My cr*ppy day...

PaleScene

Like everyone else here I wanted to say I'm so gutted for you that the craft fair wasn't popular because your pieces are so pretty and other circumstances I'm sure they would have had the attention they deserve.

I used to make beaded jewellery and had one disastrous day at a 'big' fair where the weather was so hideous that we sat in virtual isolation just buying from each others stalls in the end, but I was lucky enough to do very well at all sorts of small fetes and charity events where the outlay for my table was not as daunting (so I only had to worry about the 'not enough stock!' pre-sale nerves!) and I think that lowkey can be helpful - the big fair did scare me with how well I 'needed' to do just to make back my table money!

As others have said you've now got one thing covered - lots of stock, and can list on Ebay while you analyse where next. But it's understandable if you don't want to look at your stock for a little while.

ps I think you make pieces that would make fabulous Mother's Day gifts...

fairylights_2

:grouphug:

Sorry to hear it was such a nightmare - I have days like that too with the books. All I can suggest is scratch it up to experience not to be repeated and open the vodka. Works for me every time. :rotfl:

Seriously though, can you list and sell them on Ebay? Or even find a little gift shop that might stock them for a cut?

ps Our wedding favours were fun size packs of love hearts!

Wizwoo

Don't let this knock you back SS as others have said you still have your stock - keep an eye out for other events that you might be able sell at. Have you though about local arty / craft shops many will sell things on a sale or return basis - it might be the start of something new.

Go on have a go

lynzpower

SS hugs to you. Nothing worse than making a loss, as my recent ebay bill told me.

If you can console yourself with anything, console yourself your not seling cakes or anything thats rendered unsaleable after the event. Youve got lots of valuable stock , which WILL sell, and you know it.

Is there any mileage in trying to find a venue and creating your own craft fair? With lots of other contributors. Then, in the case that your stuff doesnt sell, you can always have the table price from others? Just a thought from outside of the box

keep strong, you are doing really well xx

mountainofdebt

Meant to add if you do make wedding favours why not approach the local wedding dress shop and see if they will put some flyers out for you on tables etc?

scottishspendaholic

Hello everyone,

Thanks so much for all your replies - I logged off in a sulk last night - and went and lay on the sofa with my favourite pillow (like a comfort blanket!) and watched cr*p on telly and went to bed at 10pm!

I've got a few ideas on how to move forward - thanks everyone for all your ideas! I'm going to try and shift the mother's day ones at work today for a bargain price (just to get them out of my road) and maybe list a couple on eBay tonight on a 3 day sale so if purchased, I could post in good time for mother's day. My friend and I are going to look into more specific craft fairs and try not to get too disheartened and I'm going to try and set up my eBay shop this week too.

I also have a couple of positive things to look forward too - I've been asked to appear in a Scottish kind of Country Life kind of mag as a young Scottish eBay entrepreneur (might not come off but yay!), I have been asked to send samples to a wedding favour business who will take out my items as samples and contact me with big orders AND I'm going to look into getting a business GRANT for young people in Scotland under 30. That's lots but one step at a time and its all looking up.

Thanks so much everyone for all your support - I've still got lots of things to sell on eBay as house junk too - its just finding the time to do all the above when I work full time and have an MSE addiction!

I love you all

scottishspendaholic x

amazon_spice

(((big hugs)))

Marsie

Sorry to hear about your bad day.

Maybe you could list Mother's Day stuff on ebay with a buy it now option, rather than just the 3 day listing, as people may be a bit nervous they won't arrive in time.

What do you sell, maybe we all want one?

M.

scottishspendaholic

Hi Marsie,

Its little glass painted tealight holders - I'll pm you a pic

Thanks very much for the advice re. eBay - I'll definitely do that!

scottishspendaholic x

*zippy*

Glad things are looking better for you today scotishspendaholic, Its always hard getting a new business off the ground especially with a very small budget. I think your doing really well, whats the saying Its only a mistake if you don't learn anything from it.

I am in a similar postion and after a horrible email yesterday from an unhappy customer was ready to throw in the towel. I was feeling way too sorry for myself to answer your thread yesterday sorry :rolleyes:

Today i've realised if I want to pay off the debts then I have to get on with it and except the good and bad bits of having your own business. Every penny made brings our debt free date a bit nearer. :j

Best of luck