Jan 29 2009
Sweet, Simple and For Sale
I went back and forth on this — should I write this post or not? After all, the stamps are retired SU! — I can’t enable you there. The designs are very simple and ordinary — nothing to get excited about. I have a hard time photographing white so the photos are not good representations of how crisp and clean and perky they actually are. That’s a lot of negatives. But, truthfully, I like the cards for what they are, so I decided to share them after all.
All the cards are made with the same three sets: Doodle That, Fine Frames, and Absolutely Fabulous (a greetings set which is not retired). Two of them are window cards; the inside of one is shown in the next photo.
It was time for me to do a little practical stamping for my cards-for-sale basket I keep near my desk at work. I’ve never been much of a salesperson and in the beginning I had no confidence whatsoever that anyone would want to buy my cards. One day I carried a few into work and set up a little basket. Well…I was pleasantly surprised that they did sell and now I like to make an effort to keep the basket stocked. I haven’t been very good about that, but I’d like to do better.
From what I understand, most hand-stamped cards sell for $3.00 - $5.00. Every card I sell, no matter how much work goes into it, is priced on the low end. I do this because I only sell to my co-worker friends in my immediate department. I’m stamping, anyway, and they’re my friends, so it makes sense to me. There are certain things I keep in mind, though, when I’m making cards specifically for the basket.
My first consideration is that they must be mail-friendly, one postage stamp cards. I don’t want my co-workers to have to concern themselves about those matters.
Next, they need to be A2 size (4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″) and either vertical side fold cards, or horizontal top fold cards so they’ll fit into their protective cellophane sleeves. The photo above shows two cards in their sleeves, one open and the other closed. The sleeves give the cards a professional, finished appearance, protect them during handling, allow the inside to be viewed, and assure they don’t become separated from their matching envelope. I purchased my sleeves here, but if you do a Google search on “cello sleeves for cards” you can find lots of sources — different sizes, too.
A third consideration is the time and effort I put into making the cards. While I will frequently put more labor intensive cards in the basket (as long as they meet the other criteria), when I’m stamping specifically to restock my supply, I’ll try to keep it simple but cute. Ribbon and/or hardware of some kind is a plus, as long as it’s not too bulky.
I love taffeta ribbon for a non-bulky knot, but even just a length of ribbon with no knot or bow is nice. Eyelets are a favorite hardware for these cards — they’re lightweight, inexpensive, and virtually bulk free. Folks just love those neat little finished holes in the card, too.
Texture or dimension or any little thing not usually found on store-bought cards is nice — elements cut out or popped up, windows cut or punched in the card front, textured paper, designer paper, layers (but not too many layers) are all good things. Cheerful cards sell best. Cards with useful sentiments that say a little something are good.
I always keep in mind a stamp company’s angel policy, too, which is why I lean toward Stampin’ Up! cards for selling. I know their angel policy is very flexible when it comes to selling. A store’s angel policy is generally stated on their web site.
These are very simple cards, quickly made and quickly sold. I just thought I’d share what works for me because I know there are a lot of you who would like to sell cards but, like I was, are hesitant to take the first step. I’m fortunate to have wonderful and appreciative coworkers who find my mini-card shop a nice little convenience in the middle of their busy lives. Good luck to all my beginning stamper friends who decide to take the plunge into selling! Have a great day!
Who wouldn’t LOVE these!!!??? They are all wonderful. I was wondering if you used a craft knife to do the cut-outs?
Glad you decided to post ‘em - after all, the sentiment stamps are current AND it provides folkes an idea where they can substitute the flower stamp for another in their stash - so TFS! Sweet cards! I’m called into action for those in my dept at work also.
- the “other” SueB
p.s. never have I posted where I spotted Susie’s post just before mine, LOL!
oops - meant to leave a tip w the last post -
tip #1 - did you realize that when you send the larger square cards that, if you fit them into a slightly oversized rectangle-shaped envelope, you can still mail them with one stamp? It’s only when sent in large square envies that they require extra postage.
tip #2 - I stop by my local Hallmark regularly as they have large rectangle envies available for free and don’t mind you picking up a few at a time (and have my close friends doing the same for me, LOL!).
These may be simple, but so fresh and pretty! Perfect! I’m glad you posted– even though items may be retired! I love seeing your designs– enabling or not!!!
Wonderful, all of them!!
Oh, I’m so glad you posted them! I love them all, but the first one is definitely my favorite. I feel another “case” coming on!
It doesn’t matter if stamps are retired or not, it’s the layout and embellishments that matter. Thanks so much for sharing them. I would love to have an outlet for my cards. I have a huge stash that keeps growing, because when I need a card, I rarely “shop” in my stash, I make a new one.
Hey Leslie, that was a really great post! I love your cards…the window ones are so pretty! I have co-workers ask me all the time to sell my cards and I just haven’t gotten around to compiling some stock for the office…but I am encouraged to now! Thanks for the inspiration!
such pretty cards and I am sure you must sell loads because your work is so nice
Hugs
Norine
I have always said…simple is elegant…and that is just what these cards are!!! Good points you made…especially about making the cards more light weight for postage purposes…thanks for the tips and as always these cards are simply elegant
Great post; I love selling my cards…but believe or not, I’ve never keep a basket stocked at work…and I should. I tend to take a batch in at a time, but I like your idea MUCH better. And believe it or not; I sell mine for LESS than $3.00. SERIOUSLY!!!
Thanks for the post; great inspiration!
Fabulous cards. So elegant!
Marion
UK
Leslie - Thank you so much for sharing this with us! I often wonder how other stampers sell their cards. My employer has a policy, so I am not allowed to sell cards where I work, but my hubby works in a hospital and sells them there for me. The nurses love my cards and I think it makes him proud! I also sell my cards for $3.00 each. I’m glad to see you used SU!’s Fine Frames set, even though it is retired. I have this set and have never used it…now I have some inspiration! And now I “need” to purchase the Absolutely Fabulous greetings set! Thanks again for sharing! Debbie from Buffalo, NY
These are gorgeous and convey a cheery, thoughtful message. What more could you ask of a card? Thanks for reminding us that cards don’t necessarily have to be complicated to be beautiful!
Your cards are always so beautiful, and these 3 are no exception. Thanks so much for talking about your “For Sale” basket, I have been wanting to do this for a while. Your tips have encouraged me to make a basket of my own.
thanks so much,
Corie
Leslie, I love each and every one of these lovely cards!!! I love your tips, too. I’m always telling my DH when I make a card there needs to be something tactile on it as it captures people’s attention. Your cards have happily captured my attention and put my mind in overdrive. I don’t sell my cards, but I still want people to like them:) Thanks for the inspiration!
I’m so glad you shared!! I have this dusty stamp set in the back of my closet and this inspired me to yank them out!! Love them
I think you got it backwards - it’s your CO-WORKERS that are lucky to have you and your card sale basket! I just knew you were a deeply thoughtful and courteous woman and this post proves it! My hat’s off to you, my dear Leslie, with the deepest of admiration.
I love your work!! I found you a few weeks ago. You have been tagged! Check out my blog for instructions and some random fun!
very pretty cards, thanks for sharing your thoughts on selling cards. I love the texture you did on the second card, very neat!
Leslie,
These are precious and you’ve “enabled” many because they can always pick these up on blogs on ebay.
The tips are sooo helpful for those of us who are not adept at selling and tend to underprice our work.
All three of these are delightfull!
Very attractive cards! I too would like to know if you cut the window in the first card with a craft knife. (I find that a daunting concept!)
Thanks so much for sharing, Leslie.
Thanks for such refreshing insight and I agree with you, wholeheartedly
I love each and every one of your cards. You have spurred my interest, but I don’t have but one employee in my office. I’ll need to try to stamp some up and find another way to get them out there to at least pay for by habit. Your first card with the oval, did you put that out or did you buy cardstock with it already punched? Loved it!
I love your cards! Thanks for posting them!
How did you cut out the inside part of the Fine Frames image? Did you use an exacto knife?
Great tips! Lovely cards!
Thanks for a most informative post, Leslie! Your cards are beatiful!
Sometimes the most simple are the “best”. Straight forward and sincere. Trudy
Beautiful cards! Love them, so cute!!
They’re so pretty, and perfect for your sale basket!! Thank you so much for the tips you’ve given!! You’re a gem for sharing all you do, Leslie!! Have a wonderful weekend!!
thanks for all the information. i would like to ask about your technique for the window cards. how do you get the image centered perfectly in the window? which do you do first? cut the window? i have tried these, and they have never turned out.
yours look great. thanks for the inspiration too.
Thanks so much for all the good info! Even though the stamps are retired I love seeing different ideas. Can you please tell me out you cut out the window - with nesties? You have it centered perfectly in the window - is there a special technique? Thanks!
SO SO CUTE!! Love this post! So informative!! Thanks!!
Your cards are so pretty, Leslie! And very gentle!
Thank you for sharing this information! It is very helpful! I tried to sell my cards once - not so much luck. I know that I wasn’t ready for this, but my DH told me that I need to start doing it. After not having my cards sold, I was so upset, some of them I just recycled. But after reading your post I understood all my mistakes! Thank you, Leslie!
Hello Leslie!
First of all, thank you sooo much for visiting my blog and for leaving a comment there! It means s much for me!!!
I love all this simple cards you made!!! Perfect combine between colours and stamps. They’re sooo “clean”. I will inspire and make someday mine. have a great weekend!
Leslie, I’ve been a fan of your blog for over a year now and it’s one I have to view almost every day. I get so inspired by your creations. When I first started reading your blog, you mentioned how you sold cards at work from your “desk basket” and the lightbulb went off. I created my own basket and have co-workers almost everyday looking for the most current creation. I began selling my cards for $2 but recently decided to go with $3 each. My DH came up with the 2/$5 idea. I enjoy the fact that someone enjoys my cards as much as I enjoy making them. Thanks for the great inspiration and sharing your ideas!
Leslie~ Thank you for this post. Love your cards!
Thanks so much, Leslie. your cards are simple but very attractive and that was very helpful for consideration of selling cards. Your cards look very classy. Thanks for the tips.
Well, Leslie, I did case one of these cards. I will upload it to my blog in the near future, but for now it’s on SCS: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1217320?cat=500&ppuser=80719. Thanks for a great blog!
Simple, yet so pretty!!!!
What beautiful cards and what a lovely post!!! I am sure your friends and co-workers are thrilled to pieces with your creations — little works of art at their daily disposal — how fun!!! Thanks for sharing all your tidbits!!!
All of them are just beautiful Leslie!! but your work always falls in that catagory
Take care my friend…
This is wonderful advice, Leslie! I’ve always wondered if I should set up a basket on my desk. Maybe I’ll give it a try! Thanks for the words of wisdom!
What a good looking group of selling friendly cards, and I’m glad you decided to share them! And you so kindly shared some excellent advice too. Linda
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