Yesterday I spent the day behind a table at the So. San Francisco Elks Ladies Holiday Luncheon showing my little creations. I had a lot of positive feedback and made enough money to cover the cost of renting the table plus a profit. I was thrilled to say the least.
With each craft fair I participate in, I learn something. Yesterday was no exception. In addition to trying new ways to display things, I had tagged all my items with a code that made it so much easier to keep track of what I was selling. When someone bought something, I took the tag off the item and didn’t need to worry about finding it on the inventory sheet right away. At the same time, the tag has the price on it so if someone was buying multiple cards (YES!) I could easily add the price up instead of trying to keep the figures in my head. When I had a break between customers, I was able to go through the inventory sheet and mark the items I sold from the numbers on the tags. Then I could go into the Etsy shop and take the items out of inventory so no one buys something that is already sold. At one of the fairs I actually got a notice that someone had purchased some cards online from the Etsy shop and I had to go quickly through and pull them off the display for the same reason. Oh to have such problems all the time!
The next big thing I learned is that I have to be more aware of my customers. I am always friendly and like to explain how my mini-albums are made with lots of interaction and places for pictures, etc. I also point out which ones can be made into custom orders for different occasions. I listen to the shoppers telling me about what they are looking for or who they want to buy for so I can direct them to the right spot, but thinking back on a conversation with a woman from yesterday I realize I may have missed a great opportunity. She was telling me about a store she has in San Francisco, an art store, where she gives lessons to kids after school. We were talking about how that was such a great thing to do and she said that the kids were very proud of their art work. I commented that it was much better to get them involved in art than wandering the streets or playing video games. In other words, I had a detailed conversation with her. She took one of my business cards and said that she would display it along with some of the cards she bought in her store. I said, “Thank you very much! That is so kind.” What I DIDN’T say was, “Maybe we could talk about some sort of consignment arrangement and I could make some cards for you to sell in the store,” or “Maybe we could talk about me coming up and showing your kids how to make some cards or mini-albums.” Unfortunately, since she paid with cash I have no record of what her name is or any way to connect with her. Perhaps from now on I’ll have a sign up sheet to collect email addresses for people who seem interested so that I have a way to contact people when I make something I think might interest them. There was another woman asking about penguins or Nutcrackers.
I have a couple of weeks before my next show so I have time to figure out something to use to collect this information and make some more items to sell. I’ll add more penguins and Nutcrackers just in case. I also gave a shout out to the full moon last night and hope that the woman (or someone from her shop) contacts me so I can bring up the possibility of working together.
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| Last night’s full moon |
One more thing I realized is that because I am an introvert, days like yesterday are a little bit draining for me. I was in bed by nine PM and didn’t even have my usual cup of tea or read. In fact, my daughter insists I fell asleep in mid-conversation with her. I won’t believe that but I was definitely tired and even though I had to set up and take down the display by myself, it really isn’t that physical of an activity. I have read about people who are introverted needing time to decompress after socializing but I never realized until yesterday that it is something I deal with as well.
How about you? Ever re-think a conversation that could have led to an opportunity you might have missed? See the full moon last night? Experience a need for time to unwind after a social function?
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Absolutely I have those “I shoulda said…” moments! But here’s the thing, often times I am simply ENJOYING an interaction. I’m not thinking about calculating a business agenda. This would indeed be a challenge to me. I’ve watched my writer friend Marian do it. She stays focused on the sale, but in a friendly way. It’s surely a skill one must polish. Your friendly disposition sets a nice tone.
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Thanks Joey. That is exactly what was happening. I was just being in the moment and not thinking of future potential. Fortunately for me it worked out!
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I am the queen of re-thinking conversations! Good for you for having such a successful craft show. I can imagine this must be your busiest season. I think it would be fun to meet and talk to all of the people at the shows, but I think I would be in bed by 9 also after the draining day.
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Glad to know I’m not the only one. It is a very busy month for me and I think that one of the things I am learning is that I need to start crafting for the holidays throughout the year.
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Your display is awesome with all your pretties! I love the fact you made a profit and had fun doing it. I, too, am an introvert and have to rest after a social event, especially one where I have to deal with the public. You probably know of this website, but sometimes they have great sales on display items–it’s for photographers and it’s called Photographer’s Edge. Looks like you have the table down pat–your display is very pretty.
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Thanks Dawn. Every time I do a show I tweak the display just a bit. I think for the next one I may not put out the cards for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day and that would leave me a little more room.
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Congratulations!! Way to make a profit too. And it sounds like your introvert did exactly what it was supposed to do when it got home! Recharge! To answer your questions: How about you? Ever re-think a conversation that could have led to an opportunity you might have missed? Everyday – I’m an introvert too. See the full moon last night? Yes, it was so bright against the white snow on the ground. Experience a need for time to unwind after a social function? Absolutely, and I nurture that need so I can go out again and build the muscles to deal with social events. Hugs to you – PS your coding system for sales is brilliant!!!
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Thanks Shelley. The moon was pretty here so I can only imagine what it looked like against the snow. Glad I am not the only one who misses out on possible opportunities.
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You’re welcome! Yes, the moon is very pretty on the snow. Maybe this winter I’ll get a photo of it. You’re doing great stretching your introvert muscles – half the battle is recognizing that an opportunity is there in the first place!
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I become more of an introvert with each passing year! And anytime I have to be at an all day event I find I really need to climb into bed early and preferably have a chunk of solitude the next day. Good to listen to yourself!
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It is interesting to me that I didn’t even realize I was an introvert until I was in my 50’s but as I looked back on my life it became clear to me.
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I took the Meyers-Briggs test in my late 20’s and it said I was a75% introvert. I just thought the test was wrong. 20 years later I realized that explained all the drinking!
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Yay! Congratulations!
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Thanks Jill. I was encouraged by the responses in the people this year.
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Excellent!
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It was a much better turnout than last time.
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💗💗
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Congrats on a show well done. I think your ability to upgrade your sales system plus listen to your customers will take in you in the right direction. Here’s to many more great shows.
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Thanks Ally. I am excited to try the next one which is a new venue for me. It is with a Catholic Church group on a Sunday after mass so maybe they will feel generous. 🙂
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Oops – that should have read “continue to have more successful shows in the future”. Congratulations on the organizer contacting you and inviting you personally. That’s very cool!
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Congratulations on a successful show. With your reflections here,I know that you will continue to have more continued shows this season.
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Thanks Donna. I am hoping so. The next one is at a venue I have not sold at before but the organizer contacted me because she liked my work so it’s kind of exciting.
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