There is a growing market for those who make scrapbooks for others. The appeal for scrapbook enthusiasts is great – minimal start-up costs - you really can start with almost nothing! You get to work from home, choose your hours, and make money. There’s lots of money out there, for many professional scrapbook artists.
See, a lot of people like the look of scrapbooks, but don’t have the time, knowledge, or creativity to do it themselves. And, as with other service businesses such as professional organizing and interior design, it’s easier for some people to hire out than to do it themselves.
This career has really started to grow in the ‘00s, bringing in hundreds and thousands of dollars per album for hard-working professional scrapbook artists who believe in their service and promote it to the target markets who understand what it is worth. This service has the potential for the most income – but again, that success is ultimately up to you.
Professional scrapbook artists who make scrapbooks for others can certainly use the fact that they have been published as a draw. Include it in your marketing materials, on your Web site, in your portfolio, etc.
As a scrapbook business owner, you have clients supply you with their photos and you use creativity and you artistic ideas to design the books. Professional scrap bookers also offer the written word and catchy captions to increase their marketability.
Scrap booking has come along way since it’s humble beginnings with the event of electronic die cutting machines like the Cricut Experssion machine. Not limited to your own creativity but with the help of
Cricut software like the hand held digital library the Cricut Gypsy ideas and projects come to life.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Scrapbooking Business-SCRAPBOOKING “EXPERT” Part 2
If you are going to be published, the excitement will be great the day you get the call! Be ready for some down time while you wait for the issue to come out, and then it's excitement time again! You'll usually get your layout back when the next issue of the magazine is published.
If more than one magazine chooses to publish a layout, you'll need to tell the other magazines that unfortunately, another magazine contacted you first.
Some magazines pay with product and others with cash. But the opportunity to put "published designer" after your name is priceless! Good luck!
Set up your own website and publish your amazing pages on there. Offer up complete instructions on how people can re-create those pages for a small fee. Then watch your sales soar!
Once you've established a "name" by being published, you can approach manufacturers (or they might approach you first!) about teaching for them at national conventions and trade shows. That "name" might also unlock the door to getting your own product ideas and designs licensed to a large manufacturer.
Retailers can advertise the fact that they, or staff members and instructors, are "published designers." There is much power behind those words! Scrapbookers want to learn from the best, and some aspire (even in their own minds) to be the best – and what better way than to hang out with the "stars" and hope some of it rubs off!
How to operate and use the Cricut die cut machine check out youtube instructional video's. Use the Cricut die cutting machine for scrap booking page layouts, decorating homes or school classrooms, even offices. Craft enthusiasts will appreciate the portability and convenient size of the smaller Cricut personal electronic cutter.
If more than one magazine chooses to publish a layout, you'll need to tell the other magazines that unfortunately, another magazine contacted you first.
Some magazines pay with product and others with cash. But the opportunity to put "published designer" after your name is priceless! Good luck!
Set up your own website and publish your amazing pages on there. Offer up complete instructions on how people can re-create those pages for a small fee. Then watch your sales soar!
Once you've established a "name" by being published, you can approach manufacturers (or they might approach you first!) about teaching for them at national conventions and trade shows. That "name" might also unlock the door to getting your own product ideas and designs licensed to a large manufacturer.
Retailers can advertise the fact that they, or staff members and instructors, are "published designers." There is much power behind those words! Scrapbookers want to learn from the best, and some aspire (even in their own minds) to be the best – and what better way than to hang out with the "stars" and hope some of it rubs off!
How to operate and use the Cricut die cut machine check out youtube instructional video's. Use the Cricut die cutting machine for scrap booking page layouts, decorating homes or school classrooms, even offices. Craft enthusiasts will appreciate the portability and convenient size of the smaller Cricut personal electronic cutter.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Scrapbook Business-PRODUCT DESIGNER/MANUFACTURER Part 1
Use the library or Internet to locate information about your product. While conducting your research, you'll notice that products with a good reputation or success story are easily located. That's because companies who've had success with a product are not afraid to boast about it.
Rely on your experience. All great success stories begin with a person that has knowledge or a great interest in the product they're selling. Is the product interesting to you? Will you use it on a continuing basis? What is the life expectancy of the product? Do you know people that are familiar with the product?
Contact a scrapbook supplier and tell them about your idea. See if they think it has marketable potential. A word of caution here – don’t be too specific about your new idea. You don’t want to risk someone “honing in” on your new invention.
However, an informed opinion about the product's potential in the marketplace and value is possible after you have gathered all the information possible. All you really need to know now is if there is a real need for this product in the marketplace so do not rush into making a decision prior to bringing all of your tools to bear analyzing the item.
Create die-cuts including words, letters, and whole sayings with or without a computer using the Cricut cutting machine. If you love to use die cut accents on your scrapbooking layouts, check out the Cricket machine for professional looking pages. If you are cropper you may have heard of the
cricket craft machine featuring customized shapes, dies, and fonts cartridges.
Rely on your experience. All great success stories begin with a person that has knowledge or a great interest in the product they're selling. Is the product interesting to you? Will you use it on a continuing basis? What is the life expectancy of the product? Do you know people that are familiar with the product?
Contact a scrapbook supplier and tell them about your idea. See if they think it has marketable potential. A word of caution here – don’t be too specific about your new idea. You don’t want to risk someone “honing in” on your new invention.
However, an informed opinion about the product's potential in the marketplace and value is possible after you have gathered all the information possible. All you really need to know now is if there is a real need for this product in the marketplace so do not rush into making a decision prior to bringing all of your tools to bear analyzing the item.
Create die-cuts including words, letters, and whole sayings with or without a computer using the Cricut cutting machine. If you love to use die cut accents on your scrapbooking layouts, check out the Cricket machine for professional looking pages. If you are cropper you may have heard of the
cricket craft machine featuring customized shapes, dies, and fonts cartridges.
Scrapbook Business-PRODUCT DESIGNER/MANUFACTURER
Many scrapbooking products were designed by scrapbook enthusiasts, who saw the need for a product and filled it. Product designers can either license their idea to a larger manufacturer or take the plunge and start their own company!
Success stories abound in this industry about people who went from an idea to a multi-product corporation. And if you’re the next success story, prepare for profits! Of course, going it alone also means an investment of time and money, so be sure you have both before starting your company.
What types of qualities does a product designer need? Above all, creativity is the best thing you can offer. Perhaps you’ve come up with an excellent new die cut. How about inventing a new pair of decorative scissors? When you’re a product designer, literally anything is possible.
You need to find a niche that hasn’t been filled. Then do product research. See if your idea is feasible and what kind of investment you’ll need to make in order to bring it to reality.
Need help operating the Cricut die cut machine watch youtube instructional video's. Cricut die cutting machine great for scrap booking, home crafting, and school work. Craft enthusiasts will love the compact design of the Cricut personal electronic cutter.
Success stories abound in this industry about people who went from an idea to a multi-product corporation. And if you’re the next success story, prepare for profits! Of course, going it alone also means an investment of time and money, so be sure you have both before starting your company.
What types of qualities does a product designer need? Above all, creativity is the best thing you can offer. Perhaps you’ve come up with an excellent new die cut. How about inventing a new pair of decorative scissors? When you’re a product designer, literally anything is possible.
You need to find a niche that hasn’t been filled. Then do product research. See if your idea is feasible and what kind of investment you’ll need to make in order to bring it to reality.
Need help operating the Cricut die cut machine watch youtube instructional video's. Cricut die cutting machine great for scrap booking, home crafting, and school work. Craft enthusiasts will love the compact design of the Cricut personal electronic cutter.
Scrapbooking Business-EVENT ORGANIZER Part 2
If you can find a company willing to donate toward your event, you want to keep them on your valuable contacts list. The best way to do this is to send a follow-up after the event is over to show how successful your event and their products were.
You can do this in many ways. We would suggest having all participants sign an over-sized card with personal comments and include pictures of that company’s products being used. They’ll surely appreciate the advertising and are more likely to sponsor one of your other events further down the road.
The best part about scrapbooking events is that you can plan other activities to go along with classes to enhance the experience. After all, you really don’t want to spend 12 hours doing nothing but scrapbooking, do you? It would seem too much like work.
Even though scrapbooking is the main reason for the event, networking, sharing ideas, and making friends is also important. This is an excellent way to promote scrapbooking in your community and share your love of the hobby.
Have you been tempted to try the electronic Cricket cutting machine? Looking for Cricut projects for your Cricket scrapbooking machine? Here is your chance to check out the difference between the three Cricut cutters?
You can do this in many ways. We would suggest having all participants sign an over-sized card with personal comments and include pictures of that company’s products being used. They’ll surely appreciate the advertising and are more likely to sponsor one of your other events further down the road.
The best part about scrapbooking events is that you can plan other activities to go along with classes to enhance the experience. After all, you really don’t want to spend 12 hours doing nothing but scrapbooking, do you? It would seem too much like work.
Even though scrapbooking is the main reason for the event, networking, sharing ideas, and making friends is also important. This is an excellent way to promote scrapbooking in your community and share your love of the hobby.
Have you been tempted to try the electronic Cricket cutting machine? Looking for Cricut projects for your Cricket scrapbooking machine? Here is your chance to check out the difference between the three Cricut cutters?
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Scrapbooking Business-EVENT ORGANIZER Part 1
Concentrate a multiple day event on putting together an entire scrapbook. Encourage your students to bring along as many pictures as they can find and then show them how to organize them into beautiful layouts.
An event might require you to spend more one-on-one time with those attending, but personal service could be the difference between you and your competition.
Contact scrapbooking suppliers and let them know about your event. See if they would be willing to donate supplies in exchange for liberal advertising at your event. You might be surprised at how many companies would be happy to sponsor T-shirts, flyers, and even supplies. This is especially true if you really play up your event and have great attendance.
Cricket vinyl machine uses self adhesive vinyl to decorate scrapbooks, home decorations and photo albums. Want to earn extra money, put your talents to work for you by starting a greeting card business using the Cricut machines. Any scrapbooker will tell you the Cricut Expressions machine is an expense, but it's worth the cost?
An event might require you to spend more one-on-one time with those attending, but personal service could be the difference between you and your competition.
Contact scrapbooking suppliers and let them know about your event. See if they would be willing to donate supplies in exchange for liberal advertising at your event. You might be surprised at how many companies would be happy to sponsor T-shirts, flyers, and even supplies. This is especially true if you really play up your event and have great attendance.
Cricket vinyl machine uses self adhesive vinyl to decorate scrapbooks, home decorations and photo albums. Want to earn extra money, put your talents to work for you by starting a greeting card business using the Cricut machines. Any scrapbooker will tell you the Cricut Expressions machine is an expense, but it's worth the cost?
Scrapbooking Business-EVENT ORGANIZER
EVENT ORGANIZER
There are retreats, crops, getaways, cruises, conventions, and more being held every single weekend now! Scrapbookers love to connect, and you can help provide the connection. If you're well-organized and can put together the kind of event that will generate excellent word-of-mouth, an event planning company could be a profitable venture for you.
While this is along the same lines as teaching a class, events are meant to be all day affairs – even multiple day affairs. So many women are hankering to get out of the house and get away from the stresses of every day life. A weekend scrapbooking retreat would be right up their alley!
One website we’ve found gives an account of her “Scrap Camp” that she hosts where a camping experience combines with scrapbooking to provide attendees with not only a getaway, but a way to talk and interact with other scrapbookers and get ideas from each other.
Just like the classes, you’ll need to set a price and decide whether or not supplies are included in the price. Obviously, the cost is going to be a bit higher, but often times, your attendees won’t blink an eye to paying it.
Create die cuts of shapes, letters, and words with the help of
Cricut software and the Cricut cutting machine! If you like to use die cut accents on your scrap booking pages, then invest in a Cricket machine it's worth the cost. If you are into paper crafter you may have heard of the Cricket craft machine with custom dies, shapes and fonts.
There are retreats, crops, getaways, cruises, conventions, and more being held every single weekend now! Scrapbookers love to connect, and you can help provide the connection. If you're well-organized and can put together the kind of event that will generate excellent word-of-mouth, an event planning company could be a profitable venture for you.
While this is along the same lines as teaching a class, events are meant to be all day affairs – even multiple day affairs. So many women are hankering to get out of the house and get away from the stresses of every day life. A weekend scrapbooking retreat would be right up their alley!
One website we’ve found gives an account of her “Scrap Camp” that she hosts where a camping experience combines with scrapbooking to provide attendees with not only a getaway, but a way to talk and interact with other scrapbookers and get ideas from each other.
Just like the classes, you’ll need to set a price and decide whether or not supplies are included in the price. Obviously, the cost is going to be a bit higher, but often times, your attendees won’t blink an eye to paying it.
Create die cuts of shapes, letters, and words with the help of
Cricut software and the Cricut cutting machine! If you like to use die cut accents on your scrap booking pages, then invest in a Cricket machine it's worth the cost. If you are into paper crafter you may have heard of the Cricket craft machine with custom dies, shapes and fonts.
Scrapbooking Business-INSTRUCTOR Part 1
You need to figure out what your costs are going to be and how much you will need to make to realize a profit. Most instructors will charge a registration fee. You shouldn’t make it too steep - $5-$10 will suffice. However, you need to decide if you will be supplying materials or if the people attending will have to purchase the supplies themselves or bring along their own.
Keep in mind that you will be teaching people how to put together their own scrapbooks. This will be much easier if you’re teaching everyone with the same materials. Consider raising the entry fee a little and providing all entrants with the materials they’ll need to create a memorable scrapbook page.
Make sure your students understand from the outset what will be included in the class and what they need to provide, along with the time, date and cost. Good teachers do not assume that the retail store owner has provided all that information. Your store owner may be Wonder Woman but she will still have days when a crisis happens and she may not get your class members called. Take the responsibility off her busy shoulders and call your students. You will make loyal learners by your cheery call. Tell them you're glad they are coming to your class and remind them of cost, supplies they'll need to bring and any added benefits...such as "Remember, you'll get 10 percent off anything you purchase the night of the workshop, so bring your wish list!"
Ask if they have any questions ahead of time and add a request that they provide 24 hours notice if something comes up. Most stores now have a 24-hour cancellation policy unless there is an emergency.
When making up your class ideas, make some notes on any tricky things involved. What may seem simple to you might throw a new scrapper for a total loop. Look your sample over with a critical eye and see if there is anything that takes extra explanation or time, or if there is a new product that everyone might not have used.
You may also want to provide a free gift for attendees. One instructor reports that she likes to order bulk quantities of stickers and papers and hand them out at her classes to give her students the added satisfaction of getting something just for showing up. We all love free stuff, don’t we? Your students will too!
When teaching the class, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to be successful.
First and foremost, be prepared. Review your class materials the night before so they are fresh in your mind. Have a checklist of everything that you need to take along to a class. Show up early and have the room set up before people arrive.
Be enthusiastic. Even if you are feeling sluggish or having a bad day, you need to always be enthusiastic and smiling during your classes.
Be personable. Try to make eye contact and/or talk to each and every person in your class. Keep an eye out for anyone that may need extra attention and be willing to offer help to them if needed.
Always thank everyone for coming to class. Have evaluations forms that can be filled out and use them to improve any future classes.
Take some of your profit and send out Thank You cards to all the students who attended your event. Since you’ll probably be hosting other classes, they’ll remember your personal touch and are more likely to come back for more classes.
Do you know how to operate and use the Cricut die cut machine check out YouTube video's. Use your Cricut die cutting machine for scrap booking, home decor, and school projects. Paper craft enthusiasts enjoy the portability and convenience of the Cricut personal electronic cutter.
Keep in mind that you will be teaching people how to put together their own scrapbooks. This will be much easier if you’re teaching everyone with the same materials. Consider raising the entry fee a little and providing all entrants with the materials they’ll need to create a memorable scrapbook page.
Make sure your students understand from the outset what will be included in the class and what they need to provide, along with the time, date and cost. Good teachers do not assume that the retail store owner has provided all that information. Your store owner may be Wonder Woman but she will still have days when a crisis happens and she may not get your class members called. Take the responsibility off her busy shoulders and call your students. You will make loyal learners by your cheery call. Tell them you're glad they are coming to your class and remind them of cost, supplies they'll need to bring and any added benefits...such as "Remember, you'll get 10 percent off anything you purchase the night of the workshop, so bring your wish list!"
Ask if they have any questions ahead of time and add a request that they provide 24 hours notice if something comes up. Most stores now have a 24-hour cancellation policy unless there is an emergency.
When making up your class ideas, make some notes on any tricky things involved. What may seem simple to you might throw a new scrapper for a total loop. Look your sample over with a critical eye and see if there is anything that takes extra explanation or time, or if there is a new product that everyone might not have used.
You may also want to provide a free gift for attendees. One instructor reports that she likes to order bulk quantities of stickers and papers and hand them out at her classes to give her students the added satisfaction of getting something just for showing up. We all love free stuff, don’t we? Your students will too!
When teaching the class, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to be successful.
First and foremost, be prepared. Review your class materials the night before so they are fresh in your mind. Have a checklist of everything that you need to take along to a class. Show up early and have the room set up before people arrive.
Be enthusiastic. Even if you are feeling sluggish or having a bad day, you need to always be enthusiastic and smiling during your classes.
Be personable. Try to make eye contact and/or talk to each and every person in your class. Keep an eye out for anyone that may need extra attention and be willing to offer help to them if needed.
Always thank everyone for coming to class. Have evaluations forms that can be filled out and use them to improve any future classes.
Take some of your profit and send out Thank You cards to all the students who attended your event. Since you’ll probably be hosting other classes, they’ll remember your personal touch and are more likely to come back for more classes.
Do you know how to operate and use the Cricut die cut machine check out YouTube video's. Use your Cricut die cutting machine for scrap booking, home decor, and school projects. Paper craft enthusiasts enjoy the portability and convenience of the Cricut personal electronic cutter.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Scrapbooking Business-INSTRUCTOR
SCRAPBOOKING INSTRUCTOR
Think you’ve got a knack for teaching? Sharing scrap booking in classes and workshops at your local scrapbook store or on your own can be a good way to bring in some extra money. While this might seem like an easy way to make a few bucks, there are actually a lot of things to take into consideration before you venture into teaching.
Obviously, you’re going to have to be nearly an expert in the field before you can show other people how to scrapbook, but that just takes practice. This is a good way to promote direct sales as well if you’ve decided to sell scrap booking products.
There are literally hundreds of people out there – even in the smallest town – who want to learn how to preserve their memories in gorgeous, impressive scrapbooks. The key here is marketing yourself and your classes in the most cost-efficient way possible.
The great thing about scrap booking is that almost everyone has pictures. Anyone can learn to scrapbook. A passion to teach others how to preserve their family memories is a great quality to have if considering being a scrapbook instructor.
If you have a local scrapbook store, contact them and see if you might be able to hold a class at their facility. Usually, they’re happy to accommodate since they are selling the supplies that you will be using, so their sales are almost guaranteed to rise during your workshop.
Contact store owners and talk to them about being a "guest teacher" or a regular instructor at their store. Make an appointment with the store owner so that you can bring samples of projects and layouts that you have done. Have a list handy of all of the classes that you have taught or classes that you are willing to teach.
If you don’t have a scrapbook store or want to hold the workshop on your own, look into renting out a facility. You may also be able to find free accommodations with a local community center or senior citizen facility. This is a great hobby for the senior set, so you may want to trade services for facilities to instruct the older community.
When picking out a place to hold your class, make sure it is well-lit and that there is plenty of room for everyone to spread out and work efficiently.
When having classes, pick out a theme. A good rule of thumb is to schedule classes about 2 weeks after an important event. Then center your instruction on creating pages from the photos that your students have taken. Some ideas for occasions should include:
Graduation
First Day of School
Summer Vacation
Weddings
Engagements
Sports
Retirement
Anniversary
Pregnancies
Are you tempted to buy the Cricket cutting machine? Great Cricut projects for your Cricket scrapbooking machine. Is there a difference between the three Cricut cutters?
Think you’ve got a knack for teaching? Sharing scrap booking in classes and workshops at your local scrapbook store or on your own can be a good way to bring in some extra money. While this might seem like an easy way to make a few bucks, there are actually a lot of things to take into consideration before you venture into teaching.
Obviously, you’re going to have to be nearly an expert in the field before you can show other people how to scrapbook, but that just takes practice. This is a good way to promote direct sales as well if you’ve decided to sell scrap booking products.
There are literally hundreds of people out there – even in the smallest town – who want to learn how to preserve their memories in gorgeous, impressive scrapbooks. The key here is marketing yourself and your classes in the most cost-efficient way possible.
The great thing about scrap booking is that almost everyone has pictures. Anyone can learn to scrapbook. A passion to teach others how to preserve their family memories is a great quality to have if considering being a scrapbook instructor.
If you have a local scrapbook store, contact them and see if you might be able to hold a class at their facility. Usually, they’re happy to accommodate since they are selling the supplies that you will be using, so their sales are almost guaranteed to rise during your workshop.
Contact store owners and talk to them about being a "guest teacher" or a regular instructor at their store. Make an appointment with the store owner so that you can bring samples of projects and layouts that you have done. Have a list handy of all of the classes that you have taught or classes that you are willing to teach.
If you don’t have a scrapbook store or want to hold the workshop on your own, look into renting out a facility. You may also be able to find free accommodations with a local community center or senior citizen facility. This is a great hobby for the senior set, so you may want to trade services for facilities to instruct the older community.
When picking out a place to hold your class, make sure it is well-lit and that there is plenty of room for everyone to spread out and work efficiently.
When having classes, pick out a theme. A good rule of thumb is to schedule classes about 2 weeks after an important event. Then center your instruction on creating pages from the photos that your students have taken. Some ideas for occasions should include:
Graduation
First Day of School
Summer Vacation
Weddings
Engagements
Sports
Retirement
Anniversary
Pregnancies
Are you tempted to buy the Cricket cutting machine? Great Cricut projects for your Cricket scrapbooking machine. Is there a difference between the three Cricut cutters?
Scrapbook Business-DIRECT SALES CONSULTANT Part 3
Photo boxes are a great size for holding spools of ribbon and these come in clear also. Another great solution is to hang a pretty curtain rod on your wall and thread those ribbon spools on the curtain rod.
Paper is one of the most important staples and storage is also a major problem for most at home scrap booking businesses. Paper comes in hundreds of different colors, patterns, textures and weights. It needs to be kept dry and clean, be photo safe and stored in plain sight.
Paper can be stored in a wide variety of ways but horizontal is the best. There are lots of wonderful products out there, from wire storage racks to clear stacking plastic trays and are very good investments.
You’ll also want to start some sort of inventory control system so you always know what you have on hand at any given time. This doesn’t have to be a complicated task. Start an Excel spreadsheet and update it every time you make a sale. We’ve included a sample spreadsheet at the end of this book for you to look at as a starting point.
When you become a direct sales consultant, you may wonder how you go about selling your product. Usually, the first outlet people think of is to sell at an online auction site like e-bay. However, many companies have restrictions against selling this way.
Home parties are going to be the best and most economical way to market your product. Tupperware ladies and Avon consultants have been selling this way for years. Count on friends and family to host parties for you. Don’t count out co-workers either. Distribute your catalogs and be sure your phone number and e-mail address are featured prominently.
We’ll have a separate section on marketing your business, but you may also want to take out a small newspaper ad occasionally offering your services as a scrapbook consultant. You’re selling supplies here, so always have your selling hat on.
See if your community college offers scrapbooking courses and see if the instructor will distribute some of your business cards to those taking the class. They’ll usually be happy to do so unless the college prohibits it.
You can also sponsor workshops where people get together to work on their scrapbooks. This is a prime opportunity to strike while the passion is hot. People may look at your book and love what you did with the page about your family vacation. That’s a perfect time to whip out your catalog and show them the papers or die cuts that you used from your company.
Another perk about being a direct sales consultant is that you will get a discount on your own supplies. When you love scrapbooking, you know as well as we do that you can never have enough stickers or cut-outs or custom scissors. Being able to buy these items at a discount or even earning these items for free can be addicting and extremely motivational as well!
As we’ve said, there are many, many companies out there who offer direct sales opportunities to you.
Cricket vinyl machine use self adhesive Vinyl in your scrapbooks, home decorations and photo albums. Put your talents to work for you by starting a greeting cards business using the Cricut machines. Any crafter will tell you the Cricut Expressions machine is an expense, but is it worth the cost?
Paper is one of the most important staples and storage is also a major problem for most at home scrap booking businesses. Paper comes in hundreds of different colors, patterns, textures and weights. It needs to be kept dry and clean, be photo safe and stored in plain sight.
Paper can be stored in a wide variety of ways but horizontal is the best. There are lots of wonderful products out there, from wire storage racks to clear stacking plastic trays and are very good investments.
You’ll also want to start some sort of inventory control system so you always know what you have on hand at any given time. This doesn’t have to be a complicated task. Start an Excel spreadsheet and update it every time you make a sale. We’ve included a sample spreadsheet at the end of this book for you to look at as a starting point.
When you become a direct sales consultant, you may wonder how you go about selling your product. Usually, the first outlet people think of is to sell at an online auction site like e-bay. However, many companies have restrictions against selling this way.
Home parties are going to be the best and most economical way to market your product. Tupperware ladies and Avon consultants have been selling this way for years. Count on friends and family to host parties for you. Don’t count out co-workers either. Distribute your catalogs and be sure your phone number and e-mail address are featured prominently.
We’ll have a separate section on marketing your business, but you may also want to take out a small newspaper ad occasionally offering your services as a scrapbook consultant. You’re selling supplies here, so always have your selling hat on.
See if your community college offers scrapbooking courses and see if the instructor will distribute some of your business cards to those taking the class. They’ll usually be happy to do so unless the college prohibits it.
You can also sponsor workshops where people get together to work on their scrapbooks. This is a prime opportunity to strike while the passion is hot. People may look at your book and love what you did with the page about your family vacation. That’s a perfect time to whip out your catalog and show them the papers or die cuts that you used from your company.
Another perk about being a direct sales consultant is that you will get a discount on your own supplies. When you love scrapbooking, you know as well as we do that you can never have enough stickers or cut-outs or custom scissors. Being able to buy these items at a discount or even earning these items for free can be addicting and extremely motivational as well!
As we’ve said, there are many, many companies out there who offer direct sales opportunities to you.
Cricket vinyl machine use self adhesive Vinyl in your scrapbooks, home decorations and photo albums. Put your talents to work for you by starting a greeting cards business using the Cricut machines. Any crafter will tell you the Cricut Expressions machine is an expense, but is it worth the cost?
Scrapbook Business-DIRECT SALES CONSULTANT Part 2
See if the company has any type of support system in place. You’re bound to have questions arise from time to time. A reputable company will offer you the expertise and know-how of their staff to help you along.
Does the company offer any type of advertising for you to use? Marketing and advertising are crucial to business success. The bigger the audience, the more success you’ll have. If your company does some type of national advertising, this can only benefit you even more.
You should also find out their requirements for using their company name and logo. The last thing you want to do is advertise the company you are selling for in the wrong way.
What is unique about the company? Do they have any products that are distributed exclusively by them? This can make you stand out from your competition. Also, take a look at the level of saturation in your particular market. A newer company that offers quality products may hold a lot of promise in your particular industry.
Finally, if the company has an e-commerce option, it should have a huge advantage over the others. Many direct sales companies are now offering replicated websites so each representative can promote an individual online presence. A few direct sales companies even have shopping carts alongside these websites so you can make sales online, too, with the product drop shipped from your home office.
When you go into business as a direct sales consultant, you will want to have enough space in your home office to accommodate your products. Organizational skills are at a premium here. You’ll want plenty of shelf space to store papers, die cuts, albums, and stickers.
Spending time digging through drawers and boxes looking for supplies is frustrating and time consuming and time is money. There are simple and inexpensive ways to help you spend less time searching for your supplies and more time exactly creating.
Sorting supplies by categories or themes is very useful and you can tell at a glance what you have in stock. Some useful categories are winter, Christmas, Easter, Valentines, Baby girl, Baby boy, etc. Create interesting labels using 2"x 4" address labels and your computer.
What to do with all those fibers and ribbons? Place fibers in small plastic bags and store them in your theme containers. Smaller plastic containers work great to store fibers by colors. You can also use recycled clear jars, cleaned and labels removed, and sort by color. Add your creative labels to these also.
Create die-cuts of shapes, letters, and phrases without a computer using the Cricut cutting machine! If you love to use die cut accents on your scrapbooking projects, then investing in a Cricket machine is a smart choice. If you are into paper crafts you may have heard of the cricket craft machine With customized dies, shapes and fonts.
Does the company offer any type of advertising for you to use? Marketing and advertising are crucial to business success. The bigger the audience, the more success you’ll have. If your company does some type of national advertising, this can only benefit you even more.
You should also find out their requirements for using their company name and logo. The last thing you want to do is advertise the company you are selling for in the wrong way.
What is unique about the company? Do they have any products that are distributed exclusively by them? This can make you stand out from your competition. Also, take a look at the level of saturation in your particular market. A newer company that offers quality products may hold a lot of promise in your particular industry.
Finally, if the company has an e-commerce option, it should have a huge advantage over the others. Many direct sales companies are now offering replicated websites so each representative can promote an individual online presence. A few direct sales companies even have shopping carts alongside these websites so you can make sales online, too, with the product drop shipped from your home office.
When you go into business as a direct sales consultant, you will want to have enough space in your home office to accommodate your products. Organizational skills are at a premium here. You’ll want plenty of shelf space to store papers, die cuts, albums, and stickers.
Spending time digging through drawers and boxes looking for supplies is frustrating and time consuming and time is money. There are simple and inexpensive ways to help you spend less time searching for your supplies and more time exactly creating.
Sorting supplies by categories or themes is very useful and you can tell at a glance what you have in stock. Some useful categories are winter, Christmas, Easter, Valentines, Baby girl, Baby boy, etc. Create interesting labels using 2"x 4" address labels and your computer.
What to do with all those fibers and ribbons? Place fibers in small plastic bags and store them in your theme containers. Smaller plastic containers work great to store fibers by colors. You can also use recycled clear jars, cleaned and labels removed, and sort by color. Add your creative labels to these also.
Create die-cuts of shapes, letters, and phrases without a computer using the Cricut cutting machine! If you love to use die cut accents on your scrapbooking projects, then investing in a Cricket machine is a smart choice. If you are into paper crafts you may have heard of the cricket craft machine With customized dies, shapes and fonts.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Scrapbook Business-DIRECT SALES CONSULTANT
DIRECT SALES CONSULTANT
This is the way most people break into the industry. In fact, ask a successful retailer or product designer how she/he got started, and it was probably through direct sales!
There are currently many of these "home party" companies in the scrapbook/rubber stamp world, and they're a great way to get your foot in the door. Many consultants only join to get a product discount, but if you're serious about building this as a business as well as getting discounted scrapping supplies, there is the possibility of bringing in a good income, many times in the six figures.
You will need to hook up with one of these companies to get started. We highly suggest doing your homework first. What are you looking for when choosing a company to go with?
First, look at the products they have available. Successful direct sales consultants exude a genuine enthusiasm for their products.
Before joining a company, you'll need to have the inner conviction that your company brings products and an opportunity that no other company can. It's important for you to get your hands on the products before you sign. Place an order or, at the very least, request a catalog and product samples before joining.
Start up cost also has to be a factor. What kind of cash outlay will your start-up require? Look closely at the company's joining fee and/or the cost of your business starter kit, but also think realistically about how much inventory you'll need to have on hand and what kinds of business supplies or products you'll need to get your business started.
Does the company you’re considering going with require any monthly minimums? If they do, you need to think long and hard about whether or not you’re ready to invest the time and effort into making your quotas. Of course, the harder you work, the more money you make. Be passionate about the company and what they have to offer. You must convince yourself they are the best before you can convince others.
Look at the commission rate the company is offering. Each direct sales plan is different, and it's important to look over the fine print. What is the commission rate and how is it paid? How are you awarded for recruiting others? How does the company handle breakaways?
Before you sign on, find out how much control you’ll have over marketing the products. Most companies have a “rule book” you can reference. You’ll want to have enough lee-way to successfully promote your business and the products you have for sale.
How to operate and use the Cricut die cut machine check out youtube instructional video's. Cricut die cutting machine great for scrapbooking, home crafts, and school projects. Craft enthusiasts will love the portability and convenience of the Cricut personal electronic cutter.
This is the way most people break into the industry. In fact, ask a successful retailer or product designer how she/he got started, and it was probably through direct sales!
There are currently many of these "home party" companies in the scrapbook/rubber stamp world, and they're a great way to get your foot in the door. Many consultants only join to get a product discount, but if you're serious about building this as a business as well as getting discounted scrapping supplies, there is the possibility of bringing in a good income, many times in the six figures.
You will need to hook up with one of these companies to get started. We highly suggest doing your homework first. What are you looking for when choosing a company to go with?
First, look at the products they have available. Successful direct sales consultants exude a genuine enthusiasm for their products.
Before joining a company, you'll need to have the inner conviction that your company brings products and an opportunity that no other company can. It's important for you to get your hands on the products before you sign. Place an order or, at the very least, request a catalog and product samples before joining.
Start up cost also has to be a factor. What kind of cash outlay will your start-up require? Look closely at the company's joining fee and/or the cost of your business starter kit, but also think realistically about how much inventory you'll need to have on hand and what kinds of business supplies or products you'll need to get your business started.
Does the company you’re considering going with require any monthly minimums? If they do, you need to think long and hard about whether or not you’re ready to invest the time and effort into making your quotas. Of course, the harder you work, the more money you make. Be passionate about the company and what they have to offer. You must convince yourself they are the best before you can convince others.
Look at the commission rate the company is offering. Each direct sales plan is different, and it's important to look over the fine print. What is the commission rate and how is it paid? How are you awarded for recruiting others? How does the company handle breakaways?
Before you sign on, find out how much control you’ll have over marketing the products. Most companies have a “rule book” you can reference. You’ll want to have enough lee-way to successfully promote your business and the products you have for sale.
How to operate and use the Cricut die cut machine check out youtube instructional video's. Cricut die cutting machine great for scrapbooking, home crafts, and school projects. Craft enthusiasts will love the portability and convenience of the Cricut personal electronic cutter.
Scrapbook Business Introduction
Scrapbooking has been around for years. Teenage girls have taped prom tickets to notebook pages and written their memories of the evening along with pictures and other mementos. We arrange photos into albums and perhaps label them with dates and other information.
Scrapbooking as we now know it got its official start in 1980 by the Christensen family in Utah. These pioneers went on to launch the hugely successful company Keeping Memories Alive. It’s been almost 25 years, but the scrapbook industry continues to grow at an exponential rate. And these past four years have really seen a growth spurt!
In the last several years, scrap booking has taken on a new life. No longer are these albums simply photos and labels or a couple of prom tickets taped to a page. Now they are elaborately styled memory books with fancy embellishments and features. Some people consider scrapbooking an art form, and when you look at some of these pages, you might just agree.
Scrapbooking has blossomed into a billion dollar business. In fact, the latest figures reveal that it’s now a $2.55 billion per year business - and that’s only in the U.S.! If true figures were to be told, the amount would certainly be well over $5 billion.
Many people are cashing in on the craze by starting their own scrap booking businesses. There are many, many ways to make money if you love to scrapbook. The appeal of starting this type of business is easy to see.
You can operate your business out of your home. You set your own hours working whenever you want. Satisfaction can be derived from the creativity that you can display. But perhaps the biggest advantage of starting your own scrapbooking business is that it can be done for a relatively small start-up investment.
There are hundreds of places online that offer you the opportunity to pay them to show you how to start this type of business and some of them can be beneficial. However, all you really need to have is a love of scrapbooking and the desire to succeed by doing what you love.
What we’ve done with this book is compile tips and tricks from people who’ve successfully started their own scrap booking business. You’ll learn so much in these pages: how to name your business, what supplies you’ll need, what to charge for your services, marketing your business, and finding creative ways to get your name out there.
You can pursue this business in many different ways. You can create pages for other people, you can sell scrapping supplies, or you can become a consultant for others teaching them how to do their own scrapbooks. Whichever route you choose, scrapbooking can be profitable and fun!
Many people think the only way to build a business in the scrapbooking world is by opening a retail store - not true! There are more than a dozen other ways you can make a living in this industry and some of them are much more profitable than retail! Let’s look at your options!
Are you tempted to by the computerized Cricket cutting machine. Great Cricut project ideas for your Cricket scrapbooking machine. What is the difference between the three Cricut cutters?
Scrapbooking as we now know it got its official start in 1980 by the Christensen family in Utah. These pioneers went on to launch the hugely successful company Keeping Memories Alive. It’s been almost 25 years, but the scrapbook industry continues to grow at an exponential rate. And these past four years have really seen a growth spurt!
In the last several years, scrap booking has taken on a new life. No longer are these albums simply photos and labels or a couple of prom tickets taped to a page. Now they are elaborately styled memory books with fancy embellishments and features. Some people consider scrapbooking an art form, and when you look at some of these pages, you might just agree.
Scrapbooking has blossomed into a billion dollar business. In fact, the latest figures reveal that it’s now a $2.55 billion per year business - and that’s only in the U.S.! If true figures were to be told, the amount would certainly be well over $5 billion.
Many people are cashing in on the craze by starting their own scrap booking businesses. There are many, many ways to make money if you love to scrapbook. The appeal of starting this type of business is easy to see.
You can operate your business out of your home. You set your own hours working whenever you want. Satisfaction can be derived from the creativity that you can display. But perhaps the biggest advantage of starting your own scrapbooking business is that it can be done for a relatively small start-up investment.
There are hundreds of places online that offer you the opportunity to pay them to show you how to start this type of business and some of them can be beneficial. However, all you really need to have is a love of scrapbooking and the desire to succeed by doing what you love.
What we’ve done with this book is compile tips and tricks from people who’ve successfully started their own scrap booking business. You’ll learn so much in these pages: how to name your business, what supplies you’ll need, what to charge for your services, marketing your business, and finding creative ways to get your name out there.
You can pursue this business in many different ways. You can create pages for other people, you can sell scrapping supplies, or you can become a consultant for others teaching them how to do their own scrapbooks. Whichever route you choose, scrapbooking can be profitable and fun!
Many people think the only way to build a business in the scrapbooking world is by opening a retail store - not true! There are more than a dozen other ways you can make a living in this industry and some of them are much more profitable than retail! Let’s look at your options!
Are you tempted to by the computerized Cricket cutting machine. Great Cricut project ideas for your Cricket scrapbooking machine. What is the difference between the three Cricut cutters?
Starting Your Own Scrapbooking Business
The Scrapbook Expo 2010 will be visiting a town near you. Perhaps you will attend or even rent a booth. This years Scrapbooking Expo is no exception, filled with fun events and loads of creative ideas here is just one.
You are always getting complements on your arts and crafts projects. Friends love getting hand made gifts from you and tell you you should sell your projects, but where do you begin.
With the help of this ebook will find the answer to the question how do I start a scrapbooking business, enjoy!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Direct Sales Consultant
Scrapbook Instructor
Event Organizer
Product Designer/Manufacturer
Scrapbook “Expert”
Professional Scrapbook Artist
Scrapbook Retailer
Hiring Employees
Providing Great Customer Service
Online Retailer
Paper Piecing and E-Bay
Creating Piecings That Will Sell
Organization
Advertising Your Auction
Custom Orders
Providing Excellent Customer Service
Before You Start
Marketing Your Business
Your Website
E-zines
Blogs
Press Releases
Traditional Advertising
Newspapers
Telephone Books
Television
Radio
Other Marketing Tools
Naming Your Business
What Do You Charge?
Trade Shows & Conventions
At Tax Time
Conclusion
Sample Inventory Control Sheet
Scrapbooking has come along way since it’s humble beginnings with the event of electronic die cutting machines like the Cricut Experssion machine. Not limited to your own creativity but with the help of Cricut software like the hand held digital library the Cricut Gypsy ideas and projects come to life.
You are always getting complements on your arts and crafts projects. Friends love getting hand made gifts from you and tell you you should sell your projects, but where do you begin.
With the help of this ebook will find the answer to the question how do I start a scrapbooking business, enjoy!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Direct Sales Consultant
Scrapbook Instructor
Event Organizer
Product Designer/Manufacturer
Scrapbook “Expert”
Professional Scrapbook Artist
Scrapbook Retailer
Hiring Employees
Providing Great Customer Service
Online Retailer
Paper Piecing and E-Bay
Creating Piecings That Will Sell
Organization
Advertising Your Auction
Custom Orders
Providing Excellent Customer Service
Before You Start
Marketing Your Business
Your Website
E-zines
Blogs
Press Releases
Traditional Advertising
Newspapers
Telephone Books
Television
Radio
Other Marketing Tools
Naming Your Business
What Do You Charge?
Trade Shows & Conventions
At Tax Time
Conclusion
Sample Inventory Control Sheet
Scrapbooking has come along way since it’s humble beginnings with the event of electronic die cutting machines like the Cricut Experssion machine. Not limited to your own creativity but with the help of Cricut software like the hand held digital library the Cricut Gypsy ideas and projects come to life.
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