Thanks for your interest in Cottage Industry Licensing. I hope the information on this page will answer all your questions about the requirements, process, and fees. When you’re ready, please fill out the form at the bottom of the page to apply for licensing. Licensing applications are reviewed and responded to once a week.
What is a cottage license?
A Cottage Industry License grants a single individual legal permission to create and sell for profit items made from patterns designed and self-published by me [Carina Spencer].
To better connect Licensed Knitters with potential customers, their website and/or contact information are directly linked from this site under the section “LICENSED KNITTERS” as well as from every pattern page. Licensed Knitters are also occasionally highlighted on my Facebook Page as well as personally recommended to customers who contact me looking for a knitter.
What does licensing cost?
I offer several types of licenses to accommodate different home knitters needs. Pricing varies with the types offered and patterns are sold separately from licenses. The most popular option is the monthly subscription.
| SINGLE PATTERN ANNUAL LICENSE $40/year |
SINGLE PATTERN LIFETIME LICENSE $120 one time fee |
ALL PATTERNS ANNUAL LICENSE $120/year |
ALL PATTERNS MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION $12/month (3 mo. min.) |
| Allows unlimited sales of any ONE pattern for ONE year. | Allows unlimited sales of any ONE pattern FOREVER. | Allows unlimited sales of ALL patterns for ONE year. This includes any new patterns released during the license period. |
Allows unlimited sales of ALL patterns on a month-by-month subscription basis. This includes any new patterns released during the license period. There is a 3 month minimum which is paid up front, thereafter it is $12 paid once monthly and can be cancelled at any time. |
Do you offer discounts on licensing?
Yes! I offer a multiple license discount as well and a loyalty discount.
MULTIPLE LICENSE DISCOUNT: Purchase any three or more SINGLE PATTERN ANNUAL or SINGLE PATTERN LIFETIME licenses at once and get a 10% discount.
LOYALTY DISCOUNT: Once you have paid an annual or monthly subscription fee for three consecutive years without lapse or late payments, you are considered a Lifetime Licensee and no further fees are due.
Other designers do not require an application and an example of work. Why do you?
Occasionally I am asked why I require an application and knitted sample for licensing when other designers do not. I promise you it is not just an arbitrary chore to inconvenience potential licensees. There is good reason for it, and after hearing why, I think you will agree the slight extra effort is mutually beneficial to licensees and their customers!
Since my original business, Sweet Mama – Small Sugar LLC, was founded in 2006 I have worked very hard to build and maintain a reputation of excellence in quality, customer service, and attention to detail. I have done my best, and am proud to say I feel my name is associated with these fine qualities. When I license a design I also license my name and logo for use with that design. It is important to me that my licensees have the same regard for their work and their customers’ satisfaction that I have for mine.
The application process allows me to check a potential licensee’s quality of work and business history. This is good for licensees and their customers because when a customer knows their knitter has been reviewed and approved, she feels more secure in making a purchase. In addition, when customers come to me for help finding a knitter I can recommend one without hesitation knowing they will be well cared for.
In a sense I am vouching for all of my licensed knitters. I am proud to do this because of a simple application process which allows me to say with confidence that my licensees are a talented and professional group of artisans any lover of handmade wares would be lucky to shop with!
