Search Results for: calling cards

Hello Brick & Mortar: Order Up!

If you’re in the mood for a simple nuts & bolts post, here it is: Ordering. Namely, how to get your retailers to do more of it. Assuming you like that sort of thing. ~ Emily of Clementine.

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Illustration by Emily McDowell for Oh So Beautiful Paper

Let’s get gushy for a second: I love ordering. I devour your catalogs and squirrel them away. I take you to the beach and pull you out in front of the fire. At my shop, I’ll gladly fawn over issuu when I have 18 other things to do. Ordering is the dinner & dancing of our relationship. It’s where I commit and you send me a beautifully wrapped box. It’s the most fun.

Yet there are enough trips and starts in the ordering process that some orders are never started and others go unfinished. Let’s break it down and see how to get those orders coming in.

When and why do I make orders?

  • I make an opening order when: I fall for your cards & I think they will sell. Often, this is because you reached out personally (and maybe because you kept in touch).
  • I make a re-order when:
    • I run out of a several things that have sold well.
    • A customer requests something that has sold out.
    • A holiday is coming up (maybe).
    • You find a way to entice me.
    • You check in.
    • Your line fits and offers something new to customers.

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A display of Birthday cards at Clementine. Color, size, variety. I often order based on how your line would complement my existing lines.

 

Your Catalog. Your Calling Card: 

The best catalogs (paper or online) have nice, bright photos and clear terms. Retailers are different, so ideally you have a paper and online option. Here are some pros and cons of each option:

  • Paper Catalog:
    • Pros: Well, we all love paper, so there’s that. Flipping, circling, dog-earring. I like them best when they’re mailed to my shop. I like them least when I’m lugging them through Penn Station.
    • Cons: I have to have it with me to order and I still have to write the order down and send it to you. Also, it seems to be standard for catalogs to have terms and prices in the front or back. This means I have to flip back and forth frequently (especially if you have cards, card sets, gift tags, prints….) This takes a while and is the #1 reason it takes forever to fill out an order.

NSS catalogs

Some of the catalogs that traveled home with me from NSS 2013. Pretty, but pretty doesn’t carry itself.

  • Issuu: Most of you use issuu, so I’m assuming most are familiar. I like it. I dont’ love it, but I like it.
    • Pros: It’s online so I can pull it up anytime. Your updates are instant. I don’t have to dig in my files. I can send you a quick order. You can link to it easily in emails to me.
    • Cons: I still have to write/email out my order and it’s harder to “flip” through if the prices/quantity requirements are at the back. Also, sometimes the format gets wonky, especially on an ipad.
  • Online: If you have good photos and an easy website, this is pretty much just a pro except that many (myself included) do love a tangible catalog. That aside, let’s look at several online options:
    • A wholesale site just for retailers. Shopping online is my ideal form and results in my most frequent orders, because it’s quick. Especially, if you have a large line.
    • Etsy Wholesale. Did you know Etsy has a wholesale site? I’m pretty smitten because it’s a one stop shop for me. You have to apply, but I think it’s a great option if you’re not ready to build your own online shop. Also, if you already have an Etsy site, I believe transferring products is pretty easy. (Don’t quote me on that, but I think the fabulous ladies of Etsy will be checking in on this post today, so feel free to ask questions!)
    • Your existing retail site with a wholesale code. If you sell online and haven’t built a wholesale shop, a great in-between step is to simply send your retailers a wholesale code for 50% off. You may still have to work out shipping, that’s ok.

Stop the presses! What haven’t you heard from me?

  • I have to fax something in. (Wait, I’m genuinely curious, do any of you receive orders by fax?) Requiring forms that I have to fill out and send is going to delay my order. Find a way to be flexible in gathering credit card and tax IDs so that all I have to do is hit ‘submit’ or wait for your call.
  • I like you too much. Counterintuitive, I know, but  I have several lines that I liked so much it took forever to complete the order because I was trying to whittle it down. This is why it’s so important to be in contact. Silence does not always mean I’m not interested. Personal contact or an incentive can put you at the top of the stack.
  • Your line is very large. Similarly, if you have 25 pages of product, deciding what to get can take a while.
  • Your photos aren’t great/Your terms aren’t clear. Look at your own website and have a friend critique it too. A tiny, dark or fuzzy photo wont sell itself even if the card is great in person. Similarly, if I can’t find terms or contact info clearly, I may delay.
  • Your order minimums are too high and/or are inflexible. I generally order in 6s (singles) and 3s (packs/prints) even when you don’t require, because your colleagues have conditioned me to do so. Ask around, see what’s standard. But also make sure minimums and terms make sense for your business. If you are ok with orders of any size, say so.
  • I never hear from you. When should you reach out? I covered that topic at length here. In short: ask each retailer what they prefer, and always be in contact a few times a year. If you are always too busy to reach out to your retailers, it might be time to hire a rep.

What makes me order (more frequently)?

  • Flexibility. If you accept orders via web, email and/or over the phone, I’m more likely order. I mean, I’m probably never going to call in an order, but making it clear that you’re flexible sends a message and I’m more likely to email you a quick order because I know you’re open to it.
  • You’re responsive and open to dialogue. This isn’t for everyone, but if you’re open to the idea of turning a card into a print, or altering your existing products, it could lead to a dialogue between us that strengthens our relationship and gives me a new stake in your products. Obviously not all ideas are good ones and retailers should never direct your creativity, but they can offer insights into what might sell that could help your brand grow.

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Letter & Lark’s Woodland animals were singles. Colleen responded immediately to retailers’ desire to have them as a set. 

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Scout’s Honor Co’s Antlers, was originally a card. I requested it as a print and Annemarie didn’t miss a beat saying yes. Also, take a page from this lady when you’re sending notes to retailers. 

  • Online, online, online. Look, I’m in the process of moving my shop, so I understand the feeling of being (incredibly) overwhelmed. If you don’t have an online wholesale shop, don’t fret. But I do make online orders far more frequently. I like to see the cards together and be able to adjust quantities in a cart. That’s something a paper linesheet can’t do (plus, the math).
  • Good photographs. I understand the ease of drawing your cards, but sketches are often very different from a letterpress card. Whenever possible, take a (nice, well lit) photo and upload at a visible size.
  • Social Media. I’ve been on the fence about how much social media affects my buying, but over the last few months I can say, without a doubt, that I’ve made orders based on sneak peeks or incentives I’ve seen (primarily on instagram, a bit on facebook).

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Macon York’s Can’t Get Enough of Your Love Card which I saw on Instagram, had to have, and essentially started the order there.

  • I think you’re fantastic. I know, this is somewhat intangible, but my favorite lesson of the last few years is that I want to have business relationships based on kindness, humor, generosity and a bit of bravery. If you like a retailer’s aesthetic, be in touch. Don’t be turned off if they don’t reply to your intro packet, if they make a first order and then don’t re-order. I’ve built great relationships with people even when their line isn’t right for my shop, I love those conversations and I am always happy to talk about how a line may become right for my shop, or someone else’s. Stay in touch. We’re all busy. If you believe in your product, keep going.

Have another question about orders? Post it below! Also, are you getting excited for the Stationery Show? I am! But if you’re not going, I have a post for that too. Next time…

xo! Emily

Hello Brick & Mortar: Trends, Unsolicited Advice and Wild Ideas

Happy New Year! If your December was anything like mine, things got a little foggy. I woke up on New Year’s Day feeling a bit like Snow White after eating that apple. (Probably exactly how she felt, if she still had to finish her year-end accounting.) The point is, December is no time for wild ideas. But now it’s January, and a bit of reckless brainstorming is what launched us into the work we’re in. So, let’s get back at it. – Emily of Clementine

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Illustration by Emily McDowell for Oh So Beautiful Paper

I. Trends. Just so we’re on the same page, I am not a trendsetter. I live in Vermont, I just got on board with neon and I am decidedly not a fan of Pantone’s color of the year. That said, I am a creative-envelope pusher, professional brainstormer, and confessional for customer wishes. I also really love watching your lines grow, offering feedback, and cheerleading along the way. I want both of our businesses to grow. Here are a few opportunities that I see:

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These message booklets from Side Show Press are fantastic

  • Calling Cards, with a Modern spin. Business cards aren’t obsolete, but I quickly recycle 97% of the ones I get. (Not your cards, they’re too pretty. You are the 3%). A lot of my customers concur – a stack of little, flat notes would be far more useful than business cards. A recent chat with Kimberly confirmed how functional (and fun) a beautiful flat card would be to leave with clients after a meeting, tuck into an online order, or as a sweet hello. You provide a great border and unexpected surprises.
  • More Flat Notes. This is the number one request I get: simple, flat stationery (this time card size, with an envelope). Everyone says they want to send more notes, but they don’t want fuss. Anna Beth told me these are called Buck Slips, which I’d never heard and I like, because I love little turns of phrases from your pocket of the world. Which reminds me…
  • More Colloquialisms. Those little sayings that your grandmother or your longtime neighbor said often make the best cards. Our southern sisters have an edge on this one, but everyone can try! My customers especially like new phrases to express love.
  • Postcard (sets). The folded card is clearly not trending. Building on the “flat notes” request above, postcards are often requested. They’re the quickest hello and the world can read them en route which makes them cheeky and nostalgic. To dip your toes in, I think they’d sell well for: Valentine’s Day, Just Because/Hello, Summer Camp (for parents to give to kids at camp drop-off) and thank yous.
  • Stationery, Plus. I love watching your lines branch out into new territory. If you’re itching for something new, these items are selling well and seem like a natural addition: coasters, wrapping paper, custom rubber stamps, pillows, pencil cases, notepads, temporary tattoos, candles, tea towels, journals, or matchbooks. Megan uses bits and pieces in her flowers and also suggests: more envelope accessories like stickers, stamps and washi tape.

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Moglea can neon edge print anything to perfection, on a flat card no less

A final note on trends: Gold foil, neon, triangles, gem stones and foxes? I liken them to bangs: all of the cute girls have them and maybe you should too. But take it from a girl who has two cowlicks and super fine hair, some styles are not for you. Remember, as a buyer, I see a lot of what’s trending, I only need to see more if you do it really well. Otherwise, I want to see the things I haven’t even imagined yet.

II. Unsolicited Advice. My favorite. You don’t have to do any of these things, but I’d be thrilled to see your take on any of them:

  • More Stationery for Guys & Better Father’s Day Cards. You know your heart’s not quite in these, right? If you have an amazing card with a tie/golf club on it, ignore this, but otherwise, get out there and ask guys what they want. Trust me, they want to write quick notes on well designed stationery. Still not feeling it? Think about what makes men in history so compelling: They wrote. Fall back on images of your favorite writers, use that to spark some ideas.
  • Valentines and Thank You Cards, for kids to give. Please don’t leave me alone on Feb 13th at CVS buying Lightning McQueen Valentine cards for my son’s classmates. There must be another option and you can make them.
  • Selection packs. Customers often want thank you and birthday cards in bulk, but they want variety. Do 2 of 4 designs, or 4 of 2. (Caveat: This may be one of those “things people request, I purchase and they never buy.” But I do think it’s a good idea.)
  • More Bibliophile Goods. Bookmarks, book plates, other biblio-inspired goodies? Yes, yes, and yes. Antique book covers, card catalogs and the architecture in athenaeums could inspire a pretty nice series of, say…calling cards.
  • Baby Shower Thank Yous & Forever Stamps. At my baby shower, my friend, Laura, graciously said, “don’t send us thank you cards.” I objected, but after Julian was born I honestly couldn’t remember if I had sent cards. The weight of her gift sank in. Since I’m not in the business of telling people not to send cards, I’d rather make it easy: A set of pre-stamped thank you cards makes the perfect gift and she can hand them to her right-hand woman to address while she’s opening gifts. Ta-da!
  • Think Beyond the Holiday or Sentiment. I can sell love all year, but Valentine’s Day cards only for a few weeks. When you’re designing cards, you don’t have to follow a prescribed calendar or topic heading (at least not for me). I always want: more love cards, uplifting sympathy cards, congratulations for endless occasions and new thank you cards.
  • Prints of your most popular cards. These sell. That’s all. (and you’ve already designed them!)

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May Day Studio’s You Are My Sunshine is a lovely card and my best selling broadside print

III. Wild Ideas. Now we’re talking.

  • That Thing You Daydream About. Do it! I was a huge fan of Yellow Owl Workshop’s #getwise2013. It was so unexpected and delightful. I want more of this kind of thing. A lot more. Let’s make 2014 the year people have fun learning the difference between their, there, and they’re.
  • Wallpaper & Fabric from Your Designs. Both of these are niche markets and I probably couldn’t sell them, but boy-o-boy would I love to see them.

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Yellow Owl Workshop made me smarter this year

  • Partnerships that lead to products. You have creative, skilled friends: Chefs, bartenders, florists, fabric designers, seamstresses, ceramicists, professors, stand-up comics, day-care teachers. How could you collaborate and produce something? I, for example, would love to see an OSBP illustrated cocktail series made into a set of flat cards – it would be the perfect hostess gift. (Ed Note: Ha! Okay, okay, I’m on it!)

I hope the new year brings you some down time with blank pages and new ink colors. I’d love to hear the wild ideas and trends you’re loving for in 2014…

Hello Brick & Mortar: Great Relationships Part I

Last time, we talked about how to approach little brick & mortar shops. Now we get to talk about maintaining that relationship. Spoiler alert: Starting now, I love to take your calls! – Emily of Clementine

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Illustration by Emily McDowell for Oh So Beautiful Paper

1. 3-2-1 Contact! 

So, we’ve clicked. I liked your goods. You sent your first order. Now what? Well, let’s take a cue from the great 80s theme song on 3-2-1-Contact: Contact is the secret; is the moment when everything happens! Contact is the answer; is the reason that everything happens! 

Why am I giving you an earworm for the rest of the day? Because it’s a great mantra for maintaining retail relationships and I think a few of you need that. How do I know? Because, the comments and emails I got after my first post made it clear that: 1. You all are super lovely and amazing. 2. You are afraid you’re bothering me.

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One of my many beloved refurbished typewriters at Clementine

2. Are you bothering me?

Probably not. Remember: Your goal is to get me to re-order. I am pretty darn busy over here and I have a lot of stationery, so if your cards sell out, I may not notice for a bit. When you’re in contact, I order more frequently and I feel cared for, which makes me order more frequently.

Are you bothering other shop owners? I’m speaking for myself in this column, but I imagine my preferences are similar to other small brick & mortars. The best way to find out, of course, is to become psychic ask. How? Here’s one way:

We’re at the National Stationery Show or a Craft Fair, you’ve just finished writing up my order, you turn to me and say: “I’m so thrilled to be in your shop and wondered what your preferences are for re-orders and contact.”  You only need the basics: 1. Do I have a buying schedule? 2. Do I prefer emails/calls? Bonus points: is there anything that my current vendors do that I particularly like?

We’re both busy, we’ll both forget to return emails, but this little exchange tells me that maintaining a good relationship matters, and that gesture will go a long way.

3. What if you forgot to ask these things when we first met?

Of course you forgot, those lights at NSS are really bright and you didn’t sleep for the week prior. You can ask these things at any time, and this kind of attentiveness goes a long way whenever you ask.

When else should you be in touch? Great question. Have you seen this chart? The moral of that chart is: don’t wear tights and pretend they’re pants. The moral of this post is: wondering if you’re bothering me is not going to make me re-order. With that in mind, here is my basic list of when and how to contact small retailers:

Send a group email whenever:

  • Your line has new catalog additions.
  • You have seasonal deadlines.
  • You have free freight or other sales and promotions.
  • Your line gets great press.
  • Remember: always include a link to your online shop and all social media handles.

Note: I suggest investing time in mailchimp or another email system. Create a stockist or “potential stockist” category and email all of us in one swoop. (Just beware of the new gmail system that throws these emails into the ‘promotions’ tab. That may be why you’re not hearing back from us.)

Send a personal email whenever:

  • It’s been 2-3 months since my last order (this is a quick “Just checking in to see if you need anything…” email).
  • I said I was going to send an order but you haven’t heard from me.
  • You’re having a problem that delays my order.*
  • My net 30 has passed. In small shops, we often literally do it all. Don’t be afraid to send an emails that reminds me that I forgot to pay you. It will also remind me that I may need to re-order
  • You want to brainstorm. People love being asked their opinion. Retailers are people! I love what you do and really enjoy talking about new ideas/colors/products, even if I don’t carry your line.  I am emailing presently with the lovely Brannon about an unsolicited idea that I gave her which she is generously entertaining.
  • Bonus points: at New Year, send me stats on what I ordered last year and offer an incentive to make a large January order that mirrors last year’s favorites. (I have money in January, so come and get it!)

Note: I want to stress the importance of the third point.* Tell me when you are having problems that create unusual delays. It’s natural to go silent and hope problems resolve themselves. Resist that temptation. Send a quick note letting me know what the problem is. If the problem is personal, I totally get that and you can be vague, but I need the end game: is my product coming and when? Most of the time I’m not in a rush, but if I am, I need to make other arrangements. If it’s more than a little blip, consider a small gesture: cover the shipping or include extra product. A little offer goes a long way. I have had very few bad interactions with vendors (and none with stationery folks), but I am currently embroiled in one that stems from pretty significant mis/non-communication on their part. I’m floored by how unprofessional their communication strategy is, and the worst part is that a few personal emails along the way would have gone a long way toward preserving the relationship.

Give me a call if: 

  • I said I wanted to fill out an order over the phone.
  • You want to chat/brainstorm (and you emailed first to see if I’m free).
  • You have a quick question/need clarification on my order/need my credit card number, etc. and I’m not responding via email.

Note: I still wouldn’t suggest “just calling” to check in about re-ordering. Retail shops get so many cold-calls, we’re on high alert to be annoyed when the phone rings. But if we are emailing and you say “can I call you?” I will say: YES!

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Ever so fun to unwrap: Orders in from Iron Curtain Press and Scout’s Honor Co

Follow us on social media if:

  • It adds to your day and doesn’t become a burden. A well timed comment or an ongoing conversation on instagram, pinterest, facebook or twitter builds our relationship and creates easy, more frequent contact. We all have our favorites. I’m kind of a terrible twitterer. I love instagram. I love seeing what you’re working on via social media and responding right there.
  • It makes you happy. Social media can reinforce the worst high school feelings: Followers, inside conversations, the feeling that you have to be there showing something amazing. These are tiny worlds. Use them for good and enjoy them. Do the ones you enjoy, don’t feel compelled to do any, but know that it’s a great way to be in touch which makes your other contact (email, calls, in person hellos) even more welcome.

Send a personal note:

  • With every order. (I mean, only if you know someone who makes nice cards.)
  • Just because! Carina sent me a just because letter after my thanksgiving post. We have never met and it basically made me cry. In a good way. Isn’t that what we all want? 
  • Bonus points: Make your look orders lovely. Use Angela’s ribbon. It’s just the best.
  • Bonus points: Include 1-4 cards that I’ve never ordered before. 
  • On my birthday. Kidding, that’s totally not necessary (it’s February 23).

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Letter & Lark and Shanna Murray orders are always an utter treat to unwrap

Personalizing is where we, as small business owners, have so much power over the big-box operations. And personalizing, ultimately is about making contact. When in doubt, be in touch when it feels right, these ideas are ideas, not guidelines. There’s very little wrong you can do. I love my stationery vendors especially, because you wrap my orders like gifts, with a sweet note and goodies. This is the way I want Clementine to run, with small touches that make an indelible mark. Surrounding myself with vendors like you, who share this view makes it palatable to send in my law school loan check each month. I love what I do now (and I’m really glad I’m not practicing law). Everything I did before brought me to this point and I’m so thrilled to be sharing in this world with you. In other words; you’re not bothering me. So, you know, let’s make contact!

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My ever changing collection of your notes at Clementine, an outgoing package from Clementine

All photos: Emily Blistein via Instagram

Amy + Brandon’s Modern Glam Sunburst Wedding Invitations

Happy Monday everyone! I’m thrilled to be starting the week with a gorgeous set of invitations with architecture-inspired details from Lisa at Missive! Lisa incorporated a beautiful gold foil starburst detail inspired by chandeliers at the wedding venue along with modern sans serif and script fonts. I love the combination of the gold foil with the bright red and aqua color palette. The entire suite is so pretty!

Modern Glam Sunburst Wedding Invitations by Missive via Oh So Beautiful Paper (1)

From Lisa: Amy and Brandon’s wedding suite was inspired by interior architectural details at their wedding venue. The chandeliers inside the venue had an interesting starlike pattern that Amy wanted to incorporate into her invitations, so I designed a starburst element which was carried through from her save the date to wedding invitations to thank you notes, where it appears as their new monogram.

Modern Glam Sunburst Wedding Invitations by Missive via Oh So Beautiful Paper (9)

Once I learned more about Amy’s vision for her venue decor — from a huge curtain of red and aqua fringe streamers and gold dot garland to jars filled with glowing candlelight, it was clear that her wedding invitation suite needed a glamorous feel. The invitations were letterpress printed in Amy’s bold wedding colors, a rich red and vivid aqua blue, complemented by the shiny gold starbursts.

Modern Glam Sunburst Wedding Invitations by Missive via Oh So Beautiful Paper (8)

Modern sans-serif typefaces were paired with an exquisite, flourished script for all of the pieces in this suite. We upped the glam factor with envelopes in bright punchy colors, which were also foil stamped with the couples’ return address. This suite was all about sparkle and shine and I loved that the bride did not shy away from bold color and gleaming gold details!

Modern Glam Sunburst Wedding Invitations by Missive via Oh So Beautiful Paper (5)

Modern Glam Sunburst Wedding Invitations by Missive via Oh So Beautiful Paper (6)

Modern Glam Sunburst Wedding Invitations by Missive via Oh So Beautiful Paper (7)

Modern Glam Sunburst Wedding Invitations by Missive via Oh So Beautiful Paper (3)

In celebration of the new Missive website and online shop, Lisa has generously offered Oh So Beautiful Paper readers an exclusive 20% discount for the month of June, including personalized letterpress stationery and calling cards! Just use promo code OSBP20 at checkout – thanks so much Lisa!

Design + Letterpress Printing: Missive

Foil Stamping: Quality Letterpress

Check out the Designer Rolodex for more tal­ented wed­ding invi­ta­tion design­ers and the real invi­ta­tions gallery for more wedding invitation ideas!

Photo Credits: Missive

Sneak Peek – Martha Stewart Weddings Winter 2013 Issue!

The Winter 2013 issue of Martha Stewart Weddings comes out next week, and – my oh my – if the cover is any indication, this is going to be a seriously gorgeous issue! I know everyone is dying to see the details of a certain wedding featured in this issue, but today I have a special sneak peek of the stationery story to share with you!

Martha Stewart Weddings Winter 2013 Issue via Oh So Beautiful Paper (3)

For this issue, the editors have created their own stationery love story – what could be better?? The editors have included a timeline to show you how to incorporate stationery during every stage of your romance, from the calling cards you exchange on your first date to the moving announcements that mark the beginning of newlywed life. And of course, since this is Martha Stewart Weddings, there are also save the dates, engagement party invitations, bridal shower invitations, thank you notes, and more! The stationery story features ten great ideas by ten talented creative designers (and some of our favorites here at OSBP), including Paperfinger, Sugar Paper, Moglea, Sideshow Press, Linea Carta, and Duet Letterpress!

Martha Stewart Weddings Winter 2013 Issue via Oh So Beautiful Paper (1)

The full issue will be on newsstands on Monday (and is available as a digital edition for the iPad) – but in the meantime you can check out a little peek of the new issue here!

Photo Credits: Cover by Marcus Nilsson, Story Photography by Trevor Dixon, both for Martha Stewart Weddings, Winter 2013