Bookmarks: Are they selling?

[Barbara]

I haven't designed any bookmarks because I can't imagine people buying them, not at over three dollars each. Can any of you report sales on them?

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[Jadendreamer13]

$3.00 per bookmark is a lot of money. I haven’t tried selling any. A book author inquired about getting personalized bookmarks for their book release/signing — wanting a certain number of bookmarks for their first (insert number) of sales. I couldn’t accommodate their request because prior to their new bookmark release, Zazzle only carried mini bookmarks.

I put in a request for full-size bookmarks, and I’m happy to see that they made that happen.

[CrazyMermaid]

I used to be the merchandising manager for a bookstore. Customers routinely spent $9.95+ on bookmarks to put in birthday cards that sold for $6.96 and up. I haven't worked there since 2019, so I can only imagine what they are paying now. Honestly you say this about many of the new products - that they are too expensive and who would buy them. Would I spend that money on a bookmark for me. No - but for a "cheap" gift for a so-so friend or distant relative probably. Book clubs members might even have matching bookmarks with the book club name on them. 

[VivianD117]

Were I still in the book club, I would surely consider buying a personalized one for our group -- and I did make up one set just with that in mind.  Positive statement to follow: let's see how long it takes to sell (rather than, will it, of course)

[DancingPelican]

I sold one the first week they were available! They are not going like hotcakes, but I hope they catch on! Personalized bookmarks make great gifts. The one I sold was not even personalized, it was just beach themed. 

[LMGildersleeve]

$3 is cheap for a bookmark... and the one's in stores are not personalized. 

From my experience on Zazzle, there are creators who feel Zazzle is expensive and that no one would buy their products. 

In reality, customers buy these products all the time. 

What some creators need to say instead is, "I wouldn't buy Zazzle products because I feel they are too expensive.

[Barbara]

What you've said brings out my personal bias. I've a difficult time imagining people spending on what are to me frivolous items. However, folks might look at my own purchases in the same way. For instance, I don't have just one set of watercolors--I have four because, well, they're beautiful. So, when I look at the things on Zazzle and wonder why on earth anyone would buy them, it's because I'm not those people. I don't understand them the same as they might not understand why I'd want so much paint and lots of brushes and special paper, all of them costing probably too much. It's the old question of "Why does Clementine do X when I'd never, not ever, do X?"

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[Jadendreamer13]

This is why I’m not in the wedding niche. I think most weddings are over the top, and even small weddings are a waste of money. So, I’ll leave that niche to folks who appreciate marriage and weddings, so the products they create come from an authentic fondness for them. 

[VivianD117]

Perhaps I should not admit this, but I was married three times and the largest wedding I had was in someone's home with about 15 people.  The other two there were either 3 or 4 of us, including the Justice of the Peace.  And, yes, that is probably why I don't do well either in the wedding niche.

[LMGildersleeve]

So well said Barbara. It's an unfortunate mindset. My advice to those who have that way of thinking is to say often, "My designs are worth the money and shoppers will pay what they can for the designs they think are perfect."

[Barbara]

@Jadendreamer13  You and me both! I survived, but only barely, my mother's idea of a glorious wedding for her daughter, and when I got married a second time, it was the right way where there were only friends and family and no extravagant clothing and everyone got drunk in my parents' house while telling horrid jokes. The minister who married us had such a good time at our cockeyed reception that he promptly quit the ministry so he could live, eat, drink, and be merry the rest of his life. Thus, I too don't design for weddings. Too bad it's the most lucrative part of Zazzle.

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[Barbara]

(@VivianD117 : Third time's the charm.)

I'm not the least attracted to buying bookmarks but am nevertheless deeply attracted to designing them, so I'll probably do at least a few without any expectations of becoming a millionaire.

I make my own watercolor bookmarks on 140 lb. 100% cotton paper, which is a beast. Wood pulp paper such as is used for Zazzle's bookmarks isn't as beast-like, but it's 150 lb. I'm thinking they must have the necessary heft to withstand repeated use. Does anyone happen to know for sure?

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[DancingPelican]

I just went back to look at the bookmark I sold after they first came out and discovered I sold 50 copies of it! 

[idraw]

For later reference, for reference about papers used on Zazzle,please bookmark this info about paper weight —-

(since z removed the links to companies and instead just says bookmark made by z. Used to be that each product had a link toward the bottom left that gave the name of the company so that you could go to their website ….)Zazzle  says the paper is made in Italy.
I found this—-

<https://thomasgroupprinting.com/how-is-paper-weight-measured/

[Barbara]

It's tough to figure the flip-floppiness of the paper even with the chart. It appears the bookmark paper is a little heavier than that of a business card, but I've never handled one of Zazzle's business cards. It's surprising that two different paper types of the same weight can have a different rigidity.

Regardless of the above, I went back to look at the size and discovered they're smaller than what I thought was standard. A bookmark just so happens to be within reach, and so I measured it: 2-1/2 inches by a tad under 7 inches. Maybe bookmarks have shrunk over time and I didn't know it? Could be.

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