Tell us your favorite smart business tip and be entered to win a free die!

Posted by Jen Cramer

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UPDATE: We are having such a great response with TONS of smart business tips that I changed my mind -- we'll be giving away THREE dies instead of just one. Keep 'em coming and make sure that you check back and read all of the ideas!
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UPDATE #2: This drawing is now closed and the winners were announced on March 17. We would still love to hear your smart business tips though!

Let's give away one of our new dies this week! First we'll talk about the fabulous die you can win and then I'll tell you what you have to do to be entered to win (it's easy!)....

The die up for grabs is the long cut version of our Birds #1 die, which has three different bird styles on it. I love the fact that there are two separate wings on the die so you can cut those out separately to add dimension to your birds!

Here you can see an example of one of the birds used as a hanging element on this Bare Elements Spring Purse:

How can you win this great die? Just post a reply and share your favorite "smart business tip" for how to make money with an AccuCut die cutting center. You have until the end of the day this Saturday to leave your answer and I'll announce the winner on Monday!

Need some help figuring out what a smart business tip is? Most of our craft customers who buy the AccuCut GrandeMARK machine and dies are business owners who are looking for a way to offer more services for their own customers and to help drive sales of other products.

For example, a scrapbook store owner may cut out their own chipboard shapes to sell or they may offer a die cutting club to help pay for new dies. If you're a scrapbook store owner, tell us what works in your store... if you're a scrapbooker, tell us how store owners could get you more interested in a store's die cutting center.

People also use our AccuCut GrandeMARK machine to make custom invitations and favors as well as other stationery items. How do you get the most out of your machine? What do you make? How does it save you time?

There are no wrong answers... just a lot of great ideas to help use an AccuCut die cutting center to work smarter. So let's hear your ideas!

Comments

[connie s]

Accucut dies are great for my invitation business. When i buy a new die I create several new samples using different materials and offer these as a hot new item. Some of my customers do not even realize that the cut out is the same, only the material is different. The die pays off for itself and i am able to get another one soon after.

[Christine Rauth]

I took a class at a huge scrapbowl a few weeks ago showcasing maya road birds on a mini-book. Mini books are hot..and acrylics..instead of cardstock cut out the birds in transparency and show how you can add rubons, alcohol inks..etc to make your birds one of a kind.
chris rauth
ccriscat@verizon.net

[Lesley K.]

Good customer service is the best advertisement your business can offer. Work with customers. Give positive feedback. Customers will tell their friends the good and the bad. Make it all good.
Everybody loves freebies (or as I call them, gifties.) Toss one in and see the smiles (and return customers)!

[Jean]

We pre-cut card stock using the A2 mat, oval, circle,and square. We color coordinate the mat piece with a printed text weight paper. The matching is already done so no hard decisions.

[Di]

We have a few "special dies" that only come out at crops and some that we pre cut and sell as die cuts. We make huge mark up on the cardstock not to mention the die "pays for it self" in a shorter amount of time.
We also have a few that only come out at crops. You have to be a paid cropper to use those ones.

[The Paperie]

Love all the great tips - we practice a lot of them ourselves, but here's something different from Newfoundland, Canada: We get a lot of brides through our door looking to make invitations and the first thing they see when they enter our store is our wedding display. We have a round table set up with two place settings and we switch up the decor by season. We use AccuCut dies to create the table displays - everything from napkin rings to favor boxes to invitations to centerpieces - all elements are made with AccuCut. This garners a lot of attention from Brides who are interested in DIY, but also from our regular stamping and scrapbooking clientele who are always amazed by the endless decorating options that AccuCut present. We have had clients who come just to make invitations and end up copying our wedding table right down to the color scheme.

[Erin Ridley]

I find the best way to sell something is to show examples using it. When someone sees the sample, they want to make it too!

[Donna L]

We use a lot of diecuts on our samples too but my favorite is to use the bigger shapes to make mini books, then offer them as classes. We keep the more in demand dies put away to sell at first before we set out as free to use.

[Nancy]

I would love to see more samples using chipboard at the scrapbook stores. The possibilities are endless. Used on cards, scrapbook pages, hang tags, mini books,etc.

[Susan]

Love the Bird die. We offer no charge use of our AccuCut if yhe paper is purchased in our store
Susan

[Sue]

We have several boards posted in the store showing different samples with our dies. We also have completed pages showing different ways to use the dies. Our best idea is to have a book of different cards and invitations using the dies. Customers can copy them exactly or modify them to their own needs.

[Rena]

Every convention I attend gives me a name tag. Selling cutout for the tags to the convention hosts can be lucrative. Embellishing the tag with a bird can convey information for the host, attendee or other attendees. For example, different colored birds can indicate the workshop group the attendee is assigned, or whether a lunch meal is included, etc. Thd bird can be attached to the tag with a have a tiny bit of double sided adhesive and attached to the tag at the time the attentee registers.

[Melissa Y.]

I sell at an indoor market 3 week ends a year. I have my die cuts in baggies with the price. I Have a sample for each die cut, which I believe helps in the sales.
Melissa

[Cindy Iverson]

We teach a diy invite class showing how to use the dies for invites and favors. We don't charge a fee to use the dies if they purchase the paper from us.

[Cindy Iverson]

We teach a diy invite class showing how to use the dies for invites and favors. We don't charge a fee to use the dies if they purchase the paper from us.

[C.E.]

I sell precut diecuts and always include an idea sheet with purchase. Idea sheet includes finished projects and how to guide. Gives my customers ideas/ways of using the dies they might not have thought of.

[Dianne]

A store could set up a small display showing all the wedding/shower decorations, favors, invitations, etc., made with Accucut dies. A Saturday demo would be a great hands on and also give customers a chance to cut their own on the spot!

[Mary Ann]

If I have a paper that isn't selling well I use the giant dies to cut the paper in giant circles, hearts, scallops etc. (I love the giant dies!!). That paper that was no longer popular starts flying out the door!!

[Erin & Mary]

We had custom dies made for the panels and pocket cards of our changeable art purse. We offer our customers free die-cuts at our art shows, Rubber Stamp & Scrapbook Expo's or at our local Scrapbooking stores that book a purse class. Customers can choose any scrapbook paper to be die-cut to create a one-of-a-kind purse.

[Chris Nicholson]

We create acrylic & chipboard albums using the dies and sell them as "ready to decorate" albums. It is also a great addition to the kit of the month. With low overhead cost to make the books, we end up with a larger profit than buying and selling albums already made.

[SHEILA HENIGAR]

Using them in decorations,in frames,or on frames for the Spring feeling, or redecorating a room.You could make a mobile out of them.

[Joyce]

We use the dies in classes and then allow customers the use of the dies as long as they purchase the paper from our store. We try to use the dies to showcase new papers in the store. People need visuals. How did you know that this bird set is my favorite? I love all of the bird themes right now! Thanks for the chance to win.
~Joyce

[Miriam Fleshman]

I have a die-cut of every die that we have and post them on bulletin boards all over the store with fun displays. I also have more than just samples of scrapbooking items on display. I have items like mini quilts that use some of the dies as appliques, cards, etc..

[Debbie B]

I design lots of projects using my Accu Cut Dies and my customers love to try the projects...

[Lari Anne Kamei]

For holidays I sponsor a kids' party and give them the naked die, crayons, glitter, glue and other fun ornaments and let them decorate their own cutouts. If the die is a 3D die, I mount them on a disc. This was a big hit for Christmas with the 3D tree die. I always have parents call me with orders and asking when the next kids' activity will be.

[Karen Dover]

We have lots of great die cut shapes and we use them to generate revenue in various ways.
1)We actually cut and bag some popular shapes ex/ My Freshman Yr, My Sophomore Yr, etc., in local school colors. Also, the paws for schools and Blues Clues These fly off our shelves and this is the fifth year we have been making the same ones. We sure have got our monies worth. Even though the dies are in the workroom, people in a hurry love being able to grab a finished product..., and almost always take one of each.
2) We offer the use of our workroom dies for free with any purchase, incorporating training with our basics class. People love staying in our store and using our dies and they know they can't get these at the chains.
3) We use dies to create tech day projects that encourage people to came back again and do things in bulk. ex/ are cards, small books, party favor/wedding favors.
4) We offer design services for a fee for people planning weddings/parties. We come up with ideas, incorporating our dies and then they create the finished product using our products and dies or we do it for them for a another fee.
5) We have samples of every die on a massive board in our workroom. We group them by theme so people can find what they are looking for quickly.
6)We attend wedding and baby shows, marketing the beautiful results that you get with the dies. We get new customers and new scrappers this way who are just beginning in this market. We use these to then have an instore event to generate interest to our own customer base and sell, sell, sell the lines of paper they we have used. We continue to be able to market older lines that we order repeatedly because of our great samples.
7) We have a quilt store next door that we share our equipment with. They purchase fabric dies and encourage thier customers to use our workroom to cut thier fabric. We believe this translates into new customers for us as they see all of our samples in our workroom and see what they have been missing.

[linda murray]

All i have to do i demo the die cut and everyone is inspired and have to have it.
So use it all you can and it will sell itself.

[Terri Doyle]

We charge $5.00 per hour to use our Accu-Cut die machine and all its library of dies. We recently had to make a change that they ONLY can use the machine after they purchase their paper (products) from us as we were having ladies mis-use our machine and damaging the black pad on the dies. The $5.00 helps us replace the acrylic covers that go over each die. During classes or midnight crops the use of the machine is FREE. The ladies love this.

[Diane Petty, Quilts by Diane]

Designing my own patterns to go along with my die cut quilt pieces and strips is my marketing strategy. Thanks for entering me in your contest.

[Michele Quelquejeu]

Encourage girls birthday celebrations making crafts at your shop using the dies.

[sharan Hardisty]

Whenever I get a request to donate to some local charity event, usually for raffles or silent auctions I always donate a fancy basket filled with diecut cards, tags, etc. They are always a hit and besides raising money for charities, it brings people forward who want to know more about the diecuts, fancy diecut cards etc. that were in that basket....I would love to be able to add those birds to my die collection...

[Bev Breisinger]

Demo Classes! Customers need to see the machine in use so they aren't intimidated by the size of it. They need to see the dies that are available - not just the ones the store carries - therefore creating extra $ for special orders and in turn a store can offer more benefits to it's customers by offering specials/events. Both are winners!!!
Thanks for the opportunity to win!!!
Bev
(twofrogs84@yahoo.com)

[Pam Sparks]

you can never have too many examples! Show what the die can do and they will want it!
love this bird die!

[Ed Olivier]

Using the AccuCut die cutting system to make kits whether it be for scrapbooking, cardmaking or quilt kits is a great way to make money for your shop. It is fun to try to figure out how to get the most cuts from your materials with the least about of waste. That way making your money go farther.

[Jnett]

Haven't had a chance to read what's been shared, but I think these would be great for making cards to place at your favorite boutique for sale. Whether they are placed on the front, folded uniquely to be popping out the side, or used as a postcard, they would be the "hottest" spring thing, everyone would want one.

[Beverly Terry]

I love designing my own dies. My customers think it's great to get things that are so unique. It keeps them coming back to me! I always include some of my custom diecuts with each order.

[Kathryn Schmitt]

I have an accucut small and large machine for my personal use. To help pay for my hobby, I sell diecuts at school functions, and at a scrapbook store. Recently, I have been doing classes at our town's scrapbbok store, and was also asked to come do a cardmaking class for a rubber stamp consultant. For the most part, I use my dies to make cards for the shut-ins at my church, and I do the bulletin board at church and help with vacation bible school crafts. Because I do a lot of donating, a freebie die would be most appreciated--especially this little birdie die! It is so adorable! The happiness I give to others by having this machine is the greatest gift I give myself!

[Brenda LeBel]

I fuse Buckrum (very stiff fabric) to one side of double-sided fusable webbing and fabric to other side. Then cut boxes, doll clothes, butterflies etc. Boxes for different holidays are great for tree ornaments, small gifts, photos and/or notes of thankfulness and favorite sayings.

[Jennifer in d'Iberville]

I used an envelope die to create really attractive gift certificates for the store. We've only been open for a few months, and they have already sparked sales of custom invitations for a wedding and also a baby shower!

[Terry Bracciodieta]

I sell pre-cut die cuts in as many different materials as possible. I also have a wonderful design team to keep the creative ideas flowing. I also do create a shape dies to offer unique items to my customers. I would love to win this great bird die.

[Monica Sheldon]

I think they should give away a few free samples of the dies when you buy a die or buy from the store. this gives the person a chance to use them and would buy the dies or machine then.

[Alicia]

Examples and the ever popular mini-albums. Love the birdies!

[lori]

Offering a free service such as die-cutting with paper purchase makes customers think they're getting a great deal! Also, having many cute samples of dies on display as well as simple instructions gives them a variety of ideas for multiple projects.

[Mary Singletary]

I actually work for a church in the Children's Ministry. I am in charge of ordering and stocking supplies. I am also the creative source that people come to for craft ideas. I have taught several diecut classes here to help our Preschool & Church teachers get the most out of our Accucut investment. I find that the best tip is to always try to find new and creative materials to cut. I made the most beautiful winter invitations this year by diecutting snowflakes out of aluminum foil. They were so elegant against a pastel blue card and I got many compliments. I also like to get double use of a die by turning them upside down, sideways or even cutting them in half to see what else they could become. I have made a monkey with pipe cleaner arms and attached an oval die for the body, a small circle for the head and half of a mini flower for his paws. Thelittle scraps can become things too. For example, we had to cut a few hundred teacups for placecards at a Mother/Daughter tea that we were having and we realized that the little scrap that came out of the handle made the perfect raindrop. We already had the umbrella die, but we had not had raindrops for it. I love being creative with all of the dies. It is so much fun!

[Sandy]

If I won the Bird die I would give them to my friend Marga. She is very creative and is always making all types of crafts and sometimes, I am the beneficiary of her lovely work. I just know that she would "die" to have the bird die cuts!
Thanks for the opportunity!!

[Mary]

This would be a perfect addition to our collection. I would defiently use this for one of the girl scouts spring project.

[Tere]

I like to take several samples of small diecuts, place them in a plastic baggie with a topper and use them as giveaways when customers buy other items, as an incentive to buy paper items, such as cards or other diecuts.

[Paper Doll]

Great die set. The bird die cuts & stamped images seem to be popular now. There are so many things you can do year round with this set; Christmas branch with snow & bird, Easter with eggs and even new baby card or page with smaller bird.
This year we are doing an Autism Crop and are making a "progressive" M&T for attendees. The 6x6 album will be used, as each vendor can add their own page or technique they're doing. Then we each save a little money by sharing it.
I have a Stamp Camp every year and have all my die cuts on a board cut out and finished, so eveyone can see which ones I have and get ideas from that.
I will use the box die cuts for raffle table for each item and stamp numbers on them to co-ordinate with the prize.
Hostesses can get a small box or bag of goodies I make and of course they are used in classes.

[Diane C]

Make sample cards using the dies, choosing unusual papers. Many customers linger over the more expensive papers, but hesitate buying any because they don't know what to do with them. Die cutting expensive papers gives a lot of bang for the buck, and truly makes the die cutting unique and desirable to your customers.

Diane C

[Kat Tolley]

I like to high light one die and show how it can be used in three different ways...for instance, I live in Paris, TN and I take the 5" effiel tower die and cut it out in paper (for cards and scrapbooking), in fabric (for sewing on to purses or t-shirts) and even foam (to make a stamp). By making samples of each use, people get ideas for how to use the dies in new ways, and items like paper, fabric and foam sell!