Expert: - 2/1/2012

Question
Hi,
For about seven months I have been making homemade greeting cards as a hobby; but the people that I have given the cards to say that the cards are really good and that I should make money making homemade greeting cards.  I would like to know if I could turn this into a successful business?  I have attached a photo of a card that I have made.

Answer
Hi Gayle,

This is a challenging question because there are so many factors to putting a product line together. A product line is created and prototypes are made and tested in the marketplace. Things you have to take into consideration are:

Product itself - does it have a market? In other words who is your idea client; who are you selling to and who will buy?

Pricing - what will it cost you to manufacture including labor and all materials. And what is a customer willing to pay?

Profit - What is your profitability?

Manufacturing - Who will make everything?

Marketing - How is anyone going to know you have a product for sale? You need visibility with a website - shows or markets - advertising etc. Selling to friends and neighbors can only go so far in your reach.

Sales - This is when the money changes hands

There are many factors to consider. My best suggestion is to believe in yourself and your product - be creative - do not listen to your nay sayers and move forward - learn, study and make a decision about what you will do. Decide on your products - create goals and start where you are right now.

Sign up for my report :"10 SIMPLE STEPS TO LAUNCH YOUR BIG IDEA: FROM DESIGN CONCEPT 2 MARKET" it is jam packed with information and it's free. Here is the link, http://design2marketsuccess.com

Best of luck to you!

Jane Button

www.facebook.com/janebutton
www.design2marketsuccess.com/home