Could use some input...

[DMoss3377]

Hi -

Not sure where to start, so I'll just jump right in.

For my own reasons, I've been trying to figure a way to work from home...probably the same reasons many of you either do work at home or would love to. I currently work for a corporation where I commute easily 45 minutes to an hour to get to my office. I've discussed the possibility of telecommuting with my managers, but it's usually shot down fairly quickly.

So, I've been brainstorming ideas of a home based business I can start myself. Well, I sort of have this one idea that's been nagging at me, that I just can't let go no matter how many times I think it might not work. So I thought I would ask for the opinions from all of you on what you think.

I was thinking about becoming a custom scrapbook album maker. For both one time gift type albums and for on going albums. My thinking behind this is that there are plenty of families who love the idea of scrapbooking, love the look, etc, but either don't feel creative enough to do it themselves or don't have the time to devote to it. I have a few friends who have all asked if I would do gift albums, etc and one even jokes around that she'd pay me to just do all of her scrapbooks since she doesn't have the time. That's where the idea came from...but can I make a half way decent income from doing it???? I probably wouldn't need to make what I make now, since I won't have to commute, won't have the need for the types of clothes I have to buy now, etc...and I know in the beginning it would be slow and I wouldn't quit my job until I could make up the difference, but is it worth a shot or should I go back to the drawing board????

What do you all think? I don't offend easily and would appreciate all thoughts. You can tell me that it's the most stupid idea you've ever heard and I promise my feelings won't get hurt. But I figured a message board full of scrapbookers...who are in essence strangers....may be able to be a little more objective and honest with me than my friends and family.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Timon]

Actually, I've thought about doing this before, after MAJOR urging from hubby and family members. I even made up a flyer and hubby took it into work for feedback.

The thing is this: I think there are two types of people out there

1-Scrapbookers, new or old, if they want a SB, THEY will do it or learn how. And because of them being a SB'er, they know how much an album costs to make.

2-Non-SB'ers, who have NO CLUE of what we SB'ers PAY for supplies and albums, who would NEVER spend that much money on a SB!

Then of course, you have your rich people who spend $$$$$$$$ on whatever they please. But I don't think there would be too much interest for a SB.

If you can find clients though, then all the power to you! I would LOVE to SB as a job

 

[bananiem]

Actually I've wondered about that when I've been at craft fairs. It seems like somebody ought to have a booth set up to sell pages.
I've also heard people say "I ought to bring you my pictures so you can do if for me." I think if you are creative enough you should try it! I have a hard enough time figuring out what I'm going to do on my pages. I can't imagine how stressed I'd be about somebody elses!! LOL!!
I have one question though: Would you ask them to write down what they want journalled or would you just leave a spot for that for them to fill in? I'm just curious.

 

[GrammieMame]

I also have thought about this for when I retire in 2 years. My biggest fear is that it would ruin my enjoyment of doing my own books (of which there are at least a dozen yet undone). I did a search on the internet to see if other people were doing it. I had trouble finding the right phrase to search with, but I think I finally got results from Custom Scrapbooks. Here's a couple of sites I bookmarked - it might give you an idea of what's involved. Actually, I think I decided that my style is probably too plain & simple to do it for a living. Some of these websites show really elaborate pages as examples. I'm not an embellishments person. Anyhow, try www.scrapbooksbyAnn.com and www.scrappinstuff.com.

 

[beansmom]

I think I would have to say "Don't quit your day job". I looked at the scrapbooks by Ann site and while her stuff is nice, I wouldn't pay that for it.

What I have thought about---on a limited basis since I work full-time as well...is making themed pages (vacation, soccer, graduation, etc) with places for the people to put their journaling and photos left blank. But, even that, is pretty expensive...figuring you buy about 10-$15 worth of stuff to do maybe 3-4 pages--you'd have to sell them for $5 or more each. I'm not sure the 'market' would bear that price. People want artsy=crafty stuff but they want it cheap. JMHO.

 

[SplshMtn99]

I'm all for following your dreams...but then again I'm practical.

Two things come to mind:
1. I've seen what people charge to make books...and I think, WHO PAYS THOSE PRICES?

2. When economy gets tight...your business will get REAL slow. Will you be able to get by? (Example: My BIL is a DJ (clubs & parties & weddings)....and recently had to get another day job because business got very slow due to economy.)

It's a great idea though. I've wanted to have a craft store for years....but I don't think it's realistic.

Good luck.

 

[Pammy jo]

I think it's a great idea, but if your income is really necessary for your family I'd be a little scared that sometimes there might be down times. However, you'll never know unless you give it a try. Maybe start out parttime while you keep your other job and see how it goes. Why not contact ScrapbooksbyAnn and ask her if she'd give you some professional advice? I wish you the best of luck if you decide to go with it!

 

[DMoss3377]

Thanks for all the input. A lot of what you all said are the same doubts and concerns that have been swimming around in my head.

I'll keep brainstorming. I'll probably just keep doing "custom" albums mostly for friends and family as gifts. I really don't want to do anything to make scrapbooking less enjoyable for myself. I may try it on a part time basis to see if it starts feeling like any other job or if I still enjoy it and go from there.

Thanks everyone.