| Author |
Marketplace:  Horrible experience  |
|
|
knewslady
True Blue Farmgirl
555 Posts
Kathy
Russellville
KY
USA
555 Posts |
 Posted - Jul 12 2007 : 6:31:19 PM
|
I guess I am just looking for somewhere to lick my wounds and I knew you girls would understand before anyone else would.
This has had to be one of the worst days of my life. I have come to realize that just having an Etsy shop is not going to be enough of an income so I have decided to follow the advice of others who have shops on Etsy to seek out wholesale accounts.
Well, I drove 30 miles to this one shop in another town that used to carry some of my candles, and guess what, her shop isn't there anymore? I know, I should have called first but I didn't. So, not only did I lose that much time I think I grieved more over the gas that was wasted than anything else.
I called another shop because I figure it is better to call than just drop in. Well, she was halfway nice about it but was on her way out of town and could I call her back in about a week.
Now, for the kicker. I live in a small southern town where the "haves" run eveything and those of us who don't quite have as much are much looked down upon.
I knew better than to call this shop but I did and asked for the owner. I went through my spill about being a local crafter and would she consider looking at some of my items for her shop. Her reply was, "You people want too much for your stuff, and I cannot double my money on any of it and then I just get stuck with it."
Maybe it is not that big of deal to some but I wish you could have heard the dripping sarcasm with the phrase "You people...."
I just thanked her for her time and hung up. It has just really bothered me all afternoon. One of the problems is that I am very "thin skinned" and things like that really get to me.
Then to beat it all, my grandson fell off of his rocking horse while I was babysitting this afternoon and took a good bang below his eye. That was when I lost it, and just sat in the floor and cried.
I know, I am just a big woosh, but I just had to tell someone I knew would understand. It's pretty sad when people who work their behinds off on crafts get looked down their noses on in such a way.
So, I am off to the sewing room. Tomorrow is another day, I just hope a better one.
Thanks for listening girls
Kathy
Will always be a farmgirl at heart
Visit my online shop at http://thebackfence.etsy.com
http://kathy-whimsicaldays.blogspot.com |
Edited by - knewslady on Jul 12 2007 6:32:35 PM |
|
|
Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Jul 12 2007 : 6:37:20 PM
|
Oh Kathy!! Your stuff is just wonderful! Don't let them get you down!! I have sold my things wholesale before in the past (dolls and hooked rugs) and have had that reaction a time or two (one time after a very long drive) and it hurts like heck! Just know that we are here for ya! You deserve better treatment..and they are the ones that would profit if they carried your goods..they are great!! Hang in there! I hope your grandson is better!
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
 |
|
|
Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22944 Posts
22944 Posts |
Posted - Jul 12 2007 : 7:02:10 PM
|
*hugs* Oh Kathy! I know exactly how you feel! I got that treatment from a few women shopkeepers here in town when I was trying to sell my soap. I even told them that I could make a special label just for their store and I got a snobbish treatment. It is really hurtful especially when you are trying to make a name for yourself. I love you items on your Etsy shop! You do wonderful work! I hope you find another outlet for your work!
Alee
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora! |
|
|
|
DaisyFarm
True Blue Farmgirl
1646 Posts
Diane
Victoria
BC
Canada
1646 Posts |
Posted - Jul 12 2007 : 9:37:49 PM
|
Quite frankly, I take pride in being one of the "you people". No one will ever accuse me of looking down my nose at someone or being a snob. Hold your head high Kathy and pity the snobs.
My two cents..
Di
|
|
|
|
Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
|
|
janetinva123
True Blue Farmgirl
363 Posts
Janet
newport news
va
USA
363 Posts |
Posted - Jul 12 2007 : 10:28:26 PM
|
it is very hard to start a business. sometimes I'll go a couple of weeks without a sale anywhere and I think why am I doing this. Then I realize that I need to market more or make more and I get ok. I also know if I love my products someone else will too. Just keep at it.
Jc
http://beloved-creations.blogspot.com
http://beloved-creations.com |
|
|
|
Marybeth
True Blue Farmgirl
6418 Posts
Mary Beth
Stanwood
Wa 98292
USA
6418 Posts |
|
|
Bluewrenn
True Blue Farmgirl
1122 Posts
Erin
Texas
USA
1122 Posts |
Posted - Jul 12 2007 : 11:16:17 PM
|
Unfortunately selling to stores will usually get you that reaction because quite simply, unless you are willing to sell your stuff for next to nothing, store owners are usually unwilling to take in items from small handcrafters. They can't get enough of a mark up to make it worth their while to sell it.
This is just a fact of life. (Now, that said, there are folks that have made it work, but it's not usually the case...) Don't let it get you down because it is not you personally or your products, it's handcrafted items in general.
Think of it this way too... you want someone who likes your product and really wants you to succeed to be selling it, or otherwise it's just not worth it. Someone that is that unpleasant would probably make more and more demands and leave you even more unhappy in the long run. So just try someone else.
It's hard to get started and it's hard to get your foot in the door. Sometimes it makes more sense to find a way for you to sell your items yourself. I have a friend who makes jewelry and that was the ONLY way she could sell her items and not take a loss. My items, unfortunately, are seasonal and so my sales aren't sufficient enough to even attract a store....
Also it seems like the only way to really be successful is to diversify. Don't put all your efforts into only ONE method of selling your products. Try different avenues and concentrate on what works best.
If ETSY doesn't work for you, first try having some folks evaluate your ETSY store and offer their suggestions and recommendations in regards to what you might do to make them want to buy your products. Then try their suggestions. Or at least some of them to see if it makes a difference. If not, try looking at other avenues.
The hardest part of selling online is realizing that it isn't just a matter of posting up some items, telling a couple of folks about your store and waiting for sales. You have to constantly promote your store, talk it up, get some press, etc... or you're just a site sitting in the middle of nowhere...
Also, cultivate your past customers. Ask them what it would take for you to get repeat business from them. Sometimes it might be something as simple as a 10% discount coupon on their next sale, or a freebie or two in the box.
My Homesteading Journal http://toomyvara.livejournal.com
My craft journal http://bluewrenn.livejournal.com
|
|
|
|
Tina Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
6948 Posts
Tina
sunshine state
FL
USA
6948 Posts |
Posted - Jul 12 2007 : 11:18:57 PM
|
Oh Kathy..I am so very sorry that you were treated so very rudely by that woman.That is such a shame that she was like that, and to be honest folks like that are to be pitied.
Your items are lovely and made with lots of love and care.
There is bound to be a market for them...just hang in there..and keep your chin up.
I hope your little grandson is doing better too.hugs to you.
~Seize the Day! Live, Love, Laugh~
visit me at:
http://gardengoose.blogspot.com/
and at www.stliving.net
you can also check out my etsy shops at:http://GardenGooseGifts.etsy.com |
|
|
|
Tina Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
6948 Posts
Tina
sunshine state
FL
USA
6948 Posts |
Posted - Jul 12 2007 : 11:39:02 PM
|
is there perhaps a store/stores in your area that do a consignment type situation?Like an antique mall/small boutiques?
I used to sell soaps in a few boutiques around town here and in a health food store..the health food store bought the product outright as did one of the boutiques..and I would go back every month or call them and ask if they needed restocked with any products..that worked o.k. for a while until everyone and their sister started making soap..one store let me do a 70/30 consignment deal..that worked well too for a while..but it was very tough doing the "cold calling". I would arm myself with the products in display baskets for the stores with a nice design..but even still it was difficult and I did walk away sometimes with some hurt feeling from time to time.(I did not call the stores ahead of time though..except to ask if the owner or manager was in for the day and what the store hours were..that way I knew I could see them in person on that given day and if I walked in they would have to treat me like a customer at first..and were less likely to give me an automatic no over the phone..this way they were required to see the product..then once they saw the product at least they had seen it without pre judging things with an auto response)...then I'd go to the store armed with my supplies and wait until I had a break..I'd sit in the parking lot and watch to make sure there weren't alot of customers ad that they'd have a free moment to devote to me...then walk in armed with my product..I did have to recite a "sales pitch" over and over to myself to get myself hyped up enough to speak..because I'm really a shy person and honestly not very good anymore at selling things like I used to be 20 yrs ago as a sales clerk..I've been out of the reatil loop for 17 yrs now...(but it can be done though..you just have to sometimes do self talks to build yourself up)I then eventually went to doing a small booth in an antique mall..that let me set up for free and didn't charge me for the space like they did others as I was the only one with the bath products in the whole place..but they did take like 20 percent from my sales..that worked for a wee bit until they stopped having the antiques and turned it into a comedy club/resturaunt venue.
Anyhow..keep on trying..persistance is key! You'll get there! and above all Keep your chin up and be proud! You have very nice things.We are all rooting for you!
~Seize the Day! Live, Love, Laugh~
visit me at:
http://gardengoose.blogspot.com/
and at www.stliving.net
you can also check out my etsy shops at:http://GardenGooseGifts.etsy.com |
|
|
|
knewslady
True Blue Farmgirl
555 Posts
Kathy
Russellville
KY
USA
555 Posts |
Posted - Jul 13 2007 : 02:55:16 AM
|
Thanks ladies, I appreciate all of the comments and this morning it has helped me feel a lot better. I will never ever understand why people want to be rude and ugly, why in the world everyone just can't be nice?
Hope everyone has a good weekend.
Kathy
Will always be a farmgirl at heart
Visit my online shop at http://thebackfence.etsy.com
http://kathy-whimsicaldays.blogspot.com |
|
|
|
Beemoosie
True Blue Farmgirl
2077 Posts
Bonnie
New York
USA
2077 Posts |
|
|
levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9745 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9745 Posts |
Posted - Jul 13 2007 : 07:27:21 AM
|
Kathy,
Just keep your chin up and keep going it will pay off in the end I am sure. When they say no just move on. Don't let them get the impression we need them, even if we do, if it wasn't for others what would they be selling?
Bonnie,
Good to see you back.
hugs,
Denise
"The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof and all that dwell therein."
www.torismimi.blogspot.com |
|
|
|
Cheryl
True Blue Farmgirl
919 Posts
Cheryl
Magalia
CA
USA
919 Posts |
Posted - Jul 14 2007 : 1:29:36 PM
|
Hi Kathy,
I'm so sorry. I am always amazed at how rude some people can be. I always try to remember that "If God is for me, who can be against me" Have a wonderful day!
Cheryl :) |
|
|
|
kitchensqueen
True Blue Farmgirl
521 Posts
521 Posts |
|
|
Luzy
True Blue Farmgirl
922 Posts
Luanne
Pueblo
Colorado
USA
922 Posts |
Posted - Jul 14 2007 : 3:06:53 PM
|
Ya know, my Grandpa used to say that mean people like that were 'weaned on a pickle"! So just picture that mean ol' witch suckin' on a pickle, and have a good laugh!! Don't let her bother you, cause she's the one that's missing out on your wonderful creations! You hang in there! Hugs, Lu
--
May I always be the kind of person my dog thinks I am.
http://luzy.etsy.com- My etsy store! |
|
|
|
Christine in Clark Fork
Farmgirl in Training
34 Posts
Christine
Clark Fork
Idaho
USA
34 Posts |
Posted - Jul 14 2007 : 7:32:34 PM
|
Kathy--Some days are diamonds, some days are stone. When you put your heart and soul into something it is hard not to take it personal. Believe in yourself. If you love your product--someone else will. Though in this day and age of plastic & cheap, sometimes even the best product won't make you rich. I know it may sound trite, but search for happiness not money. If you enjoy what your doing and are happy, people will be drawn to you and eventually you will find success.
Last piece of advise. Re-read Mary Jane's Book. While I love the farmy articles, I think her book it the best book on marketing and cross-marketing I have ever seen. I have read it several times and it has changed my life in regards to marketing my talents. Take care and be thankful for what you have.
Christine
www.huckleberrytentandbreakfast.com
|
|
|
|
nashbabe
True Blue Farmgirl
687 Posts
687 Posts |
Posted - Jul 15 2007 : 4:54:02 PM
|
Retailers do need to get double wholesale for their retail price. Some items I do are worth wholesaling to me, and some are not. Basically I'm looking for 4X my costs for a retail price. Also, what products do you have that are distinctive? I haven't looked around at your stuff, just asking you to look and see what unique things you can do for your products. I wholesale candles and would never do so without having product liability insurance and good safety labeling so I highly recommend that too. Some shops look like the buyer went to the Atlanta Gift Mart or etc. and bought everything at the showrooms, and some have items that were truly handmade and have a unique quality. The latter are obviously the ones we're all looking for. I don't know what your situation is but perhaps there is a farmers market or art/craft shows you can sell your products at too...that sometimes leads to wholesale leads. I think of wholesale as farming out my sales function...I don't have to do anything to actually sell the product once it is there, and don't have to spend the time at shows or pay booth fees to sell it, so it can sometimes be worthwhile. I could certainly stand to do some more wholesale stuff...my best wholesale stuff has been people seeing my items and then requesting a chance to sell them. Perhaps you know people who know the buyers, or can send samples of your best stuff and then follow up with a phone call. I'm no wholesale expert, just a few ideas in case they are worthwhile.
Crunchy crafty goodness and psychoses...;-)http://nashbabe.blogspot.com |
|
|
|
cabinmoose
True Blue Farmgirl
218 Posts
Lorna
Forest Hill
MD
USA
218 Posts |
Posted - Jul 16 2007 : 10:51:29 AM
|
Any of you gals that are convenient to MD. In September there is an event called The Bel Air Festival for the Arts. http://www.belairfestival.com/
It may be too late for this year but keep in mind for next year. They only accept handmade items. The crafter must be in the booth at the event. There are no commercial items! It is an awesome show held rain or shine and it attracts thousands and thousands of people. I believe this is the 42nd year. I save all year to be able to shop all day long. Most people have thier Christmas Club Savings....I call my my Craft Club! I put away $10 per week and then I have $520 to shop with come September! I do most of my christmas shopping here! There is something for everyone!
Cheers
Lorna Orick,
Forest Hill, MD |
|
|
|
Firemama
True Blue Farmgirl
1731 Posts
Amanda
Medical Lake
WA
USA
1731 Posts |
Posted - Jul 16 2007 : 12:41:12 PM
|
I agree with Diane, I am one of "you people" and damn proud of it. You are obviously hardworking and dependable. You want something? Go for it!!! Try again with some other shops, we all belive in you!! Hugs!
Mommy to 2
Your FreckleFaced Farm Girl!!
Help when you can, Pray when you can't. |
|
|
|
BarefootGoatGirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1495 Posts
Corrine
North Carolina
USA
1495 Posts |
Posted - Jul 16 2007 : 4:47:10 PM
|
Kathy, I am so sorry to hear about your bad experience. I understand the "thin skinned" part, I tend to be that way too...t's hard not to let people crush you sometimes (the good side of the that coin is we tend to be extra loving).
As for sales ops, have you tried farmers markets? My step mom regualarly sells food items at the farmers market, but recently took a batch of very fancy decorated goose eggs. She sold out of those eggs long before anything else was gone and made $15 each for them (they were somehting she made on a whim last winter). Also, if you shop at any small stores or eat at small local restraunts, they may be willing to display and sell your items. I know this is commonly done in my hometown.
Lots of luck. Trina
http://glitteringgoat.blogspot.com/
If you would know Love, you must know pain too. -Hannah Hurnard |
|
|
|
KYgurlsrbest
True Blue Farmgirl
4853 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4853 Posts |
Posted - Jul 17 2007 : 07:35:05 AM
|
Hey Kathy--
Saw this post and I felt terrible for you--I'm not at ALL talented, and I think it takes a great deal of courage to get out there and sell your stuff. Sure, I'd feel pretty beat up after a phone call like that. I never know how proprietors stay in business when they're not very nice folks to begin with!
I took a look at your etsy, and here's what I'm thinking: We have two stores here, in Northern Kentucky that cater to nothing BUT Kentucky crafted items. Could be anything.
One is in Walton, Kentucky, the other in Newport, Kentucky. The one in Walton is called Simple Times General Store, 14 S. Main Street, Walton, KY 41094-0095, (859) 493-0100. I've been in there several times, and have purchased items similar to yours. She's a great lady, and unfortunately, I can NOT remember her name. She's been there about 2 years now, here is her website: http://simpletimesshop.com/. The Newport store is called Kentucky Haus Craft Gallery, 411 E 10th St., Newport, KY 41071, (859) 261-4287; she also has a website: www.kentuckyhaus.com
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE give these ladies a call.
"She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian. |
Edited by - KYgurlsrbest on Jul 17 2007 07:38:46 AM |
|
|
|
Tracey
True Blue Farmgirl
766 Posts
Tracey
State of Confusion
USA
766 Posts |
Posted - Jul 17 2007 : 8:38:11 PM
|
Kathy, it just takes time to build up clientelle, don't get too discouraged just yet. As has been mentioned, retailers need to double what they pay you; did they know you'd be willing to give them a price break? I have folks who often think that I'm going to ask them for my direct to consumer price, and I have to smile and tell them that I'm very aware that I'll need to halve my price so that they, too, can make a profit.
The formula when making soap is cost x 3 for wholesale, and x 5 or 6 when selling direct to consumer. Obviously, these are small ticket items, and larger items will likely not have quite that big a mark up. But take a look at your products and see if you can either increase your cost to consumer, or decrease it for a wholesale. If you can't afford to cut it, then you're selling it for too little to the consumer.
Another thing to consider is if your market area will support the cost of your products. My soaps aren't going to sell well in a geographic area that is big into discount stores, but if a town has specialty shops that are doing well, then I'll do better. Finding the right market is key. I had a lovely little shop up north of me that did a bang up business with my sheep milk soaps; the store was called The Shabby Sheep...it was a natural fit! Finding a shop like that is difficult, but when you do, the pay off can be big.
Please Vote For Me!
http://www.blogforayear.com/profiles/desperate-horsewife
http://carpentercreek.wordpress.com |
|
|
|
queenofdreamsz4u
True Blue Farmgirl
3845 Posts
Stephanie Suzanne
Smoky Mountains Tennessee
USA
3845 Posts |
Posted - Jul 18 2007 : 12:21:10 AM
|
Kathy,
My first thought about your candles is this...mail out some what I call "sniffers"...meaning put a few drops of your different fragrances on a cotton ball and wrap it in plastic wrap so the scent will remain strong and seperate from the others then mail these to some of the farmgirls with websites or blogs.
They can write a "review" or article about you and your candlemaking. That would at least expose your etsy shop so it could get more hits..
My blog and website are just getting started but I have a 'product review" section and I'd be happy to write a review there and on my blog..I'm sure there are others that would do the same thing for you.
In fact, that's the great thing about networking...we can promote one another as well as be there for one another when times are not so good. We do an excellent job networking on this forum so it seems like a "no brainer" to network within our blogs and websites.
I realize everyone has a specific business that they are in but more websites than not these days are finding the benefits of writing articles and reviews to help them with their search engine rankings.
Ok....my two cents worth 
Let me know if you want to mail me some "sniffers". I'll email my address to you.
And I absolutely love the visual on that witch being weaned on a pickle..RITFLOL 
...til next time ~ queenofdreamsz
"hold close your inner child and always listen to the gentle whispers" ~queenofdreamsz
|
|
|
|
KATHY ROZEN
Farmgirl at Heart
3 Posts
Kathy
Denver
Colorado
USA
3 Posts |
Posted - Jul 22 2007 : 09:01:52 AM
|
Hello, Hello!
This is my first time on the chat forum. I just had to reply. I have been a Certified Massage Therapist for 16 years, self employed. For the last 4 years I have been studying upholstery. I now have a new business in upholstery. It is just at the starting gate.
Before I began, Kathy, I read every book I could find on small business and selling crafts and art. It enlightened me. Mind you, I still have soooooo... much to learn. Reading Mary Janes forum has helped me as well.
The more confident I became about my product and services, and how to do it the negative personalities don't affect me, in fact I can't remember any off hand. My massage clients are very affluent and they are the ones that are asking for work in my upholstery business.
I can not afford to live in the area where my clients are. When I first starting working doing massage in this affluent area I was intimidated. A few tried to push my buttons, at the beginning, but the more seasoned, professional, and confident I have become in what I do over the years, the better rapport and the healthier my experience became. I now adore and truly love these people. When I changed my own inner beliefs that I had of others, especially those with great financial wealth, my whole career took off and is more fullfilling now than when I started. These folks of great affluence are the ones who pay my bills and are the ones seeking my upholstery services and therapy services.
When I am interested in a boutique etc., to see if they might sell my work on consignment or what ever, I always visit several times, out of a professional courtesy, before I present myself and my work. It hasn't failed me yet.
Kathy, I grew up in Denver in a very blue collar environment. My Mom's family are farmers in eastern Colorado. I realized that my up bringing subconsciously influenced how I percieved others with money. When I realized that there really are no "have or have nots" just a difference in how we think of money and business, my career and business has taken a very positive turn.
There are rude people in every walk of life. In business you can't take it personally. I have chosen to never give folks like that any power in my mind or heart. I give my focus and attention on those that have been my greatest support, my regular clients.
Good luck, Honey, you'll do great!
Homesteader at Heart - Kathy in Denver
|
|
|
|
sunshine78
True Blue Farmgirl
106 Posts
Cynthia
Western
Nebraska
106 Posts |
Posted - Jul 22 2007 : 09:38:19 AM
|
| To that store owner-what goes up must come down. Don't let those people get to you. My grandmother always told me don't let people snub you, you are just as goodlooking as them, you are just as smart as them, and truth be known you probably have just as much money as them too. I'm sure that applies to you too. People like to put up a front, but look beyond that and you never know what you'll find. |
|
|
| |
Marketplace: Horrible experience |
|
Horrible experience
