Hand-Made Cards

Staciep88

Hello everyone...

I have just discovered that I am quite 'handy' in the hand-made cards department! I was just wondering if anyone else does this, is it worth it and how to go about it really? Do I just make a selection and then take them to the local shop and sell them and offer the shop 10% off weekly takings? (I do have an advantage that the local shop is owned by the father of my brothers girlfriend)

All advice welcomed!

Stacey xx

mattogier

Hi Stacy

The Card (& gift wrap) business is VERY competitive (from experience) and most retail outlets would expect to make at least 50% on stock (ie they take 50p and give you 50p for every £1 sold) - typically they sell for 2.4 x buy in price.

That said your brother's girlfriend's dad MAY invoke the nepotism card ('scuse the pun) and be happy to sell them for you for a cut.

If you want to make more serious money there are a number of ways you can ...

1: Punt them yourself - lots of running round generating leads and closing sales AND you have to make the cards too.

2: Find an agent / small publisher (like Hotchpotch for example) who may take your line on - less work but less money too.

3: Sell direct - school fayres, farmers markets, friends, relatives etc etc... May be the best option for you - once you become known for your work referrals will come.

Hope that helps?

Matt

RoxyK

I'd agree with mattogier that shops will want minimum 50% profit. One risk with sale or return is if the shop closes or is less than honest. It happened to me twice when I made cards and candles! I found it more enjoyable and profitable when I sold cards and candles directly. I stopped several years ago as the market is very competitive.

Good luck.

Staciep88

Thanks both of you, I will bare that in mind- got to make a few more yet to make my stock up first! Many thanks x