The cost of scrapbooking can get high and even out of control. With all the new gadgets and tools and papers and products, it is easy to let it get the best of you and allow your hobby to take control of not only your life but your budget too. And if you don’t have anywhere nearby that you can purchase cheap supplies and your only option is the local scrapbook store, this can put a bigger damper on your budget. Scrapbook stores can be expensive.
So how do you bargain hunt at the local scrapbook store when all the prices seem so high?
Shop the sales. This is a no brainer, but it can save loads of money if you only utilize special shopping days, sales, specials or coupons to shop. Another thing that many scrapbook stores do, is organize garage sales or table sales where you can sell your items. The scrapbook store sometimes makes a commission off the sale, and sometimes you receive credit that can only be spent at the store. Look into what your local store does and utilize this technique to save some money on scrapbooking supplies.
Shop the clearance bins. Yes, the products that fill these bins are often the ones that have been in the store the longest, but does that really matter if you will use whatever items you are choosing? Who cares if you are scrapbooking with last years embellishments. This isn’t a style competition, it is about getting your pictures into albums for your family and future generations to enjoy.
Do some comparison shopping within the store. Sometimes big name paper brands are the more expensive buy, but many scrapbook stores carry other paper that looks similar and costs a lot less. So look around the store, find papers that look similar and compare the prices. The cheaper option will often fit your needs perfectly.
Get to know the staff, join the email list or subscribe to the newsletter and find out when the specials come around. Holidays are a great time to get some good buys, and saving your money for those days is a perfect idea.
Be sure and ask about coupons. Your store might provide coupons, but they also might accept competitor coupons. So be sure to ask about that. You can purchase higher ticket items using coupons if your store allows it and many do.
Ask about purchasing damaged items. Stores are notorious for lowering the cost of a damaged piece of paper. Bends, tears, or crinkles don’t affect the paper in the long run if you plan to cut it up. Ask if they will give you a discount for purchasing the wrinkled piece of paper.
Remember that all stores are looking for a good profit, so the prices might seem high but there is a good reason for that. They have to meet their overhead costs and then can pass savings onto you.
Nicole Humphrey writes articles for the Scrapbooking Blog and for the Frugal Blog. She also guest blogs on a variety of topics. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.
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