The Woodturning Forum - Woodturner's Resource

Bob Wright

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Consejo, Belize
Belize
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Hard times
Apr 30^th, 2009 at 7:54pm

I don't know how many of the members that post on this board rely on a significant portion of their income from what they turn, but times are getting tough. Here in Belize about 75-80% of what I turn is sold to tourists. The arrival numbers are way down and those who do show up are, for the most part, keeping their hands in their pockets. Just barely coping with that, and now the swine flu thing to further cut the numbers of travelers.
If this thing continues to grow I can foresee craft shows canceled and all sorts of negative fall out for all of us who depend upon sawdust for a living.
I don't mean to be too pessimistic but it's tough to find an up side in the near to mid future.
What are your thoughts in the great north country?
Bob

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Vaughn McMillan

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Re: Hard times
Reply #1 - Apr 30^th, 2009 at 8:48pm

I saw a lot of slowdown in my market (Los Angeles) starting last fall. It looks like it might be picking up a little, but it still seems most folks are holding onto their money. I know I sure couldn't afford to buy my stuff right now. I've heard some cases, though, of folks having good results at shows this spring. (The only one I've done so far this year was not bad.) Hopefully things will continue to pick up here in the US, which I suspect will eventually be reflected in your market, too.

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Ken Ward WR Noob Offline I Love WR Posts: 0	Re: Hard times Reply #2 - Apr 30^th, 2009 at 8:56pm Well Bob,I think I can safely say that its gettin pretty bad up here for a lot of folks.All I can say or do is wish you the best an just try to hang in there.
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Leo Frilot WR Addict Offline When the going gets tough, get a bigger gouge!!! Posts: 2,848 Baton Rouge, LA Louisiana USA Gender:	Re: Hard times Reply #3 - Apr 30^th, 2009 at 9:07pm Feeling it in the south also. Shows were a bit discouraging last year. But as I understand shows, they cycle and soon enough it will be booming again. At least that's wishful thinking.
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Brad_Mortensen WR Addict Offline WR Rocks! Posts: 610 Gender:	Re: Hard times Reply #4 - Apr 30^th, 2009 at 11:30pm Over all mine has dropped off some, but I am noticing a lot more over seas sales and less US sales. And it seems more spurty now then in the past. Brad
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E. Bud Gillaspie WR Addict Offline Where'd I put that round tuit? Posts: 1,182 Gender:	Re: Hard times Reply #5 - Apr 30^th, 2009 at 11:34pm What's a "market?" Do turners really have such a thing in this world? Even my overseas sales are one tenth of average. Oh well, as long as Social Security is afloat so shall we be afloat.
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George Carrigan Active Member Offline I love YaBB 1G - SP1! Posts: 134 Gender:	Re: Hard times Reply #6 - May 4^th, 2009 at 12:12pm I had a show in Richmond VA over the weekend and it started out very slow but the last two hours brought four people back that had spent time in the booth Sat or Sun morning. Ended up selling 7 pieces total for the weekend. Made the booth fee six times over. I firmly believe quality "ART" will sell even in these hard times. George
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Mike Baber WR Addict WR Supporter Offline When all else fails, ask someone who knows! Posts: 5,969 Cross Hill South Carolina USA Gender:	Re: Hard times Reply #7 - May 4^th, 2009 at 4:17pm Congrads George, your work speaks for its self, your a talented turner and artiest. WTG!
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Keith Larrett Full Member Offline WR Rocks! Posts: 66 Gender:	Re: Hard times Reply #8 - May 10^th, 2009 at 9:41am I work in the construction industry installing kitchen cabinets. The begining of this year was dead in the water, however the last couple of months I've seen signs which have made me cautiously optimistic. I realize this is not a reflection of selling turnings at shows, just a reflection of the economy in general.
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Ken Ferrell

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Re: Hard times
Reply #9 - May 10^th, 2009 at 4:39pm

I was rained out at one of Tennessee's largest craft shows last week, But there were about two hours when we had traffic, and we did very well considering the weather. I'm starting to see some jobs opening up in my area for Machinists, Manufacturing and even drudge work, my wife manages a fast food restaurant and they are trying to find help, I guess things are good enough on unemployment and food stamps that people don't want to work 40 to 50 hrs a week for minimum wage.
I agree with George, Quality art will always sell. smiley=thumbsup.gif

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Vaughn McMillan

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Re: Hard times
Reply #10 - May 11^th, 2009 at 7:32pm

George, you should send some of those art customers out west. LOML and I did a show this weekend in Studio City and the vast majority of us vendors had slow sales. This show has been going on twice yearly for about 40 years, and it has a good reputation among the other vendors as a real "art" show with good sales. The crowds this weekend were pretty thin, and those who did show up kept their wallets in their pockets for the most part. We had a great time, had beautiful weather, but barely broke even. I did get to add this to my booth, though...

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It was for the wood art category. I was pleasantly surprised to win first place, since there were several other wood artists (including two full-time turners) who all had what I considered to be fine-looking work. This award, and $3.00, will get me a cup of coffee at Starbucks. Wink

Congrats to both George and Ken for your recent good shows. smiley=thumbsup.gif I agree with you about quality art, and despite this weekend's show, I think things are slowly picking back up in the market.

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Chuck Beland WR Addict Offline I got my eyes on you. Posts: 12,873 Gender:	Re: Hard times Reply #11 - May 11^th, 2009 at 7:38pm Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!! You need to or Very well done Vaughn.
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Mike Baber WR Addict WR Supporter Offline When all else fails, ask someone who knows! Posts: 5,969 Cross Hill South Carolina USA Gender:	Re: Hard times Reply #12 - May 11^th, 2009 at 8:17pm All of ya'll... Keep up the great Work!!! smiley=thumbsup.gif smiley=thumbsup.gif smiley=thumbsup.gif
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Leo Frilot WR Addict Offline When the going gets tough, get a bigger gouge!!! Posts: 2,848 Baton Rouge, LA Louisiana USA Gender:	Re: Hard times Reply #13 - May 11^th, 2009 at 9:14pm Keep the faith, Brother. It gets better!
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Brendan McAreavy WR Addict Offline WR Rocks! Posts: 2,281 Ireland Ireland Gender:	Re: Hard times Reply #14 - May 12^th, 2009 at 4:57am Well Done Vaughn smiley=thumbsup.gif
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