Would you pay someone to make a scrapbook for you?

I probably wouldn't, only because I know that the pictures alone isn't what it takes to create a scrapbook, it takes your own thoughts, and memories of what was actually happening, taking place, the fun you were having, the memories that were created as a result of the scrapbook. Only the person making the scrapbook can create the right ambiance for it so to speak. It takes the person that actually experienced what your scrapbooking to make the scrapbook a real memento to real detail it personally based on your own relationship with what ever you may be creating the scrapbook for, i.e. the first year of your childs life, family scrap books, best friends scrap book. I think it would be hard to just hand someone pictures and say okay I want a _______ themed scrapbook and expect the person whose making it to really personalize it the way the person would actually want it with all of the memories that should be included, etc.

I like the idea alot! Because someone like me who LOVES the IDEA of scrapbooking but really cant find time to do it, its a nice idea. Maybe if you left the places for the pictures blank so the customer could put them in as they like. and leave places where they could write in memories.

I wouldn't. There are so many scrapbooking kits for cheap these days - pretty much like an album, but with cool little stickers and such for the pages. I saw some at Sam's Club the other day. Thought of buying one for my mother-in-law, but she likes putting her own touch on the scrapbook. For me, who has little time, I'm OK with a near ready-made one. I pick the pictures on the page and them I can add some embellishments. I think they were all less than $20.

The other thing about trusting someone with your precious photos...if the person wanting to have the book done doesn't have copies and you crop it wrong, she's gonna be MAD! So if you do do it, check into what kind of liability you may face for cutting into photos. Good luck.

If you do start a business, consider going for some business planning help. I wrote about small business for 5 years, and many fail in the first two years because of bad planning (which include studying the competition, marketing and financial management).

There are some free resources out there. Maricopa Community Colleges has its Small Business Development Center and there's also the Service Corps of Retired Executives - a volunteer group that pairs up with the US Small Business Administration. Check with your local chamber of commerce, too. Memberships cost, but often they have programs for small businesses.

Arizona Moms Editor Yvette Armendariz shares stories about raising her kids and tips for busy parents in her Time-starved (goddess) Mom blog. She and her husband are raising two children, ages 8 and 11.

I probably wouldn't either, I am sure one day I'll just wake up and have all the unfettered time I need to do a great job...that is the hope I cling to, and why I probably wouldn't turn it over to someone else. Plus, I couldn't just pick a few favorites to turn over, I love something about almost every picture, which means I have to find a way to put them all in an album, which means big albums and probably big bucks if someone else was to do it...

However, some people might love to do it, or work with you, they pay you to work with them, you work on half of the album, they on the other. That way they feel like they are doing their part AND they are getting twice as much done. I don't know, just thinking out loud. AND they are making time to do it.

For help, I might pay $40/50 for 2 hours?? I'd provide the album and some papers and embellishments, but you'd provide some papers and extra stuff too...

Lovemy4 is a discussion leader for North Central Phoenix, tired mother of 4 great kids and wife to one great husband.

please let me know if you are still interested in this idea!! i have been searching on the internet for weeks trying to find someone like you!! when i graduated from high school five years ago i had someone make me one and LOVED it.. i love the way they look but dont have the time to start one let alone finish one!! i think its wonderful that you are intested in this!

Just for pricing comparisons....the pre-made albums at Hallmark (very very cute w/ die cuts, frames, category labels and fun margin words, stickers, ) ...all ready to just pop your picture on and journal a little are priced at $50 for a big big 12" x 12" album....BUT they are often 1/2 price on sale for $25.

So for $25, you can get a fantastic one ready to plop the pictures onto....
and, at Christmas, the holiday Hallmark ones, "ready made scrapbook albums" are no more than $14 w/ a 3 card purchase, and with 20-25 pages, and more details than anything I've ever seen someone do homemade...I wonder if you could price yourself competively and still make a profit??

Just something to explore as you make a business plan/set your prices...

Good luck!

Happy2BMommy, is a stay-at-home mom who just turned 40 (argh!) with a 6 yr. old daughter and a 4 yr. old son, and is a discussion leader for arizonamoms.com living in Scottsdale.

I wouldn't either. I actually looked into a few years ago, but all of the women I found wanted about $10 per hour to do the project. That seems fair, but unaffordable for a regular family. And now that there are so many options for scrapbooking on line, or pre made kits, etc. I don't think that I'd settle for someone else's style.

"Only a life lived for others, is the life worthwhile" - Albert Einstein

I live in Indiana and was thinking of doing the same thing. That is how I ended up on your message. I would like to know if you decided to follow thru with the idea and how successful you have been.

I think it's a great idea. You would probably do very well, but don't forget to watch how much you spend. I love scrapbooking and those pages can easily get pretty pricey. I live on long island, ny and i have been offered by co workers money to scrapbook their pictures. I say no, only because i have a full time job and six children at home, they are all older, but they still keep me pretty busy. I'm really interested in how this pans out for you. please email me if you get this business up and running. I wish you luck!
laura
laura12060@yahoo.cm

i would probably pay for completed pages, so i just had to put the pictures in. I know womeone who got a baby scrapbook for their baby shower and I think the mom that made it, could easily sell them for 100 dollars a piece. It was gorgeous, and it has made the first year of scrap booking easy for the mom. All she adds is the pics and some journaling.

I suggest you teach your children how to scrap book, that way you dont have to pay. mine loves it

discussion leader, mom of an 11 year old girl. At this time, she is trying to make it work between raising her and having a full time job!