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PaperPrincess 23 posts since
May 22, 2008

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15. Re: Event: May 28 -From the Kitchen Table to the Selling Table May 28, 2008 1:07 PM

in response to: chicgirl

Thank you for your continued support of our collection!

If you are planning on starting another business or introducing another product line to your current collection, I recommend not "starting from scratch" . . .

Our new flip flop collection has been an extremely successful extension of our stationery line because we are working with our same target customer as we have been working with for the past six years - brides and moms-to-be. We know this customer well and we know what they like. We also know the price point that they are looking for and the retailers where they shop, so it was truly an easy transition.

Again, my recommendation is to do your homework and know your target customer. Also, don't forget your core business when working on your new product line.

Best of luck!

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PaperPrincess 23 posts since
May 22, 2008

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16. Re: Event: May 28 -From the Kitchen Table to the Selling Table May 28, 2008 1:10 PM

in response to: starfish

Although I am in the "paper business" I have a strong background in fashion, and it is important for me to always try to stay on top of the trends. I attended the fashion shows this year in New York City, I read all the magazines that my target customer would read (wedding magazines for the brides-to-be, parenting magazines for the moms-to-be), as well as my own trade magazines. It is definitely important to keep up on all the trends within your industry when formulating ideas for new products.

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lucygnyc 2 posts since
May 28, 2008

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17. Re: Event: May 28 -From the Kitchen Table to the Selling Table May 28, 2008 1:11 PM

in response to: CommunityTeam

Hi Bonnie, How has participating in trade shows helped your business grow? Also, side note: I absolutely love your products and so do all my friends:-)

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SBOCTeam 328 posts since
Jul 27, 2007

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18. Re: Event: May 28 -From the Kitchen Table to the Selling Table May 28, 2008 1:13 PM

in response to: CommunityTeam

Community, keep those questions coming. We love the submissions so far!

And don't forget to refresh your browsers to get the latest posts.

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PaperPrincess 23 posts since
May 22, 2008

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19. Re: Event: May 28 -From the Kitchen Table to the Selling Table May 28, 2008 1:14 PM

in response to: Jrfyahoo

Some advantages of owning a small business are:

You are in control.
You make your own hours.
You are your own boss.
You are able to see your own ideas & dreams come to life.
The sky is the limit to how much you could do and achieve!

It is truly ironic that some of the disadvantages of owning a small business are actually the same as the advantages . . .

You make your own hours. / You are your own boss. - Although these sound like major perks for a business owner, they are actually the downfall of many entrepreneurs who attempt to start their own business. Although you don't really have a "boss" and you do have the flexibility of making your own hours, it is important that you have set hours and you stick to those hours everyday. Believe me, it is very tempting on a beautiful summer day to want to go to the beach or the park, but if you are truly serious about owning a business, you need to remember that you are "at work" and there is always going to be another sunny day. When you have your own business, it is very easy to be tempted by beautiful days, friends going to lunch, even sales at the mall, but you have to remember that when you are at work, you are at work.

If you are disciplined, you will find that all your hard work will soon pay off!

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PaperPrincess 23 posts since
May 22, 2008

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20. Re: Event: May 28 -From the Kitchen Table to the Selling Table May 28, 2008 1:18 PM

in response to: Subway_Gal

I am so glad you enjoy our products!

Inventory is an issue that haunts many small business owners.

In my industry, I bring our new designs to our annual trade show, the National Stationery Show in NYC. I bring samples only to the show. I will never produce product until I know that it is going to sell. From the orders I take at the show, I am able to have an accurate projection of how much product to produce. Most of my products are made locally, so our turn-around time to fulfill orders is still very fast.

There is never a right answer to projecting inventory. Of course, you have to look at past numbers of other products and make projections as to how many you will sell. My suggestion is to be conservative on quantities when producing new products. It always is better to tell customers that your new product was a "hot seller" and is temporarily out of stock, than ending up with a warehouse of goods that doesn't move.

Best of luck to you!

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PaperPrincess 23 posts since
May 22, 2008

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21. Re: Event: May 28 -From the Kitchen Table to the Selling Table May 28, 2008 1:21 PM

in response to: chicgirl3

I think that building a relationship with local printers and a fulfillment house is extremely important. I started off working with a number of local printers and gave them test jobs to handle and a few limited orders to distribute. Since we are a "green" company it was important that the printers we work with use high quality, recycled paper. I also try to "hand hold" the printers and fulfillment companies when we first work with them. It is important that they are aware of our high standards as a company, and I have found that putting in the extra time initially will go a long way in terms of the product and service that they will provide.

Timing is also a major factor when choosing a printer and fulfillment house. You have to make sure that whichever you choose would be able to produce and distribute product in a timely fashion. Test some out until you feel comfortable working with one or two.

Good luck with your business!

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CommunityTeam 132 posts since
Jul 27, 2007

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22. Re: Event: May 28 -From the Kitchen Table to the Selling Table May 28, 2008 1:22 PM

in response to: CommunityTeam

Keep those questions for Bonnie coming! She's live on the site right now! Simply login and hit reply to post your question.

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PaperPrincess 23 posts since
May 22, 2008

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23. Re: Event: May 28 -From the Kitchen Table to the Selling Table May 28, 2008 1:26 PM

in response to: FCPainter

Congratulations on the success of your business!
It is truly amazing the impact that celebrity customers have on prospective clients.
We have had a number of celebrities purchase our products, and we always try to get their permission to use their name in the future. Usually they will have no problem with us using their name, etc. but of course, a little gift for the celebrity, as well as for their publicist or agent never hurts!
Best of luck with your successful business.

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karenk 1 posts since
May 28, 2008

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24. Re: Event: May 28 -From the Kitchen Table to the Selling Table May 28, 2008 1:27 PM

in response to: SBOCTeam

Hi Bonnie...

I think your invitations are extremely stylish and hip. The designs are fun and are a great way of announcing or inviting family and friends to a happy occassion. After reviewing all your various collections, I can't wait to have my next party. Your invitations have a vibe and energy to them. Can't wait for the next collection to come out! Do you have any plans to expand into other forms of merchandise with your designs besides the flip flops which are great fun on your feet! Maybe gloves or mittens for winter! Best of continued success. KarenK

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PaperPrincess 23 posts since
May 22, 2008

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25. Re: Event: May 28 -From the Kitchen Table to the Selling Table May 28, 2008 1:36 PM

in response to: SJCarpentry

Again, it's wonderful to hear from another supportive husband. Congratulations on your wife's success!

It sounds like your wife has a unique product, which will help her to stand out from competitors and help her to take the business to the next level.

I think she should use that as the key ingredient when pitching to retail stores. Perhaps she could try to get some local press about being a working mother and her unique product line. Once she has the press in hand, it will help her when approaching retailers to buy her product - local retailers may even find out about her and contact her directly!

I would also suggest going to a national trade show to check out the competition in the market. It is always helpful to do your homework!

I have two young boys as well (and #3 on the way) so I know what a challenge, and how fun, balancing work and family can be!

Best of luck!

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PaperPrincess 23 posts since
May 22, 2008

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26. Re: Event: May 28 -From the Kitchen Table to the Selling Table May 28, 2008 1:42 PM

in response to: mominbiz

Bank of America has a wonderful selection of tools to help small businesses. I would suggest researching the options that they offer, or visiting your local bank to discuss your business arrangements with them. My account executive at my local Bank of America actually helped me to set up my business and my first bank account six years ago, and she is still the person I turn to if I have any questions!

It is amazing the support and guidance that I personally have gotten from them. Try to find someone locally who is willing to learn about your business and help you grow.

Best of luck.

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PaperPrincess 23 posts since
May 22, 2008

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27. Re: Event: May 28 -From the Kitchen Table to the Selling Table May 28, 2008 1:49 PM

in response to: lucygnyc

Thank you for your feedback. I'm so glad you like our products!

Trade shows have actually helped our growth tremendously. The first year we were in business, we had a booth at the National Stationery Show in New York City, and we picked up over 200 new customers, including many national chains!

Trade shows are a fabulous way to meet and network with people in your industry.

I would highly recommend walking a trade show, before actually investing in having a booth, to make sure it is an appropriate venue for your company.

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PaperPrincess 23 posts since
May 22, 2008

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28. Re: Event: May 28 -From the Kitchen Table to the Selling Table May 28, 2008 1:57 PM

in response to: karenk

Thanks for your wonderful feedback Karen!

We are in the process of adding a number of fabulous tote bags to our collection - look out for them in the stores in the fall!

Also, we have been working on a few licensing agreements and our popular designs should be available on paper plates and other party related products in the near future.

Of course, mittens are a wonderful idea as well!
I will definitely take it into consideration in the future.

Thanks again for your feedback!

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CommunityTeam 132 posts since
Jul 27, 2007

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29. Re: Event: May 28 -From the Kitchen Table to the Selling Table May 28, 2008 1:59 PM

in response to: CommunityTeam

Bonnie, We know your products are sold at major retailers and you have a fabulous website, how do most of your customers find your products? Online or in the store?

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