Would you pay for this service?

7river7wed7

Trying to feel out a business idea I had and curious what you ladies think. I already run a dayof coordination service and we offer RSVP tracking as an add on but not many brides have expressed interest. Toying with the idea of offering a digital invitation service to design, send and track RSVPs. I realize many people still like the traditional/formal invite but I think this could be a good alternative for budget/less traditional weddings and also for other wedding events showers, bachelorette parties, maybe even save the dates since we could offer calendar integration and it would put it directly on the guests calendar!. Cost would be way less than paper invites plus, since many of the online services that offer this require a monthly or annual fee, I feel like we would be offering something they couldnt just go do themselves.

Valid idea? What would you pay for this type of service?

HobokensFury

Why would anyone pay for this when they can use evite for free? I'm not seeing a difference between the services.

itzMS

Maybe in 20 years when USPS is defunct? I don't know.

I still know a ton of people who prefer to not use email or the internet on a regular basis (including my DH who is 27 lol). To use your service, 100% of my guests would need email addresses AND be tech savvy enough to RSVP online. Not happening. Sorry.

7river7wed7

when they can use evite for free? I'm not seeing a difference between the services. Posted by HobokenBride2012 Good question. Few reasons. 1 I know a number if evite recipients who really dislike that they have to register for an account to RSVP for an event. Also since evite is free you get tons of ads and unnecessary junk on your page. 2 their customization options are limited. You have to use their templates. Many pay services have superior customization tools and also allow you to upload entirely custom designs and templates. 3 some pay sites allow you to order paper versions of your einvite so you can mail to those who don't use technology often; if we chose a server who did not have this feature, we would work with a local vendor to offer this option at a discounted price. 4 and finally there are far better design options than what evite offers. Not all einvitations are created equally. There are tons of options for dressing them up and making them more formal, and while I wholeheartedly agree not everyone would adopt this model for a wedding, offering an upgraded einvite that is still cheaper than paper is a great option for the events that surround the wedding and for retaining customers after the wedding is over baby showers, birthday parties, etc. Maybe I haven't sold you, but these were the points I came up with when I was brainstorming through it. Appreciate your input! Ps message formatting for the nests mobile site is terrible! Sorry for the giant paragraph

vanityink

My first reaction "Not a chance in hell"

daria24

I can't imagine there is a market for this, or that you would make a lot of money off of it. My H does print and web design work. He charges $35-$50hr for it. He probably spent about 12 hours designing our invitation suite from a blank page. 

You can buy paper invitations for $50-$100 from places like Michaels, VistaPrint, etc. So how are you going to be making money on a product with a price point lower than the VistaPrints of the world? Is the hours you will need to spend on these designs not worth more than $50? 

HobokensFury

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_invites-paper_would-you-pay-for-this-service?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:cd062f89-8272-496a-b0ab-225e1f87acecDiscussion:6422529b-a4de-4e72-b71c-36103210ea07Post:233fa94a-5e35-417d-9866-4c89164d7311">Re:Would you pay for this service?</a>:
[QUOTE]when they can use evite for free? I'm not seeing a difference between the services. Posted by HobokenBride2012 Good question. Few reasons. 1 I know a number if evite recipients who really dislike that they have to register for an account to RSVP for an event. Also since evite is free you get tons of ads and unnecessary junk on your page. 2 their customization options are limited. You have to use their templates. Many pay services have superior customization tools and also allow you to upload entirely custom designs and templates. 3 some pay sites allow you to order paper versions of your einvite so you can mail to those who don't use technology often; if we chose a server who did not have this feature, we would work with a local vendor to offer this option at a discounted price. 4 and finally there are far better design options than what evite offers. Not all einvitations are created equally. There are tons of options for dressing them up and making them more formal, and while I wholeheartedly agree not everyone would adopt this model for a wedding, offering an upgraded einvite that is still cheaper than paper is a great option for the events that surround the wedding and for retaining customers after the wedding is over baby showers, birthday parties, etc. Maybe I haven't sold you, but these were the points I came up with when I was brainstorming through it. Appreciate your input! Ps message formatting for the nests mobile site is terrible! Sorry for the giant paragraph
Posted by 7river7wed7[/QUOTE]

Still not paying for it.

brielleinlove

I agree with CMgr that electronic invitations are inappropriate for weddings, no matter how casual.  They are also rude to those guests who are not very tech savvy.  I wouldn't use this service even if it were free.  

Also, for those who insist on using electronic invitations, it's just as easy to design a little graphic yourself and email it to your friends for free.  I'm not seeing this as a moneymaker, sorry.

AJuliaNJ

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_invites-paper_would-you-pay-for-this-service?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:cd062f89-8272-496a-b0ab-225e1f87acecDiscussion:6422529b-a4de-4e72-b71c-36103210ea07Post:6d2ff685-38a3-466d-954b-0f546e808d7c">Would you pay for this service?</a>:
[QUOTE]Trying to feel out a business idea I had and curious what you ladies think. I already run a dayof coordination service and we offer RSVP tracking as an add on but not many brides have expressed interest. Toying with the idea of offering a digital invitation service to design, send and track RSVPs. I realize many people still like the traditional/formal invite but I think this could be a good alternative for budget/less traditional weddings and also for other wedding events showers, bachelorette parties, maybe even save the dates since we could offer calendar integration and it would put it directly on the guests calendar!. Cost would be way less than paper invites plus, since many of the online services that offer this require a monthly or annual fee, I feel like we would be offering something they couldnt just go do themselves. Valid idea? What would you pay for this type of service?
Posted by 7river7wed7[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>I'm not sure I understand. Is this how it would go?</div><div><span style="white-space:pre;" class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Couple picks out and sends invitations from a vendor, but you design the RSVP's and <span style="white-space:pre;" class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>send them out to guests. Are they sent separately from the invitations or do you send <span style="white-space:pre;" class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>those out, too? Then, the guests RSVP on a website and can add the event to their <span style="white-space:pre;" class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Google (or whatever) calendar.</div><div>
</div><div>I, for one, would not use this because I am so excited about seeing the cards come in. I love the idea of running to the mailbox looking for the RSVP cards. I would not be interested in giving this up at all.

</div>

7river7wed7

I'm not sure I understand. Is this how it would go? Couple picks out and sends invitations from a vendor, but you design the RSVP's and send them out to guests. Are they sent separately from the invitations or do you send those out, too? Then, the guests RSVP on a website and can add the event to their Google or whatever calendar.I, for one, would not use this because I am so excited about seeing the cards come in. I love the idea of running to the mailbox looking for the RSVP cards. I would not be interested in giving this up at all. Posted by AndreaJulia[/QUOTE] not exactly. They would pick out/design them with us ideally choose a template and then we could customize wording, colors, fonts, etc but we can do more custom designing too, provide a guest list and we would send a save the date/invite/whatever service they've chosen and then monitor responses if required and follow up with guests who do not respond by the deadline. All the invites and rsvps would be sent electronically unless they need a few paper ones sent via snail mail if that were the case, would would address, mail and receive rsvps for those too. Not sure if that clarifies? Don't at all disagree that with those who are saying they wouldn't use it for the wedding, that really isn't our target audience more interested in the events that go along with weddings and retaining customers after the wedding is over. A way to capture a larger audience outside of the dayof coordination

7river7wed7

In Response to Re:Would you pay for this service?:[QUOTE]I agree with CMgr that electronic invitations are inappropriate for weddings, no matter how casual. nbsp;They are also rude to those guests who are not very tech savvy. nbsp;I wouldn't use this service even if it were free. nbsp;Also, for those who insist on using electronic invitations, it's just as easy to design a little graphic yourself and email it to your friends for free. nbsp;I'm not seeing this as a moneymaker, sorry. Posted by brielleinlove[/QUOTE]

I see irony in saying people wouldn't be tech savvy enough to respond and that anyone could design a graphic on their own in the same post. There are certainly people who don't feel comfortable or have the software/time/patience to design a nice invitation themselves. Doesn't mean they wouldn't prefer to go to a stationary store, but I def disagree that it's something everyone can do.

AJuliaNJ

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_invites-paper_would-you-pay-for-this-service?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:cd062f89-8272-496a-b0ab-225e1f87acecDiscussion:6422529b-a4de-4e72-b71c-36103210ea07Post:9af040ff-e721-4f59-ac4e-cd9520bec0d2">Re:Would you pay for this service?</a>:
 [QUOTE]not exactly. They would pick out/design them with us ideally choose a template and then we could customize wording, colors, fonts, etc but we can do more custom designing too, provide a guest list and we would send a save the date/invite/whatever service they've chosen and then monitor responses if required and follow up with guests who do not respond by the deadline. All the invites and rsvps would be sent electronically unless they need a few paper ones sent via snail mail if that were the case, would would address, mail and receive rsvps for those too. Not sure if that clarifies? Don't at all disagree that with those who are saying they wouldn't use it for the wedding, that really isn't our target audience more interested in the events that go along with weddings and retaining customers after the wedding is over. A way to capture a larger audience outside of the dayof coordination
Posted by 7river7wed7[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>Thanks for the clarification. I wouldn't do this for a wedding or wedding-related event. People still want to be formal with these, and I really wouldn't want anyone except for us speaking to our guests about missed RSVP deadlines.</div><div>
</div><div>What do you mean by retaining customers? Who would be the customers, our guests? No way.

</div>

daria24

I see even LESS of a demand for this post wedding. A pack of shower invitations is just a few bucks, or you can send a free evite. Why on earth would anyone go through the trouble of hiring a designer for a birthday party or birth announcement? You still have to pick a design, gather all the addresses, etc. it's only a couple more minutes to do it yourself. For free. Sorry but this doesn't sound like a profitable venture.

7river7wed7

[quote] "Thanks for the clarification. I wouldn't do this for a wedding or weddingrelated event. People still want to be formal with these, and I really wouldn't want anyone except for us speaking to our guests about missed RSVP deadlines.What do you mean by retaining customers? Who would be the customers, our guests? No way. Posted by AndreaJulia"[/quote]

sorry that wasn't very clear, no definitely not guests! I'm an event planner, I have clients who I meet through weddings and then go on to do other events for them as well. The invitation idea came to me because its one of the most tedious and cumbersome tasks for nonwedding clients and I have been trying to think of ways to help alleviate that stress. It would be an added benefit if it were something I could market to wedding clients as well. My thought was if they book my event services and we throw in save the dates, rehearsal invites, etc they would see how easy it is, get a feel for the quality/process of the einvites it might be something they would consider for future events get us involved in the process earlier, add on to our normal business packages. Point made though, this board doesn't see it as marketable.

7river7wed7

In Response to Re:Would you pay for this service?:[QUOTE]I see even LESS of a demand for this post wedding. A pack of shower invitations is just a few bucks, or you can send a free evite. Why on earth would anyone go through the trouble of hiring a designer for a birthday party or birth announcement? You still have to pick a design, gather all the addresses, etc. it's only a couple more minutes to do it yourself. For free. Sorry but this doesn't sound like a profitable venture. Posted by daria24[/QUOTE]

You'd be surprised! I see it more with milestone events 50th bday, 25th wedding anniversary, quinceanera, etc but stationary shops aren't only in business because of weddings.

QueerFemme

Personally, I think this is a horrible idea.  Weddings are formal events and deserve a written invitation.  And even for folks who want to do a digital invite, I can't imagine anyone paying for it.

zantster

7river7wed7, I know it's hard once an idea has taken root and seems to be a no brainer to  you to then hear that folks are not as enthusiastic about it.  I have had a few biz ideas myself so I get it.  But pat yourself on the back for having the courage to read the truth from people and accept it for what it is.  By my count 100% of responses have recommended against your idea, which could save you a ton of money and sweat equity by getting the feedback you've gotten from this totally free focus group!  So there's a silver lining.

However, I agree with PPs that I do not see the idea as being marketable to any demographic for the simple reasons that their options in this area at extremely low price points are too many to count.  And the major players have already been crowned and have the reputation, trusted consumer base and capital necessary to continue their reign.  Plus, beyond really informal events like backyard July 4 BBQs many people, myself included, see evites for formal events in general as tacky and inappropriate.  But don't give up on your dreams.  This is a good learning experience and I'm sure you will develop something with more potential if you take this information and use it as a reference.  Good luck!

7river7wed7

In Response to Re:Would you pay for this service?:[QUOTE]7river7wed7, I know it's hard once an idea has taken root and seems to be a no brainer tonbsp; you to thennbsp;hear that folks are not as enthusiastic about it.nbsp; I have had a fewnbsp;biz ideas myself so I get it.nbsp; But pat yourself on the back for having the courage to read the truth from people and accept it for what it is.nbsp; By my count 100 of responses have recommended against your idea, which could save you a ton of money and sweat equity by getting the feedback you've gotten from this totally free focus group!nbsp; So there's a silver lining.However, I agree with PPs that I do not seenbsp;the idea as being marketable to any demographic for the simple reasons that their options in this area at extremely low price points are too many to count.nbsp; And the major players have already been crowned and have the reputation, trusted consumer base and capitalnbsp;necessary to continue their reign.nbsp; Plus,nbsp;beyond really informal events like backyard July 4 BBQs many people, myself included, see evites for formal events in generalnbsp;as tacky and inappropriate.nbsp; But don't give up on your dreams.nbsp; This is a good learning experience and I'm sure you will develop something with more potential if you take this information and use it as a reference.nbsp; Good luck! Posted by zantster[/QUOTE]

That's why I asked it here... Never any sugar coating on the knot ;

vanityink

Thinking about invites, I think it would be really hard. One of my friends is getting married this June in Virginia. She currently lives in London. She is still sending out paper invites, even though it's over a pound an invite to get the to the states. Evites would have been cheaper, sure, but she found them too tacky.

The one evite I've gotten to a "wedding" (actually an AHR, no ceremony) was from FI's friend who seriously married someone with more money than God. They easily could have paid for paper invites. They easily could have paid to have a team of designers to make a custom evite for them to send. They used a pretty, free evite all the same. Why? Because the only reason they were using evites was that they didn't care.

And I think that's the crux of the issue. The people who generally use evites right now are people who don't care a whole lot about invites to start with.