WTG George... You Da Man!!!

Congrat's George! 

I see signs of the economy picking up.  Things are changing in the US, and slow to adapt companies are stuck like GM and the like.  I work in social services for the county goverment here and know most of all the employment statistics.  Anyone who says they cannot get a job either means that they won't work for a lesser wage than what they feel they are worth, or are just too lazy to look.  Every fast food joint in town is looking for managers. 

Sure $10 bucks an hour isn't going to cut it when your used to making $28 an hour for putting on a door seal ever 3 seconds, but it's a job and it's work experience.   

Brad,  You are likely to get 2 unintended responses to that steep a price cut. 

1. People may think it is a "cheaper" product and maybe not worth even the lower price.

2. People who have previously bought from you will be unhappy that they paid so much more.

Generally people feel a higher price means a better quality product. 

I've really had to think long and hard about what I want to say here.  I find it interesting how artisans and would-be-artisans value the work of others, say the work of the tailor that produces the $1000 suit made to fit one perfectly instead of a factory of workers in God-knows-where who produce a less expensive suit made to fit none perfectly. 

For almost all of us that sell our work to pay for our hobby or for a living, we require that there be people that want something unique or of a better quality.  Someone that values hand-made goods.  I look around and have seen amazing carvings and turning/carving from truly poor people in the Caribbean and Pacific Islands, where they make quality work, but will sell it for truly close to nothing.  I find this very humbling, because I a) don't like to sell my work and b)it's a amazing how little is asked for quality work from afar.

Who here seeks out and gets custom work?  I guess the question is are we hypocrites about the value of custom work?

Well, I'm still thinking about this ,Dave. Having followed this board for some time now, one common thread is how hard folks work to produce the best they can. As a  result of their effort they are entitled to the best price possible for their work. I agree that there are things coming out of Asia and other areas at very low prices, but selling the cheapest stuff on the block is not usually the best business plan.
Bob

Well my show in Buffalo turned out to be a disappointment. Sold 4 small pcs. Made the booth fee and paid for lunch (smoked turkey leg). Had a good time talking with the people and gave out 500 business cards. Heard a lot of "we love your stuff" but no sales. I'd like to mention that one reason I like to do the same shows every year is that sometimes if they can't afford a pc this year they may next year. George

Just finished a show in my hometown, a small show, about 4.5 hours from my current home. Sold six pieces before the show started (unpacking) another 28 during the 2 days. Haven't run the totals yet but roughly $2,200 on the 28 pieces sold during. The other six went to a gift shop so they don't count. Anyway most expensive, $395 a couple at 150 ea the balance were under $100. Opened the display with 86 pieces mostly natural edge bowls, platters. The expensive pieces that sold were all vases. First time that's ever happened. Was a good weekend. smiley=beer.gif

Frank D.

Fantastic Frank!!!!
You are obviously doing it right.

Brad