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Monday, September 26, 2011

Now what?

The last of the shows I had scheduled for this year are done.  It was another so-so show, at that.  So really, I'm not sure that doing shows is worth the hassle for me.  Loading a vehicle, driving usually about 20 minutes one way to the show site, unloading and set up just about wear me out.  Then comes the fun of reeling in the customers, and I'll tell ya - I am NOT the kind of person that can sell ice to an eskimo.  I am a soft sell person - I greet, I tell them to feel free to browse, try on, and show them where the mirror is.  Usually telling them just that much sends them running for cover.  How do I get them to stay at the table?  I refuse to hover - don't like it when people do it to me.  I try to keep the table bright (sunny yellow table covers are about as bright as it gets), with flowers on the table, and a seasonal theme.  And it's not like I haven't done this before.  I KNOW how to design and layout a sales table.  Apparently what I don't know how to do is SELL what's ON the table.  I get compliments like "pretty things"  "gorgeous work", etc, and I thank each and every one - but, and I know I sound like a broken record on this subject - compliments don't pay the bills!
I need to find another avenue, venue, WAY to sell my work and be acknowledged and compensated for it.  I was given the idea of submitting a portfolio and formal letter to museum gift shops NATIONALLY, and I wil probably give it a shot, but from what I understand, many of them are going to want to buy wholesale.  And really, I can't make a profit that way either.  I've got to be able to sell what I know is GOOD, quality, detailed work somewhere, somehow, someway.  Tried Etsy.  Tried shows.  Have things on consignment in THREE area shops (which sell sporadically), and at some point, I WILL have them for sale on my website.  Guess it's a good thing that I myself like most of the items that I've made - because when worse comes to worse - I could be stuck WEARIN' em all!  
Wish I knew the answer - but until then I'll just have to keep tryin' and BEADIN'.  Not sure I'd know what to do with myself if I couldn't do that.  I like to read books, and I still do go through about a book a week, and I love to do crossword puzzles, about a book of them a month, but nothing gives me same satisfaction, the same calmness, the same oneness with spirit that beading does.  And so it goes....
Peaceful beading, everyone,
TTFN

2 comments:

My Life Under the Bus said...

Preaching to the choir - it's not easy no matter how you slice it ( and if you find the secret somewhere please feel free to share it!) - On the other hand I totally support your use of purple displays - heck pink flamingos if it works for you - you got back up! ( And if you do redo them please send me a link I'd love to see! XO Patty

coolmoon said...

I definitely will! Between your post and Lorelei's post about the open house thing - I feel a profitable end to my year coming on. Besides, I need to have a reason to debut the 'new' purple displays!