Running a Personalized Stationery Business

Business Overview:

If you have a good eye for design and are looking for a unique business venture, you should consider running a personalized stationery business. These days there are plenty of online companies that print and ship personalized stationery, invitations and thank-you cards, but there is plenty of room for another truly unique business idea. To do this, consider offering higher quality products and craftsmanship as well as topnotch customer service. If you’re not already familiar with paper products and printing techniques, you’ll need to do some research and perhaps take a class so you can get some practice before opening your own business. Experiment with different paper textures like linen, cotton, vellum, leaf paper or recycled paper. Look into purchasing equipment that creates embossed or engraved stationery. If you want to create beautiful and unique wedding invitations, you could use foil stamping to weave in metallic designs. Calligraphy is another option that adds a high-class touch to personalized stationery and invitations. As you can see, this business will be very hands-on since you will be essentially handcrafting each item; however, you can easily operate this business part-time and ramp it up as you are ready. You can also operate this business from your home and sell your products at local stationery shops. Also consider creating a website on which to display and sell your products. The more variety in products that you offer, the more markets of consumers you will attract. Or you could go the opposite direction and specialize in one particular niche like wedding invitations, for example. Become an expert on creating elaborate, gorgeous wedding stationery and yours will be the go-to business for brides everywhere. Another trend that could turn into a profitable niche is using recycled materials to make your products. Attracting the green market is a good way to be considerate of the environment while making your business eligible for government tax incentives. Another valuable service you can offer is envelope stuffing. Customers will gladly pay someone to address and stuff all the envelopes for a wedding or party. There are many options to consider when starting a personalized stationery business but with the right equipment, skill and customer service, your business can be very successful.

A Day in the Life of a Personalized Stationery Business Owner:

Since you will be working from home, you can set your own hours and your day will begin when it fits your schedule. You will check email, voicemail and website orders and contact potential customers to clarify their needs. You will continue to work on any ongoing projects and start work on new projects. If you sell your products at local shops, you will contact them via phone or in person every few days to check on your inventory, collect your sales and restock items. You will need to spend some time marketing your business in local phonebooks and magazines as well as online.

About Your Customers:

Your customers will be individuals looking for beautiful, unique and handcrafted stationery products.

What You Need to Start:

• Artistic skill
• Printing equipment
• Paper
• Other materials (foil, thread, etc.)
• Computer with design and finance software

The Good:

• There will always be a demand for unique stationery items.
• For an artist, this is a wonderful way to experiment with new materials and techniques.
• You can sell your items locally or online or both.
• You can easily run this business part-time and from home.
• The start-up investment required is minimal.

The Bad:

• This is a competitive industry and you will need to work hard to set yourself apart.
• It can take some time to build up your client base.

Resources:

• British Engraved Stationery Association
• Highbeam Business on Stationery Stores
• Bureau of Labor Statistics on Office Supplies, Stationery and Gift Stores
• Wikipedia on Stationery

About The Author

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