Cottage industries not only increase the income of the family but also reduce unemployment and thus raise the standard of living of the members of the family. An example of a cottage industry is Carpentry, smithy, carpet, weaving, pottery. Small-scale cottage industries also are an important source of employment, especially in rural areas. The terms originally referred to home workers who were engaged in a task such as sewing, lace-making, wall hangings, electronics, or household manufacturing.