Retailers, have you ever wondered how to maximize your classes to sell product—and provide a great value to your customers?

Through market research and retailer communication, Hot Off The Press has discovered a terrific technique used by many retailers to make the most of their classes.

“Some scrapbook stores charge $10.00-$15.00 per 2-hour class,” says Hot Off The Press President Paulette Jarvey. “That cost covers your teacher’s time planning and teaching, and pays for your overhead. What can get tricky is paying for the materials you use in class.”

“We’ve done extensive market research on classes offered at independent scrapbook stores. Many teachers start the class by having students pick out 2-4 bulk papers. While this can seem like a good idea, it really doesn’t use the class time wisely and doesn’t make the class a very good value in terms of the consumer’s take-home product. Yes, the ideas and techniques are most important—but the student still wants to take product home from the class.”

How to achieve both? Savvy retailers told Hot Off The Press how they charge a class fee as well as a materials fee, listing both charges separately in the class description. They also detail what the materials list includes.

“This becomes a win-win situation for the retailer and the student!” says Paulette.

Want to use this tried-and-true technique with your next class line-up? Here’s an example for a class on Using Patterned Papers:

Using Patterned Papers Like a Pro!

Description: How big is your pile of patterned papers? Wish you knew the best ways to use those papers? Whether you want to combine two different patterned papers on a page, create perfectly coordinating double-page spreads or make marvelous theme albums, join us for this hands-on class. You’ll create 1-2 layouts in class and receive a book of 30 coordinating patterned papers to play with at home!

Class Fee: $10.00

Materials Fee: $10.00 (includes a copy of Mixing Carlee’s Papers!)

Not convinced? Why not try the idea with a couple of classes and see how your customers respond? This technique has been so effective, it’s being adopted by retailers across the country.

“Here’s the bottom line,” says Paulette. “You use classes as your competitive advantage, as a way to foster customer loyalty and build your clientele. But you also want to cover costs, from the teacher’s time to your supplies. And you want your students to walk away with a great value—so they sign up for more classes!”