The great thing about Bloomtown Studio is that I get to do the parts of this business that I love to do (except for the accounting). I am no longer tied down to one company. I operate as a Dealer/Broker for many different suppliers now. This gives me the freedom to find the best quality and pricing for my customers.
An example of this is a business card job I got last week. There was a definite deadline that had to be met. I had my choice of three suppliers who all produce equally good quality business cards. Option 1 had the lowest price, but could not meet the deadline. Option 2 could meet the deadline ahead of time, but had the highest price. Option 3 was able to meet the deadline and come in with middle ground pricing.
Even though I have a design background, right now I am using a couple of freelance designers to produce the artwork needed. This frees me up to take care of my customers, research suppliers and juggle the different parts of the jobs that have to be coordinated. I am working on getting a new computer with the latest and greatest software so that I can take on more of the design, especially those rush jobs that make me lose sleep at night.
And...since I don't have all the overhead of a retail building, equipment and employees I am able to pass along the savings to my customers. It's not always a huge amount because everyone has cut their pricing to the bone these days to keep the doors open, but I try to help out as much as possible. I know what it's like to run a business. This is my second round of self-employment. Things are still tough out there.
Just as a reminder, below is a list of most of the products I carry and/or design.
- Logo Design
- Letterhead, Envelopes and Business Cards
- Brochures, Folders and Flyers
- Forms, Business Checks
- Self-Inking Stamps
- Labels and Vinyl Clings
- Copywriting
- Promo Items - Pens, Mugs, Magnets, etc.
- Signs
- If you don't see it on the list, contact me. I will help you find someone who will!
Have a great day!
Christel
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