Based on several recent polls conducted simply

Based on several recent polls conducted simply by industry Las Vegas Scrapbooking Supplies leaders, scrapbooking is one of the fastest growing craft activities.

The latest demographics show the following trends:

- 98% of scrapbookers are females in between 30 and 59 years old. Among the list of age groups who responded to the research, scrapbooking, rubber-stamping and paper making attract the various generations fairly both equally.

- 85% of the respondents are married, and only about 14% might not have children.

- 95% have a minimum of "some college" or attended the trade school.

- 65% with the respondents have college or post-graduate degrees.

- 53% are working fulltime (40+ hours per week). An additional 38% work part time (between something like 20 -39 hours per week). Concerning 12% of the respondents are patterns are released.

- 85% have incomes more than $50, 000, and 62% said their annual incomes are more than $75, 000.

- An interesting simple truth is that the majority of the respondents (96%) noted that they had been scrapbooking for more than each year. Of those, nearly one quarter was scrapbooking for at least three years and practically one third for at least five years.

instant On average, 75% of the respondents described that they had spent more than $250 over the past 12 months on scrapbooking items, and 42% reported spending well over $1000.

Interestingly, 74% of the respondents also are involved in rubber-stamping, 46% experience paper crafts and 27% state involved in Painting/decorative painting. All three for these crafts can, and are used to improve many scrapbooking projects. Other homemade projects that scrapbookers are involved with involve: Seasonal Crafts (41%), General Designs (34%), Sewing (fashion/home decorating), Needlework (26%), Quilting (20%), Knitting/Crocheting (17%) and Jewelry Making (10%).

According to the Interest Industry Association, retail sales with the scrapbooking industry climbed from $400 million in 1997 to $2. 5 billion in 2003. However the industry is still growing, it's becoming more tough for independent dealers to make a profit, and oftentimes, any profits created by the smaller "mom and pop" shops must be put back into the business. As being the industry has flourished, competition via large corporations has increased.

One of the biggest opponents in the industry is the craft store big Michael's, operating about 867 stores in 48 states and North america. Consumers feel that Michael's has a wonderful inventory of supplies which are simple to find and fun for the whole family to work with.

Successful independent scrapbooking retailers demand that it's possible to compete with the giants when you are smart and planning for success. That they recommend:

- Offer specialized solutions.

- Don't put all your ova in one basket - offer a selection of services and products.

- Become the best with what you do.

In addition to a retail store, craft business people should build a strong Web presence. The company model should include workshops, craft night times and scrapbooking parties. Look for market segments in your area that have not been tapped, such as specific minority groups or new scrapbookers.

Industry insiders insist that the scrapbooking market is still rising and that there is room for anyone who is interested in starting a career. The best advice before beginning any business is to conduct careful research and do the necessary preplanning. Because of this you will know what you are getting into before you start.