If you're wondering how to set up a scrapbooking crop, you're not alone.  Many people are finding that they enjoy attending these retreats and gatherings so much that they want to organize one for themselves and of course some people are aware of the fact that you can actually make money with these events.  For those unfamiliar with the term, a scrapbooking crop refers to a gathering where hobbyists get together and put together albums, often with prepared presentations by professionals.  So those wondering how to set up a scrapbooking crop would do well to consider that this is not just a haphazard seminar where people come together and sort of fend for themselves, but that it requires quite a bit of planning and preparation as well.

Location is Key When Planning on How to Set Up a Scrapbooking Crop

When considering how to set up a scrapbooking crop you need to consider your location.  It should be central enough so that it's accessible for the majority of persons in the group you'll be inviting, whether this is a group you know or one you advertise online.  An out-of-the-way city may be less expensive but if it's difficult for people to get to or if it doesn't offer much by way of accommodations, it will be no good for anyone.  When thinking of how to set up a scrapbooking crop it's easy to think about what's easiest for you in terms of location and driving distance but you need to think about your group and your attendees instead.  Find something centrally located and this will be best for everyone.

You also need to think about, when considering how to set up a scrapbooking crop, possible inconveniences for everyone to attend such as construction, closed roads, other major events in the area, and so on.  Imagine trying to organize anything in a city that is hosting the Olympics or the Super Bowl or some other major event on the same day!  Your possible inconveniences might not be that grand in scale but sometimes just any major sporting event or concert nearby can cause a lot of problems when planning on how to set up a scrapbooking crop.  Do some searches of the local area and attractions and find a good weekend that won't be so busy.

Organize Activities and Presentations

When planning on how to set up a scrapbooking crop, don't assume that all the hobbyists that attend will be fine with fending for themselves.  They of course need time to actually put together some scrapbook pages and albums but most appreciate the guidance of an experienced instructor.  This person will probably want to show everyone the latest products that are being offered as well as give some clear and concise tips and pointers on interesting and unique ways of composing scrapbooks.  Their presentations might follow a particular theme, such as using "real" items in the scrapbook pages like yarn, toothpicks, scraps of material, and so on, or how to include mementos other than just photos into scrapbooks, and things such as this.  When considering how to set up a scrapbooking crop remember that everyone wants inspiration and to see what other people are doing with their own scrapbooks but they also want something more than just different pages presented.  They need some good points that they can take home with them and use even after they've left the crop itself.

When Considering How to Set Up a Scrapbooking Crop, Don't Forget Product!

Many who are organizers of scrapbooking crops are also representatives of scrapbooking suppliers.  They bring in samples of new products that they sell right there or pass out their business cards so that people can order once they get home.  It's not unusual or inappropriate, when considering how to set up a scrapbooking crop, to show product lines to the attendees.  You can usually order a sample or display packet at a reduced rate from the scrapbook wholesale company that you represent.

The Basics

So when considering how to set up a scrapbooking crop, you need a hotel with a banquet or conference room that can fit everyone you expect in attendance, a block of rooms at a reduced rate, some scheduled presentations, and a way to collect the admission price.  Usually admission tickets are sold online from a website; you can do this through PayPal just as you would any other product you might sell.  You can easily call around at hotels that you like and ask about their accommodations and proposed rates for rooms.  You might need to come up with a deposit of a certain percentage by a certain day, so be prepared to collect admission prices from attendees and to use that money for the deposit.  Usually meals are included when considering how to set up a scrapbooking crop, so speak to a caterer about providing lunch and dinner if the hotel doesn't do so.  Many provide only the lunch and have the attendees be on their own for dinner.  Whatever your arrangements, make sure this is specifically outlined in your advertisements so that your attendees know what to expect.

When considering how to set up a scrapbooking crop, remember that it's a lot of work and planning but it can be not only fun but profitable.  The organizer should of course charge the attendees more than the actual cost of the rooms, meals, and so on, and this difference is the profit you make.  For instance, if the caterer says that lunch is going to cost seven dollars per person, you would add ten dollars to the cost of each admission price for the meal itself.

Of course, even if you don't make a ton of money you're sure to have some fun and enjoyment during this weekend, and that's really the key when considering how to set up a scrapbooking crop - having fun and enjoying yourself is the most important thing, not the profit you might make!