My Business Idea

OK so after LOTS of thinking this is what I have in mind.

The business name will be "Dream Days Stationery Boutique" - would love to know what everyone's thoughts are on this - what images does this name conjure up for you?

The business will specialise in wedding stationery including invitations, menus, programs, place cards etc. It will also sell birth annoucements, engagement annoucements and invitations, birthday annoucements and invitations and any other special occasion. The business will also provide packages for weddings and occasions as well.

My signature product is something that is not currently available in Australia. For my own wedding, I sourced my stationery from New York as Australia didn't have what I wanted. The product is called a pocketfold invitation - see picture:

http://www.envelopme.com/martha/imag...itation-sm.jpg

My invitations were very similar to this and my guests couldn't believe how different they were. Because we had a destination wedding our invitation included and RSVP card, an Activities card and a Reception card.

I am looking at a start up cost of around $8000.

I am in the process now of writing a business plan and doing some market research and hope to be up and running in 6 months or so. If we sell our house soon then it may be earlier as I plan to dip into our settlement money for the start up costs.

I'm really excited and would love to know your thoughts/critisisms/ideas etc. :dance:

You have clearly done quite a bit of research and thinking into this which I think is great. I also think that the name does conjour up the type of image that you are trying to portray.

But, there must be hundreds of online stationery places out there and I think that a lot of them are not making very much money. If you can get yours from the US then what is to stop others and I am guessing that they would have a larger range than you would be able to have. I think that you could probably use it as a pocket money sort of business that helps with your creative outlet but I wouldn't plan on retiring on the proceeds.

But if you were serious I would recommend going to all the wedding fares etc to promote your product - but again - the last one I went to had about 10 different stationers there.

Remember that just because you like something doesn't mean that others do as well - I just think that it could be a lot of money on startup costs that you are selling as a box of paper at the garage sale 10 years from now.

Thanks for your response Muppity.

My website would predominantly be web based but I would also cater to my local region - which does not have a stationary designer. The wholesaler I have found in the US caters for small business like the one I will set up and provides a wide range of products that are delivered within 10 days. The software allows clients to see a digital snapshot of their product in their desired colours prior to ordering which I think will be an advantage as there will be no wastage with samples. The advantage is that it will be an Australian website and will have a faster delivery than the overseas online stores.

The business will be used as "pocket money" as you put it, and will not be a primary source of income. I have a full time job and I am confident I can work as well as operate this business. This is something I have wanted to do for quite some time and something that I will thoroughly enjoy doing. I am not naive enough to think I can retire on the proceeds.

I plan to attend the expo's in my region, as well as advertising in a leading bridal magazine (I have a connection so I will get a good price).

The majority of the start up cost is the setting up of the website which will be a crucial part of my business. I don't see this as a large expense considering it is so important.

I appreciate the points you have raised. Thank you.

that is one hot invite!

I'm gonna have to keep you in mind for when DF finally decides we are gonna get married and not stay engaged for the rest of our lives!

Would be happy to do it Mel!! I'll even do the labour for free if you provide me with a reference. You'll only have to pay for supplies :D

I think that's a wonderful plan, and you have done your research.
Im actually in the pre-planning/studying/sourcing jobs stage to become a Wedding/Event Co-Ordinator. Once your business is up & running, I'd love to use you as a 'preferred supplier' if you like! Im all up for giving the 'little guy' a leg up!

Good luck with it all.

Kell that would be fantastic!!!!!

I won't be up and running for at least another 6 months. I am in the process now of creating samples, working out prices and finishing off my business plan. I have a meeting in mid-September with a designer for my business logo and website ideas. It's a slow process but its something that is definitely happening!!

Kell will you be based online?? I would love to be an Event Planner and that is my dream one day. I would love to get some tips off you once you are up and running. I have so many questions! Wishing you all the best for your business venture!

Hi,

Im not up and running just yet. I want to do the Actual course first, but I do have a couple of Weddings that I may be helping organise in the n ear future to get some experience.
I will be having a wesite, but it will still involve 'personal' service. The services I am wanting to provide though also involve DIY weddings, and I supply all the info needed to do this. So, your business will be handy!

I'll keep up to date on where you are at!!!!!