Let your imagination run free

Consumer Demand 2009

The worldwide economic crisis forces us all to evaluate what our money is used for. Consumer demand now shows dollars spent is mainly for basic needs and less on wants. As artists.. What do you think will increase our sale potential for 2009? Please share your thoughts!
E'Marie's Custom Bead Jewelry, Apparel & Stylizing

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Permalink Reply by Jill on January 8, 2009 at 12:03am: Hi Elayne

One of the reasons I have started this group is that I feel that in this economic crisis we need to be dynamic in promoting your lovely Art and Handmade Crafts for sale and to remember that even in a bad recession people still buy gifts for birthday presents and anniversarys and so on. And they still buy bath and beauty products and clothes for themselves and for their children and jewelery and other art and crafts. It is really a question of finding and attracting customers who may be looking anyway or who may not have considered going for handmade yet.

My main concern is that the more anyone promotes their work the more they are going to find customers but their time taken up in promotion may also reduce the time available for art and craftmaking itself.

How do you as artists and craftsmakers decide how much time you need to spend on marketing and promotion?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Elayne on January 8, 2009 at 4:01pm: As an artist and craft makers my on hand inventory and its shelf life will guide the decision process for time available vs, the time needed for marketing and advertising.
Low sales mean more inventory is typically on hand and less cash so less crafting of new products are need or can be afforded.
Right now, I have more time now to market & promote but practically no money to do it.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Valerie on January 8, 2009 at 9:56am: I don't know - think it is something that might have to be a 'grin and bear it' situation and shelf stacking - However it still think it is a good idea to go for as much as exposure as possible.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Elayne on January 8, 2009 at 3:54pm: As an artists, my limited budget for ads & promotion requires that I rely on more direct selling in showings and word of mouth. The internet has not been my biggest draw, although I feel my website offers a very comprehensive view of what I offer...and direct buying.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by LunaCatJewels on January 8, 2009 at 4:37pm: I agree completely! You definitely have to "lifestyle" your business so you can take advantage of an opportunity when it presents itself. They come at the strangest moments in your life, whether it is at the grocery store checkout line, restaurant or even at the post office! I am also a full-time realtor so for closing gifts I will sometimes give jewelry that I have made to help broaden my word of mouth advertising for both real estate and jewelry. Another thing I am really focused on right now both in real estate and with my jewelry business is Social Media Networking. I am using Facebook to connect with all of my old high school, college and hometown friends as well as LinkedIn to connect professionally from any job position I have ever held. You would be amazed at how that will work for you. Just last night on facebook I had one of the girls my brother graduated with, 2 years younger ask about my jewelry. If it weren't for Facebook I would not have connected with her. I always post pictures of new designs and she wanted to know if I sell my jewelry. I have my internet store posted but that didn't click with her. I have sold several pieces to old colleagues over Christmas thru LinkedIn. Twitter and Flickr are also great ways to market yourself. All of these are free. MySpace did not work for me I found that it was to spammy and had a much younger draw but it too is free and helps to get your name out. It does take time to do all of these things and still work plus create jewelry. Try getting a calendar and scheduling an hour a day to just market/advertise by updating your social media networking groups. That's what I am trying to do, hopefully that will help us all make it thru 2009. I know you have all heard that the real estate market is horrible in the US, but I had 3 closings in December and I have 1 scheduled for Jan so far. I am definitely working with buyers who are looking for a home in spite of the so-called "crisis". We just have to stay focused, positive and available. I know we will connect with the buyers if we are looking! Consumers are still buying jewelry, handbags, perfume, clothes and shoes. They are just scrutinizing more and looking for that special gift rather than any gift. We fit that bill, there is nothing better than "Artisan Handmade"!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Fred "Dusty" Castle on March 28, 2009 at 5:19pm: The man that taught me to be a Silver/Goldsmith would take a piece of small jewelry like earrings or a pendant in the resturant with him and when the waitperson would make a comment we would end up selling the piece to them for $20 because they always had tips in their pockets.
www.notyomamasjewelry.com
www.hunterscreeksilver.shopping.officelive.com; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Aileen Clarke on May 27, 2009 at 9:40pm: I thought that the state of the economy would really affect my business and the business of the local shops that sell my work. But the opposite seems to be happening. When people are buying gifts they seem to be supporting local and handmade. It's like they feel that if they are going to spend then they would rather make a little investment than buy cheaper high street stuff. The Buy Handmade philosophy seems to be permeating the public consciousness as well.

The way to increase sales is to promote any eco friendly aspects of our products, eg recycled, upcycled, organic, etc. Maintain a friendly and positive attitude towards customers and provide something that is of good quality and a high standard at a reasonable yet affordable price.

That's my thoughts on the matter anyway : ); ▶ Reply to This