More on the demo......

Catherine,

Congrats on your demo. It was your first time. The more you do them the more comfortable you'll be.

Now for the consignment and contract part. I'm a contract manager and this is my suggestion. If the store owner does not want to sign a contract offer to sell her the pieces outright. She might take a few purchased items at a time to see how well they sell and then the pressure of the contract is over.

You have to be somewhat forward to operate a business. You are there to make money and to get money for your hobby. I'm a very trusting person, but this is business. A handshake almost does nothing for you in court.

Either way, you did great!

Starlia

No contract, no dice. Period.

And don't feel bad about your demo. Being a 'trailblazer' is difficult, but at the end of the day, people always remember the first time they saw or heard about something. The problem here, sales-wise, wasn't your work at ALL. It was your audience. I learned that the hard way when I signed up for an 'art show' this past June and realized it was a low-end craft show/junk market once I got there.

All in all, it was good that you got some experience with doing demos. It will be easier next time. And it will be a LOT easier if you get a chance to demo to folks who "get it".

AND it will be a lot easier to say NO if that's what you want.

Tina

"Tink" wrote

I would LOVE to do a demo for others who at least have done something with clay. Maybe I'll get that opportunity some time.

I'll be more prepared for the lack of understanding next time, that's for sure. I just had a hard time with the ignorance. The owner was behind me one time with out me noticing and she said "People just don't understand you, do they Catherine?". She was right on with that comment.

Lampworkers get some of this kind of cluelessness, as well. I can't tell you how many times I've been out while wearing one of my beads on a simple chain and been asked, "Ooh! That's pretty! Where did you get it?" "I made it". "No, I meant where did you get that bead?" "I made it. I melted the glass and formed it and decorated it with a torch." "Oh. Uh huh." "So where did you get the BEAD?"

It used to be funny. Now I just sorta wince when I sense that's where the conversation is going. I've even taken to carrying a couple of short rods in my purse to help me illustrate. LOL! And then I give them a flyer for my classes. BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Damn straight! I know exactly what a demo would involve and what it's like. And next time, when I say no, if I want to say no, I'll know that I mean it!

On Tue, 4 Nov 2003 14:49:31 -0500, Tink wrote (in message ):

"I have a friend who melts glass using a torch at her home. I love, love, love these beads and buy as many as possible." (my usual answer)

You could head it off at the pass and say, "I use a torch and bits of glass to make beads. They cost a ton of money. Wanna buy some? How much $$$ do you have? So sad, too bad - that's not enough." (half a smiley)

Give them your "super special price list." the one where everything is marked up 400% over the items on your site. >;-)

When all else fails and the questioner is totally obtuse, I tell them "my friend is a glassblower." Not right, but close enough. They seem to nod and go away after that.

Kathy N-V

On Tue, 4 Nov 2003 13:23:32 -0500, Dr. Sooz wrote (in message ):

Damn straight.

If it turns out that you want to take a couple of steps back and not do the whole business thing, then don't do the business thing. You may have a little less money in your pocket, but if your soul can't bear the bumps and bruises from being in the marketplace, don't do it. If the bead shop lady wants to buy some beads for resale, fine. (DO NOT DROP YOUR PRICES FOR HER)

Don't even think of doing consignment with someone who has so little business-savvy: it's a prescription for heartbreak and bad feelings. (I got shivers when I read that she wanted to do consignment. Please don't do it. )

Otherwise make beads, sculpture, whatever you want. That is your art, your outlet. Clay is cheap, your happiness is priceless.

Kathy N-V

Now that is something to think about!

(((((((hugs)))))))

First time is always scary. And if the customers at that store did not appreciate what you do, don't go back - especially if it didn't feel right to you. Sometimes it is best to just stay online with business - it sounds like you're comfortable with it and that you like the control you have there.

As for consignment - I agree with everyone else - don't do it unless you have a contract.

Your beads are worth every penny you charge and more. People online get that - sometimes it's hard to convince people at bead stores because they have no idea how much work goes into the product. Many people who buy beads online have done their homework and know what polymer clay is and what it's worth.

Stay strong and be confident - your stuff is gorgeous!!

Hehehehe - I have had people ask me where I get the pretty flower decals and what kind of glue I use to glue them on the beads. ROFL - sometimes it is hard to explain.

People **do** understand the term glassblowing a whole lot more than lampworking. When you say glassblowing, most people immediately understand that you use glass in a torch. Of course - it's not the same, but at least people know what that is. When I tell people I make glass beads, they go "huh?" LOL

ROFL!! There is a difference when using a Hot Head and using a Minor torch, but the difference is not necessarily good. And to my knowledge, it has nothing to do with the type of fuel used. Different fuels do not strike colors differently. It has more to do with the temperature of the torch, and how clean burning the flame is. A Hot Head produces a dirty, sooty flame, and can create a more organic look (some people like this, but the temp is so cool it takes forever to make beads using a Hot Head). A Minor produces a semi-clean flame, but the flame is not as clean as a Lynx torch can produce, even though the minor and the Lynx use the same fuel (propane).

That lampworker was likely just talking out of her butt to get people to take her class. Something she should be smacked for. :)

Catherine, I need to send you a photo of the necklace I made with your beads. It's beautiful. Your beads are beautiful. When I bought them on eBay, I bought them at wholesale price. With postage, they were $15 to $17 for 6. If I saw them in a bead store, I would expect to pay $5 each. Now, I'm pretty cheap. And always want a special deal. And I'm being as straight with you as I can be about the value of your beads. Your opening bid of $10 isn't even $2 per bead. If that's the price you offered the shop owner, let me tell you, she's already getting them at reduced prices!!!

And if you, like I, don't want to do the retailing, that's fine. As far as I'm concerned, there is a price I am want to be paid for the materials and time I put into my work. If I want to make money on retailing, I can do that work too. At this time, I can't do both. And whereas you can always pick up your work and do it, unless you keep at retail and constantly remain current, you can't do it well. So I'm going to stick with what I can do on my own time and terms. It remains much more of a personal joy for me that way.

And now, you've done your demo. You been there and done that, and whether you do it again is up to you. You'll never need to wonder again if you should try it.

Tina

"Kathy N-V" wrote

I don't know why, but I read that as "carrying a couple of short rods in my pants"...

Tina

"Tink" wrote

Exactly.

Tina

"Dr. Sooz" wrote

Well, I *do* get a wee bit butch when I'm talking about melting stuff...

don't consign there even WITH a contract.

Sarajane

Sarajane's Polymer Clay Gallery