[Nfb-krafters-korner] Selling at craft markets
Sahar Husseini
sahar at inebraska.com
Sun Mar 18 13:42:33 UTC 2012
Oh, no, no more outdoors for me. The last one I had was a disaster. My displays kept falling. The wind was very strong. My stuff is too nice to display on grass, out in a field. That did not work.
Warm regards,
Sahar Husseini
For hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind jewelry, please visit my Website at
www.saharscreations.com
Find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/saharscreations
And remember, "Obstacles don't have to stop you.
If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up.
Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it."
Michael Jordan
----- Original Message -----
From: "Charlotte" <sirius_black at comcast.net>
To: "List for blind crafters and artists" <nfb-krafters-korner at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2012 8:35 AM
Subject: Re: [Nfb-krafters-korner] Selling at craft markets
I agree with you. I did one outdoor show, and a third of my handmade
soap melted! I was absolutely distraught. So no more outdoor shows for
me. And plus, with my heat intolerance issues, it doesn't work for me.
But I'm still a brave soul. I have a new show on the 31st and another
new 2 day show on the 21st and 22nd of next month. Some new shows do
really well, but I remember all too well from last year the sitting,
sighing and waiting for customers. And then the weather can wreak havoc.
My last show of the season was in November. We got our first snow that
weekend. There was supposed to be a large number of people there based
on the attendance from previous years and the sales I'd gotten there the
previous month. So here I was all excited, and here came the slush and
snow. Our traffic plummeted. Ouch! That hurt.
On 3/18/2012 8:04 AM, River Woman wrote:
> H Sahar,
> Well, I do think most people who make art are optimistic by nature.
> It's probably not optimism that keeps us going back though. Probably
> addiction. lol
> Like gambling. Every once in awhile you WIN, and then you keep
> thinking you will keep winning. There is an adrenalin rush though when
> you are out there at a lovely summer festival outdoors - masses of
> people, lots of activity all around you, the interactions with the
> other vendors and the joking and laughter. The harrowing part is
> getting it all set up, but once it is set up and you are oprn for
> business, then it is enjoyable. After that, the nasty tear down at the
> end of the show. And, the weather changes, fighting winds that are
> tearing down your tent, getting soaked and cold, muddy, flooded, -
> yeah, it must not be optimism, Sahar. It is sheer madness. lol but
> then, we go back again....sigh.
> This year, I have eliminated all but two shows and they are indoors
> and they are ones where I have sold for years and do well. No more
> tents and mud for me any more. I have had much too much of it over the
> past 10 years. Enough is beyond enough -
> Lynda River Woman
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Sahar Husseini" <sahar at inebraska.com>
> To: "List for blind crafters and artists"
> <nfb-krafters-korner at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2012 8:09 AM
> Subject: Re: [Nfb-krafters-korner] Selling at craft markets
>
>
>> Lol, Be Backers--I like that. You were inside my head again, Lynda.
>> We keep going back, hoping, and why do we want to hit our heads
>> against a wall? Is it really optimism? *lol*
>>
>> Warm regards,
>> Sahar Husseini
>> For hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind jewelry, please visit my Website at
>> www.saharscreations.com
>> Find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/saharscreations
>> And remember, "Obstacles don't have to stop you.
>> If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up.
>> Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it."
>> Michael Jordan
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "River Woman"
>> <riverwoman at zoominternet.net>
>> To: "List for blind crafters and artists"
>> <nfb-krafters-korner at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 8:59 AM
>> Subject: Re: [Nfb-krafters-korner] Selling at craft markets
>>
>>
>> I am laughing at Terry's comments - they are so true and so typical
>> of our
>> experiences. Yes, they say they will "be back." but that is their
>> way of
>> leaving your table gracefully. They most likely will never be back -
>> it is
>> quite unusual for someone to come back but occasionally one will - it is
>> always a surprise. We call those people "BE BACKERS" and we joke
>> about that
>> all the time. BE BACKERS almost NEVER come back.
>>
>> And, it is our human nature to think that something is wrong with us
>> or our
>> spot in the show - we blame ourselves when we do not sell very much.
>> It is
>> almost never your spot that is the problem, unless you are next to a
>> bathroom, or near a food area. Other than that, all spots are good
>> spots -
>> you just never never want anywhere near food or bathrooms - never.
>>
>> We are always looking for the next show that MIGHT BE a GOOD ONE. My son
>> told me last year I am addicted to craft shows - he is a
>> psychologist. He
>> cannot understand why anyone would keep doing these things year after
>> year
>> and have so little to show for the hard work - he is right! It is
>> because
>> as crafters and artisans we are very optimistic people, and we WANT
>> to do
>> well, so we keep thinking the next one will be better. It seldom is
>> - but
>> occasionally you'll hit a good one, and that keeps you going again.
>> I think I need to take up a new addiction! haha
>>
>> Lynda River Woman
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Heather Kirkwood" <hkdawn at yahoo.com>
>> To: "List for blind crafters and artists"
>> <nfb-krafters-korner at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 9:46 AM
>> Subject: Re: [Nfb-krafters-korner] Selling at craft markets
>>
>>
>> Lynda, those were awesome tips. You should put them into an article!
>>
>> Heather KirkwoodDirector of Outreach, Vice PresidentHermansky-Pudlak
>> Syndrome NetworkOne South RoadOyster Bay, NY 117711 (800)
>> 789-9HPSwww.hpsnetwork.org Personal blog:
>> www.heatherkirkwood.blogspot.com
>> Search the Web at www.goodsearch.com and choose the HPS Network as your
>> charity! HPS New York Conference - March 16-18, 2012
>>
>> --- On Wed, 3/14/12, Powers, Terry (NIH/OD/DEAS) [E]
>> <Terry.Powers at nih.gov>
>> wrote:
>>
>> From: Powers, Terry (NIH/OD/DEAS) [E] <Terry.Powers at nih.gov>
>> Subject: Re: [Nfb-krafters-korner] Selling at craft markets
>> To: "'List for blind crafters and artists'"
>> <nfb-krafters-korner at nfbnet.org>
>> Date: Wednesday, March 14, 2012, 8:15 AM
>>
>> Lindy;
>> I have only sold at NFB events and one at the National Institute of
>> Health,
>> not the actual building I work in. I had no success at the NIH event, it
>> might have been my location in the room, I really do not know. Many said
>> they would be back and never returned.
>> I make braille labels for most of my items, with a description and the
>> price. I also have the price, in print. I try to have my items,
>> sourted out
>> in catigories. I tell people what I am selling and ask them what they
>> might
>> be interested in and what color. With braille labels, I can find a
>> spacific
>> color, or tell what color I have left. I also try to keep an up to date
>> inventory list.
>> Fliers, business cards and if you want, a portfolio are nice to have.
>>
>> Terry Powers
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Lindy van der Merwe [mailto:stephlin at iafrica.com]
>> Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 11:39 AM
>> To: List for blind crafters and artists
>> Subject: Re: [Nfb-krafters-korner] Selling at craft markets
>>
>> Thanks, Linda, for all the tips and ideas. I have not yet decided to
>> do the
>> craft market on a permanent basis. You have reminded me to also look for
>> some other alternatives and have given me some great ideas to work
>> with. My
>> sincere thanks.
>> It looks like I will have someone with me for my next market, so I'm
>> sure it
>> will also help me get comfortable if I decide to do this type of selling
>> more in future.
>> Kindest regards.
>> Lindy
>>
>> Find PRACTICAL PRODUCTS on FACEBOOK:
>> http://www.facebook.com/practicalproducts
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "River Woman" <riverwoman at zoominternet.net>
>> To: "List for blind crafters and artists"
>> <nfb-krafters-korner at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 2:50 PM
>> Subject: Re: [Nfb-krafters-korner] Selling at craft markets
>>
>>
>>> I sell jewelry and knitted accessories. I no longer do "craft shows"
>>> but I
>>> do some higher end "Holiday Markets." The ones I do now are set up
>>> boutique style where the customers show the entire show, then bring the
>>> things they wish to purchase to the "check out" area where it is
>>> sold and
>>> bagged for them. This works perfect for a blind person because you
>>> do not
>>> stay at your area, other than to come in a replenish the stock. A much
>>> better clientelle visites this type of market, and you get much better
>>> prices.
>>>
>>> I did do craft shows for quite a few years. I soon learned that
>>> shows held
>>> in churches, fire halls, and schools are typically very low end ones
>>> and
>>> flooded with tons of people there to have lunch and visit, but not
>>> to buy.
>>> And, they are not discriminate about how many vendors they have
>>> selling a
>>> particular thing. ie, they may have a dozen tables of jewelry vendors -
>>> which means very little sales for any of them.
>>>
>>>
>>> I do only one show now in which I am there at my booth the whole
>>> time. It
>>> is in a museum, so again, the clientelle is much better and they are
>>> really there to buy nice things.
>>>
>>> I always have a family member at my booth with me.
>>> I am alone at times when they take a bathroom break, and after doing
>>> this
>>> many times for the four years I have been without sight, I am always
>>> quite
>>> nervous.
>>> There is no way anyone would know I am blind at all. Even after I
>>> say so,
>>> they are skeptical about it. I look them in the eye, and I engage with
>>> them through gestures as I always did before. There is nothing about me
>>> that reads "blind" unless they saw me walking in with my cane.
>>>
>>> Customers always say "over there" "that one" "this one" the "pink one"
>>> etc. That is the normal way for a person who can see to designate
>>> things
>>> and they have no idea that we cannot know what they mean. They are
>>> really
>>> clueless about blindness - I sure was! I understand this.
>>>
>>> Here is what I do that helps though:
>>> I put a clearly marked price tag is on every item.
>>> If they ask the price, I hand it to them and say, "Here, you can see
>>> the
>>> price on the tag." I also put any other pertinent information on the
>>> tag -
>>> I use large tags so it is very CLEAR to them.
>>> Money? I have the bills put in an order that is always the same. I use
>>> only bills and never have any change. This eliminates a very big worry.
>>>
>>> I never price anything with "cents" involved. Everything with only
>>> "dollars" this way the item is $5. or $10. etc. You can back the taxes
>>> off of the price after you get home. When you do your pricing, just
>>> round
>>> it UP to the next dollar amount. This has saved me so much worries.
>>> This
>>> way you need never worry about making change with those coins.
>>>
>>> You can get a money ID thing for your bills. I have an ID PacMate that
>>> reads bar codes so you can even make bar codes for your items which is
>>> pretty cool.
>>>
>>> Any time I sell things that are different colors, I put them in "Roy G.
>>> Biv" order. In fact, everything I can put into that order in my own
>>> house - all my jewelry is in Roy G. Biv order. Roy G. Biv means Red,
>>> Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet. In my home I have
>>> plexiglas
>>> containers that are tall. Each one has a lid, and each one holds one
>>> color
>>> of necklaces. They are in Roy G. Biv order on my dresser. No worries
>>> about
>>> what color I am getting, if it is kept in order.
>>> Another special container holds all my earrings in this order, too. I
>>> found a wonderful Earring Box on Home Shopping Network. It holds 72
>>> pairs
>>> of earrings. All in order and easy for me to find just what I am
>>> looking
>>> for.
>>>
>>> I do know that some people will definitely cheat you if given the
>>> opportunity. If I had not had my daughter with me to watch the
>>> transactions, there were some times when I would have given a person
>>> change for a $20. when she really gave me a $10. and the person stood
>>> there waiting for the change. My daughter saw it happening and ran
>>> over to
>>> clue me in. Also, teen age girls come into your booth in groups and
>>> they
>>> are there to steal - one engages you in conversation while the
>>> firends are
>>> stealing. This happens a lot at outdoor festivals. I cannot imagine
>>> being
>>> in the booth alone without some watchful eyes to watch the crowd -
>>> especially when you sell jewelry. It is small and very easily slid
>>> off the
>>> table into a tote bag even when a person CAN see well.
>>>
>>> Those would be my most important tips after about 10 years of doing
>>> arts
>>> festivals, craft shows, and markets.
>>>
>>> Lynda River Woman
>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Lindy van der Merwe"
>>> <stephlin at iafrica.com>
>>> To: "List for blind crafters and artists"
>>> <nfb-krafters-korner at nfbnet.org>
>>> Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 3:03 AM
>>> Subject: [Nfb-krafters-korner] Selling at craft markets
>>>
>>>
>>>> Hi there,
>>>> To those who sell at craft markets, I was wondering about a few
>>>> things.
>>>> 1 Do any of you manage a stall or a table on your own, or do you
>>>> usually
>>>> have someone there to help?
>>>> 2 If you do it on your own, how do you answer the questions: how
>>>> much is
>>>> this? or I'd like to take this ... or Do you have change for this?
>>>> 3 How do you handle sorting and exchanging paper money?
>>>> I had my first experience with selling at a stall last Saturday and
>>>> these
>>>> were some of the aspects I had to deal with.
>>>> I don't think it is immediately obvious that I am blind, which did
>>>> make
>>>> for some awkward situations, I thought.
>>>> Perhaps there may be some obvious answers to some of these
>>>> questions, or
>>>> perhaps I just need some practice with being more comfortable in
>>>> dealing
>>>> with strangers in that type of setting?
>>>> I know it will be most helpful to have prices on either the
>>>> products or
>>>> on the containers they reside in, but it just felt like people
>>>> related to
>>>> me using gestures a lot of the time, which obviously made
>>>> communication
>>>> somewhat difficult and even though I wanted to respond in a confident
>>>> manner, I found it quite challenging at times.
>>>> Any ideas and thoughts would be much appreciated.
>>>> Lindy
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Find PRACTICAL PRODUCTS on FACEBOOK:
>>>> http://www.facebook.com/practicalproducts
>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: <Blindhands at aol.com>
>>>> To: <nfb-krafters-korner at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 5:28 AM
>>>> Subject: [Nfb-krafters-korner] Looking for volunteers
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> I am looking for teachers to teach the classes. Do you know or are
>>>>> you
>>>>> interested in teaching any of these suggested classes? I need
>>>>> volunteers to
>>>>> teach.
>>>>>
>>>>> Heads up we hopefully will be having an email class with an Origami
>>>>> project
>>>>> in the near future. I will do a soap class and a sewing class, but
>>>>> I
>>>>> am busy with kicking off my new craft business. I am not sure if I
>>>>> can
>>>>> fit classes in that I will teach between now and middle of July. I
>>>>> have 4
>>>>> holidays between now and then to fill orders. Hopefully I am putting
>>>>> St.
>>>>> Patty's Day Wild Irish Roses to bed maybe by tomorrow. I have 100 in
>>>>> reserve
>>>>> for my Irish Bar that is selling soo many of them. I spent the last 2
>>>>> days
>>>>> working on Easter ones to get a head start. I will know on Wednesday
>>>>> if
>>>>> they need any more St. Patty's Day ones.
>>>>>
>>>>> We need to wait for the Latch Hook class to be finished before we
>>>>> start
>>>>> a
>>>>> new email class. I want to only do one at a time email class for now,
>>>>> until we work any problems out.
>>>>>
>>>>> So think about what you can teach, host a chat night topic. I will
>>>>> be
>>>>> there to help with what YOU do.
>>>>>
>>>>> Krafters Korner is for everyone and everyone makes Krafters Korner
>>>>> what
>>>>> it
>>>>> is!
>>>>> Joyce Kane
>>>>> _www.KraftersKorner.org_ (http://www.krafterskorner.org/)
>>>>> Blindhands at AOL.com
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> Nfb-krafters-korner mailing list
>>>>> Nfb-krafters-korner at nfbnet.org
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>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> -----
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>>>>> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
>>>>> Version: 10.0.1424 / Virus Database: 2113/4866 - Release Date:
>>>>> 03/12/12
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
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>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
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>>
>>
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--
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