Okay, so now you know where you are going to consign your products and you’ve worked out what percentage of the selling price you will receive. Now, you need to sign the contract. Never do consignment without a contract!!!
RULE NO. 1 : READ EVERY WORD OF THE CONTRACT. KNOW WHAT EVERY PART MEANS.
One cannot emphasize enough - NEVER, NEVER sign any any contract you have not read and understood! If you don’t know what it means, ask. Don’t accept a vague answer saying, “it’s just legalese.” “Legalese” usually carries a lot of impact and can be extremely important.
Read the contract very carefully. It should cover all aspects of your relationship with the shop.
Check to be sure each of the issues listed below is dealt with and you are satisfied with each provision.
1) Percentage of selling price to be paid to you (the crafter). Be sure the percentage you have discussed and agreed upon is the same as the one written in the contract.
2) When will payment be made for any sales. Most shops pay in 30 or 60 day cycles.
3) DO NOT accept any provision that allows the store to lower the marked price on an item at a specific point in time. This is a practice often used in consignment thrift shops but is NOT used in the gift/craft business arena.
4) If the store runs any type of sale that would reduce the selling price of your product, your payment should still be based on the original price you agreed to. (For example: If the shop has a 10% off sale for a specific holiday or such and an item you agreed to price at $20.00 sells for $18.00 during that sale, your percentage will still be based on the $20 price.)
5) The contract should specify a specific schedule for reporting to you regarding sales. Many shops issue bi-weekly or monthly e-mails.
6) How long will the shop keep merchandise if it is not selling. Most shops will return unsold merchandise after a specific time - often 3 or 6 months.
7) Who is responsible for lost, stolen or damaged merchandise? Do they carry insurance for these situations? Will you be paid your full percentage for such losses?
8) Some shop contracts will demand exclusive rights to sell your merchandise in a specific geographic area. This issue is entirely up to you but, generally, anything beyond a 5 mile radius for exclusive territory is excessive.
9) The contract should state that the shop is responsible for paying all applicable sales taxes on the total selling price. Do not agree to any other arrangement on this issue.
10) Some shops will have a clause pertaining to special custom orders on your merchandise.
11) Some contracts will also specify how an item can be tagged with regard to identifying you as the crafter. It is not unusual for a shop to request that you do not provide a website or phone number on your personal tagging. Most will allow you to include your name or your business name on that tag. Some will allow a non-sales venue internet address such as an e-mail or blog address. ** This is generally considered a reasonable request on their behalf.
12) Contracts may include language regarding a shop’s inventory listing procedure.
Just because something is in a pre-printed contract, it does not mean it must be included. Negotiation can occur and clauses can be crossed out and initialed by all parties or written in and initialed by all parties. Any changes written into a printed contract MUST be initialed by both parties.
Be sure you are given a copy of the signed contract. I also request a written alternative phone number and contact address for the store owner to be written on the contract.
If by chance the store does not provide its own contract, you should be prepared with one of your own making. Sample contracts abound online for free. Simply search the term “consignment sales agreements” (or contracts).
Part IV of the Consignment Selling Experience will cover inventory sheets and any other miscellaneous information I feel you may find helpful.
Showing posts with label selling crafts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label selling crafts. Show all posts
Monday, May 17, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
The Consignment Selling Experience - Part II
So, now that you’ve decided you do want to try consignment selling you need to determine the answers to two basic questions before going any further. Those two questions pertain to pricing of your products and whether you want to sell only at local shops or if you are going to reach out to non-local venues.
Pricing
You first need to determine how much you need to receive in your pocket for each of your products. You are the only person who can determine this. You are the one who knows the cost of your materials, how long it takes you to make each item and how much profit you want to make from each sale to make it worth your while. Remember, there are still some expenses involved in selling on consignment and these costs must also be considered. These would include such items as shipping or delivery costs (time and fuel), any packaging involved and time for the extra record keeping you will need to do.
Once you know your bottom line, you then need to decide whether you will maintain the same pricing both in your personal sales (online and at craft shows or wherever) and in your consignment venues. There are two schools of thought on this. Some feel that the same item should be the same price everywhere regardless of who is marketing it for you. Others, like myself, feel the price should have some flexibility based on where it is being sold.
I personally charge less on my Etsy site than I do at local craft fairs and other sales venues. I base a big portion of my pricing on overhead costs and the cost of selling online is considerably lower than my other venues. I also feel the online customer has taken the time to go to their computer, find my site and will be paying additional shipping charges. (Ultimately, the difference is usually negated by the time one considers added S&H.) Likewise, my prices are higher for consignment than on my site.
Most consignment stores will use percentages between 70/30 and 60/40, with the crafter receiving the higher percentage. A few shops are asking 50/50 but I find most of those are negotiable if you are persistent and have truly unique and high quality merchandise. I would not consider anything that sways the numbers in favor of the shop. (**Please note: Fine art galleries handling original artwork and large sculptures generally do charge 50%. This is a standard in that arena. This article is designed for the “crafter” not for fine art.)
Once you know what prices you will be offering you can start to look for the right consignment market for your goods.
Finding a Consignment Outlet
Local or Non-Local
Many crafters prefer to only deal with local shops. The advantages to this are you are able to keep a closer watch on your merchandise. You can actually see the shop, personally get to know the owner, see how your goods are displayed and maintained and drop in to check on your merchandise and sales on a regular basis. You are afforded the opportunity to identify problems and take steps to rectify the situation in a more timely manner. You also avoid shipping costs when you can personally deliver the goods. The downside is you are going after the same customers there as you may be going for at local craft shows if you are also physically selling your own products. Alternatively, while you are reaching the same market as the shop, they are usually displaying your merchandise 7 days a week in a location where the customer can always find them.
Dealing with non-local venues presents some concerns in that you cannot see the actual shop for yourself and cannot be sure of how your merchandise is displayed and handled. If a problem occurs with the shop, you have no way of knowing this until it may be too late to mitigate the damages. You also have the additional costs and damage concerns of shipping your merchandise to the shop. You will often only “meet” the owner through their e-mails or phone calls.
Now that you know the geographic location of the stores you are looking for, you need to find those that are willing to take your merchandise on consignment.
If you are looking for local outlets, the first thing to do is go and visit those shops you think look compatible with your work. If you don’t know of any such stores in your area take a walk through the various business districts and shopping centers. Try looking in the phone book under “gift boutiques” and any other tags you can think of. Ask in your local craft supply stores for suggestions as to what local businesses sell handcrafted items.
I generally advise two visits before approaching the owner/buyer/manager. On the first visit look at what merchandise the shop carries, the quality and price range of the products. Look at the displays and see what type of effort is put into showing these things in their best light. Go back a week or two later. Does it look like items are selling? Is there anything new? Have the displays been updated? Is the shop clean? What about the help? Were they friendly and helpful? If you feel good on this second visit, approach them about carrying your merchandise. You should have something to show them in the way of samples and be able to back that sample up with photos of additional merchandise. If they sound interested ask about their policies as to commission charged and such. Make an appointment to show them additional pieces and to go over the contract. If the shop does not have their own contract, offer to prepare one of your own and bring it with you. (*We will discuss contract provisions in a later section.)
If you are dealing with a non-local venue, you must make more effort to research the shop and scope it out. You will often see out-of-town shops advertise for merchandise in various craft magazines or on craft-oriented websites. Sometimes they will approach you through your online site or at a craft show. Ask if they have a website you can view or if they have advertising brochures or such to review. Check the local phone directory for their area to see if the shop is listed. (You can do this easily online for free.) You can go so far as to call the Chamber of Commerce there and ask about the business. Google both the business and the name of the owner who has contacted you. Often, you will turn up local newspaper articles that mention the shop. Ask for a sample copy of their consignment contract. (In most cases, if they have approached you, they should be prepared with a contract for your perusal.) Do not hesitate to ask for pictures of the shop - inside and out. They are well aware that you are not familiar with their location and a reputable shop owner who is truly interested in your merchandise will be glad to comply with such a request. If they object to your questioning, run the other way.
With all consignment shops, you want to ask:
1) What is the commission split? (If you can’t agree on this, there is no
sense discussing anything more.)
2) How long has the shop been in existence and how long at its current location?
3) How many consignors does the shop deal with?
4) Who is the owner and who does the day-to-day management of the shop? Who will you be dealing with?
5) What type of insurance coverage do they provide to cover your merchandise (fire, flood, hurricane, etc)? Do they cover theft?
6) Is there a theft problem in the store or in its neighborhood?
7) What type of advertising and promotions do they do?
8) Do they carry similar merchandise to yours?
9) How will they display your merchandise?
10) How long will they hold your merchandise on display before returning unsold items to you?
11) Who is responsible for return shipping for non-local venues?
12) Can they provide references from other consignors they deal with?
Go with your gut feeling. If communication is poor or it feels weird and uncomfortable. Do not go with this shop. Keep looking for the right outlet for your work.
Once you are satisfied with these answers, ask for a copy of the contract. Read it carefully. Take it home and review it several times. Questions anything you do not understand. If there is an issue you do not agree with, bring it to their attention and attempt negotiation in that area. Remain somewhat flexible. This should be a give and take discussion. Both parties will need to be comfortable with the agreement.
I will discuss the actual contract in Part III of the Consignment Selling Experience
Pricing
You first need to determine how much you need to receive in your pocket for each of your products. You are the only person who can determine this. You are the one who knows the cost of your materials, how long it takes you to make each item and how much profit you want to make from each sale to make it worth your while. Remember, there are still some expenses involved in selling on consignment and these costs must also be considered. These would include such items as shipping or delivery costs (time and fuel), any packaging involved and time for the extra record keeping you will need to do.
Once you know your bottom line, you then need to decide whether you will maintain the same pricing both in your personal sales (online and at craft shows or wherever) and in your consignment venues. There are two schools of thought on this. Some feel that the same item should be the same price everywhere regardless of who is marketing it for you. Others, like myself, feel the price should have some flexibility based on where it is being sold.
I personally charge less on my Etsy site than I do at local craft fairs and other sales venues. I base a big portion of my pricing on overhead costs and the cost of selling online is considerably lower than my other venues. I also feel the online customer has taken the time to go to their computer, find my site and will be paying additional shipping charges. (Ultimately, the difference is usually negated by the time one considers added S&H.) Likewise, my prices are higher for consignment than on my site.
Most consignment stores will use percentages between 70/30 and 60/40, with the crafter receiving the higher percentage. A few shops are asking 50/50 but I find most of those are negotiable if you are persistent and have truly unique and high quality merchandise. I would not consider anything that sways the numbers in favor of the shop. (**Please note: Fine art galleries handling original artwork and large sculptures generally do charge 50%. This is a standard in that arena. This article is designed for the “crafter” not for fine art.)
Once you know what prices you will be offering you can start to look for the right consignment market for your goods.
Finding a Consignment Outlet
Local or Non-Local
Many crafters prefer to only deal with local shops. The advantages to this are you are able to keep a closer watch on your merchandise. You can actually see the shop, personally get to know the owner, see how your goods are displayed and maintained and drop in to check on your merchandise and sales on a regular basis. You are afforded the opportunity to identify problems and take steps to rectify the situation in a more timely manner. You also avoid shipping costs when you can personally deliver the goods. The downside is you are going after the same customers there as you may be going for at local craft shows if you are also physically selling your own products. Alternatively, while you are reaching the same market as the shop, they are usually displaying your merchandise 7 days a week in a location where the customer can always find them.
Dealing with non-local venues presents some concerns in that you cannot see the actual shop for yourself and cannot be sure of how your merchandise is displayed and handled. If a problem occurs with the shop, you have no way of knowing this until it may be too late to mitigate the damages. You also have the additional costs and damage concerns of shipping your merchandise to the shop. You will often only “meet” the owner through their e-mails or phone calls.
Now that you know the geographic location of the stores you are looking for, you need to find those that are willing to take your merchandise on consignment.
If you are looking for local outlets, the first thing to do is go and visit those shops you think look compatible with your work. If you don’t know of any such stores in your area take a walk through the various business districts and shopping centers. Try looking in the phone book under “gift boutiques” and any other tags you can think of. Ask in your local craft supply stores for suggestions as to what local businesses sell handcrafted items.
I generally advise two visits before approaching the owner/buyer/manager. On the first visit look at what merchandise the shop carries, the quality and price range of the products. Look at the displays and see what type of effort is put into showing these things in their best light. Go back a week or two later. Does it look like items are selling? Is there anything new? Have the displays been updated? Is the shop clean? What about the help? Were they friendly and helpful? If you feel good on this second visit, approach them about carrying your merchandise. You should have something to show them in the way of samples and be able to back that sample up with photos of additional merchandise. If they sound interested ask about their policies as to commission charged and such. Make an appointment to show them additional pieces and to go over the contract. If the shop does not have their own contract, offer to prepare one of your own and bring it with you. (*We will discuss contract provisions in a later section.)
If you are dealing with a non-local venue, you must make more effort to research the shop and scope it out. You will often see out-of-town shops advertise for merchandise in various craft magazines or on craft-oriented websites. Sometimes they will approach you through your online site or at a craft show. Ask if they have a website you can view or if they have advertising brochures or such to review. Check the local phone directory for their area to see if the shop is listed. (You can do this easily online for free.) You can go so far as to call the Chamber of Commerce there and ask about the business. Google both the business and the name of the owner who has contacted you. Often, you will turn up local newspaper articles that mention the shop. Ask for a sample copy of their consignment contract. (In most cases, if they have approached you, they should be prepared with a contract for your perusal.) Do not hesitate to ask for pictures of the shop - inside and out. They are well aware that you are not familiar with their location and a reputable shop owner who is truly interested in your merchandise will be glad to comply with such a request. If they object to your questioning, run the other way.
With all consignment shops, you want to ask:
1) What is the commission split? (If you can’t agree on this, there is no
sense discussing anything more.)
2) How long has the shop been in existence and how long at its current location?
3) How many consignors does the shop deal with?
4) Who is the owner and who does the day-to-day management of the shop? Who will you be dealing with?
5) What type of insurance coverage do they provide to cover your merchandise (fire, flood, hurricane, etc)? Do they cover theft?
6) Is there a theft problem in the store or in its neighborhood?
7) What type of advertising and promotions do they do?
8) Do they carry similar merchandise to yours?
9) How will they display your merchandise?
10) How long will they hold your merchandise on display before returning unsold items to you?
11) Who is responsible for return shipping for non-local venues?
12) Can they provide references from other consignors they deal with?
Go with your gut feeling. If communication is poor or it feels weird and uncomfortable. Do not go with this shop. Keep looking for the right outlet for your work.
Once you are satisfied with these answers, ask for a copy of the contract. Read it carefully. Take it home and review it several times. Questions anything you do not understand. If there is an issue you do not agree with, bring it to their attention and attempt negotiation in that area. Remain somewhat flexible. This should be a give and take discussion. Both parties will need to be comfortable with the agreement.
I will discuss the actual contract in Part III of the Consignment Selling Experience
Friday, May 7, 2010
The Consignment Selling Experience - Part I
THE CONSIGNMENT SELLING EXPERIENCE - PART I
(What is it and what are the pros and cons?)
Within the last few weeks, I’ve been approached by several retailers about selling my work on consignment. I’m sure this resurgence in the consignment system is based strongly on today’s economic conditions. There just isn’t a lot of capital out there to fund small businesses at the moment. Cash flow is limited for just about everybody from Fortune 500 companies right down to the one-woman gift shop. Only those who can creatively manage their shops will survive. They need to be resourceful in maintaining a fully stocked store and in getting those shoppers who actually do have a few bucks in their pockets into their businesses.
When I started to seriously sell my work, way back in the early 70s, there were a huge number of stores that worked predominantly with the consignment system. It was the norm at that time. As time went by, they became harder and harder to find. Then, the craft mini-mall and co-op system took hold for a while. That now seems to be declining. When I left my job in the legal field a few years ago, I searched for a few consignment markets for my work and had trouble finding any in my area. There were a few craft malls within a reasonable distance but nothing very impressive.
Today, small gift-based businesses are suffering and there simply isn't enough cash flow to fully stock without being resourceful - in comes consignment selling! If crafters enter these arrangements in a professional manner, with written contracts that spell out everything, and with caution (check out every shop to the best of your ability), consignment can be very beneficial to both you and the shop. You can get considerably more exposure and sales without a lot of marketing effort on your part. The shop is fully stocked which encourages more sales (hopefully, of your product). The concept of “handmade” is kept alive.
Over the years, I have been on both sides of the consignment contract. I have sold on consignment in a number of stores along the way and I have owned and operated my own shop where I hosted a number of consignors. I’ve experienced the pros and cons from both sides of the issue. There have been good and bad experiences.
Let’s start with the basics:
“Consignment Selling” is when you create the product and then turn it over to someone else to sell in their shop for you. When the product sells, you receive a percentage of that selling price. You retain ownership of the product until it sells but it is not in your possession.
From the Seller’s Point of View:
The Pros of selling on consignment:
You do not need to devote your time and energies to marketing, whether that is sitting at craft shows, listing and promoting items on line, working a party-plan system, whatever. This is ideal for those who have physical limitations and cannot get out and sit through a long day at the craft show or haul their merchandise and displays in and out. If you are not “a people person,” you don’t need to interact with strangers and make small talk simply trying to push a sale. If your time is limited, this gives you time to devote to creating and not sitting and waiting for a sale. You have the opportunity to reach an audience that may never see your work otherwise. Your work is on display at all hours of the shop’s operation without tying you down for that time period. You don’t have the overhead of doing shows such as entrance fees, travel expenses, display costs, etc. In most cases you control the selling price of your product.
The Cons of this system:
You do not have physical control of your merchandise. You are not there to protect it and see that it is being handled gently and displayed in a safe or appropriate manner. You cannot talk up the sale or attempt to “sell up.” You may be subjecting yourself to possible losses of merchandise or damage to your goods. In some cases, crafters have trusted their products to less than reputable folks who have absconded with the goods or have sold the merchandise but not paid you for them. Shops have closed up and simply disappeared without any warning to the crafter and you are left with trying to find the owner and your merchandise.
From the Store Owners View Point:
The Pros:
You can provide a better quality, quantity and wider variety of merchandise to your patrons without the huge initial cash layout. Crafters are not paid until the product has actually sold and the money has come into the till.
The Cons:
You are now responsible for someone else’s merchandise. You have a tremendously increased amount of paperwork, both for inventory purposes and bookkeeping purposes. You cannot always count on what merchandise is coming and when. Often, quality of the workmanship will vary. Some crafters see consignment as a means of dumping whatever doesn’t sell in their other markets (odd colors, weird color combinations, etc.) Dealing with the crafters can be trying at times. All believe they should have the best spot in the shop and special treatment when requested. Some will call or come in almost daily to check on their sales and advise as to what you should be doing to move their merchandise.
You are responsible for display racks, insurance coverage, taxes and other business licenses. You are paying the lease, utilities and promotional expenses. You are often devoting a large amount of space to merchandise that simply isn’t moving but you cannot mark it down or run a special as you have agreed to a specific price with the crafter. Crafters often come in without notice and want to pick up their merchandise for whatever reason. Many like to treat the shop as if it has a revolving door and want to “borrow” their merchandise back to do a craft show and then bring it back to the shop after that show. Checking those products in and out takes time and disrupts the flow of business.
Done wrong - consignment can be a nightmare for all involved. Done right - everybody can benefit and make money from a good consignment arrangement.
So, how do you find the right shop, get the right contract and work it out to have a good experience? That’s what I will address in Part II of the Consignment Selling Experience.
So, take some time to create and I'll be back to tell you how to find the right consignment arrangement that works for you.
(What is it and what are the pros and cons?)
Within the last few weeks, I’ve been approached by several retailers about selling my work on consignment. I’m sure this resurgence in the consignment system is based strongly on today’s economic conditions. There just isn’t a lot of capital out there to fund small businesses at the moment. Cash flow is limited for just about everybody from Fortune 500 companies right down to the one-woman gift shop. Only those who can creatively manage their shops will survive. They need to be resourceful in maintaining a fully stocked store and in getting those shoppers who actually do have a few bucks in their pockets into their businesses.
When I started to seriously sell my work, way back in the early 70s, there were a huge number of stores that worked predominantly with the consignment system. It was the norm at that time. As time went by, they became harder and harder to find. Then, the craft mini-mall and co-op system took hold for a while. That now seems to be declining. When I left my job in the legal field a few years ago, I searched for a few consignment markets for my work and had trouble finding any in my area. There were a few craft malls within a reasonable distance but nothing very impressive.
Today, small gift-based businesses are suffering and there simply isn't enough cash flow to fully stock without being resourceful - in comes consignment selling! If crafters enter these arrangements in a professional manner, with written contracts that spell out everything, and with caution (check out every shop to the best of your ability), consignment can be very beneficial to both you and the shop. You can get considerably more exposure and sales without a lot of marketing effort on your part. The shop is fully stocked which encourages more sales (hopefully, of your product). The concept of “handmade” is kept alive.
Over the years, I have been on both sides of the consignment contract. I have sold on consignment in a number of stores along the way and I have owned and operated my own shop where I hosted a number of consignors. I’ve experienced the pros and cons from both sides of the issue. There have been good and bad experiences.
Let’s start with the basics:
“Consignment Selling” is when you create the product and then turn it over to someone else to sell in their shop for you. When the product sells, you receive a percentage of that selling price. You retain ownership of the product until it sells but it is not in your possession.
From the Seller’s Point of View:
The Pros of selling on consignment:
You do not need to devote your time and energies to marketing, whether that is sitting at craft shows, listing and promoting items on line, working a party-plan system, whatever. This is ideal for those who have physical limitations and cannot get out and sit through a long day at the craft show or haul their merchandise and displays in and out. If you are not “a people person,” you don’t need to interact with strangers and make small talk simply trying to push a sale. If your time is limited, this gives you time to devote to creating and not sitting and waiting for a sale. You have the opportunity to reach an audience that may never see your work otherwise. Your work is on display at all hours of the shop’s operation without tying you down for that time period. You don’t have the overhead of doing shows such as entrance fees, travel expenses, display costs, etc. In most cases you control the selling price of your product.
The Cons of this system:
You do not have physical control of your merchandise. You are not there to protect it and see that it is being handled gently and displayed in a safe or appropriate manner. You cannot talk up the sale or attempt to “sell up.” You may be subjecting yourself to possible losses of merchandise or damage to your goods. In some cases, crafters have trusted their products to less than reputable folks who have absconded with the goods or have sold the merchandise but not paid you for them. Shops have closed up and simply disappeared without any warning to the crafter and you are left with trying to find the owner and your merchandise.
From the Store Owners View Point:
The Pros:
You can provide a better quality, quantity and wider variety of merchandise to your patrons without the huge initial cash layout. Crafters are not paid until the product has actually sold and the money has come into the till.
The Cons:
You are now responsible for someone else’s merchandise. You have a tremendously increased amount of paperwork, both for inventory purposes and bookkeeping purposes. You cannot always count on what merchandise is coming and when. Often, quality of the workmanship will vary. Some crafters see consignment as a means of dumping whatever doesn’t sell in their other markets (odd colors, weird color combinations, etc.) Dealing with the crafters can be trying at times. All believe they should have the best spot in the shop and special treatment when requested. Some will call or come in almost daily to check on their sales and advise as to what you should be doing to move their merchandise.
You are responsible for display racks, insurance coverage, taxes and other business licenses. You are paying the lease, utilities and promotional expenses. You are often devoting a large amount of space to merchandise that simply isn’t moving but you cannot mark it down or run a special as you have agreed to a specific price with the crafter. Crafters often come in without notice and want to pick up their merchandise for whatever reason. Many like to treat the shop as if it has a revolving door and want to “borrow” their merchandise back to do a craft show and then bring it back to the shop after that show. Checking those products in and out takes time and disrupts the flow of business.
Done wrong - consignment can be a nightmare for all involved. Done right - everybody can benefit and make money from a good consignment arrangement.
So, how do you find the right shop, get the right contract and work it out to have a good experience? That’s what I will address in Part II of the Consignment Selling Experience.
So, take some time to create and I'll be back to tell you how to find the right consignment arrangement that works for you.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Working the Shows Wednesday - Pockets Full of Money!!
Most of us are just gearing up for the Spring show season and some are venturing into the Craft Show World for the first time this year. As shows aren't quite into full swing here yet, I'm still drawing on past WSW posts concerning important aspects of doing a show. This one, concerning keeping your cash safe, first ran on September 16, 2009. I think it is worth repeating.
... Just what you’re doing with all that cash at your shows? I mean, do you have it locked up tight like Fort Knox or laying out in the open like those popular “Need a Penny” dishes near so many store registers? Hopefully, you’ve found a comfortable medium there.
The majority of sales at most shows are transacted in cash. We need to carry a supply
of cash for the purposes of making change and, on a good day, we need to carry money home by the fistfull. So, how do we contain that cash? It needs to be kept in a somewhat handy manner for the purposes of making change in a busy sales environment but must also be secure to keep it from springing legs of its own.
Robbery is not usually a huge problem at most shows but, most promoters and organizers will admit, it can happen. Most show contracts specifically state the show is not responsible for any damages resulting from theft of merchandise or cash. While many shows do have some security personnel, you are on your own when it comes to holding on to your cash (and merchandise).
Most thefts at craft shows are crimes of opportunity, meaning we make it easy for the crooks. Com
mon sense comes into play at this point. Let’s assume we are all bright enough not to leave a huge amount of cash laying out on our tables for all to share. It is important to keep the change box easily accessible to you as the seller but out of reach for the average customer. In my opinion, it is also wise to keep only the bare minimum of cash in the change box or tray (as the case may be). If your change container is grabbed, the crook will only have a minimal profit and you will still be on solid financial footing for the remainder of the show.
Booths with back drops or walls as a back border are always best as the general public does not have easy access to your backside. This gives the opportunity to have an additional, lower table height behind your display tables to keep your change container and other vital business supplies together and not reachable from the front of the table. If this is not an option try to sit an open, shallow box under the edge of your table with your change tray sitting inside of it where you can simply reach in and easily grab what you need.
Many sellers are now using small electric or battery-run cash registers. The drawers can be locked or coded so that they can not be opened easily by unauthorized fingers. Unfortunately, these registers don’t weigh much and can be easily disconnected from their plugs with a quick hand motion. I have seen instances where these have been grabbed, dropped into a fabric tote bag and easily carried off. Again, only keep basic change amounts in the register.
Keep all bigger bills and the major portion of cash separate from the change tray as this is the most visible of your money. I subscribe to the theory that it’s best to have the majority of that cash on your body. Pants with lots of pockets are great, money aprons or belts, or
even the incredibly fashion-lame fanny pack (worn in the front), are also good.
***Do NOT keep checks or charge slips in the change box or cash register. These are generally larger sales and can account for a large portion of your sales. Again, pockets are good. I have also seen sellers who slip these into what appears to be an empty stock box under the table. (Crooks are unlikely to try to steal your empty boxes!)
Doing a show alone? While you might ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your booth while you make a potty run, it is not wise to turn all of your cash over to them. For sales not covered by the minimum in your change tray, they can simply ask the customer to wait for a second. (I’m assuming you will be literally running this personal errand you are on and not strolling around enjoying the free entertainment.) I’m not questioning the level of integrity of your neighboring crafter but I’m simply aware that they have a lot going on at that moment, what with watching both displays and dealing with customers’ questions etc. After all, most of us are just asking them to “keep an eye” on things, not make us rich while we’re gone.
Also, be aware many shows do provide “booth sitters” for those who are working alone. Most of these folks are simply volunteers willing to spend a few minutes in your booth “watching” it. Many are instructed by the show management NOT to conduct a sale. They won’t need cash backup form you.
Most cash thefts at shows occur during loading in and out. I, personally, keep my cash secure in my car until everything is unloaded. My cash is also the first thing to go into my car when packing up. (Glove boxes do lock for a reason.) It is never left unattended in my booth space during these times.
DO NOT be overly obvious when handling your cash stash. DO NOT stand behind your table counting out the wad to see how you’re doing. No one needs to know you are carrying several hundred dollars in your pockets. When carrying your cash in or out of the show, DO NOT pack it in a clear ziplock bag and carry it like a purse! (Yeah, I have seen this!)
One unique approach I have witnessed while doing a Main Street type festival was seeing a crafter make an ATM deposit of excess cash. Apparently a branch of his bank was located right on the corner. He was doing well and had several hundred dollars in cash on him. He simply walked over and deposited a large portion to his account. Now, that’s protecting your cash!
Again, use common sense. Be aware of your surroundings. Use the same precautions you would use using the ATM at your local shopping center on a busy Friday night.
Happy selling, y’all !!!
... Just what you’re doing with all that cash at your shows? I mean, do you have it locked up tight like Fort Knox or laying out in the open like those popular “Need a Penny” dishes near so many store registers? Hopefully, you’ve found a comfortable medium there.
The majority of sales at most shows are transacted in cash. We need to carry a supply
of cash for the purposes of making change and, on a good day, we need to carry money home by the fistfull. So, how do we contain that cash? It needs to be kept in a somewhat handy manner for the purposes of making change in a busy sales environment but must also be secure to keep it from springing legs of its own.Robbery is not usually a huge problem at most shows but, most promoters and organizers will admit, it can happen. Most show contracts specifically state the show is not responsible for any damages resulting from theft of merchandise or cash. While many shows do have some security personnel, you are on your own when it comes to holding on to your cash (and merchandise).
Most thefts at craft shows are crimes of opportunity, meaning we make it easy for the crooks. Com
mon sense comes into play at this point. Let’s assume we are all bright enough not to leave a huge amount of cash laying out on our tables for all to share. It is important to keep the change box easily accessible to you as the seller but out of reach for the average customer. In my opinion, it is also wise to keep only the bare minimum of cash in the change box or tray (as the case may be). If your change container is grabbed, the crook will only have a minimal profit and you will still be on solid financial footing for the remainder of the show.Booths with back drops or walls as a back border are always best as the general public does not have easy access to your backside. This gives the opportunity to have an additional, lower table height behind your display tables to keep your change container and other vital business supplies together and not reachable from the front of the table. If this is not an option try to sit an open, shallow box under the edge of your table with your change tray sitting inside of it where you can simply reach in and easily grab what you need.
Many sellers are now using small electric or battery-run cash registers. The drawers can be locked or coded so that they can not be opened easily by unauthorized fingers. Unfortunately, these registers don’t weigh much and can be easily disconnected from their plugs with a quick hand motion. I have seen instances where these have been grabbed, dropped into a fabric tote bag and easily carried off. Again, only keep basic change amounts in the register.
Keep all bigger bills and the major portion of cash separate from the change tray as this is the most visible of your money. I subscribe to the theory that it’s best to have the majority of that cash on your body. Pants with lots of pockets are great, money aprons or belts, or
even the incredibly fashion-lame fanny pack (worn in the front), are also good.***Do NOT keep checks or charge slips in the change box or cash register. These are generally larger sales and can account for a large portion of your sales. Again, pockets are good. I have also seen sellers who slip these into what appears to be an empty stock box under the table. (Crooks are unlikely to try to steal your empty boxes!)
Doing a show alone? While you might ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your booth while you make a potty run, it is not wise to turn all of your cash over to them. For sales not covered by the minimum in your change tray, they can simply ask the customer to wait for a second. (I’m assuming you will be literally running this personal errand you are on and not strolling around enjoying the free entertainment.) I’m not questioning the level of integrity of your neighboring crafter but I’m simply aware that they have a lot going on at that moment, what with watching both displays and dealing with customers’ questions etc. After all, most of us are just asking them to “keep an eye” on things, not make us rich while we’re gone.
Also, be aware many shows do provide “booth sitters” for those who are working alone. Most of these folks are simply volunteers willing to spend a few minutes in your booth “watching” it. Many are instructed by the show management NOT to conduct a sale. They won’t need cash backup form you.
Most cash thefts at shows occur during loading in and out. I, personally, keep my cash secure in my car until everything is unloaded. My cash is also the first thing to go into my car when packing up. (Glove boxes do lock for a reason.) It is never left unattended in my booth space during these times.DO NOT be overly obvious when handling your cash stash. DO NOT stand behind your table counting out the wad to see how you’re doing. No one needs to know you are carrying several hundred dollars in your pockets. When carrying your cash in or out of the show, DO NOT pack it in a clear ziplock bag and carry it like a purse! (Yeah, I have seen this!)
One unique approach I have witnessed while doing a Main Street type festival was seeing a crafter make an ATM deposit of excess cash. Apparently a branch of his bank was located right on the corner. He was doing well and had several hundred dollars in cash on him. He simply walked over and deposited a large portion to his account. Now, that’s protecting your cash!
Again, use common sense. Be aware of your surroundings. Use the same precautions you would use using the ATM at your local shopping center on a busy Friday night.
Happy selling, y’all !!!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Working the Shows Wednesday - Pockets Full of Money !!!
As we finally settle into the swing of the Fall craft show season, it seems fitting to ask just what you’re doing with all that cash at your shows. I mean, do you have it locked up tight like Fort Knox or laying out in the open like those popular “Need a Penny” dishes near so many store registers? Hopefully, you’ve found a comfortable medium there.The majority of sales at most shows are transacted in cash. We need to carry a supply
of cash for the purposes of making change and, on a good day, we need to carry money home by the fistfull. So, how do we contain that cash? It needs to be kept in a somewhat handy manner for the purposes of making change in a busy sales environment but must also be secure to keep it from springing legs of its own.Robbery is not usually a huge problem at most shows but, most promoters and organizers will admit, it can happen. Most show contracts specifically state the show is not responsible for any damages resulting from theft of merchandise or cash. While many shows do have some security personnel, you are on your own when it comes to holding on to your cash (and merchandise).
Most thefts at craft shows are crimes of opportunity, meaning we make it easy for the crooks. Com
mon sense comes into play at this point. Let’s assume we are all bright enough not to leave a huge amount of cash laying out on our tables for all to share. It is important to keep the change box easily accessible to you as the seller but out of reach for the average customer. In my opinion, it is also wise to keep only the bare minimum of cash in the change box or tray (as the case may be). If your change container is grabbed, the crook will only have a minimal profit and you will still be on solid financial footing for the remainder of the show.Booths with back drops or walls as a back border are always best as the general public does not have easy access to your backside. This gives the opportunity to have an additional, lower table height behind your display tables to keep your change container and other vital business supplies together and not reachable from the front of the table. If this is not an option try to sit an open, shallow box under the edge of your table with your change tray sitting inside of it where you can simply reach in and easily grab what you need.
Many sellers are now using small electric or battery-run cash registers. The drawers can be locked or coded so that they can not be opened easily by unauthorized fingers. Unfortunately, these registers don’t weigh much and can be easily disconnected from their plugs with a quick hand motion. I have seen instances where these have been grabbed, dropped into a fabric tote bag and easily carried off. Again, only keep basic change amounts in the register.
Keep all bigger bills and the major portion of cash separate from the change tray as this is the most visible of your money. I subscribe to the theory that it’s best to have the majority of that cash on your body. Pants with lots of pockets are great, money aprons or belts, or
even the incredibly fashion-lame fanny pack (worn in the front), are also good.***Do NOT keep checks or charge slips in the change box or cash register. These are generally larger sales and can account for a large portion of your sales. Again, pockets are good. I have also seen sellers who slip these into what appears to be an empty stock box under the table. (Crooks are unlikely to try to steal your empty boxes!)
Doing a show alone? While you might ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your booth while you make a potty run, it is not wise to turn all of your cash over to them. For sales not covered by the minimum in your change tray, they can simply ask the customer to wait for a second. (I’m assuming you will be literally running this personal errand you are on and not strolling around enjoying the free entertainment.) I’m not questioning the level of integrity of your neighboring crafter but I’m simply aware that they have a lot going on at that moment, what with watching both displays and dealing with customers’ questions etc. After all, most of us are just asking them to “keep an eye” on things, not make us rich while we’re gone.
Also, be aware many shows do provide “booth sitters” for those who are working alone. Most of these folks are simply volunteers willing to spend a few minutes in your booth “watching” it. Many are instructed by the show management NOT to conduct a sale. They won’t need cash backup form you.
Most cash thefts at shows occur during loading in and out. I, personally, keep my cash secure in my car until everything is unloaded. My cash is also the first thing to go into my car when packing up. (Glove boxes do lock for a reason.) It is never left unattended in my booth space during these times.DO NOT be overly obvious when handling your cash stash. DO NOT stand behind your table counting out the wad to see how you’re doing. No one needs to know you are carrying several hundred dollars in your pockets. When carrying your cash in or out of the show, DO NOT pack it in a clear ziplock bag and carry it like a purse! (Yeah, I have seen this!)
One unique approach I have witnessed while doing a Main Street type festival was seeing a crafter make an ATM deposit of excess cash. Apparently a branch of his bank was located right on the corner. He was doing well and had several hundred dollars in cash on him. He simply walked over and deposited a large portion to his account. Now, that’s protecting your cash!
Again, use common sense. Be aware of your surroundings. Use the same precautions you would use using the ATM at your local shopping center on a busy Friday night.
Happy selling, y’all !!!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
MARKETING YOUR HANDMADE PRODUCTS - CONSIGNMENT SELLING
MARKETING YOUR HANDMADE PRODUCTS
This is the first in a series of articles that will discuss various means of marketing your handmade products. If you are reading this blog, you are already somewhat familiar with online sales. If you are trying to make a living off of your crafts, you have most likely also realized that online marketing should only be one aspect of your business. Many of you who are just starting out have only tried your hand at Etsy or Artfire and have no idea how to get involved in the rest of the marketing world. I’ve been at this thing for over 30 years and I’ve tried just about every approach out there so I thought I’d share some of the knowledge I’ve gleaned from these years of experience.
THE CONSIGNMENT SELLING EXPERIENCE - PART I
(What is it and what are the pros and cons?)
Within the last few weeks, I’ve been approached by several retailers about selling my work on consignment. I’m sure this resurgence in the consignment system is based strongly on today’s economic conditions. There just isn’t a lot of capital out there to fund small businesses at the moment. Cash flow is limited for just about everybody from Fortune 500 companies right down to the one-woman gift shop. Only those who can creatively manage their shops will survive. They need to be resourceful in maintaining a fully stocked store and in getting those shoppers who actually do have a few bucks in their pockets into their businesses.
When I started to seriously sell my work, way back in the early 70s, there were a huge number of stores that worked predominantly with the consignment system. It was the norm at that time. As time went by, they became harder and harder to find. Then, the craft mini-mall and co-op system took hold for a while. That now seems to be declining. When I left my job in the legal field a few years ago, I searched for a few consignment markets for my work and had trouble finding any in my area. There were a few craft malls within a reasonable distance but nothing very impressive.
Today, small gift-based businesses are suffering and there simply isn't enough cash flow to fully stock without being resourceful - in comes consignment selling! If crafters enter these arrangements in a professional manner, with written contracts that spell out everything, and with caution (check out every shop to the best of your ability), consignment can be very beneficial to both you and the shop. You can get considerably more exposure and sales without a lot of marketing effort on your part. The shop is fully stocked which encourages more sales (hopefully, of your product). The concept of “handmade” is kept alive.
Over the years, I have been on both sides of the consignment contract. I have sold on consignment in a number of stores along the way and I have owned and operated my own shop where I hosted a number of consignors. I’ve experienced the pros and cons from both sides of the issue. There have been good and bad experiences.
Let’s start with the basics:
“Consignment Selling” is when you create the product and then turn it over to someone else to sell in their shop for you. When the product sells, you receive a percentage of that selling price. You retain ownership of the product until it sells but it is not in your possession.
From the Seller’s Point of View:
The Pros of selling on consignment:
You do not need to devote your time and energies to marketing, whether that is sitting at craft shows, listing and promoting items on line, working a party-plan system, whatever. This is ideal for those who have physical limitations and cannot get out and sit through a long day at the craft show or haul their merchandise and displays in and out. If you are not “a people person,” you don’t need to interact with strangers and make small talk simply trying to push a sale. If your time is limited, this gives you time to devote to creating and not sitting and waiting for a sale. You have the opportunity to reach an audience that may never see your work otherwise. Your work is on display at all hours of the shop’s operation without tying you down for that time period. You don’t have the overhead of doing shows such as entrance fees, travel expenses, display costs, etc. In most cases you control the selling price of your product.
The Cons of this system:
You do not have physical control of your merchandise. You are not there to protect it and see that it is being handled gently and displayed in a safe or appropriate manner. You cannot talk up the sale or attempt to “sell up.” You may be subjecting yourself to possible losses of merchandise or damage to your goods. In some cases, crafters have trusted their products to less than reputable folks who have absconded with the goods or have sold the merchandise but not paid you for them. Shops have closed up and simply disappeared without any warning to the crafter and you are left with trying to find the owner and your merchandise.
From the Store Owners View Point:
The Pros:
You can provide a better quality, quantity and wider variety of merchandise to your patrons without the huge initial cash layout. Crafters are not paid until the product has actually sold and the money has come into the till.
The Cons:
You are now responsible for someone else’s merchandise. You have a tremendously increased amount of paperwork, both for inventory purposes and bookkeeping purposes. You cannot always count on what merchandise is coming and when. Often, quality of the workmanship will vary. Some crafters see consignment as a means of dumping whatever doesn’t sell in their other markets (odd colors, weird color combinations, etc.) Dealing with the crafters can be trying at times. All believe they should have the best spot in the shop and special treatment when requested. Some will call or come in almost daily to check on their sales and advise as to what you should be doing to move their merchandise.
You are responsible for display racks, insurance coverage, taxes and other business licenses. You are paying the lease, utilities and promotional expenses. You are often devoting a large amount of space to merchandise that simply isn’t moving but you cannot mark it down or run a special as you have agreed to a specific price with the crafter. Crafters often come in without notice and want to pick up their merchandise for whatever reason. Many like to treat the shop as if it has a revolving door and want to “borrow” their merchandise back to do a craft show and then bring it back to the shop after that show. Checking those products in and out takes time and disrupts the flow of business.
Done wrong - consignment can be a nightmare for all involved. Done right - everybody can benefit and make money from a good consignment arrangement.
So, how do you find the right shop, get the right contract and work it out to have a good experience? That’s what I will address in Part II of the Consignment Selling Experience.
So, take some time to create and I'll be back to tell you how to find the right consignment arrangement that works for you.
This is the first in a series of articles that will discuss various means of marketing your handmade products. If you are reading this blog, you are already somewhat familiar with online sales. If you are trying to make a living off of your crafts, you have most likely also realized that online marketing should only be one aspect of your business. Many of you who are just starting out have only tried your hand at Etsy or Artfire and have no idea how to get involved in the rest of the marketing world. I’ve been at this thing for over 30 years and I’ve tried just about every approach out there so I thought I’d share some of the knowledge I’ve gleaned from these years of experience.
THE CONSIGNMENT SELLING EXPERIENCE - PART I
(What is it and what are the pros and cons?)
Within the last few weeks, I’ve been approached by several retailers about selling my work on consignment. I’m sure this resurgence in the consignment system is based strongly on today’s economic conditions. There just isn’t a lot of capital out there to fund small businesses at the moment. Cash flow is limited for just about everybody from Fortune 500 companies right down to the one-woman gift shop. Only those who can creatively manage their shops will survive. They need to be resourceful in maintaining a fully stocked store and in getting those shoppers who actually do have a few bucks in their pockets into their businesses.
When I started to seriously sell my work, way back in the early 70s, there were a huge number of stores that worked predominantly with the consignment system. It was the norm at that time. As time went by, they became harder and harder to find. Then, the craft mini-mall and co-op system took hold for a while. That now seems to be declining. When I left my job in the legal field a few years ago, I searched for a few consignment markets for my work and had trouble finding any in my area. There were a few craft malls within a reasonable distance but nothing very impressive.
Today, small gift-based businesses are suffering and there simply isn't enough cash flow to fully stock without being resourceful - in comes consignment selling! If crafters enter these arrangements in a professional manner, with written contracts that spell out everything, and with caution (check out every shop to the best of your ability), consignment can be very beneficial to both you and the shop. You can get considerably more exposure and sales without a lot of marketing effort on your part. The shop is fully stocked which encourages more sales (hopefully, of your product). The concept of “handmade” is kept alive.
Over the years, I have been on both sides of the consignment contract. I have sold on consignment in a number of stores along the way and I have owned and operated my own shop where I hosted a number of consignors. I’ve experienced the pros and cons from both sides of the issue. There have been good and bad experiences.
Let’s start with the basics:
“Consignment Selling” is when you create the product and then turn it over to someone else to sell in their shop for you. When the product sells, you receive a percentage of that selling price. You retain ownership of the product until it sells but it is not in your possession.
From the Seller’s Point of View:
The Pros of selling on consignment:
You do not need to devote your time and energies to marketing, whether that is sitting at craft shows, listing and promoting items on line, working a party-plan system, whatever. This is ideal for those who have physical limitations and cannot get out and sit through a long day at the craft show or haul their merchandise and displays in and out. If you are not “a people person,” you don’t need to interact with strangers and make small talk simply trying to push a sale. If your time is limited, this gives you time to devote to creating and not sitting and waiting for a sale. You have the opportunity to reach an audience that may never see your work otherwise. Your work is on display at all hours of the shop’s operation without tying you down for that time period. You don’t have the overhead of doing shows such as entrance fees, travel expenses, display costs, etc. In most cases you control the selling price of your product.
The Cons of this system:
You do not have physical control of your merchandise. You are not there to protect it and see that it is being handled gently and displayed in a safe or appropriate manner. You cannot talk up the sale or attempt to “sell up.” You may be subjecting yourself to possible losses of merchandise or damage to your goods. In some cases, crafters have trusted their products to less than reputable folks who have absconded with the goods or have sold the merchandise but not paid you for them. Shops have closed up and simply disappeared without any warning to the crafter and you are left with trying to find the owner and your merchandise.
From the Store Owners View Point:
The Pros:
You can provide a better quality, quantity and wider variety of merchandise to your patrons without the huge initial cash layout. Crafters are not paid until the product has actually sold and the money has come into the till.
The Cons:
You are now responsible for someone else’s merchandise. You have a tremendously increased amount of paperwork, both for inventory purposes and bookkeeping purposes. You cannot always count on what merchandise is coming and when. Often, quality of the workmanship will vary. Some crafters see consignment as a means of dumping whatever doesn’t sell in their other markets (odd colors, weird color combinations, etc.) Dealing with the crafters can be trying at times. All believe they should have the best spot in the shop and special treatment when requested. Some will call or come in almost daily to check on their sales and advise as to what you should be doing to move their merchandise.
You are responsible for display racks, insurance coverage, taxes and other business licenses. You are paying the lease, utilities and promotional expenses. You are often devoting a large amount of space to merchandise that simply isn’t moving but you cannot mark it down or run a special as you have agreed to a specific price with the crafter. Crafters often come in without notice and want to pick up their merchandise for whatever reason. Many like to treat the shop as if it has a revolving door and want to “borrow” their merchandise back to do a craft show and then bring it back to the shop after that show. Checking those products in and out takes time and disrupts the flow of business.
Done wrong - consignment can be a nightmare for all involved. Done right - everybody can benefit and make money from a good consignment arrangement.
So, how do you find the right shop, get the right contract and work it out to have a good experience? That’s what I will address in Part II of the Consignment Selling Experience.
So, take some time to create and I'll be back to tell you how to find the right consignment arrangement that works for you.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Crafty Beginnings
Okay, I'll admit it. I do dabble all around the craft world! I've tried most, even sold quite a few but I do keep going back to the painting end of the realm. For laughs today, I took a pic of everything crafty within 20 feet of where I was sitting. Now, should I admit I was in the living room and not my craft room?---------
So, how did all this start?
A few months back, someone asked how I got started “crafting” and, ultimately, selling my craftwork. I came across the answer I’d written for her the other day and thought I’d share it with all of you. This is how it all began for me:
I think it was inbred. Like a bird just knowing it has to fly. I grew up in a crafty and artistically talented family surrounded by various art supplies. My mom's supplies resembled a well-stocked craft store. As far back as I can remember, I was painting, drawing, sewing, crocheting, modeling something from clay, gluing, pasting etc.
When we were bored, Mom gave us a handful of supplies and glue or such and we went to work creating. My mother was always involved in making craft items to sell at the church bazaar (Back then the profits all went to the church from such events - space rentals had not come into fashion. People simply volunteered time and donated the creations.) As soon as I was capable, I helped in those endeavors.
By junior high, I was making bouquets of tissue paper roses with wrapped stems and silk leaves, arranged with baby's breath and wrapped in green tissue. I think that may have been my first effort at earning money from my crafts. By high school, I was sewing clothes for friends. Once I started driving, I was doing my own booth at craft shows. I always seemed to be selling something I'd made.
After college, I opened my own gift shop featuring all handmade merchandise - both my own and others on consignment. I continued doing craft shows throughout those years. After a few years, economics and the need for a steady paycheck and benefits forced me to give up my shop but I continued doing shows and personal sales.
I've always made most of the gifts I've given. In the midst of a busy career, I needed to give up doing shows but I continued to craft and design for myself and friends. I “retired” two years ago and am again selling. Over the years, the merchandise has evolved. the particular craft has changed a number of times but it has always involved designing my own creations.
So, if you are “into crafts,” what got you started?
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Oh - Give me a home on the worldwide web…
***This is another of a number of postings I plan to write about getting my online shop up and running. I plan to mix them in among my other mundane musings from time to time. It has been a learning experience all the way. But isn’t that what life should be?
---------
Okay! I’d made up my mind to sell online. Everybody says it’s easy. I was ready and raring to go. I sat down at my computer, fired up Google and set about going into business.
I had to determine just where to build my internet home. Most signs pointed to eBay. I had never even looked at the site before.
Even those who don’t own a computer know about eBay, the world’s best known online shopping site. I know a lot of folks who buy and sell there regularly but I’d never gotten into it at all. My niece has been conducting business there for several years and had done fairly well. My biggest concern was the payment system. She insisted Paypal was the way to go and easy to set up. She doesn’t accept any other payment methods herself but some folks take personal checks and/or money orders. Her most basic advice was to study eBay a bit to be sure there was a market for my products and the price range was there.
Well, I sat down late one evening to just take a gander at what eBay had to sell in my product area - custom designed hand-painted infant/children’s clothing. WOW!!! Talk about a lot to look at ! I spent about 3 hours just skimming the listings there. I was stunned at the prices people were both asking and bidding for the merchandise - especially for those that were second-hand items, even if they were one-of-a-kind custom designs. (It did take me a few minutes to recognize what OOAK stood for.) I was so surprised and shocked that I went back again and again for hours each evening for at least a week. (I can see how some people become addicted.)
I carefully researched how to sell there, how to sign up with Paypal, shipping details, etc. I slept on it - for a whole weekend. I wasn’t really comfortable on the site. It was just so huge and I was afraid my things would get lost in the crowd. I felt like a guppy trying to swim UP Niagra Falls! I wasn’t sure I wanted to go the auction route and I didn’t particularly think their shop set-ups were what I was really looking for. I had also come across many former ebayers that had left the site due to constantly increasing expenses involved in listing there. I’m sure it’s the right place to be if you are involved in reselling merchandise or marketing commercially made items but I’m not sure it was the place for my custom designed, lovingly produced items.
I began looking at other marketing sites. There are literally hundreds of shopping sites and who knows how many that are specific to hand-crafted merchandise. Again, I set about checking out each one I came across. First, I’d just drop in and look the site over and check out the merchandise available there. Then, I looked into seller details and costs for each and, ultimately, set-up details for each. I spent weeks doing this. I finally narrowed the choices to a few craft-oriented marketing sites or simply starting my own personal website. I was a baby-step closer to getting online.
We went on vacation and I was forced to shelve my efforts for a few weeks. I did use that time to bounce the idea off my hubby and a close friend or two. All thought it was a good idea, unfortunately, none of them knew anymore about actually doing it than I did. (I’ve got to start hanging out with a more tech oriented crowd.) My husband was having trouble with the concept that it was taking me this long to get there and suggested I just “Jump in and do it, already.”
While I loved the idea of my own personal website - my business name.com, I realized that there was no promotional or tech help there. I would be dependent only on my own promotion and key words. There might be safety in numbers (of crafters involved.) My own website would also involve designing my site from scratch and setting up a shopping cart system. I wasn’t sure I was ready for all that.
The various merchandising sites had different approaches to those issues. Some still required you do your site and simply link it to theirs. Others did your site for you (at a cost). Some had central check-out systems. All were priced accordingly. I was trying to start this business on a shoestring and I wanted to buy that shoestring at my local discount store. In the end, I made my decision based on cost. I joined etsy.com and created http://www.splashin.etsy.com/.
Please stop by and see my “shop.”
---------
Okay! I’d made up my mind to sell online. Everybody says it’s easy. I was ready and raring to go. I sat down at my computer, fired up Google and set about going into business.
I had to determine just where to build my internet home. Most signs pointed to eBay. I had never even looked at the site before.
Even those who don’t own a computer know about eBay, the world’s best known online shopping site. I know a lot of folks who buy and sell there regularly but I’d never gotten into it at all. My niece has been conducting business there for several years and had done fairly well. My biggest concern was the payment system. She insisted Paypal was the way to go and easy to set up. She doesn’t accept any other payment methods herself but some folks take personal checks and/or money orders. Her most basic advice was to study eBay a bit to be sure there was a market for my products and the price range was there.
Well, I sat down late one evening to just take a gander at what eBay had to sell in my product area - custom designed hand-painted infant/children’s clothing. WOW!!! Talk about a lot to look at ! I spent about 3 hours just skimming the listings there. I was stunned at the prices people were both asking and bidding for the merchandise - especially for those that were second-hand items, even if they were one-of-a-kind custom designs. (It did take me a few minutes to recognize what OOAK stood for.) I was so surprised and shocked that I went back again and again for hours each evening for at least a week. (I can see how some people become addicted.)
I carefully researched how to sell there, how to sign up with Paypal, shipping details, etc. I slept on it - for a whole weekend. I wasn’t really comfortable on the site. It was just so huge and I was afraid my things would get lost in the crowd. I felt like a guppy trying to swim UP Niagra Falls! I wasn’t sure I wanted to go the auction route and I didn’t particularly think their shop set-ups were what I was really looking for. I had also come across many former ebayers that had left the site due to constantly increasing expenses involved in listing there. I’m sure it’s the right place to be if you are involved in reselling merchandise or marketing commercially made items but I’m not sure it was the place for my custom designed, lovingly produced items.
I began looking at other marketing sites. There are literally hundreds of shopping sites and who knows how many that are specific to hand-crafted merchandise. Again, I set about checking out each one I came across. First, I’d just drop in and look the site over and check out the merchandise available there. Then, I looked into seller details and costs for each and, ultimately, set-up details for each. I spent weeks doing this. I finally narrowed the choices to a few craft-oriented marketing sites or simply starting my own personal website. I was a baby-step closer to getting online.
We went on vacation and I was forced to shelve my efforts for a few weeks. I did use that time to bounce the idea off my hubby and a close friend or two. All thought it was a good idea, unfortunately, none of them knew anymore about actually doing it than I did. (I’ve got to start hanging out with a more tech oriented crowd.) My husband was having trouble with the concept that it was taking me this long to get there and suggested I just “Jump in and do it, already.”
While I loved the idea of my own personal website - my business name.com, I realized that there was no promotional or tech help there. I would be dependent only on my own promotion and key words. There might be safety in numbers (of crafters involved.) My own website would also involve designing my site from scratch and setting up a shopping cart system. I wasn’t sure I was ready for all that.
The various merchandising sites had different approaches to those issues. Some still required you do your site and simply link it to theirs. Others did your site for you (at a cost). Some had central check-out systems. All were priced accordingly. I was trying to start this business on a shoestring and I wanted to buy that shoestring at my local discount store. In the end, I made my decision based on cost. I joined etsy.com and created http://www.splashin.etsy.com/.
Please stop by and see my “shop.”
Monday, September 1, 2008
A Young Crafter Starts Selling
Hopefully, an old dog can learn new tricks. I’m trying a lot of new things this year. The blog is just the latest of the new activities. I’ve also joined forums and started a website to sell my creations. Supposedly, a blog is just a natural progression from those endeavors.
I’ve always been creative and crafty. I think it is hereditary in our family. For as long as I can remember I’ve made things from all sorts of craft supplies. As early as junior high school, I was making and selling something most of the time.
I think my first “commercial” product was tissue paper roses. I believe I was in the 7th or 8th grade when I started making tissue paper roses. I attached them to stem wire with florist’s tape and added silk rose leaves. I produced them in bunches of either a half dozen or dozen, added baby’s breath and wrapped them in green tissue paper tied with a silk ribbon. I sold them to friends, teachers, my parents’ friends and any acquaintances I came upon. I took orders for specific colors or color combinations. I don’t recall how much I sold them for but I recall I was making a fairly good profit. I remember needing a ride to school fairly frequently as I had too many bunches to carry with my books and such. It was a one-product line and eventually I saturated my local market but it was a good run while it lasted.
I soon moved on to other products. A friend of my parents owned a small gift shop in our local shopping district and I convinced her to sell my merchandise for a very low mark-up. I remember one of my big items at her shop was small crocheted boots in Christmas colors which I stuffed with peppermint candies and a candy cane. They sold for a buck or less back then. I could get 12 or so from a hank of yarn and could make 12-18 in an evening after homework was done. I found other outlets for them, too. The shop where my mom got her hair done carried them for me and Mom sold them to her fellow teachers and some of the ladies at church. Because they were reasonably priced and made great “token gifts,“ they sold well. They were a big product for me and I sold them at the holidays for a number of years.
I moved on to supplying items for consignment shops, doing craft shows and eventually, after graduation and some college, owning my own shop specializing in hand-crafted merchandise in a tourist town. Eventually, I needed a steady, dependable income with things like regular hours and benefits. I moved into the real working world but I never stopped crafting. For many years I supplemented my regular income with craft sales and learned it was a good source of extra cash.
Over the years, the nature of craft shows evolved and changed. Consignment shops have, for the most part, disappeared and the few that still exist have extraordinary markups. “Crafting” has become a recognized profession and is, in general, much more structured. The biggest change to the craft world, however, has been the internet. Ultimately, the internet has effected all aspects of our lives but in the world of crafts, it’s impact has been enormous.
So… I felt the need to start a website!!! I did but it wasn’t the easiest thing I’ve ever done.
Recently, I told my peeps the saga of starting the site. (Okay, a better description might be my “ladies that lunch” - but we don’t wear red hats with purple pantsuits!) I had them laughing so hard, tears were streaking their make-up! I hope to entertain you in weeks to come with the adventures of getting this business off the ground. Unfortunately, you’re also going to have to sit through some of the rest of my life, too. I hope you’ll find some of it entertaining, some of it informative and some of it, well, maybe some of it will just be a plea for sympathy!! We all need some of that sometimes.
Please come back soon.
I’ve always been creative and crafty. I think it is hereditary in our family. For as long as I can remember I’ve made things from all sorts of craft supplies. As early as junior high school, I was making and selling something most of the time.
I think my first “commercial” product was tissue paper roses. I believe I was in the 7th or 8th grade when I started making tissue paper roses. I attached them to stem wire with florist’s tape and added silk rose leaves. I produced them in bunches of either a half dozen or dozen, added baby’s breath and wrapped them in green tissue paper tied with a silk ribbon. I sold them to friends, teachers, my parents’ friends and any acquaintances I came upon. I took orders for specific colors or color combinations. I don’t recall how much I sold them for but I recall I was making a fairly good profit. I remember needing a ride to school fairly frequently as I had too many bunches to carry with my books and such. It was a one-product line and eventually I saturated my local market but it was a good run while it lasted.
I soon moved on to other products. A friend of my parents owned a small gift shop in our local shopping district and I convinced her to sell my merchandise for a very low mark-up. I remember one of my big items at her shop was small crocheted boots in Christmas colors which I stuffed with peppermint candies and a candy cane. They sold for a buck or less back then. I could get 12 or so from a hank of yarn and could make 12-18 in an evening after homework was done. I found other outlets for them, too. The shop where my mom got her hair done carried them for me and Mom sold them to her fellow teachers and some of the ladies at church. Because they were reasonably priced and made great “token gifts,“ they sold well. They were a big product for me and I sold them at the holidays for a number of years.
I moved on to supplying items for consignment shops, doing craft shows and eventually, after graduation and some college, owning my own shop specializing in hand-crafted merchandise in a tourist town. Eventually, I needed a steady, dependable income with things like regular hours and benefits. I moved into the real working world but I never stopped crafting. For many years I supplemented my regular income with craft sales and learned it was a good source of extra cash.
Over the years, the nature of craft shows evolved and changed. Consignment shops have, for the most part, disappeared and the few that still exist have extraordinary markups. “Crafting” has become a recognized profession and is, in general, much more structured. The biggest change to the craft world, however, has been the internet. Ultimately, the internet has effected all aspects of our lives but in the world of crafts, it’s impact has been enormous.
So… I felt the need to start a website!!! I did but it wasn’t the easiest thing I’ve ever done.
Recently, I told my peeps the saga of starting the site. (Okay, a better description might be my “ladies that lunch” - but we don’t wear red hats with purple pantsuits!) I had them laughing so hard, tears were streaking their make-up! I hope to entertain you in weeks to come with the adventures of getting this business off the ground. Unfortunately, you’re also going to have to sit through some of the rest of my life, too. I hope you’ll find some of it entertaining, some of it informative and some of it, well, maybe some of it will just be a plea for sympathy!! We all need some of that sometimes.
Please come back soon.
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