Printed Stationery Vs Electronic Stationery

Is the printed stationery market endangered by the internet?

When I decided to launch my custom printed stationery business I had some reservations. Yes! People loved the personalized sticker labels and custom greeting cards I made for myself hence me deciding to offer them for sale. But as a new entrepreneur, of course, I had to try anticipate trends in the market. Especially that now in the US and else where in the world, more and more people are going online for business and personal purposes. What percentage of them STILL use and buy paper stationery of any kind?

After a quick search in Google revealed thousands upon thousands of hits for stationery businesses, I quickly realized that what I really needed to worry about was competition. Not only the printed stationery field is thriving but the competition is something fierce with all sorts of dealers big and small from wholesalers, suppliers, retailers, to specialized services. It is indeed a huge and extremely crowded pond.

So how does a tiny baby fish (like Paper Follies) find its niche in this huge pond? Originality is the keyword, folks! There are many customized stationery dealers out there, but only 1 Paper Follies. And we speak French too (Parlez-vous Français?)

Mixing Business with Pleasure

Ô the joy of using personal creativity for business needs

Drawing cartoons has been a favorite past time since childhood. However, as an adult I never made the time to enjoy it as often as I would like to. The only time I would indulge my artistic creativity was when I was making personalized sticker labels and custom greeting cards (usually for birthdays, holidays, or other special events) for my myself and my family using my old scanner and computer.

When I started looking for a unique home based business, I wanted to do something that would combine my skills and experience, and the tools I already own (to minimize investment requirement) with an enjoyable activity. I had all of them right under my nose and was even using them already. Yet the idea for that ideal combination did not come right away. It took several people complimenting me over my home made stationery, asking me where I brought them, and someone actually showing me customized stationery items they brought elsewhere, for the bulb to finally light up. Suddenly it dawn on me: “Hey! I can design and create something that people would actually like to buy!” I immediately picked up a marker and started sketching. Then I launched my old scanner to digitalize my drawings. Then started the long meticulous hours (yet I enjoyed every minutes of them) of designing my trademarked cartoon characters, and stationery products lines. Finally voilà! Paper Follies’ product line was born. And the biggest reward is that I will never tire to work on it.

To be able to mix business with pleasure is priceless. But first one has to get the right idea or inspiration first.