Over five years ago, I opened a Rubberstamp/Scrapbook store. I had very large customer base and one of the largest scrapbook
stores in the state. This, in itself, should be appealing to most scrapbookers, but I found that there was one segment that
was difficult to reach - those who prefer to work with a consultant. This Challenge made me come to the realization that
there was a great need for "retail" products in the direct sales industry.
It was evident that there were many people who perferred a more personal, hands-on approach to scrapbooking; an approach
that they could find with a direct sales consultant. Many of my customers would come into the store following an in-home
party and express, "wow! I had no idea all of these supplies existed!" They would generally browse and make smal purchase.
That same customer would then attend another home party the very next weekend and spend a great deal of money on supplies.
These were also the customers who would choose a consultant-sponsored crop over the crops that were held at my store. They
chose this knowing that at the home party all of the products they needed were right at their fingertips for purchase
or for use. In addition, there was also a dedicated consultant available to demonstrate these products and answer their questions.
I came to the understanding that there were three different consumer markets within the scrapbooking industry: Retail
scrapbook stores, Internet site/shops and Direct sales/Home parties.
The first customer are those who love the convenience of stopping by the local scrapbook store after work or on a Saterday
morning to browse and pick up things that they must have (assuming their local scrapbooking store IS convenient to their home
or workplace!). They are not intimidated by the wealth of products or ideas in front of them and are very self motivate when
it comes to working on their albums.
The second customers are those who love a good deal but don't enjoy browsing through a store. Their local scrapbook store
may not offer the products and selection that they desire. These customers tend to want to do their shopping online, in the
convenience of their home, where they can pick and choose and easily purchase based on their needs.
The last groupof customers includes those who do not have the time or desire to shop at their local scrapbook store or
online. They love the social aspect of home partiesas well as the benefits that come with hosting them. They like the personal
attention of direct sales consultants and are frustrated by the lack of customer service and knowledge at some retail stores.
They want someone to sit down with them, offer suggestions, demonstrate products and answer questions. They are looking for
consultant who is passionate about scrapbooking and is able to give them the time, ideas, support and products that they desire!
Currently, over $25.5 billion dollars are spent every year in Direct Sales Market. Of these dollars, over 64% are spent
in a home sales enviroment. Most of these products or something similar are also available in the retail market. This establishes
that here is a reason behind why people are spending their money in this manner. The personal approach and knowledge of consultants
results in increased sales and customer loyalty.
I Remember When was created to service the need for "home party" Scrapbookers that crave the variety and versatility
of products that exist in the retail market. Th combination of direct sales and retail product offers our customers the best
of the three markets in the industry. It offers personal attention, variety of product and convenience. We knowledge the fact
that scrapbooking is a social hobby.
