Little details can make or break your business.  For instance, what type of payment methods will you be willing to receive?  Can you take cash, check or credit card?  Merchant studies have shown that cash only businesses miss out on 65% of their client base simply because their payment option for their customers is so limited.  You are probably saying to yourself that taking a check can be risky and credit cards require special equipment and lengthy contracts, but with a little research it really isn’t all that difficult.

If you have your own storefront, taking credit/ debit cards, cash and checks will be expected.  If you are working in another merchants store you still have options.  For instance, if the merchant you are working with takes credit/ debit/ check, you can either open an account through their service provider (and use the same equipment) or you can ask them to process your payments and agree to pay their processing fee for your merchandise.  Beware of signing lengthy contracts with processing companies.

You can also process payments through your website with various services that are available for free or at little cost.  Website development can actually add value to your business, as it will give perspective customers a way to preview your work.  Placing value schedules and examples of your work on a website will allow a broad customer base to view and order their scrapbook from you.

Another detail that can add value to your service is delivery method.  How do you deliver your product?  Are you able to use shipping methods that are speedy, such as overnight shipping?  Can you hand deliver your creations or have your client pick them up at your business location.  What is your fee for your delivery services?  Having a fee schedule for your shipping costs is very important.  You must decide which shipping service you are going to use and disclose these costs up front to your customers.  It might be a good idea to have your customers select and pay for their delivery method up front.  If you are using your web site as a marketing and selling tool, linking to various shipping companies and listing their fees would be a great value to your customers

Delivery is important and the more options you can offer your clients the better.  For instance, what if your client has ordered a scrapbook to be created for their brother who is serving in the military overseas, and it needs to be delivered before their birthday?  Or you have a promotional party, where a client has ordered a scrapbook that will need to be shipped to Guam before Christmas?  Offering theses services can add a ton of value for your clients, but you must be prepared to accomplish delivery on the expected date.

You can easily check with various shipping providers and learn their rate schedules and delivery methods so that you can offer these services to your valued customers.