When you hear the word luxury, what springs to mind for you? Something that gives you extreme comfort? Something that brings a touch of elegance and grandeur? Something that is an indulgence rather than a necessity?
For me, whether talking about my products or my customer’s experience with me, it's all about bringing that special touch and added extras... as standard.
There are many wedding stationers out there and we all do things differently. But as Paper Patootie progressed I knew I wanted to give my clients special treatment and for them to really feel that; from booking me, all the way to unwrapping their stationery.
Viewing (and touching and feeling and ooooh-ing' and 'aaaahh-ing' at) my samples
I hope that you can see the quality of the materials I use from the images on my website. However, those potential clients who received sample packs or met me (and my stationery) at wedding fayre events, were even more excited about booking me or placing an order in my shop. That’s because they could feel the quality of the products I choose to use as standard. No upgrade necessary. It helps that I’m a total stationery geek and literally swoon over thick, velvety smooth and luxury textured Italian paper…
Treating you as an individual
At the risk of sounding like a total bore, for 13 years, I worked in Customer Service which has definitely given me some valuable skills that I’ll always carry with me. Yes, every bride or groom I meet is looking for beautiful wedding stationery. But do they all have the same values, wants and needs? Do they all have the same budgets? Do they all have the same wedding theme and ideas about their big day? Absolutely not! Luckily, I love chatting to people and more importantly, listening to people, so I’m able to really understand what you’re looking for - whether that be from a quick five minute chat at a wedding fayre or on a video call to create a bespoke design. You will never feel like you’re ‘just a number.’ Because you’re not.
Packing with love
Whether it be the extra few envelopes I throw in for you (because even the best handwriters make mistakes sometimes!) or the handwritten thank you notes in every package, I want each client to feel like they’re my only client. It’s a huge pet peeve of mine to receive a thank you note that’s been pre-printed in their thousands, as no matter how lovely the words are, it just doesn’t mean as much. Don’t get me wrong - if Paper Patootie becomes as big as Apple or Amazon, I might need to rethink that! But for now, my luxury is being able to spend that extra time writing something that’s personal to you.
Making recommendations
You're an expert in what you do for a living. You came to me because I’m an expert in my area! For me to expect you to know exactly what you’d like and even what’s available to you down to the very finest detail would be silly. From choosing fonts I think you’ll like from pictures you’ve shown me, to getting to know you and being able to recommend add ons like custom wax seals because I know you’ll love them, I’ve got you covered.
Sending you a timeline
If you are booking a bespoke order in advance with me, I always send a timeline of what will happen and when, and I can almost hear the sigh of relief in the ‘thank you’ email I receive in return! Brides and grooms are some of the busiest people I know, with checklists for checklists to make sure nothing is missed. For me to put your mind at ease by showing you when I will be in touch, when designing will begin, when you’ll receive your first mockups and when you’ll receive your stationery, is definitely welcomed luxury that every one of my clients deserves.
Keeping all of the stress away from you
A lot goes on in my office that is less than ideal. From receiving occasional miss-prints from my printer, to scrambling to find the exact shade of ribbon you wanted because it’s now out of stock in the first place I found it! 99% of the time, you won’t even know this has happened, because I always give enough time to rectify any problems without you being aware. If, for any reason, I need your input, you will always get my genuine and total assurances that everything is under control.
Being a perfectionist
If something is not absolutely perfect, I will not send it out to you. As much as the biggest reason is because I want you to feel that your stationery is flawless, a close contender is that, for my sanity, everything that leaves my studio has to be spot on! In fact, I’m pretty sure my printer hates me for me asking for the tiniest of details to be changed and resent to me, before you see it. But it’s worth it when I hear how happy you are with the finished product!
I have lots more up my sleeve to put into place as Paper Patootie grows and I'm excited for you to see it all. In the meantime, if you want in on a little part of the luxury when planning your wedding, you can order your stationery from my shop, join my mailing list, or fill out my contact form if you’d like me to create something totally unique for you!
Thanks lots,
Vikki x