Thursday, June 19, 2014

Invest in Your Business

Investing in your business can really make a difference in your productivity, efficiency and your bottom line. While something may seem expensive at first, when you weigh the benefits of an investment, it can be much more valuable than its dollar value. Take my laser for instance...had I never made the investment to buy my machine, I may never have had the opportunity to be self-employed full-time.
While not every investment is life-changing, there are little things that can make your work easier and more efficient, making you more productive and in the end, more profitable.

I recently purchased a commercial grade paper cutter. After owning several other paper cutters and never being quite happy with any of them, I decided it was time to make the investment. While most paper cutters will cost $20-$50, this one was around $200. But worth every penny!

Other paper cutters in the retail/scrapbook section are generally made out of some kind of plastic. My old cutter had a plastic cutting mat that had to be replace quite often. And the guide rail was plastic as well, meaning I never got a true straight cut. This always bothered me!

 
One thing I love most about my new investment is its all metal cutting system. The piece itself is wood/fiberboard, but the cutter, guide rails and cutting "mat" are all metal. And while this system is self-sharpening and should never need replaced, another thing I liked about this model and brand is that they do offer replacements should you need one. I owned a nice cutter a few years ago, but needed a new blade. The company didn't even offer replacement blades since they were never supposed to wear out. They obviously don't cut paper like I do...lol!

My new cutter has made my work easier and faster, making me more efficient and productive. So I encourage you to take a look around your craft room and see where you could use more efficiency. Where a piece of equipment or a tool would make your job easier and better. I encourage you to invest in your business and you'll see the benefits in the end :)

13 comments:

  1. Great investment -- AND you can write it off on your taxes (depreciate OR take a 179 election and "expense" it)!

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  2. Yes, I'm a firm believer of investing in high quality tools of the trade :)

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  3. In the end, the more expensive buy is cheaper than buying multiple cheaper items. I've invested in two new printers, they can arrive any day now :-) Congrats on your new purchase!

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  4. I agree so much! It's not easy to make big purchases, but if you do your research, it almost always ends up helping your business in the end (at least for me!). That paper cutter looks amazing. I may need to invest in one for my card line!

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  5. Good investment for an "extreme paper-cutter" like yourself! Metal definitely trumps plastic!

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  6. Good investment for an "extreme paper-cutter" like yourself! Metal definitely trumps plastic!

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  7. Good point and great post. Equipment is an important part of ones business and it doesn't pay to purchase something that is inferior or won't last. Your new paper cutter looks to be well made, durable and should last for a very, very long time . . . even with all the use that you'll be putting it through. :)

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  8. I couldn't agree with you more, Edi! I bought the same cutter about a year ago, and it is the best (and safest) cutter in the house!

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  9. I'm sure that it will be a great investment! You're absolutely right about the right tools saving time and money.

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  10. Great investment! It is difficult to find quality tools these days and this piece sounds perfect with its lack of plastic!

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  11. This is so true. I agree with you and I hate most cutters designed for scrapbooking and crafts. They are usually cheap, and it's almost impossible to get a straight cut. I've always used a straight edge and exacto knife when I need to cut paper, but if I had to cut a lot of paper, it would totally make sense to buy a commercial cutter. I'm also thinking of investing in my business and buying an expensive large format printer. Right now I outsource all the printing because I don't think my Canon is really capable of professional printing, even though it's supposed to be. The quality is too inconsistent for me. It's daunting to lay down that much cash though!

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  12. First, I need space! Then I can see what I need. Would love a cutting table, with proper cutting mats!

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  13. This is a great reminder! We all know business can be like a gamble sometimes. That’s why it’s always wise to be practical in investing your money. Every owner should only spend to the things or services that they know can only give them favorable outcomes, and a good advantage to stand out from the competition. Thanks for sharing!

    Charlotte Brock @ MKT Law, PLC

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