Startup cost
$50k–$500k
TRUiC Business Ideas
How to Start a Scrapbooking Business
Decision Snapshot
Scrapbooking
Idea Score
39
Profit margin
8%
Break-even
4 mo–12 mo
Time to launch
12 wk–36 wk
Demand trend
Rising
5-yr failure rate
—
Capital intensity
Very high
Time commitment
Flexible
Part 1 - How to start a Scrapbooking business - Background
Scrapbooking is a popular way to memorialize life events, but many people don’t have time to create scrapbooks. Those who would like a scrapbook but are too busy to assemble it themselves may hire a professional scrapbooking business to make one for them. Scrapbooking businesses use customers’ photos and other memorabilia to create scrapbooks for them.
In 2012, the Craft and Hobby Association noted that scrapbooking made up 10% of the crafting community in the US, equating to about 23 million people. For the business owner who can transform customers’ visions into physical scrapbooks, there is plenty of opportunity.
Our guide is in 3 parts:
- Part 1 - How to start a Scrapbooking business - Background
- Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
- Part 3 - Action plan to get started
What are the costs involved in opening a scrapbooking business?
Opening a scrapbooking business is a fairly inexpensive proposition. Wham.com recommends setting aside $1,000 for the venture.
While some of this money may go toward licenses and a website, most of the funds are used to purchase supplies. Scrapbookers need:
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albums
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sheet protectors
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plain and patterned paper
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adhesives
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scissors
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stickers
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stamps
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specialty pens and markers
The paper should be lignin-free and acid-free, so it won’t damage any photos that are put into a scrapbook.
Business owners who have tight budgets can purchase supplies on a per-project basis until they save up enough to buy supplies ahead of orders. Most business owners work at home, so office expenses aren’t a major consideration.
What are the ongoing expenses for a scrapbooking business?
The ongoing expenses for a scrapbooking business are minimal. They include:
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Ebay and Etsy listing fees (if selling on the platforms)
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website hosting fees (if a business has its own site)
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costs associated with ordering additional supplies
Supply costs can be kept low by ordering them in bulk. There are many wholesalers of scrapbook supplies.
Who is the target market?
The target market for a scrapbooking business is people who would like a way to remember precious moments but aren’t able to create a scrapbook themselves. Many customers are women, but men may also place orders. Most are middle- or upper-class, as having someone else make a scrapbook is a luxury that requires discretionary income.
How does a scrapbooking business make money?
A scrapbook business makes money by selling completed scrapbooks. Some business owners also sell individual pages.
How much can you charge customers?
Scrapbooking businesses can charge by the scrapbook, page or hour. Completed books retail for anywhere from $100 to $5,000 (usually these are fancy wedding scrapbooks). Per-page fees range from $10 to $40 per page. Hourly rates often hover around $50 per hour.
When determining what to charge, it’s important to take into account all the time that completing scrapbooks requires. Time spent ordering supplies, talking with customers and physically assembling scrapbooks should all be accounted for in a business’ fees. Talking with customers about what they’d like can be especially time-consuming.
How much profit can a scrapbooking business make?
Because the ongoing expenses for a scrapbooking business are so low, a successful business can bring in a significant profit. Business owners who complete three scrapbooks a week could bring in at least $300 weekly, if not much more depending on the length and total cost per scrapbook.
How can you make your business more profitable?
Scrapbooking business owners can increase profits by teaching local scrapbooking classes. The registration fees for these classes serve as an additional revenue source, and each new registrant is a potential lead. If they don’t have a need for professional scrapbooking services, they may know someone else who does.6
Day-to-Day and Growth
What happens during a typical day at a scrapbooking business?
Scrapbooking business owners spend much of their time talking with customers and assembling scrapbook pages. Assembling pages involves sorting photos and other media, arranging chosen the materials and then affixing them to the appropriate page. Sometimes there are also messages to write.
When not directly working on scrapbooks, business owners might be ordering more supplies, shipping completed scrapbooks or marketing their business.
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful scrapbooking business?
People who scrapbook personally can use whatever style they prefer, but professional scrapbookers need to create books that their customers love. Because customers’ tastes in style can vary, business owners should be well-versed in at least five to seven different scrapbooking styles.
Business owners who would like to expand their scrapbooking skills may wish to consult books or videos on the subject. A few popular resources are:
The Stamp & Scrapbook Expo also has vendors, workshops and more. There are expos throughout the country.
What is the growth potential for a scrapbooking business?
Scrapbooking is time-intensive, and it requires an individual’s creative vision. For these reasons, most scrapbooking businesses remain small.
What are some insider tips for jump starting a scrapbooking business?
Listing scrapbooks for sale on EBay and Etsy will jump-start a scrapbooking business. These platforms regularly have customers who want scrapbooks made, and customers are more likely to order off a trusted platform than through an unknown website.
How and when to build a team
Most scrapbooking businesses are one-person operations. If there is sufficient work, business owners might want to hire an assistant to help manage communications and assemble scrapbooks.
Part 2 - Is a Scrapbooking business the right fit for you?
Business Evaluation & Strategy Tool
We'll walk you through the four pillars every business needs: Points of Leverage, Marketing Strategy, Financial Model, and Personal Compatibility. At the end you'll see a personalized report and your action plan below will be tailored to your answers.
Step 1 of 4 — Points of Leverage
Every viable business has natural advantages. Below are common leverage points across four categories. Pick the ones that apply to your Scrapbooking business. We've pre-suggested a few based on your idea — review and adjust.
Step 2 of 4 — Marketing Strategy
Without a way to connect with customers, even great businesses fail. Pick the channels you plan to use to reach your customers.
Step 3 of 4 — Financial Model
Enter your monthly baseline costs — the minimum overhead to keep the business running. Then we'll calculate how many sales per month you need to break even.
Step 4 of 4 — Personal Compatibility
A business that doesn't fit your life will fail no matter how good the numbers look. Tell us how this business fits you.
Your Scrapbooking Evaluation Report
Complete the four pillars and your personalized summary will appear here.
Points of Leverage
Marketing Strategy
Financial Model
Personal Compatibility
Part 3 - Action plan to launch your Scrapbooking business in 90 days
Nine concrete steps to take you from idea to open business, grouped into 30-day phases. Complete the planner above and we'll highlight what's most important for your situation.
First 30 days — Foundation
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Form your legal entity
An LLC keeps your personal assets separate from business debts and lawsuits — the most common reason small business owners choose this structure. Sole proprietorships and partnerships do not provide this protection.
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Get an EIN and register for taxes
Apply for your free Employer Identification Number through the IRS, then register for any state or local taxes that apply to your business (sales tax, franchise tax).
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Open a business bank account and credit card
A dedicated business account is required to maintain personal asset protection. Mixing personal and business finances ('piercing the corporate veil') can void your LLC's liability shield.
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Set up business accounting
Recording expenses and income from day one makes tax filing easier and lets you see when the business is actually profitable. Use software (QuickBooks, Wave) or a part-time bookkeeper.
Days 30–60 — Compliance & Risk
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Get permits and licenses
State and local requirements vary widely. Brick-and-mortar businesses typically need a Certificate of Occupancy; service businesses may need specific professional licensing; food businesses need health permits.
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Get business insurance
General Liability Insurance is the most common starting point. If you'll have employees, most states require Workers' Compensation. Specific industries need additional coverage (product liability, professional liability, etc.).
Days 60–90 — Launch
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Define your brand
Your brand is how customers perceive and remember you. A clear name, logo, and visual identity make every later marketing decision easier and protect you legally as you grow.
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Create your business website
Every legitimate business needs a website. Social media pages are not a substitute — you don't own the platform. Modern website builders mean you can launch a clean site in a weekend without a developer.
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Set up your business phone system
A dedicated business number keeps your personal life private, makes the business look legitimate, and lets you route calls professionally. Cloud phone services start under $20/month.