Here's a question for all you craft seller's (or anyone): How do you 'break the ice' with a potential customer when selling face-to-face? Do you plunge straight in when they approach your stand and tell them about yourself and your products; start talking about the weather (or some other neutral subject); or wait until they pick up an item and then start telling them about it? There must be a very fine line between engaging them or scaring them off.
A couple of weeks ago, I was asked, at short notice, to take my crafts to sell at an 'open house' event. The hostess did all the organising, asked lots of people to come (I asked a few but had limited time) and didn't charge me to attend. I was glad that I made a contribution to the refreshments, in the form of some mini muffins to serve with tea and coffee, because I didn't know she wasn't going to charge me.
In the few days I had to prepare, I made sure to finish the cathedral window cushion and felt bunting (both above). It's surprising what can be done when there's a deadline! I'm pleased to say my things went really well (my best yet) and I sold a variety of items, including the CW cushion! I also had a lot of good feedback, comments and chats. I'd like to take all the credit but I have to give a lot of it to the hostess, who was great at introducing me to everyone who came and, therefore, 'breaking the ice' for me!
I like to make things, but not being very good at striking up conversations with people from cold is a dilemma. My new job at the salon has helped, though, and I think my chatting skills are improving.
I may have another one or two functions to sell at before Christmas, so more deadlines should get things moving around here. I made myself a new bag first, though, because if I don't get it done now I don't know how much longer it would have been. It's a new style for me with the outside pocket and flap fastening - I might try a few more like it for the sales. The fabrics are left over furnishing scraps from my auntie plus khaki cord from a pair of trousers.
As I also sold my last baby quilt at the sale, I've started making another one. I'm not sure if I like it yet. I've done my usual thing of starting to make it and seeing where it goes, rather than planning anything. I'm not sure it's even suitable for a baby!!
Bye for now
Teresa x
