Today I set up stall for the first time in Hexham. There was a farmers market and a bout 12 stalls in the busy park near by. There was a brisk flow of potential customers, but very little actually sold....the only people selling things were the food stalls. Lots of compliments, but not much putting hands in pocket action. This is frustrating, as I think my stall looked the business. People expect everything to be so cheap these days.....well my stuff wasnt made in in a sweat shop in China or by a 7 year old in India. If I reduce my prices anymore it will not be worth my while. Maybe the recession has something to do with it but I took only £7:50 today....not even covering the £20 I payed for the pitch. A short reassement is necessary, not sure I'll be rushing back to Hexham with my wares. The only consolation is that the sun was shining all day and I was visited by family and friends.
Jill your stuff is gorgeous and your prices are extremely good - don't lose hope, just need to keep searching for the right kinda outlet. When I had my wee crafty business I found that the cheapest items always seemed to cause potential purchasers the most deliberation. Silly really... for the sake of a pound or two for something unique. A bit of suggestive packaging goes a long way, or, bundling items together in a themed set allows you to stick a bigger price on and offer something more substantial that maybe sits around the £12 - £15 mark?
ReplyDeleteYou could maybe also think about card & gift packages - a card with a felted topper that matches a garland, for example... all comes together in a see through packet and gives folk a quick and easy gift option - Happy New Home / Baby / Get well etc..... ?
ReplyDeleteThanks Heather...thats some good advice,
ReplyDeleteHi Jill...I know its an old post but I couldnt help comment as this makes my blood boil....People expect to pay 99p etc for quality Handmade items Made in Britain purely as thats is what they expect to pay due to the amount of cheap rubbish that floods into the UK every year..Dont let it get you down your crafts are absolutely fab and to all you people who come across this as I did PLEASE BUY HANDMADE BRITISH..we need your support and say NO to plastic cheep nasty rubbish....Thank you
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