[mama2riley]

So I am in the process of setting it up so I can make custom scrapbooks for people from my home as kind of a "on the side" gig. I am hoping to find people within my local circle of friends and family who would love to have a special event scrapbooked but don't have the time or creativity to do it themselves and are willing to pay for the service.

I have a few questions I could use some input in deciding if anyone can help...

Do you think there is a market for this out there?
Should I be charging a flat fee based on the number of pages/size of the album like per page, or purchase the materials specifically for each book and get reimbursed plus add a "labor" fee on top?
What do you think would be reasonable pricing to charge for this service, but still make it worth my time?

Thanks for the help in advance!

[busymom0823]

I do think there is a market out there. I've been thinking about doing some scrapbooking stuff myself. I would say the best way would to charge a flat fee plus the charge of materials. The only problem is that people are going to want to know how much they are paying. So I would say give an estimate. If you have been doing some scrapbooking yourself you have an idea what things cost. Give them an estimate. Tell them cost varies depending what they are looking for you. Lets say they want 10 pages in their book you should be able to come up with an estimate. You could do that for customized ones. Or you could make up some pages basically ready to add pictures and you will know from the start how much to charge. All you will have to do is add there pictures. Hope my input helps.

[MissyChrissy]

This is such an excellent idea. I have to admit-I'm tempted to steal it Of course, we're not related nor do we live near each other, so there's no fear I'll take your customers!

I was thinking 1 price should be set for the book size (12 inch would cost X, larger more) and then add X amount of dollars per page...but I don't know how much those X's should be

How long does it take for you to complete one book? I'm slow...I only get 1 page done at a time,then I don't even get to it every day. If you were doing it for a paying customer, how much time would you allow yourself? I was thinking 4-6 weeks...is that too long?

[MissyChrissy]

oh-I hope you don't mind I'm jumping on the bandwagon...it's only an idea for me right now. I wouldn't be doing anything until after school ended (if at all).

[Alejandros Mommy]

Hey Melissa! What a wonderful Idea! There are lots of scrapbooking sites that offer what you are thinking of...There IS a HUGE market for this. Just becarful....and I would research it on the web...to see what others are offering and the rates...Also you have to take into consideration the cost of embelishemnts..paper...tags..and other things that your "customers" may want. You can also set up a portfolio to show off the things that you do..you also can have a disclaimer about the photos that your customers send you...just in case you get a troll or 2. Goo dluck and I hope this works out rally well for you!

(soory I can't spell today!)

[twinzplus3]

Melissa--funny this thread should pop up. Our homeschool group is thinking about putting together a digital yearbook that would be on CD. I was thinking of you? We have a lot of moms who scrap book (and let me just say I'm NOT one of them! but the kids in our group are really young, and frankly, the moms don't have time.

I'd have to see how much they'd be willing to pay but if you think you could do something like this would you let me know and how much you'd want to charge? If you're interested why don't you PM me and we'll chat more.

[busymom0823]

Too funny...... Melissa I was the first to reply to your thread then came all of these other replies talking to Melissa....Well thats my name too so I was feeling really bad wondering why people were talking to me. I thought I wasn't even the person that started this thread. OH then I'm like DUH thats her name. Well looks like you could be busy. I'm interested in what you start to do so keep us posted.

[Alejandros Mommy]

Originally Posted by twinzplus3

Melissa--funny this thread should pop up. Our homeschool group is thinking about putting together a digital yearbook that would be on CD. I was thinking of you? We have a lot of moms who scrap book (and let me just say I'm NOT one of them! but the kids in our group are really young, and frankly, the moms don't have time.

I'd have to see how much they'd be willing to pay but if you think you could do something like this would you let me know and how much you'd want to charge? If you're interested why don't you PM me and we'll chat more.

TEll them to bring a binder for you...We did this when Alejandro was in Kindergarten...the teachers would take pictures throughout the year and at the end made a mini scrap book....If you want I'll take some pics of it and post them for you. I loved recieving it at the end of the school year...I treasure it

[twinzplus3]

Yes--but I HATE scrapbooking. Plus I have a ton of other responsibilities in the group. The women who do like to scrapbook (did I mention I HATE scrapbooking?) are too busy. And I like supporting other WAHMs!

Not that it's not a good idea. I just don't know who would have time to do it. But to collect pictures and send them to someone else to make into something pretty. . .that's different.

[scrapbookguru]

Valorie, your words hurt! They cut deeper than you could imagine!
How can you possibley HATE scrapbooking! Haven't I taught you anything????? *giggle* You know I am just kidding! I still love ya!

Melissa 1, there is definitely a market. That market has been around for a bit, so you should have some resources you can check out by doing a search. I think you'd be great at it, you seem extremely creative and clever. All good traits!
Pricing - you need to really think about what the supplies will cost you. You might shop around at various places, and get some ideas. In fact, I am probably going to do a blog or two on this concept to help others out too.
Did you ever get it started?
Melissa 2, do you have any questions about getting started, that I might be able to answer in a scrapbook article? You can PM me if you'd like!

Good luck to anyone interested and if I can help anyone work on anything or get ideas, just let me know!