How to Start a Stained Glass Business

A stained glass business creates and sells original and commissioned pieces of stained glass in the form of windows, sun catchers, lamps, and jewelry. Depending upon the business owner’s skill level, they may offer repair and architectural installation as an additional service.

You may also be interested in additional unique business ideas.

Ready to turn your business idea into a reality? Tailor Brands is our top recommendation because it guides you through every step of the process with hands-on support.

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Start a stained glass business by following these 10 steps:

  1. Plan your Stained Glass Business
  2. Form your Stained Glass Business into a Legal Entity
  3. Register your Stained Glass Business for Taxes
  4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
  5. Set up Accounting for your Stained Glass Business
  6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Stained Glass Business
  7. Get Stained Glass Business Insurance
  8. Define your Stained Glass Business Brand
  9. Create your Stained Glass Business Website
  10. Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your stained glass business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Stained Glass Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:

  • Your state’s business records
  • Federal and state trademark records
  • Social media platforms
  • Web domain availability

It’s very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

What are the costs involved in opening a stained glass business?

Industry leaders report an initial investment as low as $2,000 and as high as $10,000, depending upon the supplies they started out with. Your studio should be stocked with basic supplies such as cutting tools, soldering iron, and a stained glass solder. It should also have ample space to move around and a large, flat table. Since you will be working with lead, don’t forget to stock your supplies with gloves and masks. It is recommended that you shop around when purchasing glass for a project; many glass companies and studios sell smaller chunks of glass at a reduced prices.

What are the ongoing expenses for a stained glass business?

In addition to the standard administrative and payroll costs that come with running any business, you will also need to invest in supplies for each project. Networking and ongoing education should also be an integral part of your budget. Glass makers are urged to travel for conferences, where connections are made and education is gained.

Who is the target market?

The artist with basic stained glass skills should focus their marketing efforts on customers who enjoy events like arts and crafts fairs. Those with proper knowledge and experience can expand their customer base to include religious facilities and historic preservation societies, who are seeking the artist that can repair and replace glass in buildings around the community.

How does a stained glass business make money?

Stained glass businesses generate revenue through the sale of original and commissioned works. Stained glass can be enjoyed in a number of different ways, depending upon the artist’s skill set and the customer’s wishes.

How much can you charge customers?

The prices you set should cover time and materials, in addition to a comfortable profit. Value your work and set prices accordingly. Gift shop or boutique items sell from $200 to thousands of dollars. Prices for custom pieces will vary depending upon a number of factors.

How much profit can a stained glass business make?

Your profits are directly tied to your skill set, knowledge, and the type of glass you create. Successful architectural art glass makers have reported over a million dollars in sales, while private artists report significantly lower annual sales. The standard range for profits is $30,000 to $60,000 within the first three years.

How can you make your business more profitable?

To ensure maximum profits, consider teaching classes, both online, in writing, and in your studio. Develop your craft methodically, with a clear set of goals and a timeline. Gaining the education required to take larger architectural commissions and to repair stained glass will boost your profits significantly. Additionally, selling your work both locally and online will ensure your client base reaches far and wide.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your stained glass business is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.

This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.

In practice, this means that if your stained glass business were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.

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Tailor Brands is our top recommendation because it guides you through every step of the formation process with hands-on support — from paperwork and compliance to devising a detailed plan to help you achieve your business goals.

FORM YOUR LLC

Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our How to Start a Business guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best Business Formation Services review (for those opting for a professional service).

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

  • Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a stained glass business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.

Certificate of Occupancy

A stained glass business is generally run out of a workshop. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).  A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

  • If you plan to lease a location:
    • It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
    • Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a stained glass business.
    • After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
  • If you plan to purchase or build a location:
    • You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
    • Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your stained glass business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

Service Contracts

Stained glass businesses should consider requiring clients to sign a services agreement before starting a new project. This agreement should clarify client expectations and minimize risk of legal disputes by setting out payment terms and conditions, service level expectations, and so on.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.

Find out what types of insurance your Stained Glass Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Stained Glass Business.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a stained glass business

The key is to make a name for yourself within the community. Consider offering guided tours of stained glass in your area and lectures to churches and clubs in the community. Prove you are knowledgeable by submitting articles to local and national publications. Your ability to raise public consciousness about stained glass will translate into higher profits for your business. Approach local studios, gift shops, and restaurants. Donate a few of your works and ask that they spread the word about your talent. Network with other glass artists, making the SGAA Annual Summer Conference a part of your yearly schedule.

How to keep customers coming back

As with any business, word of mouth can either be your strongest marketing tool or the downfall of your company. Build a solid reputation by being honest with clients, offering fair prices, and quality work. Don’t be afraid to tell customers the truth about a project; it is better to let them know their vision won’t work, than to disappoint them later.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

  • All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
  • Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
  • Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.

Other popular website builders are: WordPressWIXWeeblySquarespace, and Shopify.

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

Have you always been enamored by stained glass? Do you enjoy working with your hands, creating one-of-a-kind art pieces that bring lasting joy to your customers? Are you passionate about continuously expanding your knowledge, technique, and artistic talents? If so, owning a stained glass business could be the perfect fit for you.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a stained glass business?

In addition to tending to the standard administrative duties that come with running a business, there are a number of tasks you and your team will be responsible for each day. Customer inquiries should be addressed in a timely manner. Commissioned work must be discussed at length to ensure the client’s vision translates into your work. Additionally, a networking and marketing strategy should be implemented and managed to ensure consistent sales. An equal balance of studio time and administrative tasks should be maintained at all times to ensure maximum productivity and profits.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful stained glass business?

The most important thing for you to remember is that this is a business. Many people make the decision to turn their hobby into a full-time job, without considering all that this entails. Before embarking on this business venture, carefully consider all that owning a business entails. If possible, spend some time in a stained glass studio. The hands on training, along with the knowledge you will gain about managing this type of business will prove invaluable.

Creating stained glass requires a significant amount of knowledge and skills. Your client base will expand exponentially with each new bit of information you absorb. In addition to artistic, craft, and business skills, the most successful stained glass business owners are well-versed in relevant aspects of architecture. They are well-read and willing to learn new styles and techniques in an effort to better serve current and future customers. The Stained Glass Association of America offers members a wealth of information regarding stained glass, its history, and safety in the studio. For those who plan to do restoration and repair, the Standards and Guidelines for the Preservation of Historic Stained Glass will prove invaluable.

Additionally, strong leadership skills will help carry you to the top of the industry. You will be interacting with everyone from religious leaders to historians and other aspiring stained glass artists. The ability to communicate and the confidence to tell a client something won’t work will be a driving factor in your success.

What is the growth potential for a stained glass business?

Stained glass has been recorded in history dating back to 675 AD. It is enjoyed in religious establishments and homes, evolving over time as artists improved their skills. The growth of technology and the Internet has expanded the artists’ reach, making it possible to work with clients across the world. A stained glass business’ growth is only limited by the team’s skills, drive, and marketing strategy.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

  • Funding
  • Events
  • Guides
  • Support

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a stained glass business?

Successful stained glass business owners offer the following insider tips:

  • Always wear gloves and a protective mask and set your studio up with proper ventilation. This will help prevent the buildup of lead in your system.
  • Never assume you have learned all there is to learn. Network and travel, studying windows and architecture everywhere you go. Along with your portfolio, keep a work diary that includes measurements and details that will help you grow as an artist.
  • Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Take the time to learn your craft thoroughly.

How and when to build a team

Splitting your time between the studio and administrative duties means working more hours than most individuals care to work. If marketing or accounting are not your strong suit, consider bringing on an assistant that has a firm grasp on these concepts. As demand rises, it may also be necessary to bring on additional artists. When doing so, carefully consider all prospects. It is your name that will be attached to each piece sold; make sure every team member’s values, drive, and vision align with yours.

Useful Links

Industry Opportunities

Real World Examples