When figuring out how to price your scrapbooks, DO NOT under value your work. Besides your time, cost of supplies, revisions, etc. don't forget your talent. Remember, your creativity and what makes your service unique is valuable. Another thing to consider is if you price your work higher, clients will equate it with quality. Whether or not that is true, it is a common perception. On the flip side, cheap=cheap.Theme Pricing
Theme pricing can be done in several ways. You can charge per album, per page, or per spread. Theme scrapbooks can be individualized for a specific person or event. You can charge per basic album and then charge additional for extra pages.
Charging Per Side
Charging per side is one way to increase your revenue. Set up some basic prices and then allow your clients to add additional pages for an additional price. The more artistic and professional the page, the more you can charge.
Charging Per Style
Offer different styles from a more basic page to a page that contains more embellishments and techniques. Adding more embellishments requires a higher cost, while technique requires more time. Some clients may prefer a simpler album or one that puts the focus on the photos. While another client may like the "artistic" approach with more added.
The Importance of Interviews
Conducting interviews with your clients before you give them a price is very important. You should have a feel for the kind of person who is receiving the scrapbook. Asking in-depth questions will help you understand your client and their wants better. You don't want to charge a set price and many revisions later are still trying to please your client. These revisions cost time and money and your profits just went out the window.
Key Questions
Interview questions should include things such as room for additional keepsakes, design ideas, layout preferences, and any extras the client wants. By discussing all of these things upfront, you are less likely to have to make changes later on. For best results create a questionaire to be filled out by your client or you asking them, for better results.
Little Things That Can Make A Difference
Paying attention to details can make a difference in the quality of your work and in your profits. Double-check spellings, dates, etc. Recognize your clients likes and dislikes when they are looking at your sample album. If they don't like a particular color, embellishment, style or technique, make note of it and don't include in their album.
How Generic Layouts Can Help You
Generic layouts can help you in many ways. They can be sold individually; provide a blank slate for your client; and help you in your pricing strategy. Probably the most beneficial is generic layouts will cut back on time needed to create and therefore increase your hourly profit margin.
Custom Scrapbooks
Custom scrapbooks allow you to create extremely personal gifts. When custom scrapbooks are used along with basic theme albums, the customer can see that the possibilities are endless.
What Makes Your Service Different from All the Rest?
Highlighting unique qualities about your service will set yourself apart from your competitors. Offer quality work and customer support and then set your prices to reflect this. Remember, people believe in the saying, you get what you pay for.
What Sets Your Product Apart from Others Like It?
Make your products stand out to your customers. Tell and show your customers how your items will solve a problem or make life easier for them. Consider offering a little something extra to really stand out and provide excellent customer service.
The above tips will have you confidently pricing your work for maximum profits. Don't undervalue your work. Set a price you feel comfortable with and stick with it!
Dawn Stegall is dedicated to helping you succeed with your scrapbooking business. You can find more scrapbook business tips along with a free eCourse and scrapbook business roadmap at http://www.ScrapbookBusinessTips.com.
