Expert: - 11/20/2010

Question
Hello Jane,

 Ever since I made my first card to my grandma, she loved it and she gave me the idea to start my own card company. I only have about 15-20 cards, and most of them are birthday cards. How can I start it up? Where do I go? How many cards do I need to start? Help......Please!!!


Thank you

Answer
Hi Connie,

It's not a matter of how many cards you need - it's how you are going to create your business model. You do not say what you have done thus far other than create the card designs.

Here are some steps:

1. Identify your target market - who is your ideal client? Are they women - what age are they - where do they live - what's their income - what magazines do they read - what do they do on vacation? Create a clear picture of your ideal client.

2. Are you selling direct to the consumer or are you going to sell wholesale to stores or both? If you are selling wholesale to stores - create a list of ideal stores where your cards would be sold.

3. Creating your marketing materials - including an e-commerce website - line sheets, order forms etc. This will all depend on your business model.

4. What are your price points? This is critical so you can make a profit. You will need to create a cost of goods worksheet - which will include all the costs per card - including labor. Depending on your business model - you may want to bundle the cards selling in sets or packets instead of one at a time. If you are selling wholesale you will want to give your customer a minimum order amount.

Start with the answers to these questions first. Also, you may want to sign up for my free report which will give you many tips and ideas for your business: http://design2marketsuccess.com and/or http://Craft2Cash.com

Love & Success - you CAN do it!

Jane Button
www.Design2MarketSuccess.com