How to Open a Scrapbook Business

From LoveToKnow Scrapbooking

If you're interested in learning how to open a scrapbook business, you're not alone. Many people who enjoy scrapbooking wonder how to turn their passion into a source of supplemental income.

Learn how to open a scrapbook business and turn your love of papercrafting into some extra cash.

How to Open a Scrapbook Business: Products to Sell

When planning how to open a scrapbook business, the first step is to think about what types of products you wish to sell. Here are a few options to consider:

Pre-made scrapbook: For people who want to add their own pictures and journaling at a later date, a pre-made album is an attractive option for preserving memories of a wedding, vacation, or a new baby. This is also a good way to begin a business if you don't have specific clients in mind, since you can simply create the album from whatever supplies you have on hand.
Custom scrapbook: Making a complete scrapbook that includes another person's photos and journaling is a time-consuming task. But, if you can market your services well, this is one of the most profitable niches for starting your own scrapbook business.
Framed scrapbook page: Many people enjoy using a special scrapbook page as wall art for their home. However, keep in mind that these pages usually have a much more elaborate style and often use very detailed techniques such as painting custom backgrounds or making one-of-a-kind paper pieced accents.

While most people associate scrapbooking with layouts made from cardstock and patterned paper, an increasing number of digital scrapbookers are starting their own businesses as well. In fact, digital scrapbookers may actually have an advantage in this area since they have a lower overhead and can easily make multiple copies of an album to accommodate requests such as a family recipe book or a heritage scrapbook to be given as a gift from grandparents to all of their grandchildren.

Online vs. Traditional Sales

When you want to open a scrapbook business, you have two sales options to consider. You can sell online through your own Web site or a service such as Etsy. You can also try selling by setting up a physical booth at craft shows or other events in your community.

Advantages of online sales include:

If you live in a small community, you can reach a larger pool of potential clients by selling online.
When you sell online, your products are always available. In comparison, craft shows only happen during selected time periods.
If you have small children at home or a full-time job that keeps you busy, selling online may be the most convenient option since you can work at a time that best fits your schedule.

Advantages of traditional sales methods include:

Just like other works of art, scrapbooks are hard to showcase on a Web site. When people can see your work in person, they will be more likely to buy.
Being able to answer questions about your products on a one-on-one basis may lead to additional sales.
If you're intimidated by technology, traditional sales may seem more manageable than trying to build your own Web site or differentiate yourself from the crowd of crafters on sites like Etsy.

Of course, you don't need to use just one sales method for your business. It's fine to showcase your work at craft shows, then refer customers to your Web site if they wish to purchase items at a later date. A Web site is also great advertising for your craft show appearances, especially if you can send out email updates of what shows you'll be attending.