I just sounded so pretentious right now in answering a convo from someone who was looking for vendors for a craft fair at her kids daycare. I thanked her kindly for the invitation, but explained that every time I do a "craft fair" I do poorly since my work is higher priced than most craft fair products and wished her luck with her craft fair.
God that sounded pretentious. It has been on my mind lately the value of my work. I feel that I will soon be hitting a crossroads where it's sink or swim with this jewelry business of mine. My youngest is in 2nd grade, and I feel I need to be earning an income to help with expenses for the family. I want it to be this. Making jewelry and jewelry findings. But it may have to be a part time job outside the home.
So this little business of mine has to be profitable in order to work. Only I really know what I put into each piece I make. And I'm not always good at explaining it. Only I know how I always strive for perfection ( I may not always get there but I never stop trying). Or how many hours I spent making a piece. So if I who knows all this doesn't value my work, who will?
So, I'm not going to be doing any craft fairs. I love to attend them, but it's been my experience as a seller that people who attend craft fairs don't really expect to spend a lot of money. I mean, I'm realistic. We all have to budget these days.
I remember when I first joined Etsy. I was so happy to have a sale that I just about gave stuff away. It's not sustainable. At some point you ask yourself what in the heck you're doing this for if it doesn't pay. I've got to look at it as a learning experience. I am happy to say that I finally value my work to the point that I am actually a little hurt when asked if I'll discount 20%. Or questioned as to why my prices are higher than they used to be, or told so and so sells it cheaper.
I hope that the time spent on my work shows and that my pieces will connect with someone. I hope to be making things out of silver for years to come....
God that sounded pretentious. It has been on my mind lately the value of my work. I feel that I will soon be hitting a crossroads where it's sink or swim with this jewelry business of mine. My youngest is in 2nd grade, and I feel I need to be earning an income to help with expenses for the family. I want it to be this. Making jewelry and jewelry findings. But it may have to be a part time job outside the home.
So this little business of mine has to be profitable in order to work. Only I really know what I put into each piece I make. And I'm not always good at explaining it. Only I know how I always strive for perfection ( I may not always get there but I never stop trying). Or how many hours I spent making a piece. So if I who knows all this doesn't value my work, who will?
So, I'm not going to be doing any craft fairs. I love to attend them, but it's been my experience as a seller that people who attend craft fairs don't really expect to spend a lot of money. I mean, I'm realistic. We all have to budget these days.
I remember when I first joined Etsy. I was so happy to have a sale that I just about gave stuff away. It's not sustainable. At some point you ask yourself what in the heck you're doing this for if it doesn't pay. I've got to look at it as a learning experience. I am happy to say that I finally value my work to the point that I am actually a little hurt when asked if I'll discount 20%. Or questioned as to why my prices are higher than they used to be, or told so and so sells it cheaper.
I hope that the time spent on my work shows and that my pieces will connect with someone. I hope to be making things out of silver for years to come....
I agree totally. There are people out there who will appreciate your work, and are willing to pay for it. And you're right, a craft show, church fair, etc, is not the right venue for your work. If you want to sell more, doing a fine art show would be the better place for your work. And that's where you'll find the right buyers for it too!
ReplyDeleteThank you Cindy! One day ....
DeleteAmen SISTER! I totally hear you on this topic. I have been nearly brought to tears by comments from craft fair customers...people don't realize what they are asking, how much work goes in to our creations, and how rude it is to make comments about how it doesn't seem "worth" it...I applaud your honesty and resolve!
ReplyDeleteIt's just not worth it. Emotionally draining. And I just don't know what to say to people who ask me to justify my price. Especially to my face. At least online you get time to compose yourself ;)
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ReplyDeleteYou're so right! I think a lot of craft fair organizers just want to fill their spots and don't necessarily consider your price point vs. the market they draw...either they don't know or don't care. I also find it difficult to justify the cost of some of my pieces to potential clients. It's hard to explain all the work that goes into creating a one of a kind piece, not to mention all the lessons learned, and your passion for everything to be perfect. Your work is gorgeous! I hope you can fabricate for many years to come as well!
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog....love your work! I found this posting interesting since I am often asked the same question- do I want to be a vendor at a school craft fair? A few years ago, I did jump at opportunities to take part but always ended up being disappointed. Many of these shows include vendors who have imported items, and those attending usually do not make the distinction between local, handcrafted items with high quality materials versus mass produced, imported pieces with materials that are sometimes of questionable quality. I now only do juried shows and gracefully decline to participate in the non-juried type. Your work is so lovely....I hope that you continue to find profitable venues.
ReplyDeleteHi Cynthia! I've had the same experiences with craft fairs. Ah well, live and learn eh? Thank you for your comment!
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