Today’s talk is with Maura Perry from Craft Sassy. Learn more about Maura, why she started her custom scrapbook business as well as some success tips she learned along the way on her scrapbook business journey.
Tell us about your scrapbook business?
CraftSassy is a custom scrapbook paper printing business that allows both retail and wholesale customers to design and print their own unique custom papers by the sheet or in smaller quantities than usual for wholesale contracts- respectively. This is “real” acid/lignin free scrapbook paper, we do not use photo paper. Our papers are printed using environmentally friendly inks.
Why did you decide to start your scrapbook business creating custom papers?
It was a bit of a fluke. I was not working at the time and doing a lot of scrapbooking. I was frustrated because I wanted specific papers and couldn’t find them. My husband’s company had recently started offering their customers web-to-print and digital printing, and I was able to print my own papers. I figured that I couldn’t be alone in wanting this type of custom service.
How did you first get started in your scrapbooking business?
When I knew that I wanted to pursue a business in scrapbooking, I did a ton of research and joined a scrapbook business owners group (Scrap Biz, which is no longer in business) where I was able to bounce my ideas off people that were already established in the industry and fine tune my ideas.
What tools/resources would you say are essential to succeeding in this type of business?
Writing a detailed business plan was key, in my opinion. You need to do the research and be totally honest with yourself as you are doing it. This industry is saturated and you need to have a concrete plan about how your particular business is going to survive. Also, being willing to change that plan as needed and refer to it along the way.
Finding mentors, such as I did with Scrap Biz, that you can bounce ideas off of and network with, was huge for me.
What are some mistakes you may have made getting started in your own business?
It was small and I caught it quickly, one of the businesses email addresses was somehow not linked to my inbox. I caught it within a few days and it was okay. That however has made me particularly cautious to double check everything, whether it is technical or otherwise.
What is your favorite/most effective method for gaining new clients (especially when you first got started)?
The best / most effective thing I did when CraftSassy first opened, was to have a professional marketing person write a press release, and posting or submitting it to as many free and low cost PR sites, as well as online and print industry publications as possible. This one thing has in over a year and a half, continued to pay off for us in the form of customers, brand recognition and further press which includes some articles in major publications.
What is your favorite way to grow your business online?
Networking is, in my opinion the best way. Social networking, message boards and commenting on blogs you like are all relatively small things that you can do in a few minutes that have a great impact. I can always see the difference in my web stats and business (when I am “good” about keeping up with these things.)
What is one mistake you have made and learned from?
We all make mistakes; you have to be willing to make mistakes if you are starting your own business. You also have to be willing to “own” them. On the rare occasion that something does go wrong, the press goes down or an order has a problem, we own it and do whatever it takes to make it right. To me it doesn’t matter what happens or whose fault it is, I want the customer to be taken care of.
Based on feedback from your customers, what are some of the benefits you provide?
For small business and kit clubs, we provide a way for them to have high quality, branded, niche, regional or exclusive papers that set their business apart from others.
For the consumer, it allows them to have more creative freedom. Whether they are scanning their child’s artwork or printing a digital layout, each paper they design add a more personal layer to their finished project.
How can other scrapbook owners benefit from Craft Sassy?
I really think that the possibilities are endless: local school paper, regional event or landmarks, unique designs that are exclusive because you “own” that design. We also do a lot of custom work so you can have custom sizes, paperweights, we can even do die cuts, stickers and binding by custom order.
How should someone determine if starting their own scrapbook business is right for them?
I’d say you really need to ask yourself;
A. Do I really have a solid, marketable plan?
B. Do I have the time and more importantly the desire to dedicate to all aspects of the business (accounting, follow-ups, marketing, customer service and shipping to name a few).
Do you consider yourself successful? Why or why not?
As a relatively new business that is very unique, I think we have been very successful in getting the initial attention needed to create a solid foundation. I see limitless potential for this business and am excited to see where it takes us.
Any final words of advice you would like to add?
Did I mention how important it is to have a plan?
***You can read more about craftsassy.com on page 12 of the fall issue of Scrapbooking and Beyond!
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Thank you Maura for sharing with us. I think many who are considering or already started their scrapbook business will gain some valuable insight from her experience.
Looking to get started in your scrapbook business? Be sure to get the scrapbook business roadmap which will guide you along the steps that Maura talked about. And it is free for signing up for the Scrapbook Business Tips newsletter. And if you need help with your scrapbook business plan, be sure to visit Scrapventurereports.com.