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.
September 23rd, 2007 at 8:40 am
Kelly,
I have run into this santa letters twice now. I have seriously been thinking about it. Can you tell me more.
September 23rd, 2007 at 8:47 am
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.
September 23rd, 2007 at 11:26 am
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 ;)
September 23rd, 2007 at 11:26 am
Oh! And get your site built fast! The sooner, the better!
September 23rd, 2007 at 11:29 am
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.
September 23rd, 2007 at 11:38 am
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.
September 23rd, 2007 at 11:59 am
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.
September 23rd, 2007 at 12:03 pm
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.
September 23rd, 2007 at 1:10 pm
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.
September 23rd, 2007 at 1:22 pm
No, shoot away :) I’m sure others will benefit too.
September 23rd, 2007 at 2:13 pm
How busy were you the first year. And am I too late to start it this year.
September 23rd, 2007 at 3:23 pm
I made about $600 the first year after paying my supplies.
And no, you’re not too late.
September 23rd, 2007 at 4:55 pm
Did you set it up as a business with the government? And I got my website up! How did you go about getting customers.
September 23rd, 2007 at 7:37 pm
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 ;)