business advice - Craft Focus Magazine

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market is constantly changing and highly
competitive so it is important to be aware
of trends. An example in the case of Crafty
Stamps is our recent decision to remove
the wood from our wood-mounted rubber
stamps. We love the quality you can still get
from the rubber we used but have decided
to package these up differently and sell these
mounted with Kling-on rather than on the
wooden block. We are very happy with the
packaging and presentation of these (another
important lesson if you are putting together
your own products for sale) and the feedback
we’ve had on this has been great.
Another benefit of running our retail shop
Stampers Grove is that it’s a great way of
helping to keep our nose close to the ground
in terms of customer habits and opinions. We
love all the free advice and consultation that
our customers are happy to dish out!
Also as a new kid on the block it is
important to respect the fact that you have to
earn the right to be considered as a potential
supplier. After all, for many people it’s one
extra thing on their desk, which is unlikely to
hold the same level of importance to them as
to you. You have to convince them otherwise.
It’s important to try and connect with
your potential customer and convince them
(sincerely) that what you have to offer is worth
a look. And if you are lucky enough to receive
their custom, look after them if you want them
to come back.
What do you think is your unique selling
point with Crafty Stamps?
We are a small family run business and are
passionate about every aspect of offering
a quality product and service to our trade
customers, and in turn their customers. Crafty
Stamps is our ‘baby’ (our other one) and as
such, customers come to realise that when
dealing with Emma or myself that we have
a common sense, no nonsense approach to
business. I’m not saying we are a 24-hour
operation, but the nine to five rules don’t apply
to us. All of that is easy to say, but I know not
everyone does it. We are consumers as well
after all!
What are your best selling lines?
Overall at the moment our Scottish Stamps
are the most popular, in particular the
Greyfriars Bobby, Bagpipers and Nessie Stamps.
How do you select the products you want to
stock in your craft shop, Stampers Grove?
I would have to say we choose by quality and
value for money. We like to think we have an
eye for good quality products. We never lose
sight as to what the retail price is as if it’s too
expensive, you’re not going to sell it, resulting
in bad cash-flows, tying up shelf space and bad
customer perception.
It is important to have a good balance
of products and lots that are new. Many
customers want the latest designs so it’s
important to keep things fresh and current
and with this business, the usual seasonal
rules faced by other businesses are brought
forward. You have be about four months ahead
of schedule and if you’re selling to a trade
customer, add another two months to that!
Do you offer workshops/courses?
We run regular workshops in our craft shop,
Stampers Grove, but do not currently do any
for Crafty Stamps, although this may change in
the future.
What plans do you have for the future?
Having just revamped the way we package
and sell our rubber stamps with Crafty Stamps,
(mounted on Kling-on rather than being
wood-mounted) we are also currently in
discussions with an artist and expect to have
some great new stamps in the near future.
The only clue is they are very different to our
existing ranges. Watch this space! C
Further information
Contact James or Emma Dennison
T: +44 (0)131 221 9440
E: enquiries@craftystamps.com
www.craftystamps.com &
www.stampersgrove.co.uk
Crafty Stamps, 92 Grove Street, Edinburgh
EH3 8AP
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