i have been buying mini rolling pins and decorating them, but they wont sell

POPPYOSCAR

globetraveller wrote: »

I hope you don't mean me there. I have given constructive feedback. It may not come with sugar coating but it is meant to help.

No you do not immediately come to mind.:)

soolin

duchy wrote: »

I'm

As for there's no market.....I'm sure the same thing was said to Anita Roddick when she started out...... Bodyshop anyone ?

That is a poor example, Body shop surprised even the Roddicks with its success when they first started up. When they opened their first London shop I remember queing to get in as I had heard rumours about their Brighton shop selling out of stock regularly

http://www.palgrave.com/business/burns/students/pdf/06%20Body%20Shop.pdf

Sugar_Coated_Owl

globetraveller wrote: »

Which sellers please?

I've found lots on Etsy and such-like but I don't know if I'm allowed to post their ID's here.

Sambucus_Nigra

POPPYOSCAR wrote: »

Sugar Coated Owl I have to say I do admire your tenacity in the face of such negativity.

Good for you!:)

What exactly is negative about pointing out the pitfalls of business on an 'Up your income' board that is located on the 'Money Saving Expert' forum?

Honestly, lulling the OP into a false sense of snuggly security and accusing the more pointed respondents of begin 'negative' could be the most negative thing possible.

soolin

Sugar_Coated_Owl wrote: »

I've found lots on Etsy and such-like but I don't know if I'm allowed to post their ID's here.

No one is doubting that people try and sell these, unfortunately though you cannot see the number of successful sales on etsy.

However I would warn the OP if they consider this site, to watch the fees, they mount up pretty quickly and the site does not have as many buyers as one would hope. I know several people running at a loss on there still hoping to make enough sales to cover the costs they are incurring.

Kepp

Sambucus_Nigra wrote: »

If there was a market big enough for their products - they wouldn't be at a craft fair - they would have a shop.

This isn't necessarily true - plenty of craft sellers sell at craft fairs as well as online. I know someone who runs a successful jewellery shop - you will still find her selling at craft fairs at the weekend

I'm disappointed that I can't see the item we're talking about (silly work internet blocking pictures) but I will be definitely checking it out tonight. I want to see the product that's caused such a stir!

Kepp

soolin wrote: »

No one is doubting that people try and sell these, unfortunately though you cannot see the number of successful sales on etsy.

.

You can look at a sellers sold items on Etsy. Checking this against the date that they opened their shops gives you a rough idea of how successful they are

Sambucus_Nigra

beccie wrote: »

This isn't necessarily true - plenty of craft sellers sell at craft fairs as well as online. I know someone who runs a successful jewellery shop - you will still find her selling at craft fairs at the weekend

I'm disappointed that I can't see the item we're talking about (silly work internet blocking pictures) but I will be definitely checking it out tonight. I want to see the product that's caused such a stir!

You have to ask yourself though - if you make enough money in your shop where all your stock is, why are you traipsing it to a craft fair on a weekend?

Because you don't make enough money in your shop!

duchy

soolin wrote: »

That is a poor example, Body shop surprised even the Roddicks with its success when they first started up. When they opened their first London shop I remember queing to get in as I had heard rumours about their Brighton shop selling out of stock regularly

http://www.palgrave.com/business/burns/students/pdf/06%20Body%20Shop.pdf

Is it ? I remember her as mail order only and people turning their nose up at the "ethos" then she opened her tiny shop in Brighton and the whole thing exploded. She had an idea -found her market -and went for it. I am not saying there is a market for mini rolling pins on the same scale I am saying that there are markets out there that can surprise you which was why I suggested doing some market research and getting a feel for what demand is out there for products rather than make assumptions. Does't matter WHAT the product is.

Kepp

Sambucus_Nigra wrote: »

You have to ask yourself though - if you make enough money in your shop where all your stock is, why are you traipsing it to a craft fair on a weekend?

Because you don't make enough money in your shop!

Totally untrue - when in business you try to make as much money as possible therefore you don't just stop at having a shop, not if you know you can make further sales at other places plus get the name of your business out to even more people.

People who do craft based things also enjoy meeting and talking with others who do the same - ie at craft fairs.

Not everyone will see it as 'traipsing' to a craft fair - people do actually enjoy going to them!