What do you look for in an online scrapbook store?

[eeyorefanatic]

For those of you who buy scrapbook supplies on line what makes you use a particular store?

Are there specific products you look for?
What do you think is missing from most stores?

I have the opportunity to possibly help start an online venture and was just hoping for some input from the people who actually shop online

Any and all feedback/suggestions are welcome!


Thanks in advance!

 

[pas2]

I would say in order of importance
Price
Shipping cost
Selection

I look for paper and embellishments I can't find at my LSS or craft store. For example I am searching for a store that sells mini colored brads preferably in an assortment pack that isn't an outrageous price.

I would suggest focusing on a particular area rather than trying to cover the whole shebang. I have a site I love for their selection of hole punches at great prices (espec sales), another sell papers from the less prominent companies or they offer a more complete line, not just 5 papers for a particular company.

Anticipating or keeping up with the trends is also very important. Review other on-line stores to see if you think there is something they are lacking, something you would like to see offered...chances are someone else will be thinking the same way too.

 

[pas2]

I fogot one more thing...good customer service, easy returns...

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

I concur with much of the foregoing but would add...

While I generally buy from my local shops there are some things that I'll buy anywhere and everywhere I find it because of the difficulty in locating. These are the sorts of things that would bring together a critical mass of interest that is best served virtually. I know my LSS operator has said she just doesn't carry much because the interest is lower.

Specifically, ANYTHING Girl Scout/Boy Scout related. There are licensing issues regarding the "official" logo items and I hope one of these days the two organizations will realize there is money to be made in careful licensing (as Disney has). But in the meantime there is product out there but scattered.

Football - particularly aimed at the high school level. Again local supplies tend to be limited and often what is available is either pretty bland - green paper with field stripes on it that could cross over for band, cheering, etc. or juvenile - peewee league.

Theatre - there is very little in the way of paper and stickers that can be used to put pages together on theatre productions. I'm not sure how many unique ways I can find to use the same mask stickers!

I'm looking over what I just wrote and it occurs to me a theme is emerging. The activities of OLDER kids - middle school and high school - are the areas where putting pages together is tougher. So overall, take a look at those areas and focus on the unusual.

But as pas2 said - price, service, shipping costs will also play a determining factor. It can be out of line or the generic stuff will be used in unusual ways.

Deb

 

[YaYas_Mom]

Do alot of research before you start. Try checking out the jangle retail latte boards (let me know if you don't know what those are). Online stores are just as hard to operate IMO as brick and mortar stores. You have to be fast on shipping, have a good selection, good price, and generally you get killed on shipping. Customers only want to pay actual shipping on embellishments, but not on cardstock and heavier items. Scrapbook supply sales are down all over, and I've seen a lot of stores closing lately - both online and brick and mortar. The online competition is HUGE with many stores doing things like pre-orders where you have to prepay for your items so they offer it at a huge discount because they aren't really fronting the money and stocking inventory. There really isn't any loyalty among your customers, although you will see a lot of repeat business if you keep your customers happy, you also know they will go to whoever has the best sale for the day. You really have to be willing to work very hard for little to no money in return. And you don't have as much time to scrap anymore either. If you specialize in something, you might find you can make a better go at it - especially if you are doing something that no one else is doing. I don't want this to seem like a negative post, but alot of time I see people wanting to do this because they love to scrap, but running your own business is hard work and has nothing to do with scrapbooking, its often full of stress and heart ache, but at the same time the rewards are fabulous. The key is to a) be unique and b) have awesome customer service. If you decide to pursue it, really make sure that you've done your homework on what it will take to run your own business, and how long before realistically you'll see profit.

Good luck
Jennifer
Happy online e-tailer who has to work a full time job to pay the real bills