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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.

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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: Real Customers, Love Multiplies Love

In early February of 2005, I stood in line at a post office in Washington, DC with a stack of envelopes sandwiched between my hands and my chin. The lady in front of me turned and said “Well, don’t you have a lot of sweethearts!” It made me ineffably happy. It was the end of my third year of law school and I was doing fine, in the sense that your third year is your last year. But I had spent a week on my floor making 50+ valentines with the sneaking suspicion about happiness and where I might find it. The moral of this story is: I am a ridiculous fan of Valentine’s Day and it comes as a surprise to absolutely no one that I’m no longer practicing law. – Emily of Clementine

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Illustration by Emily McDowell for Oh So Beautiful Paper

Makers, the cards this year are truly amazing. I purchased about 1/8 of what I wanted. Here are the first round of Valentine’s Day picks from my fantastic customers. The second round comes on February 13-14th (you’ll notice, there are only two dudes in this post and they’re both under 3).

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Deina & Elliot ~ Macon York, I’m Still In Love With You, a love note to Deina’s husband in the weeks before their 2nd baby!

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Anne ~ OSBPLoveDrea

Drey ~ Sycamore Street Press, Friends Forever, sending the same note to two friends, both in love transitions to remind them of their bond as friends.

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Adrienne & Jack ~ Betsy Ann Press, xoxo, for Jack’s older sister who gives him endless hugs and kisses.

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Kate ~Belle & Union, Bushel and a Peck, for her husband, a song they sing to their twin boys.

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Katie ~ Mr. Boddington, I would go anywhere with you. True words, for her husband.

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Lucy ~ May Day Studio, You are my sunshine, a song she and her fiancé sing to each other.

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Marshall ~ Scout’s Honor Co, Perfect Pair, for her boyfriend who said no Valentine gift, but he wears these shoes, so…

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Rachel ~ Rifle Paper Co, You’re a Fox, for her girlfriend, who loves foxes, has fox gloves and saw a fox on her walks back home. In conclusion, foxy.

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Sas ~ Happy Cactus, Fruity Valentines, sweet hellos for her nieces and nephews.

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Nan ~ Anemone Press, a card for her mother, who is!

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Ilana ~ Banquet, Neon Heart, the ultimate Valentine.

Love to you of you; makers, buyers, lovers. Now go, send your cards, slip your notes. Send them to your sweetheart, your long lost loves and anyone and everyone who fits into your heart. Go forth and multiply that love.

Hello Brick & Mortar: We’re in this together (also, You’re Killing it)

This was going to be a nuts-and-bolts post about orders, but January has been full of ups (new ideas, new vendors!) and downs (all of the germs from daycare in my home/nose). Effectively useless at work, I had time to ruminate: As retailers and stationers, we’re often on opposite sides of the business equation, but our bond as small, creative business owners ushers us into the same boat. As a woman hell-bent on the belief that a rising tide lifts all ships, I thought I’d focus this post on how we can continue to swell the tide for our businesses in 2014. All aboard!  â€“ Emily of Clementine

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Illustration by Emily McDowell for Oh So Beautiful Paper

1. We’re in this together. Let’s start with the obvious: Owning a small business is hard. Whether you’re a retailer, stationer or small business owner, there are lonely times. It is more rewarding that anything we ever imagined, but let’s also assume we’ve all cried on the bathroom floor and vowed to go back to a 9-5. I don’t find blog lists about achieving that elusive work/life balance particularly helpful. However, when I connect with other small business owners to share tips and resources, I am buoyed and my business grows stronger. In that vein, here are my tops:

  • Gather together. Most of us work alone, which is great, except when it’s not. Last year, I organized an informal group of small-business owning women. We have drinks and unpack the tough stuff (shipping, taxes, online sales), volley ideas, cheer each other on, and three of us spun off to create a great pop-up shop. I am always flush with love for them. Because they get it.
  • Listen in. I’m a huge fan of Design Sponge’s Biz Lady columns. Even better for the multi-tasking small-business owner: Grace Bonney’s new(ish) podcast, After the Jump. You can listen while making dinner, or packing orders.
  • Adopt a Mentor. She doesn’t even need to know you’ve adopted her. I devour everything Rena Tom writes/compiles. She’s smart, on-point and makes you feel like your small business is a part of something greater. Want a snippet?

“I met more people who were doing their own thing, and that actually meant more women. My friend Maggie calls this The Lady Web. It’s a mystical land where women recommend other women to each other and get shit done. We joke about it, but it kind of exists.” Sound familiar? Read more: here.

  • Consider your strengths. Take/retake a Meyers Briggs, or other personality test. Revel in your skill set, write it down, start telling people. When clients ask you to take on projects, reply based on a knowledge of your strengths. Recommend people you admire if you can’t take the project on. Also, think about what you’re not good at and…
  • Offload the thing that makes you want to hide under the covers. I recently interviewed a bookkeeper and had to refrain from hugging her. My bookkeeping is not hard and doesn’t take long, but it hangs over my head every day. It’s time to pay someone to do it.
  • Indulge. Vacation, massage, art class, perfume, I don’t care what it is, if it brings you joy, please do it. Small business-owning is beyond full-time, find your way to turn it off.
  • Share your tips and resources. The comments section here is a great start, in-person is even better.

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Brunch/Group Therapy with my ladies at the delectable, Vergennes Laundry.

2. Brunch Is The New Golf. I’m not trying to justify my degree in feminist theory with this point, I’m just genuinely excited that so many small businesses are thriving because good people are connecting, rather than because people with connections are playing golf. So let’s keep connecting:

  • Start a Biz Ladies/Dudes group. Did we already cover this? It’s that important. Reach out to people you know well and those you barely know. Especially people you barely know. Give praise, ask for advice on something you’re struggling with. This is where the magic happens. Make coffee dates a priority. Schedule brunch.
  • Use social media to highlight fabulous businesses around you. Connections are made and businesses are growing because of social media. Pinterest can (with proper links/credit) generate free interest in the products you covet (and, in return, the products you make that others covet), Instagram can grow your personal and professional community and give you a way to preview and gather feedback for your work, Twitter can make you a relevant part of conversations in your field. If you want these things for your business, use these platforms to highlight other businesses you admire.
  • Be generous with information. You may not want to share your amazing source for radiant orchid envelopes, but when you do share the vendors who treat you well and the systems that make your life easier, the benefit will undoubtedly come back in your favor when you need it. I am always impressed with the gracious and generous spirit of the stationery community. Trade Show Bootcamp is a stellar example of this.
  • Say thank you, give praise, and be kind. I know, this is precariously close to hokey, but I can assure you that these things have done wonders for my business, and my happiness.

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Found via Pinterest (anyone know the original source?)

3. You’re killing it. So, keep killing it.

  • Now is the time to hone your line. If you’re brimming with ideas, wonderful, go create. But editing is just as important. Don’t be afraid to cut that card that sells well if you can’t stand it. It’s your line.
  • Gather your cheerleaders, confidants & critical thinkers. I have a rotating list of 60+ people who I can call on for quick advice, legitimate feedback and just general cheer. I barely know some of them but they’re all invaluable to making my business thrive.
  • Don’t go to the places that make you feel unworthy. Whether it’s scrolling twitter, reading about the habits of highly successful people or attending a conference or trade show. Go if it pushes your comfort zone, don’t go if it makes you feel unworthy or exhausted.
  • Gather inspiration, create a spot that sparks your creativity, and visit it often. Mine are the Shanna Murray decal next to my desk, Sibella Court’s books, past episodes of Man Shops Globe, and the teepee I gave my son for Christmas, which I totally re-appropriated for late night ordering. (I highly recommend getting one and pretending it’s for your children.)

For what it’s worth, I think you’re great. Regardless of whether I sell your work at my shop, and even if I do, no matter how quickly it sells. I’m excited that you’re doing what you’re doing and can’t wait to see what comes next.

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Eva Jorgensen of Sycamore Street Press, Instagram series: #EvasEverydayLettering

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…

Best of 2013: My Favorites

As we get ready to say goodbye to another year (and welcome a new one!), I’m wrapping up my 2013 recaps with a few personal favorite posts. 2013 was a really hard year for me, for a variety of reasons, but each of the posts below fills me with happiness and gratitude. And I can’t think of a better way to close out this year. I wish all of you the happiest of new years – thank you so much for reading Oh So Beautiful Paper, and I’ll see you back here in 2014!

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Brick + Mortar (Illustration by Emily McDowell for Oh So Beautiful Paper)

Emily’s column is a new addition to OSBP, but I’m already having trouble understanding how we ever survived without her! Emily brings wonderful retail insights as the owner of Clementine in Vermont, along with a human connection to the real customers who visit her store. Emily’s post on Everyday Thanksgivings is already one of my all-time favorites.

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Paper Party 2013 + Invitations

This year’s Paper Party was the biggest yet! And so much fun from the invitations to the colorful party details. We’re already starting to plan for Paper Party 2014, and I couldn’t be more excited!

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A Visit to DC’s Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens (and more favorite DC spots here)

I’ve enjoyed sharing some of my favorite DC spots on a more regular basis! Our visit to the Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens was one of my favorite new discoveries in 2013, but I’m looking forward to sharing more of our favorite places to eat, explore, and shop in 2014.

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Sophie’s First Birthday!

Sophie turned one! We celebrated with a small, low key birthday party – and some amazing balloon-inspired letterpress invitations from the talented Catherine of Printerette Press and neon pink calligraphy by Michele of Meant to Be Calligraphy. We’re so lucky to be parents of this amazing little girl.

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A New Year’s Eve Cocktail Dinner Party and Summer Backyard BBQ Cocktail Party with St-Germain

Our year-long collaboration with St-Germain pushed us to develop in new and exciting creative ways. Coming up with new cocktail recipes. Dreaming up beautiful party ideas. We loved every minute of it (even though it was secretly a LOT of work behind the scenes), and we’re looking forward to continuing to push ourselves creatively in the new year! The New Year’s Eve party and backyard summer cocktail party are my two favorites so far – along with the gorgeous recipe illustrations by Dinara Mirtalipova!

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Campaign-Inspired Baby Shower Invitations + Shower Details

Getting to co-host a baby shower for some of your closest friends? The best. Campaign-inspired invitations by August Blume? Icing on the cake. And then, a new baby! (Even better).