ShareThe art of writing, teaching and documentation of facts, figures and vital information has gone through a lot of evolution; there had been times when words were engraved in tablets of stones, baked in clay, inscribed in hides, skins and scrolls. Now, words are simply put in books and they can also be put into electronic or digital form through the aid of computers.

For each of the styles listed above, various kinds of writing materials, also known as stationery, are needed.  Therefore, stationery materials are things used for writing. They include items like paper, pens, pencils, crayons, markers, cardboards, chipboards, etc. They also include writing aids and accessories such as rulers, erasers, correction fluid, sellotapes, pins, clips, staplers, scissors, files, among others.

The business of selling stationery is as old as the art of writing, and as earlier mentioned, like writing, it has undergone a lot of evolution. It is also a business that  will always be in vogue as long as man keeps on writing, documenting, acquiring knowledge, storing information and disseminating them.

How to start
According to a market survey conducted by the Saturday Tribune, at the centre of business activities in Ibadan, Dugbe, it was revealed that a stationery business can be built with a capital as low as N20, 000, for a very small, roadside stationery store, and N70, 000 - N100, 000 for a medium one.

When speaking with the Saturday Tribune, Mr. Adekola Olanrewaju, owner of a stationery business outfit which has been in existence for about 25 years, said that stationery business could be started with a moderate capital. “All you need is genuine interest in the business, and the williness to acquire the necessary skill and knowledge about the business. With proper monitoring and management, the business will grow with time.”

He added that good training is important in starting the business because it could be disastrous to invest in stationery items that are not moving. 

Another stationer, Mrs. Rebecca Olaoye, revealed that stationery business is not a business for those seeking quick cash, “rather, it is a business that derives its overall profit from the accumulation of little profits on various items. It is, therefore, not suitable for those seeking quick cash, because it requires a lot of patience,” she said.

According to some veterans in this business, the following are necessary and should be well considered when venturing into stationery business: Acquiring the necessary skill and knowledge, having the right plan in place (which includes setting up the business in the right location) and provision of capital.

Considering the right location
Like any other business, the location of stationery business could determine its success or failure. Since stationery are basically items used in places like offices, schools and companies, it is wise, though not necessarily compulsory, to site one’s stationery shop close to such places. When speaking  about location,  Olanrewaju said, “if you can get a shop close to such places, this could be to your advantage.

However, it does not guarantee the success of the business. As you can see, my own business is not located near any of such places, yet my business is doing well.”

Also when speaking with the Saturday Tribune, another stationer, Mr Onyekachi Ndubuisi, said “even if your business is located in the heart of a company, if you don’t  devise a unique way of attracting customers, the business will not achieve much success. So wherever you are, give the best to your customers.”  

The profitability of stationery business
As it has been said earlier, profit in stationery business comes from a pool of virtually all the items that make up one’s stationery store. For example, a packet of Leo Smart pens which goes for between N700 and N750, gives a profit of just N20. A carton of A4 papers which costs N2800 is normally sold for approximately N2950. Thus, the profit derived from each item is quite small, but when the profits from many items are pooled together, then one can boast of a meaningful income.

Other tips for sustaining a stationery business
You can promote your stationery business with sales schemes and discount offers with the aim of attracting customers. Items like books, jotters, address books, diaries, calendars and gift items can be sold at discount rates.  This, with time, will attract more people.

You can never go wrong with a good customer service in your stationery business. Therefore, serve your customers with a smile and pleasant attitude; this will encourage them to come back again and become regular customers and friends.

Look out for a good and reliable supplier or wholesaler who will offer paper, pens, envelopes, markers and other stationery items at reasonable rates. This is very important if you desire a successful stationery business.  This is necessary because you need to compare the prices and products of different suppliers so as to get the best deal for your business. Remember, the lower the cost of purchasing your stationery, the better it will be for your business and profits. However, never compromise quality for quantity, as this, in the long run, will boomerang on your business negatively.

Consistency, patience required
As earlier mentioned, stationery business is not meant for those who are desperate to make it. It derives its strength with time; it is like a seed that must be nourished with patience.

A stationery business can be a rewarding as well as a profitable career where you can sell creative cards and beautiful stationery products that help people to express their sentiments and emotions.  It also gives you, as an entrepreneur, the opportunity to explore your creative spirit. With a stationery business, you have the luxury to sell the type of paper products and other stationery items that you like, that people will enjoy buying for themselves and their loved ones with a view to communicating and sharing their special moments. Share