tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36001820.post1019788411770731117..comments2023-10-20T08:52:24.875-07:00Comments on this artist's life:: get out of my booth.Whitney Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00491079459627713472noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36001820.post-73675392027782985512015-12-06T10:04:43.592-08:002015-12-06T10:04:43.592-08:00I'm selling my product at a show right now and...I'm selling my product at a show right now and have to price match my competition. Another thing that is bugging me is browsers galore. I mean why come out here if you're not gonna buy? Local small business here, hello! Alpha Mermaid Warrior https://www.blogger.com/profile/08846683315928745761noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36001820.post-86425131991927182212015-03-20T10:10:45.959-07:002015-03-20T10:10:45.959-07:00The best answer to this question that I have used ...The best answer to this question that I have used is "insert number of years as an artist". They usually leave then.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07695087680097751905noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36001820.post-82720063778665930042014-03-12T06:30:08.287-07:002014-03-12T06:30:08.287-07:00You are so right. I am so jealous of the t-shirt b...You are so right. I am so jealous of the t-shirt booths. I sometimes get potters in my booth. There are two kinds, if someone says cheerfully, I am a potter and I have the time, I love to talk to them, we can talk temperatures and glazes, joys and sorrows. I dont want to copy them and they dont want to copy me. We talk about selling tips. Then there is the potter that wants your glaze recipe and firing temperature. They want to copy... and like you said, good luck to them. I have my mini bin. Pots I can sell real cheap because I make them at fairs and shows. Sometimes people pick up 5 and ask if they buy five can they get them for half price. This bugs me. I tell them they are twice that price on my web site... It is all a game.reggie the potter and tape loom weaverhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07772676166508352580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36001820.post-27476140937406924522014-03-12T06:23:23.969-07:002014-03-12T06:23:23.969-07:00as a potter, i can relate
as a potter, i can relate<br />reggie the potter and tape loom weaverhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07772676166508352580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36001820.post-59585461736866120282012-12-18T10:02:59.183-08:002012-12-18T10:02:59.183-08:00This is all true! I've experienced every one o...This is all true! I've experienced every one of these people and I've only done one art fair. It's worse because my work isn't functional so I get..."so it's JUST decoration??" Lauriehttp://www.laurieappleby.com/blog.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36001820.post-84334139342338913082012-08-16T14:49:58.425-07:002012-08-16T14:49:58.425-07:00Heard this all before. In my own booth...I enjoyed...Heard this all before. In my own booth...I enjoyed your rant. <br />C'est la vie I suppose.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36001820.post-40433254878583373712012-08-15T10:02:46.132-07:002012-08-15T10:02:46.132-07:00These kinds of posts are always insightful, and ha...These kinds of posts are always insightful, and have many times kept me from saying the wrong things to vendors or within ear reach,(and have stopped hubby from making the "you could make that" comments) that I never knew might be taken as offensive in the past. I'm an artist but I have never done shows. I'm more of a shopper, usually the one chatting up the artist, petting the items and leaving with a business card. I'm just more comfortable shopping online for some reason. When I've eyed that pretty I've saved in my favorites (sometimes for months or years) just waiting for the right time, or funds. Sitting comfortably in my pj's with coffee in hand. It's the same way with clothes for me, I find something online for a decent price but I'm not sure of the fit. I'll go into a store and try it on and shop for the same thing online (unless it's cheaper in the store which rarely happens). <br /><br />Now when it comes to the handmade world, I fall in love over and over on the internet. If I see it and the artist in person this usually finalizes my opinion of both in that brief encounter. Most often the art is as wonderful or better in person, so it comes down to the attitude of the artist.(More like a celebrity and I'm the wide eyed fan trying to contain myself) Many have lost a future sale because they can't be bothered to get off their chair, or they are complaining to someone about another customer so I can hear. I walked away once because of an especially boisterous political conversation the artist was having with a lingerer. I wanted to say "Hey, that was a much cuter piece before you got your politics all over it". But if it is a good experience, I save that card with a little savings envelope JUST for that piece or with a person in mind for holiday shopping, and do go to the website to see what else the artist offers.Aimee Jeffrieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04528195875082903214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36001820.post-66928543626119426732012-08-12T08:48:29.701-07:002012-08-12T08:48:29.701-07:00Love this post. I read it nodding in agreement al...Love this post. I read it nodding in agreement all the way through. <br />When I am asked how long it takes to do something, I generally reply, "All my life." It gets rid of the time wasters, but has also started some interesting conversations about life and it's influences.<br />I found you via Hollis at Hatchville Pottery,smartcathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15430370214403895826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36001820.post-5091395553947434852012-08-09T07:08:02.631-07:002012-08-09T07:08:02.631-07:00I agree with Judi...Whitney take this talk to NCEC...I agree with Judi...Whitney take this talk to NCECA. You know how to tell it(and sell it) girl.JosieJurczeniahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07217476492071202820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36001820.post-36260591337534137922012-08-03T17:13:01.927-07:002012-08-03T17:13:01.927-07:00Flump, I think you make an interesting point that ...Flump, I think you make an interesting point that vendors are NOT show employees, but customers of the people who are running the show. I have not ever stopped to consider that before.<br /><br />If I were writing etiquette guidelines for show attendees, which in my grandiose imagination would be distributed like little flyers along with show maps in every show across America, one guideline would be:<br /><br />--Photographers, please feel free to take pictures of artists work AFTER you have asked their permission!<br /><br />That continues to me one of my biggest gripes, that people think they can take an image of my work without asking if it's okay with me. Show runners should provide little tags that say "No photography without permission." Photography at shows was a strict no-no until every person in America came equipped with a high -res camera in their phone, now people feel free to take images of anything they want. Not one of these people stops to ask themselves how it feels to be on the other side of that. It feels intrusive and rude. Also, I think there is a tiny part of people that think that an image is almost as good as owning something, because I have noticed that people with cameras (almost) NEVER buy work.Whitney Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00491079459627713472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36001820.post-9672027627571837392012-08-03T16:47:30.881-07:002012-08-03T16:47:30.881-07:00Laughing!! I've met all of these people. My fa...Laughing!! I've met all of these people. My favorites are at the local shows, when someone says,"Oh, we can just come to your studio!" Meaning, <i>we don't have to buy from you here, we can buy from you anytime.</i> I could never quite get the right wording to say, "No, you can't. There are rarely any pots at my studio because I sell them elsewhere. Like HERE."<br /><br /><br />Actually I like talking to the potters. That is, if there's no one around who's actually going to BUY something, and there often isn't.Lori Wattshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08636118097692465116noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36001820.post-88855053385552189012012-08-01T21:56:18.165-07:002012-08-01T21:56:18.165-07:00Tire kickers are tiresome in all areas of retail.Tire kickers are tiresome in all areas of retail.JBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15597652623447564987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36001820.post-17219621973655382742012-08-01T15:23:03.291-07:002012-08-01T15:23:03.291-07:00Most people at shows are very nice, I've had s...Most people at shows are very nice, I've had some great conversations with people that didn't buy anything. That's okay, it comes with the territory.<br />Other people are out and out assh... um, timewasters. I'm not being nice to them no matter what, they're never going to buy anything anyway.<br />Apparently Cat is suffering under the delusion that artists at a show are show employees. They aren't. They are customers.<br />Also, how Cat can say that allowing people to take pictures without permission is okay is beyond me. No, the person taking the picture(s) may not copy the work; but how about the recipient of the picture(s) which may be in china, India, Mexico? Most shows we do have official show photogs, and they have shirts or credentials which identify them as such; anyone else must ask permission to take pictures; the promoters here recognize that theft occurs. Too bad for Cats artists that Cat doesn't seem to realize that.<br />Whether you were serious or not Whitney, your post title rings true for many peopleFlumphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01714362851237142617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36001820.post-41729457021742667402012-08-01T14:51:53.898-07:002012-08-01T14:51:53.898-07:00:) Good response.
I did take to twitter and ask ...:) Good response. <br /><br />I did take to twitter and ask for vendors to tell me what they do to solve some of your problems, and got great answers. So all in all WAY TO GO! <3Cat Rocketshiphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01283939423810078777noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36001820.post-5793400578892252532012-08-01T12:29:12.899-07:002012-08-01T12:29:12.899-07:00Cat, I understand what you're saying. I would ...Cat, I understand what you're saying. I would like to make the point that I'm writing about something on my mind in a way that amuses me, and something I know other vendors will get a deep belly laugh out of because they identify. I get that not all find me funny and take what I write very seriously. The title of the post alone should alert readers that I'm not serious, but I have to accept that it blew by some people. <br /><br />I have all kinds of issues with people: people at shows, people in the grocery store, people on the freeways, people with cameras, and I do my best to maintain myself and not become the type of person other people have issues with. Which means I try to be kind of considerate to all I encounter, even when they get on my nerves. I think MOST of us do that. I always do my best to give great customer service because I like people, and I like selling my work. I generally do pretty well at shows, sometimes less so, and if I'm not doing well it's usually because of things outside of my control. And if I'm at a slow show and I need to keep myself busy by writing down my observations, and composing snarky blog posts, and making lists of the things people say to me over and over again, nobody knows what I thinking but me. And my blog readers. <br /><br />If my post made you cringe, then I think it's a good opportunity for you as a show runner to think about how to make the show experience better for everyone-- attendees, vendors, etc. A little education on all sides, some thoughts on how to behave, expected courtesies (like ASKING to take pictures of work), etc. If you want input in a serious way and not a snarky way, then you know where I am!Whitney Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00491079459627713472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36001820.post-45237638095489167502012-08-01T11:28:22.019-07:002012-08-01T11:28:22.019-07:00So, I run (and show in) a craft fair, and I'd ...So, I run (and show in) a craft fair, and I'd be pissed if you were one of my vendors snarking about their customer base. A. Yes, shows are weird for shoppers, too. We're used to impersonal mega-stores, not tiny super-intimate booths. B: Let people come in and take photos or ask about your work: you're right. They'll never copy it. Being less than customer-friendly is not helping you sell all that stuff you're worried about people knicking. C: I've found that if you at least fake it -- smile, stand, not make long lists of everything you hate about a show -- you'll do a looooot better. But you probably know that already. <br /><br />Sorry for my own snark. I've read your blog for a long time, and I often share your posts with other makers. This one just made me cringe, as a showrunner.Cat Rocketshiphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01283939423810078777noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36001820.post-62332716543889998532012-07-30T12:38:25.674-07:002012-07-30T12:38:25.674-07:00Barbara, when people ask, "Do you have a stud...Barbara, when people ask, "Do you have a studio?" I always answer, "You mean for visiting?" and when they say "Yes," I always say, "I do, but it's only open by appointment." That discourages most people from the idea that they will drop in on me later. If people are very motivated to buy in my studio, it's okay, but it does interrupt my work day, so I want people to be committed to being buyers and not browsers if they want to come to my studio.<br /><br />It doesn't hurt my feelings at all if people don't want to buy at a show. My work IS expensive and it's not for everyone style-wise. <br /><br />When people make an excuse to me about why they are not buying, I think THEY think I need to hear an excuse to feel okay about them leaving, since they have a legit reason. It's just not the case. I find excuses annoying, and every seller I know finds excuses annoying, since there is an underlying expectation that we "accept" their reason. Fair-goers are obviously not obligated to buy a single item, but nor are sellers obligated to excuse them for it, that's not our role in this particular play. Buy or don't buy, that is up to the fair attendees, but don't pull me into your process unless you are looking for me to talk you out of it!Whitney Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00491079459627713472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36001820.post-78164108476749162682012-07-30T08:56:03.144-07:002012-07-30T08:56:03.144-07:00SLYL and BAJA - You CRACK ME UP!!! Sorry you didn&...SLYL and BAJA - You CRACK ME UP!!! Sorry you didn't leave with a pocket stuffed with cash to go to the local pub! That is really the only answer after ANY show :)cindy shakehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01353820195984269329noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36001820.post-37155385477473537542012-07-30T04:13:00.216-07:002012-07-30T04:13:00.216-07:00I think all shows are a challenge, I always find a...I think all shows are a challenge, I always find a number of folks who don't buy on the day and then regret it only having to pay postage later...Quietly Otakuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16163867249259070785noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36001820.post-2517578211883352332012-07-29T14:17:20.329-07:002012-07-29T14:17:20.329-07:00As someone who has in the past done Art Shows as w...As someone who has in the past done Art Shows as well as the Arts and Crafts events and now frequent art events as both a buyer and a looker I cannot understand doing them or even having a retail sales space if you really detest the public so much. Honestly, I enjoyed the interaction with those who were not buying as well as those who were. <br />Not everyone who attends these things has the budget to buy all that they admire, I certainly do not. Not everyone is knowledgable about what goes into the making of a pot and their questions about it may just be honest attempts to learn something.Donnahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04019152635905974425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36001820.post-74553390534085106852012-07-29T06:41:47.290-07:002012-07-29T06:41:47.290-07:00"Do you have a website?" is the new &quo..."Do you have a website?" is the new "Do you have a card?". And you're absolutely correct -- It translates exactly to, "I've looked just long enough at your stuff that I now need a graceful way to escape your booth embarrassment-free. Especially since I noticed that you were looking at me."<br /><br />A good response is, "Why, of course I have a website. I built it and my Etsy site for the express purpose of guaranteeing that I will NEVER AGAIN sell to an impulse buyer..........the very kind of buyer upon whom I financially depended and built my pottery empire for the past thirty years."<br /><br />Oh. Sorry. Was I shouting bitterly? <br /><br />...oh, and I love your blog. Do you have any books?<br /><br />...I mean...<br /><br />I love your pottery, do you have anything else I could love and not buy?<br /><br />...I mean...<br /><br />great teeth. Are those yours?John Baumanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10910451039953672849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36001820.post-12303035312425515732012-07-28T05:33:53.956-07:002012-07-28T05:33:53.956-07:00"oh, you're local so I can come buy from ..."oh, you're local so I can come buy from you anytime."<br /><br />Actually, not really since I have a small studio and don't have room for a dedicated retail space and I'd be pulling pots down off high shelves and out of boxes for you to see...<br /><br />But that's not the point. I don't get my feelings hurt over pottery. If you don't want to buy something today or ever, just smile and say thanks or whatever as you walk out of my space, and I'll smile and say "you're welcome, thank you." or whatever.<br />:)barbaradonovanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06694148642745082571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36001820.post-1716007571109131312012-07-26T15:22:05.450-07:002012-07-26T15:22:05.450-07:00Flump and Dalhaus, those are classic lines as well...Flump and Dalhaus, those are classic lines as well, and were part of the notes I was keeping under the heading, "the sale that died before it even took a breath." A variation on the two you mention is, "Do you have a studio?" presumably so the customer will come visit, and maybe, juuuuuust maybe, buy something.<br /><br />I had a situation at another show the week before where a woman came into my booth twice, picked out the piece she wanted, and after I was wrote the sale up and was waiting to get paid, started waffling between her piece and another piece that was similar. So we chat, I try to help her pick, and then she pulls out the,"Do you have a studio?" She then decides it would be better to come to my studio, which is 45 minutes away from where she lives, and decide on what she wants there. I couldn't fucking believe she killed the sale when it was already written up. It made no sense and I could not figure out why she suddenly decided to back out. I wanted to kick her. Hard. I very rarely say anyone who comes in y booth has wasted my time, and that was one of the rare customer who did!Whitney Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00491079459627713472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36001820.post-25700464454269079932012-07-26T13:57:59.496-07:002012-07-26T13:57:59.496-07:00I have a variation of what dahlhaus posted: "...I have a variation of what dahlhaus posted: "Where are you going to be next?"<br />I'm here with my work. You're here with (presumably) money. Why would you wait until my next show to buy something, is my next show going to be five miles closer to your home, so your poor car doesn't have to struggle under all the weight of the pottery you bought?<br />That question makes no sense to me whatever.<br />I think I'm going to start saying "This is my last show for this year!" and see what happens. I can always make up some story if I am seen later.Flumphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01714362851237142617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36001820.post-79462566458221383522012-07-26T10:49:18.716-07:002012-07-26T10:49:18.716-07:00This post is spot on!
Another question that plague...This post is spot on!<br />Another question that plagues me is: 'where do you sell your work?' usually suggesting they have no intention of buying it here and now, at the show I've spent all this time and money preparing for. <br />I also think it's hard to be a ceramic artist at shows where you have made and designed each item from scratch, where as the table across has merely put a bunch of beads from china on a necklace or screen-printed on a made in china t-shirt, calling it hand-made. Hand-made is such a nebulous term these days- not to say that I don't appreciate someone's creativity to put things together or to create a design for a t-shirt, it can just be frustrating in a way that craft shows end up elevating not so handmade work beside very handmade work.dahlhaushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10070656357173799352noreply@blogger.com