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Post by Pandagirl on Nov 3, 2014 15:51:12 GMT
Sorry it was a disappointment Zed, but as Ann pointed out you have inventory for the next one. Did you happen to notice if other vendors were selling? And if so what?
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Post by zed on Nov 4, 2014 11:46:48 GMT
It was at the same place I did the Summer one, Ann. I really don't go out at all, apart from grocery shopping/banking once a fortnight, these 3 fairs and a shoe shopping expedition to town (with a detour to abakhan) are the only places I've been in the last year.
I think people were selling what they thought other people would buy, Marilyn. I think I either have to give up trying to sell things or stop thinking that I'm cynically exploiting people by selling small amounts of fibres if that's what they want (even though it is vastly more expensive to them that way) and that I'm compromising my integrity by selling novelty items in line with whatever the current trend is (50's style owls with moustaches should cover all bases!)
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Post by Shepherdess on Nov 4, 2014 14:24:52 GMT
You do need to sell what people want. That doesn't mean stuff you hate. What's wrong with selling felted soap. I sell them because they sell not because I like making them. Its hard to figure out what will sell and at what price where you live. someone suggested jewelry but I know around here jewelers are a dime a dozen. sales will say on the application no jewellery. Other places jewelry sells well. could you see what was selling at other people booths?
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Post by Pandagirl on Nov 4, 2014 15:30:31 GMT
Zed, if people are willing to buy something they aren't thinking their getting ripped off. It may be they want to just try something.
Your work is so beautiful. Perhaps you could try framing them as works of art. Or selling them flat and let the buyer decide how to display them as a table decoration or a gift. Also, what about glass or cell phone cases? The soaps and felted rocks are always unique items.
Try not to be so hard on yourself. Your work is terrific. I think offering a variety of things at various price points is always a good idea.
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Post by MTRuth on Nov 4, 2014 18:37:56 GMT
I think you should sell the fiber packs Zed. You aren't ripping people off at all. You are selling them what they want.
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Post by luvswool and dyestuff on Nov 4, 2014 21:16:04 GMT
Zed, I am sorry to hear about your disappointing sales at the Fair. I agree with Ruth about selling the fiber packs. There are quite a few Etsy shops that have similar felting supplies. There’s one that I buy my felting foam and needles from but her fiber packs are very small and expensive. I believe there is room for competition.
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Post by zara on Nov 4, 2014 22:10:19 GMT
Zed - I can only agree that craft fairs are frustrating if you are trying to sell crafts... Where I live (Northern Sweden) most people spend their money on edible things - lunch and snacks on site and then locally produced cheeses etc to take home. They enjoy looking at the crafts, but few buy anything. Many are probably more interested in getting inspiration to go home and make their own crafts. If so, fiber packs or diy kits may be easier to sell. I am planering to give diy kits a try. Easy ones, with clear tutorials ("felting for dummies"?).
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Post by Pandagirl on Nov 5, 2014 0:17:14 GMT
Glad to see you back Zara!
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Post by janekiwi on Nov 5, 2014 3:42:44 GMT
Thanks Marilyn those flyers will be handy. Zed sorry to hear the sale was not a success in so far as sales but redeemed by meeting nice people.
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Post by Pandagirl on Nov 5, 2014 3:48:57 GMT
You're welcome Jane. It helps the forums and blog! Thanks for your support!
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Post by zed on Nov 5, 2014 11:37:49 GMT
There were lots of different stalls, Ann, from wood turning to hand bound books etc. The other fibre/wool artists sellers did well. Needlefelted pictures sell well (I thought about taking mine), so do scarves and bags, and knitted items from real wool did well too. Marilyn, I had my diaries/notebooks, soap, cards, small cases, larger cases, glasses cases, purses, coin and credit card pouches and flat felt pieces. I even did display cards which said things like "Decorative felt pieces. Handmade wool felt and nuno felt. Can be used for decorative wall hangings, table, dresser or sideboard mats. Or use them to make notebook covers, phone cases, vase covers etc' I did the same thing for all the pieces, gave suggested uses so people didn't get a fixed idea. I did sell one of the mirror cases a couple of people looked at last time, 2 people picked them up and said they'd make good phone cases, but put them down when they knew there was a mirror inside. It came out. I left them out this time and the last person on earth with a small nokia bought one I'll have to rethink the fibre packs. Ones I've done before took ages to put together, over 4 hours, and that's without the photos, listing, packing up and postage. I've also considered postage too, it's only about 70p more to post 250g to outside Europe, than 100g, so bigger packs seem more economical. To me, anyway Maybe I'll start a thread about what fibres people would like, I don't know I just want them all Thanks for all the comments and feedback, I think it's helped a lot of people.
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Post by Pandagirl on Nov 5, 2014 14:48:32 GMT
Well, Zed it seems you've tried everything possible to correctly market your wares learning from previous tries. I have a feeling it's just not the right market place. Perhaps you'll find a more efficient way to pack the fibers if you're doing a bunch at once. I agree with you I want all the fibers. :-). Hang in there and keep trying! Building a business takes time. Somehow you need more exposure.
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Post by luvswool and dyestuff on Nov 5, 2014 15:11:47 GMT
Just one more thought for you, Zed. You mentioned you don’t go out frequently, so posting mail would be a problem. During our severe winter weather in Chicago (below zero), I also stay in due to my asthma. Our postal service will pick up your packages for free if you send them a note on-line when you print your shipping label. That’s how I ship my Etsy sales during the very coldest days. Do you have a similar service in the UK? If not--perhaps a kind neighbor?
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Post by zed on Nov 7, 2014 11:30:31 GMT
I definitely think it's a case of finding the right market place too, Marilyn, or even targeting the right market online for certain items.
No we don't have anything like that for regular stuff, Cathy. It's available for businesses, but not one offs.
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Post by janekiwi on Nov 7, 2014 12:16:19 GMT
mpth! yes would be good to find the right market place.
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