I have enjoyed assisting everyone on this blog with finding those “hard to locate items” that I like to use in my projects. Therefore, I have been giving some thought to starting an on-line store in order to assist you, my friends, even more. I would post the option for crafters to buy such items as stickles, tacky tape, ribbon, clear boxes and envelopes, cuttlebug embossing folders, alterable items such as CD/DVD tins, containers, glass bottles, etc. Eventually, I would also like to offer the option for my readers to buy stamps. Based on feedback, I could offer up just about anything that my readers would enjoy!
I could also offer kits for sale so that you may create some of the same items that I enjoy making, such as the beaded pens. I would offer all the items you need to make the pens, or other projects, so you wouldn’t have to go to several different stores to get the supplies yourself. Some other ideas would be kits you could do for your classes. I would do all the prep work for you and send a sample of the project, and you would merely need to demo it.
So what I’m asking of everybody on this blog is, please give me your opinion if this would be a valuable service to you. I would appreciate it if you would respond to me with your comments as to whether or not you think you would like to use such a service. You could either email me directly or post a comment as to what services and products you think you would enjoy me supplying. I know some people do not enjoy going to numerous stores to find those products they would need for a single project. I would like to make things easier for you, and give you the option of one stop, or one click, shopping.
I have just begun doing the research, crunching the numbers, etc. to see if we could make a go of it. I wanted to put a feeler out there to see if people would be interested in what I could offer. I get e-mails every day from my fellow crafters that are inspired by my projects, and I enjoy helping every one of you. Some of you live far away from the Target's, the Michael's and the Joann's. I could provide you a place to get it all in one shot, and you don't even have to leave your house! How great would that be?!? I would be your supplier and shipper, all in one. Please leave me some feedback, even if you feel you would not need this service. Thank you so much for assisting me in this project, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Monday, April 28, 2008
"Please Read, Your Feedback Requested!"
Posted by Rochelle W at Monday, April 28, 2008
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25 comments:
I do think it would be a valuable service indeed. The kits sound like a great idea, too, and I suggest offering the kit contents as separate items as well, in case some of already have alot of the things in a kit and just need one or two. I really like the items you mentioned and suggest that if you decide to carry ink pads please carry the reinkers as well. So many places do not and, as you said, it is annoying to have to shop several different places to get what I need, nevermind paying two separate shipping charges!
Maybe along with kits, have packaged items - ink, ribbon, paper and decorative paper that all go together but not necessarily match exactly. I don't know if that's possible but it sounds like a good idea :-)
Window shop at some of the other online stores, see what they carry and find things that they don't have but we all *need*, and I think you will do well. You have a great idea there and I wish you great success!
I don't think it is something I'd use, but for people who are far away from the stores you mentioned, I can see how it might be helpful. It would also be helpful for those who want to make the projects you do, but they just don't have the time to shop for the supplies. I don't think I would use the service because I'm one of those who gets excited about going to the store (or stores) to gather the things I need to make the projects!
I love your blog and read it daily for ideas--while i do not stamp i do often make favors and love your ideas--as for the shop--I am sure some people would love it--I agree that sometimes it is just easier to buy as a kit then run around--especially with today's gas prices!! As long as shipping costs are kept down ( such as if i only order ribbon or some tape that i would not be charged $7 for shipping!) I am lucky that I live in an area with LOTS of craft stores--but i was still jealous of your fabric barn ribbon deals!! LOL
I too love the projects you make. I also live by many craft stores... BUT, I would for sure, buy kits from you. i think you owe it to yourself to try it.
Hey, Rochelle..I think this would be a great idea! I know for myself, it took me awhile to find the supplies to make the pens! I end up buying from many places online hoping the pieces and parts would all come together. I think the idea of favors, where you do all the prep work would be very valuable to some people.
I also think there are many people out there (some that I know) that are very interested in making their own gifts and favors, but do not want to invest in all the tools (paper cutters, scoring tools, etc). and you could provide a huge service to them in that regard by offering kits.
I have found that even though I have the major craft stores near me, they do not offer the variety of products that I really need. In fact, I find they are offering less and less of what I am looking for, and that the quality of their products is declining. I would love to find one place where I could buy everything!!
I think one element that would make you very successful would be to sell a variety of kits during the year, and new items. I always check out your site when I need a great gift idea! and I am always looking for new ideas!
Since my "tower" is well-supplied, I'm not sure I'd make use of the kits. However, I often wonder where I can get a specific element used on a project and would find it helpful if you posted where to get things. Whatever you decide, I'm sure you'll do it well!
Love your Blog Rochelle. You always have such FABULOUS ideas. Good luck with whatever you choose to do!
I love your projects and am generally savvy enough to figure out projects based on the great directions you give. I know that alot of people are selling their class kits and project kits. I don't know how they are doing but it might be worth your time to email so me of them and see if they are being profitable and such. I don't buy many things online, most likely because of shipping. I generall just buy things I can not get at hobby/craft stores. But, whatever you do, I will be happy to support you and you would be my online provider of choice....;)
I think this is such a great idea. I think any expeianced crafter could benefit from this in being able to find everything we need in one place as well as getting advice about the products. You create a lot of super cute stuff. Sometimes I think I would even cheat a buy your kits. Saving time is a factor sometimes! Good luck on you decision.
Hi Rochelle,
I think it would be a good idea. However, as you mentioned, you do need to crunch the numbers to make sure it will be a benefit for you and your customers. Good Luck!
BTW, I so wanted to go and see Tim Holtz but had plans that day. I am so jealous. A friend of mine goes on a stamping cruise each year and Tim was guest and they got to stamp with him for 3 days!!! She said he is a hottie too. ;)
Jamie
I think it would be a valuable service. But like I have read in earlier posts, I would research the numbers. I dont live close to the better stores, but when I get a chance, I do like to shop etc-but that isnt often. With the price of gas, it is cheaper now for me to buy online-my truck is a gas guzzler lol! For those who need it, this would be a needed and appreciated service-remember there are alot of shut-ins who do crafts.
Marilynn
For me...what I love about your blog is the ideas, tutorials, etc. I may have the stamp(I may not) but you show me creative ways to use them. And that helps me SO much! :-)
Definitely go for it! I would buy your kits and while I have several craft stores near me, often you have items that just haven't arrived here! But I wouldn't start up immediately with an on-line store and pay all those hosting fees/shopping cart. I would just make another blog and let people email their orders (no fees) and then send them an invoice either from PayPal, Google Checkout (cheaper) or RME (currently free!).
When do you open!!!! I love all of your wonderful creations and I would love to be able to order a kit that is ready-made for me to create my own. Would you be able to ship to Canada? I would also love the opportunity to purchase craft products that are only available in the US (we don't have Target or Joann's in this neck of the woods!!) Good luck :)
I WOULD TOTALLY BUY YOUR KITS! I look at your site the first thing in the am when I get on the computer!
I have lots of store options but not much time so I'd be up for a kit for sure!
Stephanie F.
Girl! I am such a fan!! I think you would do awesome, but definitely do your research!! You are so talented and have such great ideas! I would definitely be a shopper, especially for the kits!!
What a great idea I would love to be able to purchase items similar to what you have used for your projects which I absolutely love. I am hoping that you would be happy to send to Australia. I am the biggest fan of Micheals and find it quite annoying only being able to purchase items through Ebay which always cost more then the initial price.
First off...I love your blog and I read it daily!!
Second, I live near all the stores but their products/assortments sometimes are not what I'm looking for or I'm not happy with it. I've noticed online stores sell different products but the thought of buying all my items on one site and not have to pay all different shipping prices...I'd love! Like you said, crunch the numbers and see if it would work for you. Sometimes you just have to take a chance (but not if its going to cost you big time! lol)
Best of luck!
Melissa
As for me I have saved your blog as one of my favorites and I check it daily. I love the ideal of the kits I love to have several people to make projects. I'm all for it you would have my support here in Indiana,
You come up with some amazing ideas and I love visiting your blog for inspiration. Right now I don't think I would buy because I am a poor college student, but I wish you luck!
I think its a great idea. I'd shop here! I'd like to be able to buy tins, clear envelopes etc. Most of the stuff you can't get at Michaels(well mine anyway. I am a "one stop shopper" and being able to do it online is a plus. I don't mind paying shipping because it'd cost me that much to drive to the craft store. The shipping price is also worth my time. Dragging 3 year old twins to the craft store for a few items not my idea of fun ;)
Go for it!!
I think with your talent and wonderful ideas you should go for it. With the price of gas and all I love shopping online. I love especially when the mail person comes. I love looking at your blog and see all your giftie things. I say go for it, just start out small with kits.
AWESOME idea and I hope you run with it. I adore your projects and it would be fun to have some kits.
I think I would be one of your biggest customers! I live over an hour away from any craft store, and it is such a pain when I want something, but I will not make a special trip with the price of gas these days. I would love to be able to get everything all from one place! Of course, if it's something that SU carries, I would rather buy that from myself! Great idea, I hope it works out well for you!
Rochelle,
I think it would be a great idea. I love all your projects and often can't find the items you use. This way I could get the pieces to reproduce it. I especially like the items to alter such as tins, bottles, etc. These are what I would buy since I shop with a SU demo for paper and stamps.
Kim
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