What are the best low-cost methods for a housewife to establish an eco-friendly Ganesh Idol or Diya making business for the festive season?

Focus on Hyper-Local Production and Pre-Orders 🌿🏺 The low-cost strategy here is to leverage home production, natural resources, and the power of the local community. 1. Material Cost Zeroing: The "eco-friendly" aspect is your cost-saver. * Ganesh Idols: Use Shadu Maati (natural clay) or compostable materials like paper mache or vegetable waste pulp. Source the clay locally or paper waste from nearby offices/schools for minimal cost. Use natural, non-toxic colors (turmeric, multani mitti, charcoal). * Diyas: Use natural earthenware clay, or make cow dung diya (a highly eco-friendly, traditional option). 2. Pre-Order Model: The biggest cost risk is unsold inventory. Run a vigorous pre-order campaign 2-3 months before the season (Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali). Use your personal WhatsApp groups, apartment society forums, and local school networks. Demand a 50% advance payment to cover all raw material costs. 3. Production: The production space is your home/verandah. The only investment needed is for simple molds (which you can buy or have made cheaply by a local craftsman) and basic finishing tools. 4. Logistics: Offer local, apartment-complex delivery only. This eliminates high courier fees and makes delivery quick and personal. Your marketing pitch should be on purity and local craftsmanship. Tell the story behind the eco-materials and the labor of love that goes into each piece.