Do Buyers Really Just Not Care?

[TXAG]

https://www.etsy.com/listing/169288621/leather-notebook-folio-for-35x55?ref=listing-shop-header-0

So there are buyers that actually prefer stuff that looks like this vs. made with attention to detail, care, straight cuts/stitches, etc.?? I'm baffled...it makes me feel stupid putting the care I do into the things I make if people seem to like (maybe even prefer) things that look like they were made by a child.

And yes, I am sure my stuff isn't perfect, but it looks a heck of a lot better than that...I would be embarrassed to try to sell something that looked like that.

[Matt T]

You know, just because someone is selling something, doesn't mean people are buying. I doubt that many of these will sell.

[Cyberthrasher]

Unfortunately, I do see people by that crap on there all the time. But, this guy hasn't sold any. All he's sold is handkerchief's, a few pen holders, and some pencils.

Just keep posting your stuff at your price and if it sells, cool. If not, screw it, they'll be back when the crap they buy fails.

[JLSleather]

Yep, it happens. I've actually seen at craft shows .. people literally ELBOW their way in right past some decent looking stuff to get at some stuff that looks like it was dragged behind the car.

I asked about that (repeatedly). Turns out, there are some people who think that it should look "craftsy", and any well-planned and carefully done work takes away from the "Crafty-ness" of the finished goods. "Leatherworkers" (notice the quotes) actually add to the zoo. They make crap, so they'll "market" it as "rustic" or "distressed" when the truth is it's beat up, wrinkled, and poorly dyed.

So, it's not limited to Etsy by any means. But, on Etsy, if you post your stuff amongst a couple million listings of 39¢ jewelry, well ... expect those clients. In the end, all you can do it make stuff the way you want to make it.

Some people prefer to improve the quality of the goods. Others prefer to bang out [whatever], and then spend their time on Facebook (or similar) convincing people they "meant" to do it that way... I'm with you -- I think their time would be better spent with some practice.

Nothing we can do about either one.

Edited November 15, 2013 by JLSleather

[Cyberthrasher]

yeah, that actually brings up a mental thought I have quite a bit when doing my "rustic" dye jobs. I always wonder why it's so much harder to do a clean looking rustic job on purpose when there are so many people out there who do it on accident all the time, just not so clean looking. I put a lot of time into making sure there's a good balance of color gradiants in those jobs and making sure that they're all in just the right area so nothing looks out of place. Then there are other ones that are a complete "road worn" appearance which I've put a lot of time in to figure out the best way to give it a used and abused appearance without sacrificing the quality and reliability of the product. Then I turn around and see utter crap thrown together that people go nuts over!!!

[electrathon]

I do not understand it either. There are a lot of leatherworkers that do very poopy work, on here too. It makes the hair on my neck stand up every time I hear the statement, "no one will notice but you". Or, "I wanted it that way". The worst one is, "It is my style". Bad is bad, just because you do poopy work does not mean poop is in style. Everyone will notice, just many are too polite to tell you how bad your work is.

Also, distressed/aged quality is far different than new (or old) poop quality.

Aaron

Edited November 15, 2013 by electrathon

[humperdingle]

The pic of the pen holder section is particularly meticulously-edged

[benlilly1]

I agree with ALL!! I can't understand it either how some of the crap sells. I usually have a pretty good eye for quality and I know right at the first glance if it's good or not. I know I have a lot to learn but I know crap when I see it!

[AndyL1]

Oh. My.

I'm actually feeling a bit embarrassed for the guy. Maybe if he stumbles upon this thread hopefully get some constructive criticism out of it.

[Studio-N]

consider WHO the target audience for this is. Probably some HS or college kid with about $20 in his pocket. Not $200 but $20.

Look, the average leather worker is somewhere between 2 and 3 hundred years old. We've seen a lot, we know the difference between good and bad, but the target for this is what I call the "walmart generation". They are not looking for quality (not that they could spot it) but for price. You think they are finding good stuff at walmart? It is simply what they are use to.

I sell handmade belts at the local flea market. We get a good price for them. The average buyer is over 50 yo.

Young guys that look at them and the price we generally get a "Hell, no" as they walk off. And when you see what they are wearing

it is usually some broken vinyl made in china POS.

So say what you will, if this guy knows his audience, he is selling some. For my part....YUK!