use a portion of that money to buy the supplies I need. There’s no upfront investment, and with nowhere to go but up, I started with very low risk!”

Pre-payment systems not only help you manage your finances more effectively but also give parents a sense of commitment to the program. 

By planning ahead and collecting payments in advance, you can focus on what you do best—creating an amazing crafting experience for kids!

 Tip 4: Keep Your Costs Low 

First, Keep Venue Costs Low:

Hosting classes at schools has the advantage of eliminating the high rental costs associated with a studio space. Many schools provide a classroom at no charge, while others may request a small fee.

Each school has its own structure for working with service providers. Here are the most common payment options used to pay for using classroom space for classes based on recent poll of our CCC members:

  • Free Space: About 33% of our CCC craft club owners reported that they get to use school spaces for free. Schools let them do this because they see the program as a great way to offer kids more activities after school.

  • Flat Fee Per Class: 22% of craft club owners pay a fixed fee per class. For example, Kimberlie charges $30 per child and keeps $25 while the school takes $5.

  • Percentage of Total Income: 12% of craft club owners share a percentage of their total income with the school, which aligns the school’s incentives with their success.

  • Percentage Per Child: About 11% of craft club owners give the school a small amount for each child. Victoria, for instance, pays $0.50 per child enrolled per term.

  • Hourly Rate: 11% of craft club owners pay hourly fees. For example, Juliana pays €7/hour for public kindergartens and €15/hour plus tax, for private spaces.

  • Fixed Term or Annual Fee: 11% of craft club owners pay a set fee for the term or year, which works well for long-term planning.

Next, Be Smart With Supplies:

Craft supplies don’t have to break the bank. By using recycled materials, investing in long-lasting basics, and having kids share supplies, you can deliver engaging and cost-effective classes. 

These strategies not only save you money but also foster sustainability, collaboration, and community involvement.

1. The No. 1 Way to Save Money

Using recycled materials is a fantastic way to reduce costs and add a creative twist to your program. Everyday items like plastic bottles, boxes, and cardboard tubes can be transformed into exciting projects that kids love.

Using recycled materials also creates opportunities to involve your community.

  • Encourage Involvement: Ask family, friends, and neighbors to help collect materials. They’ll feel excited to contribute and become invested in your program’s success.

  • Foster Support: Recycling drives give friends and family a way to support your business journey, especially if they’re unsure how else to help.

For more information on why using recycled materials can benefit your club and your students, check out The No. 1 Way to Save Money in Your Kids Crafting Club.

2. Have Kids Share Supplies

Not every child needs their own set of tools. By encouraging kids to share supplies, you can cut costs and promote teamwork.

What to Share:

  • Paints

  • Crayons

  • Scissors 

  • Tape

  • Hole punches

  • Staplers

Sharing supplies not only reduces waste but also teaches kids valuable skills like collaboration and taking turns. It’s a practical, budget-friendly way to manage your inventory while fostering a sense of community in your classes.

3. Invest in Long-Lasting Basics

Some supplies are worth spending a little extra on because they last for months and deliver consistent results.

Examples of Long-Lasting Basics:

  • Glue Guns and Refills: Mostly used for your own prep work

  • Brushes: Last longer than cheaper alternatives.

  • Tempera blocks: These are water-based paint and don’t dry out like other paints do.

  • Durable Scissors and Staplers: Ensure smoother crafting and better safety.

Tip: Purchase in bulk whenever possible. Look out for craft store sales or online deals to save on essentials and stock up for the term.

Since parents will pay upfront for the term, you’ll have the funds to purchase all materials in advance, so you’re never out of pocket.

Click here to view our top supply suggestions on Amazon.

4. Stretch Supplies Across Multiple Classes

Planning crafts that use the same materials for different projects can help you maximize your budget.

If you’re using the CCC Kids Curriculum, you can filter projects by supply type to find ones that overlap, making planning even easier.

Examples of Stretchable Supplies:

  • Paper Plates: Turn them into dream catchers, pufferfish or butterfly wings.

  • Yarn: Use it for weaving, threading, or making pom-poms.

  • Paper Rolls: Transform them into rockets, binoculars, or flower holders.

 Tip 5: Build an Email List and Upsell 

Having a database of your customers gives you a golden opportunity to expand your offerings to cover times when the kids won’t be at school—weekends and holidays. 

Kids need activities to keep them busy over the school holidays and birthday party entertainment on weekends—services you can easily provide while boosting your income.

A Database Will Help You To:

  • Stay Connected: Share updates and promote your additional services like birthday party packages, holiday workshops, or craft kits.

  • Upsell Opportunities: Parents already trust you with their kids after school. Offer them themed birthday crafts, engaging holiday activities, or take-home kits to keep kids entertained during breaks.

Why This Works:

  • Convenience for Families: Parents prefer working with someone they already know and trust. Offering these extra services saves them time and effort.

  • Built-in Market: Your existing customers are likely to book you for more and recommend you to others.

Start by collecting parent contact information during registration, then use newsletters to share exclusive offers and promote your services. 

By meeting these needs, you can grow your business while supporting families year-round!

 Extra Tip: Differentiate Your Club and Highlight its Value 

STEAM-based crafting as a way to differentiate your program and stand out from traditional art that is usually offered at schools.  Be sure to include the benefits of STEAM-based crafting when you promote your program. 

Parents need to see what they’re paying for—unique crafts, improved skills, and a fun, enriching experience for their children.

Click here to read more about how STEAM-based crafting can help Set Your After-school Craft Club Apart from Other Programs.

 The Key to Success 

The secret to running a successful and profitable school-based craft program is simple:

  1. Secure Pre-Payments
    Collect payments upfront for months or terms of classes. This provides a steady, reliable cash flow, allows you to confidently plan ahead, and ensures you can purchase supplies without financial risk.

  2. Be Resourceful with Supplies
    Keep costs low by using recycled materials, encouraging kids to share, and investing in long-lasting basics. These practices not only save money but also foster sustainability, creativity, and teamwork.

  3. Leverage Your Database
    Collect the email addresses of parents to stay connected and upsell additional services, such as birthday party packages, holiday workshops, or craft kits. Parents already trust you with their kids, making them more likely to book you for these extras.

By implementing these strategies, you can create a financially secure, well-organized craft program that provides kids with meaningful experiences and gives you the freedom to grow your business on your terms.

 Ready to get started? 

Join the CCC Academy waitlist to gain access to all the business training and support you need to start your program quickly and confidently. 

Let’s turn your passion into a thriving business!