LoopyMum Posted September 16, 2012 Share Posted September 16, 2012 Hi I thought I would take the plunge and put myself out there for a little advice All brutally honest opinions welcome I used to make cakes professionally but stopped as I found the market oversaturated and as there is a big boom in homebaking most mothers have learnt how to make pretty awesome cakes at home with the help of a good recipe book and some basic sugarcraft equipment I have three children and am absolutely obsessed with all things party Passionate about balloons / banners / food / decorations So the attached pictures are examples of my most recent creations - party banners (that can also be kept and placed on the child's bedroom wall) I have made quite a few ,in different themes and colours and also taken pictures in my garden with some display toys / party food but I am hesitant to go the whole hog as I did last time round Doing fairs , setting up a Facebook page , printing cards if there is simply no interest in these (If I were to get positive feedback about the banners I also planned to provide party bags / cupcake wrappers and other personalised partyware) Also thought about JUST MARRIED signs - place settings -etcSo what do you think a lovely idea that could blossom or a waste of time and money for families to buy in our current economic climate ?! Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/25678-childrens-birthday-party-supplies-overrated/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saffron Posted September 16, 2012 Share Posted September 16, 2012 Very lovely banners. What about a local stall during holiday season? Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground is looking for stall holders for their winter craft fair. http://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum/read.php?28,957131,957131#msg-957131 You could showcase your work with some general pieces and take orders for personalised items? It is a tough time for starting new businesses econimically. Then again, the only way is up! I have a friend who started her own business last year. It's doing pretty well. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/25678-childrens-birthday-party-supplies-overrated/#findComment-577796 Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoopyMum Posted September 16, 2012 Author Share Posted September 16, 2012 Thanks. Glad to hear about your friendMost businesses seem to be thriving regardless as they sell essentials that families need it's just a little risky to start a creative business at the moment But I'd love to grab the opportunity to get my products out there to see what others think Am still hoping for some opinions on here Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/25678-childrens-birthday-party-supplies-overrated/#findComment-577800 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pickle Posted September 16, 2012 Share Posted September 16, 2012 Definitely set up a Facebook page if you haven't already - a free way to test the market and sell your products. I run a small business, and set up a Facebook business page as a starting point, but get so much work through it I haven't needed to do anything else.There are a lot of good networking pages on Facebook that help you reach a wider audience.Fairs are a good idea if you have ready made stock to sell, but I found people wanted customised things (I hand knit baby & children's clothing), so making stock in advance isn't always the best option.Good luck. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/25678-childrens-birthday-party-supplies-overrated/#findComment-577803 Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoopyMum Posted September 16, 2012 Author Share Posted September 16, 2012 Thanks PickleExactly what I was thinking as the partyware would be custom made for the child pre made stock wouldn't be the best optionAlthough I guess the pieces I have could be used just for displayStill tinkling with the idea of a FB page - want to know if anybody would be remotely interested first Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/25678-childrens-birthday-party-supplies-overrated/#findComment-577809 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pickle Posted September 16, 2012 Share Posted September 16, 2012 I guess the only thing with having display pieces (and the associated interest generated) is to then get people to follow through and order from you. In some ways the impulse buy market is a great one to tap into.I'm sure if you set a page up, word would quickly spead. You just need a few of your friends to "like" and comment on photos and already you've opened your page up to hundreds of people. Doesn't take much work at all. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/25678-childrens-birthday-party-supplies-overrated/#findComment-577829 Share on other sites More sharing options...
apenn Posted September 16, 2012 Share Posted September 16, 2012 I think it's a great idea. All of the decorations readily available are of the same sort of characters and themes. My son wanted green and Gruffalo for his birthday which was not available except online. I would have been very tempted to order from you, but yes price is always a factor! Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/25678-childrens-birthday-party-supplies-overrated/#findComment-577854 Share on other sites More sharing options...
dulwichgirl2 Posted September 16, 2012 Share Posted September 16, 2012 Genuine feedback - yes, they are lovely and reusable I suppose but... How much are you looking to charge? Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/25678-childrens-birthday-party-supplies-overrated/#findComment-577871 Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoopyMum Posted September 17, 2012 Author Share Posted September 17, 2012 Thanks for your support ladiesHave not got any fixed prices as yetThe reason being I have used a variety ofmaterials and sizes for the banners soI would have to sit down and cost them allThey would be reasonably priced And yes all names, colours and themes are possibleI have made a Peppa Pig banner just tried toupload but resolution of image too high Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/25678-childrens-birthday-party-supplies-overrated/#findComment-577928 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saffron Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 Are there licensing issues with using registered or copyrighted characters? Or is that considered 'personal use'? Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/25678-childrens-birthday-party-supplies-overrated/#findComment-577930 Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoopyMum Posted September 17, 2012 Author Share Posted September 17, 2012 Need to do some further investigation on thattoo But I have seen others do similar so I think it should be fine Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/25678-childrens-birthday-party-supplies-overrated/#findComment-577936 Share on other sites More sharing options...
ludoscotts Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 hi regarding copyright be careful, If you bought say a peppa pig bag then reused it on your banner to resell I think that is ok but If you were just to print off a pic of peppa and used it that wouldnt be as YOu havent bought official merchandise and therefor stealing the image. If it is a liscenced product reused/recycled then the liscence would have been used on that item-does that make sense?I do party decorations and anything that is an official character I buy online so I dont infringe on copyright then just use the prominent colour for anything that I make. If you do set up a page send me a pm as I may need your services one day if I continue with parties. websites are pretty easy to do too and dont cost much, Mine is www.dreamofatheme.co.uk if you want to take a look and if you need any advice send me a pm. good luck leanne Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/25678-childrens-birthday-party-supplies-overrated/#findComment-577951 Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoopyMum Posted September 17, 2012 Author Share Posted September 17, 2012 Thanks Leanne Lots to think about and research beforeI get startedI had a website and still have a blog for my cakes so I am fine with that partThanks ever so much again for all those that haverespondedAll suggestions welcome Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/25678-childrens-birthday-party-supplies-overrated/#findComment-578066 Share on other sites More sharing options...
dulwichgirl2 Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 Why not create your own character and avoid licensing issues. (Then sell it to Warner bros for ten million in year 3..) Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/25678-childrens-birthday-party-supplies-overrated/#findComment-578072 Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoopyMum Posted September 17, 2012 Author Share Posted September 17, 2012 LolOooh if only Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/25678-childrens-birthday-party-supplies-overrated/#findComment-578098 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fmm Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 I think the banners look lovely but... I have just ordered something similar (personalised name bunting) for decoration at my son's christening and there is a lot of it about. Just one search on ebay/ notonthehighstreet pulled up dozens of options with prices starting at around ?1 a letter. Totally my opinion, but I think the market for this type of thing is quite saturated, unless obviously you can be super-competitive on price. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/25678-childrens-birthday-party-supplies-overrated/#findComment-578184 Share on other sites More sharing options...
toomuchchocolate Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 Lovely banners. Lots of people sell party supplies through etsy.com. I found some great stuff on there, though did have to trawl through a lot of tat too! Good luck. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/25678-childrens-birthday-party-supplies-overrated/#findComment-578377 Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoopyMum Posted September 18, 2012 Author Share Posted September 18, 2012 Thanks FmmYou are correct - lots of banners on ebayNot yet seen any similar to those I have createdbut then I am yet to look on notonthehighstreetAt less than a pound per letter makes you wonder if they make any profit at allThanks toomuchchocolateTotally forgot about etsy I will be having agood peek on the site tonightAside banners I was also thinking about generalparty decorationscupcake wrappersparty bagspom pomscupcake boxesEtsy Ebay etc all fab but initially I wanted togenerate an interest from local parents Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/25678-childrens-birthday-party-supplies-overrated/#findComment-578404 Share on other sites More sharing options...
esme Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 Sounds great to me - have PMd you as was having technical trouble - good luck with it all! Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/25678-childrens-birthday-party-supplies-overrated/#findComment-578416 Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoopyMum Posted September 18, 2012 Author Share Posted September 18, 2012 Thanks EsmeJust responded to your PM but it did not gothrough Strange Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/25678-childrens-birthday-party-supplies-overrated/#findComment-578456 Share on other sites More sharing options...
kateland Posted September 22, 2012 Share Posted September 22, 2012 Yes yes we want lovely stall holders! If ut interested pls email me on [email protected]For more info. Thanks saffron for the mention :) P.s if I don't respond straight away it's just because I'm a tad slow as I have an 8 day old! Would love some real good local stalls-have had a good response so farThanks so muchKate x Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/25678-childrens-birthday-party-supplies-overrated/#findComment-579585 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taylorbf Posted April 9, 2015 Share Posted April 9, 2015 I think party decorations are not considered a waste of money and time, I think this particular decorations are key elements in all kinds of party but most of all in birthday parties. Apart from being a decoration element, are perfect and inoffensive toys for kids to play, so I think they are important in children parties. I use to buy in a web site where you can find balloons with animal shapes and imprimed balloons which the kids love. You can see them here, I hope you like it http://www.comercialpersan.com/en/products/types/animal-figures-balloons/ Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/25678-childrens-birthday-party-supplies-overrated/#findComment-837349 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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