Calling All Crafters!

A little while ago my favorite paper supplier unfortunately was forced to stop allowing small orders and had a minimum order of $200.  For my small, home based business this meant goodbye. Adios. Sayonara.

Last week I was pleasantly surprised to find a lovely announcement in my email.  California Paper Goods was able to work out their logistics for no minimum order and no small order fee.  Hallelujah!

Hello lovely kraft folding cards.  My how I have missed you!

Here are some of the new things they are able to offer:

1. No minimum order and no small order fee.

2. Priority Mail/Flat Rate Box shipping

3. Budget Shipping ($7.95 any size order)

4. Offering free shipping at $100 (some exclusions)

5. Dropping the pack size on popular items to 25 (from 50)

6. Offering some custom cutting and scoring

7. Allowing customers to order items that we already stock here at the office like:White Matte, White Glossy, Tsumugi and Resealable Bags/Boxes.

8. The ability to offer a Sale Table and free goodies every so often.

But what’s the catch?

In their words: “Well there is one but, it isn’t so bad. Since the vast majority of items are stocked in LA we will be bringing the items you order up to our office for us to box and ship to you. This time in transit will result in a delay in shipping your order out. The delay could be as short as 2 days or as long as 5 days (due to weekends). If you can deal with this delay then we are happy to take your order and hope you will be pleased with the new service!”

I know I will be enjoying this new found freedom. Speaking of which, those lovely kraft folding notecards just arrived this morning.

Business Stuff: The Catalog

In hopes of spreading the word about Tiffany Lane and acquiring some wholesale accounts, I’ve designed a catalog and finally got it printed. Finally.  I’ve been a little slow-going with this project for some reason, but now it’s here and ready to go.

I want it to be professional and put together, while still upholding the rustic feel of Tiffany Lane and reflecting this creative industry.

The kraft paper covers and twine ties give it the rustic and creative feel, while the inside is clean, organized and professional.  I added a little flair inside continuing the use of my logo font throughout in the headings and page numbers.

And of course added my signature stamp on the back to bring it all together.

Now the challenge is actually getting it into the hands of those who will us it!

I am hoping and praying to bank some in person meetings, because stationery just needs to be touched. Online doesn’t cut it for some things. Plus, meeting with someone in person creates a relationship where an email can’t measure up.

What do you think?

Update + Autumn Beauty

I’ve been a busy little bee lately working on the business side of things. Finishing up my portfolio and finalizing my wholesale catalog in hopes that I will soon have a use for them!

Once my portfolio is done I plan to walk into some boutiques and cute little shops and start creating relationships. My goal is that these relationships will lead to a few wholesale or consignment accounts. We’ll see!

Once the catalog is complete I plan to send it over to a few shops I’ve had my eye on that I’m unable to visit in person at the moment, which will hopefully lead to some more of those relationships I just talked about.

As you can obviously see, I have not had much time to come up with a substantive post for today, but at least I gave you an update and an inside look into what’s really going on behind the scenes right now.  Plus, I’m leaving you with this beautiful picture. Reminds me of autumn. What about you?

Hope your Labor Day weekend was very nice and talk to you all on Thursday. Now I gotta get going to come up with something fun to post then!