Make It Easy To Order From Me. What I Want To Do. Thoughts?

[Tallbald]

My wife and I had a good craft show this past Saturday. We shared a 10X10 booth, mostly dedicated to display and sales of Penny's hand made costume jewelry. I'm so happy she did well because we are a true bonded couple and her joy is also my joy. I say publicly and sincerely that I am grateful to our Creator for bringing Penny and me together many years ago. My leather only requires a little space in our booth, and belts hang from a display rack I made on the shelter frame.

Anyway, the dozen belts I had on display were well received by many, but didn't fit the folks who tried them on. The thickness, finish and quality of construction were noted and I received many compliments. Mathematically, it would be difficult for me to have in each size, one belt of each color/thread/buckle material/ embossing specifications etc I create so I must take orders.

Reviewing the show, I believe that it would be a good "call to action" and a convenience to potential customers if I have made up in advance perhaps a dozen pre-addressed (but not stamped) business size envelopes containing the following:

1) A description of what goes into each belt's construction, and which points out special things about my art.

2) A simple but thorough one page order form to fill out, with a note to please make a copy for themselves before sending it to me.

3) One of my cards.

I think I can make them up for under 25 cents each, and I would only offer them to folks who showed a serious interest in buying one of my belts.

If others have done this at shows, could you please offer thoughts and suggestions to me on this approach?

As always, thank you for your time. Don

[NVLeatherWorx]

I have a little handout that explains the wide range of options and factors that go into the making of a belt and emphasize the importance of accuracy in sizing and style when a client is looking to have one made for them. I then let them know that once they have all of the information that is asked for and necessary that they can contact me via email or phone and we can address any questions that they may have at that time or put the order specs together for their quote. I do have some samples for them to look at that are trimmings from belts that I have done in the past and that helps very much indeed. I also have some leather swatches that have the various color options that are possible so they can see what the shading truly looks like. So far it seems to be working but who knows what next month or year will bring.

[TwoCelts]

When my husband and I do a show, we only attach the buckle, keeper, and hardware (Chicago screws or snaps) to the belts. I dye one of each design in 3 colors and only size it to the person while they are standing right there. I offer additional cors, but those are custom and require a down payment. That's the only way we will do it. It seems to work very well. Most folks in my area are wanting black, medium brown and saddle tan. So those are what I take to shows. Hope this helps.

When my husband and I do a show, we only attach the buckle, keeper, and hardware (Chicago screws or snaps) to the belts. I dye one of each design in 3 cors and only size it to the person while they are standing right there. I offer additional cors, but those are custom and require a down payment. That's the only way we will do it. It seems to work very well. Most folks in my area are wanting black, medium brown and saddle tan. So those are what I take to shows. Hope this helps.

Edited October 11, 2015 by TwoCelts

[Roq]

On 9/28/2015 at 9:46 AM, Tallbald said:

 Reviewing the show, I believe that it would be a good "call to action" and a convenience to potential customers if I have made up in advance perhaps a dozen pre-addressed (but not stamped) business size envelopes containing the following:

 

1) A description of what goes into each belt's construction, and which points out special things about my art.

2) A simple but thorough one page order form to fill out, with a note to please make a copy for themselves before sending it to me.

3) One of my cards.

 

I think I can make them up for under 25 cents each, and I would only offer them to folks who showed a serious interest in buying one of my belts.

 If others have done this at shows, could you please offer thoughts and suggestions to me on this approach?

As always, thank you for your time. Don

 

 

It wouldn't hurt any to do this. Personally, I haven't ordered anything via the mail in over 30 yrs.

I would just attach my business card to a flier as handouts. My web address and phone number would be on both.

[Boriqua]

Im not really in "Business" in that I make what I want when I want and I try not to make a terrible job of a fun hobby but I do sell  stuff. I hope its helpful but I have taken to handing out just my business card which contains my web address, my email and most importantly my etsy account. I have really come to love working custom orders through etsy and when I get a contact from someone via email, phone or Ebay messaging looking for a custom order I encourage them to order through etsy. Now I know etsy takes their cut but I enjoy communicating with potential buyers and I wouldn’t have the same feeling if I just got an order form. It would remove some of the pleasure for me. I am also not very comfortable with taking deposits directly but etsy handles that since the client has to pay for the custom order before you produce it so it removes that little bit of awkwardness for me and I think people might feel a little more comfortable sending a payment off to etsy since there is some form of coverage rather than sending payment to some dude they met at a show or through the internet.

They get to see examples of past work and I would say about every other person who buys something remembers to leave feedback and its nice for others to see those positive reviews. So far I have been happy with the arrangement. They collect the money, produce everything I need for a shipping label, I get discounted shipping, I get to have a running convo with potential clients and all I have to really think about is making cool stuff that makes people happy. Makes their fee ok for me. Just something to consider ... even at shows you can just say oh please visit "X" page and request a custom order. I am pretty sure at this point I have sold more Custom orders through etsy than stuff I put up to sell.

Edited April 21, 2016 by Boriqua