In 2004 and 2005 I operated a Santa Letter business. It wasn’t something that I really planned on doing, I fell into it without a lot of planning.
The first year I made a nice little pile of cash and had some fun with it. The second year I made four times as much money (almost $2000) and even had to get some help from a friend to get all of the letters out on time.
When I told my son that I was going to sell the business he was really disappointed (He rather liked the extra Christmas cash!) but I felt like as nice as the extra money was, I had lived and breathed Santa Claus for about a month and the rest of my business suffered.
So, I offered the website and supplies to a fellow work at home mom and hung up my mail clerk apron forever.
I learned a couple of things during those two years as Santa’s helper.
One: People seek variety for their Santa Letters. There’s always room for someone with an original approach.
Two: Santa fields some crazy requests ;)
If you think you have what it takes to assist the Jolly Old Elf with this business… pick up the latest Moms Talk Biz Guide to Starting a Santa Letter Business.
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Kelly,
I have run into this santa letters twice now. I have seriously been thinking about it. Can you tell me more.
Ok Kelly so I purchased the book and I am all about giving this a try this year. I am actually excited about it. Can you give me some tips.
Tips are in the book! But yes, I can share something I learned… it IS worth offering letters longer. Parents will gladly pay Priority Mail and even Express Mail shipping for last minute letters ;)
Oh! And get your site built fast! The sooner, the better!
ok so next can you tell me who or where I can get my site build at. I got tons of great tips in the book and am really excited about it.
Well I recommend Mom Webs of course :) http://www.momwebs.com
You could even build your site in WordPress since you’re already familiar with it.
I have to tell you a secret. I have had someone make my site for me. LOL…. So me and wordpress are not all the familiar.
Alrighty… then for super easy set up on an ecommerce site, check out http://www.internetbasedfamily.com :) It’s more costly, but you will be able to do everything yourself.
I am probley driving you crazy by now huh. If you don’t want me to keep asking you questions on here then maybe we can email. I have a few more questions.
No, shoot away :) I’m sure others will benefit too.
How busy were you the first year. And am I too late to start it this year.
I made about $600 the first year after paying my supplies.
And no, you’re not too late.
Did you set it up as a business with the government? And I got my website up! How did you go about getting customers.
No, in Michigan we’re not required to do anything like that.
That last question really seems to be answered in the Guide you bought ;)