Become a Scrapbooker for Hire
With the growing financial crunch on families world wide it is becoming near impossible for mothers to stay at home and raise their children. For moms who wish to stay at home and take care of their family there is a solution that allows you to stay at home, do what you already love and earn some extra income. Of course this is not just for moms, people who are physically disabled, retired or just have some extra time on their hands can easily hop on the train.
Scrapbooking is a wonderful way to preserve memories for any occasion. Weddings, graduation, retirement and birthdays are amongst the most popular. We all wish we could have a wonderful work of personalized art that showcases and tells a story of a particular event but in reality not everyone has the time or the ability and thus a "Scrapbooker For Hire" is born. How many times has someone said to you "oooo I wish I could do that" or "I would love one of those"? Guess what ladies it is time to take advantage.
Marketing Yourself
One question I am sure is on many of your minds is how do I market myself? The answer is surprisingly simple! To start you can get your own listing in our NEW Scrapbooker For Hire Directory that not only helps people find you, but will also give you some enjoyment. Second ask yourself who would want to purchase my work and how do I offer my services?
Being a wedding photographer I obviously think of weddings first and foremost so lets go with that. I am always looking for ways to offer new and unique services to my clients and what better way then to be able to offer a custom made "Scrapbook" in a quality leather bound album? Start contacting as many local wedding photographers and studios as you can. Come to the table with a proposal that they can't refuse. Just like any job interview or meeting come prepared. Questions you will have to answer will be:
- How much will this cost me and my clients?
- How long will it take?
- Can I have a sample to show my clients?
Once you have thought about these questions and others it is time to act. Start by creating an eye catching wedding scrapbook. Log your time, cost of materials and then come up with what you think is a fair price. You have the freedom to charge whatever you want but without selling yourself short try and keep the cost down (obviously this is dependant on what the client wants). Some Scrapbooker's For Hire charge as little as $20 per page and others as much as $50. I don't think it is unreasonable for a leather bound wedding scrapbook to cost $300 to $500 range.
When negotiating a deal with a photographer you must reassure them that will not cost "them" a penny. Getting in with the right photographer could be quite profitable. Some things to consider when choosing who you will work with are: who are their typical clientele and do they have a little extra cash to shell out?, how busy are they? and are you able to work with other photographers and agencies?
Although I have focused on weddings there are many more markets to cash in on. Go and talk to your local Bridal and Wedding Shops, Baby Shops and even your local scrapbook store, you would be surprised how many people walk in off the street wanting a scrapbook made! Think about where you might go to find someone to make a scrapbook for you; The internet (Get your listing here) and local scrapbook stores.
Selling Your Work
Selling your work can be a great way to make a few extra dollars, the trick is to find something you can produce in sufficient quantity in a reasonable amount of time. Just because you're a stay at home mom or are retired does not mean you just sit around on your hands all day. There is no sense spending 1 hour on a project just to make a couple of dollars. Once you think you have found a unique product that will sell, do some simple math and see if it worth your while!
After finding your niche your now ready to sell, but where you might ask? From the comfort of your own home. Start by setting up accounts on both Etsy and Ebay. Etsy and Ebay work on the same premise an auction house. You post your latest and greatest hand made product, someone purchases it and they take a cut. The amount varies but I can tell you it is almost negligible. Shipping can be a pain across borders and costs can be expensive in certain areas so be sure and build this cost in to the final price.
Showcasing your work at craft shows is another great way to make a little extra cash especially if you have a high profit margin, however you must consider your time at the show and the cost of a booth. However if you plan on also promoting yourself as a "Scrapbooker For Hire" then the promotional time and networking may be of the most benefit.
Teach others to Scrapbook
Teaching is another great way to make money scrapbooking and get out of the house for a few hours. Many scrapbook stores offer weekly or even nightly classes to its customers. If you think you have what it takes to stand up in front of a small audience and teach then give it a shot. Teaching is easier then you think, especially when the subject is something you love! The pay is usually decent but watch out for stores that want you to sign an exclusive contract. If they do make sure the pay is worth it.
WeScrap is currently in the final stages of rolling out our one of a kind "Scrapbooking Instructor Certification Program"! This program is revolutionary and is aimed at teaching people with little time how to teach adults, how to promote yourself and basic college level art theory. Stay tuned for details!
As I mentioned before, be sure to come prepared. When talking to the store manager remember to not only sell your product (a class) but sell yourself with a professional, friendly attitude. Bring samples of your work and a proposal for a class!
Become A Sales Person
Direct Sales is another fabulous way of earning money, getting free product and getting out of the house. Just like Tupperware and Avon there are several scrapbooking companies such as Stampin Up, Close to My Heart, Creative Memories, and more. The beauty of this is you set your own schedule and work as little or as much as you want! You can also get a Direct Sales Listing in our directory.
