Information

[scrappinchick]

 No, No, No, run, don't walk, away from this idea.  You do not want to do it!!!

[AnnOminous]

 To paraphrase an old joke:

How do you make a small fortune in scrapbooking?  Start out with a large fortune!!!

[Kim2002]

I would be wary of opening up a physical store right now.  We've had several shops open and then close within a year.  It's so sad cuz I know these women really put their heart and time into it.  But when money is tight, I think there are several things that just get pushed aside when budgeting each month and scrapping is likely one of those things.

I would, however, consider opening an online store.   You wouldn't have the same level of overhead costs since you could start out running it from a spare room in your house.  The downside is that you'd be in competition with a lot of other online businesses and I don't know if it would solve your local town's problem of not having a physical store to go to.

[Firegems]

 I would love to own a scrapbooking store... but unfortunaly there has been a couple in our small town and they die out after about 2 years... There just isn't enough people here to keep one going.......and with so many on line stores I tend to get better deals thru the internet then going to a local store.

[joeysmommy]

 I think every scrapbooker dreams of owning a scrapbook store.
If I were even an employee at a scrapbook store I think it would take the fun out of it for me.
For some, once it becomes a job it's no longer fun.

[joeyjo]

 Owning your own store is a great deal of hard work, doable if you have enough population to generate the traffic flow. A good business plan is basic and you can get free help with that through the Small Business Development Center. 

[AlwaysHappy]

 I wouldn't want to own one because scrapping is my hobby.  It's the one piece of the day that belongs to me.  I can relax and be creative.  If it became my "job", that would take the fun out of it for me.  Also, the economy is terrible with stores closing everywhere.  I went into Michael's today and noticed their scrapbook paper inventory was 1/2 of what it was just a few months ago.  I don't think it would be a wise decision, but that's just my personal opinion. 

[RitaS]

 Ditto to much of what has been said - Megmay made great points as I have also helped people at CHA and so glad I did not have to make the decisions to stay within budget. Definitely not a good time. A number of stores have closed in the surrounding area and the store I work at just downsized and I am looking for a new job due to cut in pay and hours.

Out of the home is a fine idea, but I used to sell out of my home (not SB related) and all that packing of boxes and trips to UPS/USPS wears on a person - and shipping has gone up so much as well. And then there is inventory storage...

[sherry]

 I would love to have my own store, except for the hard work, long hours, low pay.  With the economy the way it is right now I don't think a scrapbook store would survive.  I totally agree with those that have posted before this- there are so many on-line sites that are easy, cheap, wide selection etc.  I personally always buy on-line because I am 45 minutes from the nearest scrapbook store.  At ACOT, I can always save 5.00 on shipping or sometimes build up enough in my cart to get it free, how could I not shop on-line?  It's just too easy & convenient!

[Henu_Nea]

 If I had the finances, I would definitely go for it. However, you would need to do some extensive research in your area about the need for a LSS and what the demand is for it. It could be something that you're only open certain hours/days to cut down on cost. And look into what you could do to draw people into your store. I think it would be a blast to own a store but would be so much responsibilty at the same time.

[denisescrap]

 I would love to open my own scrapbooking store and if I had the funds i would do it!  I helped run a store here where I live and we are in a little resort town and she has been here for 11 yrs and doing great just got bigger.. her trick is classes, midnight classes, weekend classes, saturday free make in takes, this is to show a tech. and then they will buy product..    Kits and clubs and coupon clubs and local discounts for the really GOOD Customers.  also her store has tons of Emb. and her paper lines are great her rule was order once and if sold fast order again, but after that its dead..  if you have any more questions I would love to share..  Good Luck

Denise

[ladycardfan]

 I've talked to a lady about her store.  She is in a small town in OK.  She said down turns in the economy, people start looking where to cut and hobbies are it.  The funny thing is that I made a lot more gifts for Christmas this year -- mini scrapbooks, cards, calendars, etc.  I know myself I have learned not to buy everything when it comes out - - I need to have a use for it.  (But I do admit I still impulse buy - - like "Bittersweet".)

Though it is cheaper to buy the paper, pens, and smaller embellishments, these do not provide you with a large money making opportunity.  You will need to stock albums, maybe a couple bags.  Another suggestion I have is keep some basic items on hand for that new scrapbooker - scissors, paper cutter, glue, tape runners.

The first year will be tough -- you need to really work to establish yourself.  Have classes to show the newest techniques - I know just the other day, there are 5 women that said they would love to use an acrylic book but are afraid to get started.  Have crops -- add something special to it.  It could be a contest for the most pages completed, a birthday crop with cake celebrating all that month's birthdays, have a vote on the best layout, maybe have a color theme for the night.  Be creative and change it up some. 

The biggest thing I can suggest is listen to your customers.  You may like all the Scenic Route, but your customers may really like the KI.  If you don't buy for the majority, they will find somewhere else to get those items.  You are never going to please all of your customers and don't even try to do so.  Retail is hard -- and when the economy stinks, people's moods are not as great.  You can't take every complaint personally.  Try to make it right but sometimes people keep coming back and complaining, knowing they will get something for just complaining.

[kennabeans]

Did you make a decision on this yet? This is doable. I had my own scrapbook business with a partner until the end of May last year and we made a profit our first year. My family moved out of the state in June and I sold my half of the business to my partner and she is doing very well to this day. But it may not work for you so if you are interested and want some input, please feel free to PM me.

[lilkoala3]

 No way, Jose!

[ctaylor0312]

 Run one out of your home online. Give your shoppers the oppurtunity to come pick it up or to have it mailed. See how it goes. If you are doing well enough, THEN open a walk in store.

That's what I was told by a business owner - you have to make sure you have stock, and see what the hottest "things" are right now.  Cause if you open a store - you have to pay rent - most likely - then just the regular stuff - heat water - hardware - then the time and money setting up the store - getting a licence.  When she told me all that was intailed, I really lost interest.  And she was going to be my financial backing.  I lost that interest.  Too much of a headache.  You also have to think of having enough money set aside to at least 1 1/2 years with out a profit.  Something to think about in this time of economic hardships.  I don't think I'd do it.

[ctaylor0312]

 so I guess my answer would be hell no!  Not just no, but HELL no!  LOL

[1grandma]

 Good luck.  You have been given some really good advice and some good ideas. 

[bigsmartass]

 I've heard that starting a business in this type of economy is actually a good idea... because if you can make it through this you can prosper in any economy (vs losing everything after years of hard work). 

I'm not sure if I'd want one, as others mentioned the time devotion unless you could hire staff.  At my last base I knew someone who owned her own store (only because I went there so much lol).  She was there all the time it seemed like.
If you do, I'd highly reccomend crops.   I always loved going to crops and would end up buying stuff from the store, paper, ribbon, embelishments to match my pages, etc. 

Good luck with whatever you decide!

[jroni79]

 What does "LSS"mean??

[lpap0807]

 local scrapbook store