Product Idea: Scrapbooks and scrapbook paper the 12x12 kind

[LauraLee]

Our customers have been asking for this, so I go back to "ideas & suggestions" as well as the reviews, because I know I've suggested it.  And I noticed that other designers have too, and it seems to be missing somewhere in the sales opportunities we could all be making. 

So today, I wanted to point out a few things that I've researched and if anyone would like to chime in too, great!  #1, Binders can be a bit more flimsy than the standard scrapbook, as the vinyl breaks or tears, the rings don't always match up, and the inserts are not sold with the actual binders making it very difficult for customers outside the USA to even get the inserts needed for them.  I've read the 1 star reviews, and customers are saying this.  #2, Customers expect quality merch and will pay for it, if not here at Zazzle where they can get customization -but find going to local crafting stores for generically printed scrapbooks to find them.  So, opportunity is being missed in the sales.  #3, Customers who "think" scrapbooks and receive binders are disappointed because they have the scrapbook paper already picked out from craft stores.  We have to lead them into where to go and buy the insert sleeves, for them to see how to pull together a "faux" scrapbook, when this is only partially what they expect...they want the whole shebang...a real scrapbook.  To experience what it's like to put them together and learn how.  This is a really big thing, classes for it, stickers, paper punches, scissors with shapes, and everything.   So, not only are the binders from a customer's point of view, sometimes a big disappointment, they're reviewing it this way.  Which is really unfair to us as designers.  We do all we can, but it's like selling an envelope.  What I'm talking about is, not only the book, but here's an opportunity to sell the paper in matching book sizes, the paper punches (in a lot of different shapes), more stickers of course, and a stronger book that's meant for scrapbooking to eliminate bad reviews.  Thanks for listening again.  

[Mark]

Hey @LauraLee,

Thank you for all of your feedback here. I will be sure to share this with the team.

[Connie]

I would love to design scrapbook paper! The other stuff I'm not familiar with. But as far as the binders being flimsy, I have one I bought from Zazzle 5 years ago, and it's still in great shape. I don't use it EVERY day, but it isn't any flimsier than other binders, and it doesn't seem in any danger of falling apart. The rings line up well; the only thing I don't like about it is that it doesn't have the D-rings, so the outermost pages can get bent when closing it if I'm not careful.

[SnowOwlMoon]

Given the popularity of scrapbooking right now plus the ability for customers to download designs, I think this is an excellent suggestion.  So many other POD sites are offering this.  And I would LOVE to design scrapbook papers!