Scrapbooking Business - Five Ways to Market Your Scrapbooks
By Sue Barrett
Scrapbooks are growing in popularity - both as a creative hobby and as a memorable
gift. If you want to sell scrapbooks or deign custom scrapbooks for people, there is
definitely a market looking to buy. The catch is that you need to know where to find them.
1. Set up an Online Store
How do you set up a website store without a lot of work? Use an already established
high-traffic website designed specifically for artists to sell their goods. Websites like
Etsy and Art Fire let you build a storefront directly on their site, and they provide
the tools to do it. People who visit these sites are generally looking for unique craft
items that are difficult to find in stores, like custom scrapbooks.
2. Advertise Your Scrapbooking Service or Sell Consignment at a Local Gift Shop
Most businesses are interested in ways they can generate more revenue without taking on
more risk - especially smaller companies. So do not be surprised if a local shop owner
will let you display your scrapbooks in his store on consignment.
Do some research prior to meeting with the shop owner; you want the style of your
scrapbooks to match the target market of the shop in order for the owner to be interested.
Also, prepare a consignment agreement for you both to sign. You can download one for free
at a website called "Get Free Legal Forms".
3. Teach a Scrapbooking Class
Now wait - just because you teach people to create their own scrapbooks does not mean
that they cannot be future customers. I have been surprised by how often hobbyists decide
to pay a skilled crafts person to create an item as a gift for someone else, or even for
themselves. In any case, teaching a course provides a way for you to introduce yourself
and demonstrate your skills without an uncomfortable sales pitch. (It is also a great way
to get referrals!)
4. Take Part in Local Fairs and Events
Spend a couple of days as a vendor at an art and wine fair, and you may feel like you
are socializing rather than selling. Potential customers are coming to you, rather than
you having to chase them, not to mention you get to talk about an activity that you really
like. To get started, you can find a list of event locations and dates in the USA at the
"Festivals and Events" website.
Do not miss out on this excellent opportunity to build your customer list! A good way
to get contact information of people who are interested in scrapbooks is to hold a drawing
for a free custom-made scrapbook in exchange for visitors' contact information. You can
follow up with them at a later time (with their permission) regarding discounts or special
events - at which time they might buy.
5. Get Listed in Local Search Directories
In addition to yellow page advertising, there is a growing online market that you want
do not want to miss out on. Currently, not many local businesses advertise in local
directories, so you give yourself an instant advantage by posting a listing online. Start
by placing a free listing on "Google Places".
Home Business Center, Inc
has complete instructions on starting a scrapbooking business from home, including 8 ways
to make money with scrapbooks, discount scrapbook supplies and more. See how to start
Scrapbooking Business
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