Well I’m home, fed and watered now, so is Rex! It was a beautiful but icy day when I headed in to Borris this morning to set up my stand, luckily the heaters were working overtime in the hall so it was nice and warm inside even if the fish man was freezing outside.
Setting up my stand beside Emma Jane Champley
The dynamics of our potential customers appeared slightly different today, almost without exception everyone who came to the market was primarily interested in stocking up on seasonal food, the people who also had a look at the various art and craft stands only purchased if they were totally sure that they needed the items. It’s very obvious that there are no snap descisions being made or impulse buys as would have been commonplace a few years ago. For this reason I’m happy with the descision I took a couple of weeks ago to offer good value on felt flowers, rings and brooches, today I extended the offer to include my latest phone/camera covers and needle filled cases too. I did sell a handfull of these during the course of the morning but no sales totalling more than a collective E30 for 3 items, I don’t think this way of selling product can be classified as a get rich quick scheme, do you? Overall however, I still feel it is a good local venue to promote my workshops, sell some stock, meet friends and enjoy a warm drink while munching delicious home made cookies. Next week is the last Friday before the big day itself, will we have a big rush of last minute buyers looking for some artisan stocking fillers? I for one, certainly hope so!!!
Nicola Brown Fine Art Textiles 
I think that you are right, people are much more careful with their money now. It does mean I sell some things a bit cheap – but I’d rather make a sale than not. But get rich quick? No way!
I agree with you Fiona, pricing is a tricky issue but in order to survive we do need to make sales so having a range of less expensive (but nevertheless beautiful) items makes sense!
Plus your getting your name and product out there, being visible and seen, do you have business cards out? People will remember and call and buy when they can…
Nicola – as you say, pricing is a tricky issue! But I’ve noticed that even at the posher fairs I go to, the stalls tend to have one or two cheaper items. And with the economy as it is, they seem to be more popular than ever!
I’m hoping that visitors to the markets I’m doing over the weekend haven’t yet switched from “present” mode to “food” mode. That’s one of the reasons I decided not to do the Christmas Eve market. – also because I’ll be rushing round like a mad thing myself, buying food! 😉
Nicola
Selling art is always hard at the moment nothing is selling anywhere.
I am convinced this is not a reflection on your beautiful felt .
I think you should get it uploaded onto your Etsy shop quick.
Another positive note think how ahesd you are for stocking our stand in Dublin next year.
Let’s hope for Peace for us all in 2012 and a return to better economy.
Nicola, thank you for all you do — you always touch on something that I’m thinking about!! Just did my first two craft fairs (nothing big, school hall affairs) and found it exciting but slightly deflating sale-wise. There is a lot of handmade work being made…with love and skill and even art…
On a related note: I read an piece in the Guardian which I initially liked, but ended up saddened by — “Lucy Mangan: in praise of craft fairs”(http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/dec/09/craft-fairs-lucy-mangan?INTCMP=SRCH)
Agree with Chrissie – here’s to an global upturn and Peace, of course!
Good morning,
Yes, I too agree that people are watching their finances closely…All around the world. But, yes, great that you’re getting your name/business cards out…People really do remember and call long after the fact.
Your table looks great by the way…I just love that raw fleece bag…It’s fabulous!!!!!
Hope you’re having a great start to the weekend.
Hugs,
Dawn
Yup it is the same here and we are supposedly better off economically. Everyone is nervous. My sales have been less than $100ea on the whole. Under $20 not a problem. Not everyone feels felt is as essential as I.
Here on the west coast of Canada we have the same issues…people at this years galleries and fairs are definitely appreciating the pieces then putting the more expensive ones down…I was selling a lot of 20 to 75 dollar items and feel the past two years were exceptionally good and now we have returned to how it was a few years ago. ah, lifes ups and downs, but this too will change just like all things..so keep on keeping on, you inspire us all Nicole.
I too will add to the comments…just did a show and the same here on the west coast of the US………..people not spending money like they did years ago. Guess we all have to be patient for things to change, but in the meantime building up our stock of finished articles. Happy holiday to everyone.
Carole