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I’ve talked before about wholesaling on the Cutting for Business blog – see here and here. In fact, working with other small businesses is my favorite type of arrangement for Silhouette and Cricut owners, because it eliminates a lot of headaches of customer service. Also, wholesale orders tend to be for larger dollar amounts – and everyone loves that!
One issue I hear about from Silhouette and Cricut business owners is that they don’t know how to approach small stores to get orders from them. While visiting stores and pitching sales ideas can work well, I’m going to tell you about another today.
One thing that nearly all brick and mortar stores have in common is that they need a sign with their business hours. In my area, some small businesses don’t have signs with their hours on the front of their store; while others have handwritten signs on blanks from the hardware store or old peeling vinyl decals. Here’s where you come in – you can offer to create and install a vinyl decal with their store hours. You’d charge a reasonable amount ($15 to $25) – and start building your relationship with the store. Be sure after you apply the vinyl that the store owner knows what else you can create – and how to reach you. This simple project could lead to more window signage, or various other creations for small business. If it doesn’t lead to anything else, you’ve made a profit from a simple vinyl decal install.
Tips for Hours of Operation Decals
- Use easy to read fonts that can be read at a distance.
- Cut samples ahead of time and give store owners a choice of only two or three fonts.
- Keep it simple – no need for flourishes or images.
- White adhesive vinyl works well on tinted store windows.
Now, get out there and talk to your local florist, real estate company, attorney, notary, clothing boutique, and more!
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Since 2015, Christine Schinagl has been helping crafters start and run craft businesses through her blog, Cutting for Business. As a Silhouette and Cricut crafter herself, she has a unique take on what works and what doesn’t work in the craft business world. She also enjoys teaching other crafters how to create digital SVG designs, available through the Design with Me series.
Susie
Sunday 9th of December 2018
Where might I find a tutorial showing how to cut this type of project? Thank you :-)
Christine
Saturday 15th of December 2018
Hello! You shouldn't need a tutorial to cut decals. Type out the design and use adhesive vinyl and transfer tape or paper. Thanks!
Lori
Monday 8th of May 2017
Super!!! As a silhouette vinyl newbie, would I use Oracal 651 for business signs? Is it best to apply from the inside (backwards?). Thanks!
Christine
Tuesday 9th of May 2017
Yes, 651 permanent vinyl or equivalent would work best. Actually, the last hours of operation decal I did was placed on the outside because of the window tint. Honestly, either would work but it will likely be more visible from the outside if placed on the outside.
Kristal
Monday 8th of May 2017
This is an awesome idea!
Christine
Monday 8th of May 2017
Thank you! Hope you put it to good use!