setting up a store?

[Roger]

i thought about this some when i first saw it posted. i would think a directory would be the way to go. if you wanted it expended with examples and bio stuff that would be cool. i don't think i would ever have anything to sell in a store. i have no time for samples even.

[Regis]

I really like that directory with examples idea. That promotes artisan sales and keeps helpful communication as the primary purpose of leatherworker.net. Most sales or retail sites do a little info/education in support of sales but, not as their primary purpose.

sign me up coach!

Regis

[Admin]

Okay, we'll do it. I just need to figure out some details. In 24 days i will be able to have complete thoughts without interruption again, and I seriously hopes that helps. LOL

Johanna

[esantoro]

I would also be interested in participating in this online gallery/store, whatever it evolves into. I like the thinking on this idea so far.

Just to add some thoughts I've had: It would be nice to have theme or style sections. Anyone who makes an item that fits a certain style or theme can list in that section, as well as having an individual gallery.

Right now I'm making only my briefcase, perhaps three versions of it. I have ideas for a tote bag, and a more feminine briefcase/satchel. I'm not sure how I would describe the style I'm shooting for: simple western, rugged, journeyman, maverick, trekker, traveller, elegant simplicity, pared down form for function....

I know that some nice additions to this style would be wallets, backpack, playing card holders, business card holders, journals, notebooks, pocketbooks, change holders, keyrings .....

I'm mostly influenced by Ghurkka and Mullholland Brothers, and they both have a full range of accessories.

Ed

I could set up an area that people could browse for leather goods and makers, and categorize it by item, area, name, or whatever, put a search function in, load it with thumbnails of examples, contact info and anything else you folks think would be useful. That kind of tech stuff is easy. I've actually been working on this type of Member Gallery in my spare (ha ha!) time. I have 50 or so members on that list who want to participate.

I would prefer to point the potential customer to the maker's own website where the arrangements for custom work or a purchase can be made directly between the customer and the seller.

One problem: not everyone who wants leather work has a website. An online portfolio may not make you rich, but it can sure be handy, letting your customers see your work and understand your policies at their convenience, and yours. If you are serious about paying bills with leather, and you don't already have a full waiting list, you may want to consider adding a website to your marketing plan.

There is no way I want us to get into jurying work, ever. Visitors (customers) can judge someone's leather credibility by their websites, posts, pictures and the respect accorded by their peers. Beaverslayer's idea of a "Buy Now" area with PayPal buttons and regularly rotating merchandise might have merit though. Let's talk about that idea some more, especially the folks who do not have websites. I wholeheartedly agree with Regis, though, we don't want an e-leatherbay!

Johanna

Beaverslayer wrote: I would imagine that a lot of people that stop by this site and look at all the fantastic work that we show each other, wonder whether or not they can purchase something. I have also noticed that a lot of the members on here are just a bit shy about listing what it is they do in the "Leatherwork Specialty" section of thier Bio, and also listing thier website, should they have one, and also their location as to city and state/province. This would give them the added ability of making contact with you to actually come see your work in person.

well said!

[Suze]

OH this could be dangerous when money is in play friendship stops, if the prices are listed along with the item, preices will be droped to be competative and the market will be ruined, one way to do it is pictures which are linked to the sellers email and preices could be delt with without the www knowing, that way we as leatherworkers dont stop bieing friends and a little buisness might come your way, its hard to explain what i mean so i hope you all get the jest of what im trying to say, Don

Ok here I am, a Not Leather Worker chiming in......

A lot of pricing on an item (remember I used to sell dollhouse minis at shows) IS competative

One thing that I can see wrong with linking to the sellers e-mail to ask how much something is .... How many e-mails do you want to answer each day from people who are " just looking" and really have no intention of buying?

Each person has to decide what THEIR time and skill is worth and no one can set it for you.

My skill level might not be as high as someone else's, therefore my price might be lower. (Or, I got a really great deal on materials and am passing that off to the costomer)

but as Grandma used to say "Quality will out"

another thing that you should make known is that the item pictured is the ACTUAL item for sale and when it sells that picture should be taken down, or marked sold.

[Orange]

I think this would be a great idea,count me in when you complete details.

[Ross]

a page just of leatherworkers making items for sale would seem pretty good to me. each leatherworker post some example pictures with a blurb about the work they do and a link to their page. i personally would prefer people to go to my web site rather than having them buy from this site. by coming directly to my site i can present my work in the light i think best. i understand that some people don't have sites, but there are places that will host for free and really no reason not to have one. just my 2 cents...

[Cora]

You can count me in as well.

Cora

[Johanna]

Nope, leatherworker.net isn't going to have a store. But I would like visitors to browse to quickly find the eleven guys who could make their dream item, visit their websites and make their own arrangements. I would love to find some software that allows people to do their own content (like a myspace page) to invite people to their websites. I don't want leatherworker.net to be responsible for bookkeeping, inventory, shipping, taxes, insurance et. al. but I do recognize the site's potential ability to direct sales. I am hoping that the ability to search a database of leatherworkers by specialties helps in the education of leatherworking newbies as well as providing extra prestige and sales to all the hardworking leatherworker participants. If they would reciprocate with a link on their site to leatherworker.net, it would be good for us all in the search engines, too.

If anyone hasn't already sent me a site banner and some pics, send me that, and permission to use it, to: profiles@leatherworker.net

so that your site gets included in the update. I currently only have 140 or so on the list, so if you're not sure, send me a note.

To be clear- this has nothing to do with the Marketplace dealer designation we have for businesses that intend to make more than 20 "sales flyer" type ads in posts a year. If you want to use the Marketplace as a source of advertising, you will find an audience here on this board, so PM Art for information.

Johanna

[Art]

Under Marketplace --> Finished Leather Goods, members can put items they have made, we really want this to be a handmade category and if it gets too commercial (as in mass made) we will categorize it out. When traffic gets to heavy, we will break out into different handmade categories e.g. Motorcycle gear, holsters, etc, etc.

Just follow the rules in the announcements section of the Marketplace forum.

Art