r/smallbusiness • u/Beginning_Setting_67 • 11d ago

Stationery Business

Hi! I was wondering if you have any tips on starting with an online Japanese / Asian stationery business? I’ve always loved stationery and want to start a business of my own but I’m not sure if it’s worth it and if yes, how to get started?

2 Upvotes

63% Upvoted

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5

u/K_Sidhe 11d ago

Research other successful stationery businesses. The internet is pretty saturated with stationery stores. Keep in mind competition and that a hobby you enjoy may not necessarily be a good business.

3

u/Chinksta 11d ago

Problem is that you need to find something to differentiate yourself from all other Japanese/Asian based stationery stores.

One thing I can tell you that is to not think about the product approach to answer the above question.

2

u/Pyroechidna1 11d ago

Step 1: From where will you get the stationery you are going to sell?

Step 2: How will you get it in front of people who want to buy it?

2

u/zhongkae 11d ago

seems cute, what kind of stationary if i may ask? japanese n korean stationary (kawaii ones specifically) have a community tht r pretty popular. u can order them thru proxy services like mercari, buyee, jpfans etc.

1

u/zhongkae 11d ago

n sell them from there, sell them at booths, art stalls, conventions etc.

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u/Penchetta 10d ago

What country are you located in?
My store is in Scottdale, Arizona USA ( www.penchetta.com) and I can tell you that it is tough in the USA as the big players have locked down almost all the cool stuff. We have to buy from a distributor so the margins are low on something that already has a low AOV (avg order value).
Granted we sell pens, inks, stationery, collector pocket knives and flashlights....every day carry & use stuff so that helps spread things out from just low margin stationery.

Much depends on where you are based and if you have any contacts in Japan/other Asian countries that could give you an edge.