I need your opinion please?

Question

I am a crafter. For the moment, I am doing alot of jewelry. My mother, grandmother and I started a business a few years back selling hand made crafts and novelties. Since about a year ago, they have been making these light up glass blocks and have totally been blowing me out of the water - taking over the company, putting me literally behind them at shows and other things. Wrong, I know. We just had another show today - they put me in the back and our customers couldn't even get back to me to see what all I had. I'm tired of it. They made over $3,000 in 5 hours today. I made $40 and I had alot more merchandise and alot more variety. We have another show next weekend. I need some ideas as to what else I can start making to help me.

What would you as a consumer buy at a craft show? What would it be made of? How much would you pay for it? I already do lit up bird houses and a few other things. I need more ideas. GIVE ME DETAILS, PLEASE! How much do I sell it for?

I tried doing their glass blocks. They make over 300% profit with them. I myself, cannot do that to someone. Not only that, but they lie about how they do it and everything else! Today, they gave a little girl $5 to go over to a stand across the way (these people had the blocks, too but they were selling them for $10 more.) and tell all the customers that there was another stand with better and cheaper blocks. For every person she got to come over and buy one, they gave her another $1. Do you not think that's wrong? I do...

But anyway, I tried doing the blocks and selling them for 2X the price it cost me to make them. They threw a fit! I wasn't allowed at the craft shows for 3 months!

I really feel like they don't want me in the business anymore - because I'm more talented and because I'm not into scamming the hell out of people. I would love to try and work together, but they just wont have it!

Answer 1

Well, if they blow you out of the water with nifty ways, it's best to get professional on them and see if they can counter that. First of all, get yourself a website, so you can showcase your stock well beyond the normal audience on a crafts show, and refer to it when people see your stuff and want to know loads more. Webhosts are not so expensive anymore, and making one is easy too. Try Lycos for example, they can give you a domain for a fixed annual price and enough tools to make something nice, even if you don't really know much about computers or websites. That said, it's always good to have a handy person around in case you run into problems.

Also, make sure your gear stands out from what your mum and grandma make. You could do this by changing the surface your art is on (a blue velvet cloth for example, if they're exhibition is on black..) and doing it up with slightly nicer touch such as glass panels or wooden boxes that you painted. Literally you should showcase your stuff, preferably in such a clear way that you get your own space. Even something as simple as a wooden crate with small shelves in it would do, as it defines your space and inside creates space for your particular artwork. It would put it apart from your mother's and grandmother's.

As for what you sell.. Well that is very particular. A friend of mine makes her own jewellery and sells it, and found that most people buy simplistic rings and necklaces, and that braces for example are less popular. In an arts fair, my eye is usually drawn to things that look weathered. A touch of rust on metallics, a slight dent on wooden statues.. Not only does it look more authentic, it also gives the buyer a reason to bargain. I suppose the secret lies in making something look like it's been made with the heart, rather than the hands. Arts over crafts, say. The difficulty then is that arts requires taste, while crafts can aim for massive amounts of buyers.. Decide on a course, and go for it while neglecting the sidetracks..

Answer 2

Look at the new novelties and get your ideas from them.If they are selling well then why can't you do it also?But don't make them look just like them.Charge a little less also.I've been to Arts Festivals where basically the same things are being sold but at different prices.Also,ambience counts.Hang a few plants around or decorate with a theme to sell your wares.i myself wouldn't buy the glass things.I like the wood and handmade jewelry.Also animal's painted on stone.
Put a sign in front of their booth or to the side that points the way to your crafts if you have to.Good Luck

Answer 3

Hi Tink, Sorry to hear that your mom and grandmother are taking total control of the business. Instant of coming up with new ideals you need to have a talk to mom and grands. Remind them that this business belongs to all 3 of you.Tell them that you don't think it's right to put you in the back and hog all the business.Tell mom and grands you are in business to make money,and that's for all 3 of you,not just 2. What you should do is set all 3 of your merchandises' up front and don't let them put you in the back anymore. You mom and grands shouldn't be treating you this way. For GOD SAKES THIS IS MOM AND GRANDS.They know better in what they are doing to you.Be strong and stand up to them.They need to learn to share the business.It's all 3 or not at all. A Friend.

Clowmy

Answer 4

I think people can feel free to have the opinion that they want. They should be able to express there opinion, and those who listen (which should be lots of people) should have an open mind, and maybe change there opinion. Some opinions may not turn into anything, but it doesnt mean there worthless. Even if nobody treasures your opinion, you should. Its what makes you who you are.

Answer 5

Honestly, I would buy what I think is nice.
The price it will depend on the material and the design. I once saw a small design made of paper and wire that was being sold for 20$ I personally thought it was expensive, but everyone else didn't.

Answer 6

I like things that you can put incenses or candles in them. I'm not into jewelry, sorry. can you make charms for charm bracelets (my mom eats that stuff up)? I hope this gave you some insight/ideas...good luck and just remember the word Karma...

Answer 7

If you three started the business together, why aren't you participating with them? Instead of sounding bitter, find out what the problem is. If you three are in business together, you ALL share equally in sales and profits.

Answer 8

sometimes it is do or die- if your customers can't see your merchandise they won't buy it- get a handsome man and or woman to wear or hold the item near your stand and when people inquire of it she-he tells them it was you----- i am sure you know some one good looking- pay them in merchandise- i do not think it was necessarily wrong for the people to pay the little girl- just a little underhanded-

Answer 9

Try some Native American crafts. Those always do well.

Answer 10

I'm not giving you ideas. I have my own inventions that I plan to rule the world with.