Wholesale Scrapbooking: Should You Start A Direct Sales Scrapbooking Business Just The Discount?

Have you ever thought about signing on with a scrapbooking direct sales company, just to get the discount on your own supplies? It can be a great way to get your own product at a discount and meet other scrapbookers, but it's also important to read the fine print. Here are seven of the most important factors to consider:

1. Style of products. The most important factor to consider is whether that the product line fits with your style and budget. If you are big into embellishments, make sure that the product line encompasses this. How often are new products released?

2. Discount levels. What is the discount for Instructors/Consultants? Is there a special plan and/or personal volume requirement for scrapbookers who are joining the company "just for the discount?" (often referred to as "Hobbyists.")

3. Monthly minimums. What kind of personal volume is required on a monthly basis? If you decide to design custom albums for clients, can you use the discounted products in these books? (If the answer is yes, this is a great way to expand your profit margin on scrapbooks you create for others.)

4. Initial investment. What kind of cash outlay will your start-up require? Look closely at the company's joining fee and/or the cost of your business starter kit. Is there a deeper discount on products purchased at start-up? Start-up product packs are often significantly reduced to help new Instructors with their initial inventory needs. Are these product packs available for Hobbyists, too?

5. Does your sponsor welcome Hobbyists? Make sure that you aren't going to be pressured to build a business if that's not your intention. Ask your potential sponsor if she welcomes Hobbyists onto her team (and make sure that she knows you are one.)

6. Team education. One of the perks of joining a team of scrapbooking instructors is the education you'll get in scrapbooking. Scrapbooking instructors are very often creative, talented women who like to share their knowledge and techniques. Ask your potential sponsor about team layout galleries and scrapbooking education or opportunities that the company provides. Are these resources open to both Hobbyists and Instructors?

7. Growth potential. Can Hobbyists with this company become instructors? And what are the requirements for making this transition? Many people are surprised with how easily a scrapbooking direct sales naturally unfolds when they become a source for exclusive in-demand supplies.

If you are currently considering a direct sales opportunity, feel free to forward this set of questions to your potential sponsor. And good luck finding the company that's just right for you!

About the author: Susie Cortright is the creator of the award-winning online magazine Momscape.com as well as a Team Captain for a rapidly growing new direct sales scrapbooking company (and she welcomes Hobbyists on her team): http://www.momscape.com/scrapbooking/busine ss.htm Visit her scrapbooking site and sign up for her free weekly scrapbooking newsletter here: http://www.momscape.com/scrapbooking or join her scrapbooking club: http://www.momscape.com/scrapbooking/scrap bookclub

---

The Art of Cutting and Cropping for Your New Scrapbook

Often photographs aren't quite the right shape and size or... Read More

Collectibles: Searching for those Hard-to-Find Diecast Models

For collectors of any kind, there are always those items... Read More

Diet and Fitness ? Help from Your Hobbies

Everybody battles with their weight from time to time. It's... Read More

Comic Book Supplies, Necessities of the Serious Collector

If you want to keep your comic book collection in... Read More

Wax Pencils, Stickers, and Rubber Stamping in Your Scrapbooks

Another important writing implement for scrapbooking is a wax pencil.... Read More

Scrapbooking Tips And Tricks For Photos And Images

When you're incorporating pictures of any kind into your scrap... Read More

Build Your Own Bar Stool (In An Afternoon)

Bar stools are as important as the best wine in... Read More

Production and Pricing of Craft Show Items

This is where you can really make or break your... Read More

How to Make a Childs Handprint on a Ceramic Tile

This is a fun craft to do with a group... Read More

Embroidery Designs Sewing

Denim is a twill weave and runs diagonally and any... Read More

50 Ideas to Get Organized and Enjoy Your Scrapbooking Hobby

Scrapbooking is a wonderful hobby! Besides being relaxing and fun,... Read More

Pump Up Your Life with Scrapbook Pages of Certainty

If you can voice enthusiastically that scrapbooking is your passion,... Read More

Sewing Embroidery Designs in New Ways

How many of you are always looking for new ways... Read More

How to Make Your Civil War Uniform Shirt

Your own shirt designed and made by you for your... Read More

The Wonderful Art of Bonsai

The potential for enjoyment of Bonsai trees is enormous. These... Read More

The ABCs of Ceramics

Ceramics can be delicate and decorative or unrefined and utilitarian.... Read More

Use Newspaper Clippings, Graphics, Kids Art, and Clipart to Enhance Your Scrapbook

A popular addition to scrapbook pages is newspaper clippings. Newspaper... Read More

Amish Furniture for Kids Summer Projects

Summer is coming, and the kids will soon be out... Read More

Ideas for Making Gift Baskets

Do you want to give gifts to your friends or... Read More

Friendship Albums

My 12-year-old daughter was mad at me when I refused... Read More

Treasure Hunting - Part Two

Treasure hunting begins at home. People regularly find famous old... Read More

Creating Vacation Memories

My daughter and I recently had the opportunity to spend... Read More

Stress-Free Scrapbook Journaling Ideas

Do you find it intimidating when you come to journal... Read More

A Brief History of Candles

For centuries man's progress has been lighted by candles. However,... Read More

Saving Family Keepsakes for Scrapbooking

I'm new to scrapbooking, and I still can't believe all... Read More

Are Your Collectibles Valuable? Heres How to Find Out

The first thing you will need to do is check... Read More

Embroidery Digitizing Software

Embroidery Magic 2 software is very easy to use to... Read More

How to Invest in Antique, Vintage, or Modern Jewelry

As Antique Jewelry is 'Really' based on the 'Collectability' and... Read More

Rubber Stamps : 10 Great Tips For Making Multiple Cards

You know the feeling. The kids have tons of demands,... Read More

Machine Embroidery Digitizing - What Youll Need Besides the Software

You've purchased an embroidery machine, practiced the designs that were... Read More

How to Make a Simple Gemstone Necklace

With gemstone beads, every bead is precious. Every bead is... Read More

A Scrapbook Page To Celebrate Your Childs First Haircut

Here's a great idea for making a special 'first haircut'... Read More

Creating A Family Tradition-Jigsaw Puzzles

Do you find it difficult to spend time together as... Read More