How do I start my own line of stationery?

Question

I'm a graphic designer and I enjoy designing cards, invitations/announcements, cute characters, patterns, logos etc. How do I find a company to sell my stuff?

Answer 1

The best way to sell your cards wholesale may be to put together a portfolio and take your samples to some local or regional stores to ask them to order cards for resale in their stores.  Don't be afraid to approach gift or stationery stores, including those which specialize in greeting cards, invitations, and announcements.

Do you have a website, or an eBay store?  If your graphic design experience lends itself to a fun and original website or online store, this may be the best way to become a retailer from the comfort of your own home!  Be sure to offer volume discounts for anybody who wants to buy in bulk...  and of course make sure you use lots of key words within the text on your website/store, so people looking for cards, invitations, etc., will find you.  [I'm wishing I had a graphic design background myself!  :o)]

Another thought is that you may want to select a specific, potentially lucrative market (example:  wedding invitations, or birth announcements) and focus your efforts on that market - - sign up for a vendor booth at your local bridal shows, or market through local hospitals' gift shops.  You can always expand your product line later if you like.

I hope that gives you a few good ideas to start with - - best of luck!