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does anyone here sell anything they make, and how do u go about doing that without violating the angel policy?? would love to hear anyone's comments on this!!
I've been selling my handcrafted cards through a couple of gift shops for the past two years. I started by making up a selection of about 50. (I figured that, if I couldn't sell them, I could always give them to relatives for Christmas or birthday gifts.) Then I went to the shops where I wanted to see my work, asked to see the manager, showed the cards and asked whether they would carry my stuff on consignment. Both managers were wonderfully gracious and supportive. And why shouldn't they give it a try? Selling on consignment costs them nothing--they get beautiful stock for their stores with no investment. Notice, I didn't go to the local Hallmark store (though that might work, too). I went to stores that I knew carried work by local artists.
If you check the angel policy for the companies that make the stamps you want to use, you'll usually find them easy to comply with. When I use a commercial stamp, I write on the bottom edge of the back of the card "stamped images @ Hero Arts" or whatever. (That should be the copyright symbol--can't figure out how to make it here.) In most cases, so long as the images are hand stamped, there's no problem. Mass production is another matter.
As I understand it, SU's angel policy does not allow you to sell in any "brick and mortor store"/permanent structure. Which means, even if you are selling them at the dry cleaner, you are in violation of their angel policy. You can sell them at craft fairs, yard sales, things like that, but not in a permanent structure short of your own home. My upline originally started with SU when she had a card selling business. She sold through her church and word of mouth. She does well too. I've only sold through word of mouth. I've done a lot of invitations.
I make sure I have at least 4-6 cards with coordinating, stamped envelopes with me when I go to the salon.
I have never said how much they are. My hairdresser announced they were "Five dollars each" and that was that. I usually sell all I carry and it pays for most of my cut but not the tip.
Maybe I should carry more cards. However, less is often more; it creates more of a demand and sense of urgency that way.
Someone here on SCS (I think) posted to always carry a handmade card and coordinating, stamped envelope in a sealed cello bag (with your business card!) to give to someone who goes out of their way for you as a thank you. I always have one for that purpose, plus one or two other 'wow' ones that I would not mind if someone bought (not one-of-a-kind cards).
As a SU demonstrator I am not permitted to sell any card, gift or otherwise hand-created item using SU stamps or wheels in a fixed location.
Cindy, who does need a haircut...and highlights....and pedicure...good grief I need help.
ok...this sounds better....i was just thinking...geez...if friends and family are telling people i have this hobby, and then i become a demo and have more and more supplies on hand to make more things, then i can't ever make anything for anyone....well, make money off of it....so basically, the bottom line, make sure to have the copyright stamp on the product, don't sell in a permanent place, and i'll be a-ok.....word of mouth seems to be the best way to go...thank you very much...i was getting worried there for a minute!!
You've nut shelled it quite well. Having cards with you at the salon is one thing, displaying them there and coming back to see if anyone has bought them is another.
I love the idea of carrying a card and envelope around. I am also thinking about getting one of those cosmetic company ~ the pink cadilac people ~ tote bags that have the slots for 12 or 9 pictures on the front. Our card fronts fit perfectly in them and you can display your work while you shop. And if I knew the company, I would post it, but I can't think of it right now. Help!
It's Mary Kay that has a purse/tote bag with a window in it to carry and show off your current catalog. That's a great idea to put a card in it instead. Now how do you get the tote bag?
Kelli
I also make and sell cards to my family. My mom doesn't stamp, doesn't want to learn how (imagine!) and she is the secretary at my old high school. Every once in awhile I'll send her a selection for her to use. She always shows them at work (proud mama) and winds up with some orders.
I also make holiday cards for businesses. It started with my mom wanting some to give the teachers. My husband owns his own business and thought if I could make them for her, I could make some for him. Its a horribly busy time of year, so I don't reccommend taking on too much of that!
Thank you! Yes, it is Mary Kay. All I could think was Merle Norman and that was an old store in the mall. I would think if you call a Mary Kay rep she could help you. Too bad I don't know any. I just thought it was a fabulous idea when I saw it.
I believe that the totes you're looking for are sold by Oriental Trading Company. You can find them on the Web. And they are quite reasonably priced. About $7 or so.
hey benniesma!
how did u go about contacting the businesses to make cards for them? and is it like from them to their employees, or for the employees to send out...? thanks!
I too have wondered about stamping cards for businesses to give employees? Any advise out there. What kinds of businesses have you had success with? TIA. Gina
I just went to orientaltrading.com and did a search for photo tote. They had several different colors and styles. Prices ranged from $3.95 to $9.95. The slots to hold the photos are 6" by 4", so you would have to change your card front size a little bit. ~Pam
How much do you all normally sell your cards for? Last year a lady from my church had me make her cards for her for Christmas. I was unsure of what to charch her and was a bit uncomfortable since we were casual friends. I let her decide. She paid me .75 card!!! Never again. I had hours of time in them. It was not that they cost me that, but the time cost me. I would love to know what you all charge in case I ever do it again. Thanks
I made some baby shower invitations for a friend of a friend last year and she paid me $50 for them...I think I made about 35 cards...it cost me less than $20 to make them all (I wasn't a demo then).
I usually charge $2 per card (normal layout with embellishments, ribbon, etc) and $3 if there is A LOT of embossing (like the Asian background). I usually only sell to my aunt, but with this last batch of Asian cards, she flipped and said she was telling several of her friends. (A side note to those who like Asian designs - Stampington has a book for $20 with over 1,000 Asian designs - this book is worth it's weight in gold. I LOVE it!)
I ususally give my cards as gifts to family and teachers, but it nice once in a while to make a card that someone wants to buy more of.
Kristina
__________________ Phil 4:19 And my God shall richly supply all my needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
I'm not a Demo, but I do sell what I make for $2.50 each with matching envy. Last year I also sold Christmas cards 5/$7.50 never had any complaints. I sell to family and friends. Helps with my hobby, so I can buy more stamps...grin!
Mary in Oregon
does anyone here sell cards??
