kjohn0102
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since April 2006
Posts: 774
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Post by kjohn0102 on Dec 29, 2009 11:07:32 GMT -5
I just had to share my success with some people I know will appreciate it! Back in July I opened a little shop in a new up-scale boutique in our growing downtown area. I've been very disappointed with sales, but not really having much time to devote to promoting myself. I've sold a pendant here and there, a few pairs of earrings, but not enough to even pay the rent. My lease is up in January, and I turned in my notice last week. I just got my sales report for the week before Christmas, and was shocked to see that I sold practically everything that I had on display, other than earrings! 5 pendants, 1 bracelet and 1 hammered sterling silver necklace. Wowsers! Makes me want to stay on, and put a little more effort into marketing-maybe I'll have more success throughout the year.
I hope everyone had a Blessed Christmas. kj
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Post by superioragates on Dec 29, 2009 11:19:34 GMT -5
woohoo!!!! way to go !!! Awesoem deal! Stick in there....Valentines day is a comin too ya know!!!! Marie
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Post by Toad on Dec 29, 2009 11:24:16 GMT -5
Nice.
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nancyf
has rocks in the head
Wired Cowgirl
Member since April 2007
Posts: 629
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Post by nancyf on Dec 29, 2009 16:06:35 GMT -5
That is fabulous KJ! It's always hard to tell what this next year will bring. Follow your heart... Hugs, Nancy F
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damammy
has rocks in the head
Member since January 2009
Posts: 697
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Post by damammy on Dec 29, 2009 17:29:22 GMT -5
Having been doing this for a little while, selling in these times are not good. You might see if you could display and sell Nov. and Dec. this seems to be the months that my sells are best for Christmas. I sell in a gift shop in a museum. I just let them know what my price is and they adjust it so they make the same amount. I didn't believe they could double my price and sell them but they did. I probably will not have any more sales until March when they start having rock digs. Donna
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Post by sitnwrap on Dec 29, 2009 21:43:19 GMT -5
What great news! KJ you keep at it and I think you are on the right track with more marketing and advertising. There are ups and downs in the business but it is good to here that the ups came just in time.
May you have a very Happy and prosperous New Year!
Lori
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nancyf
has rocks in the head
Wired Cowgirl
Member since April 2007
Posts: 629
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Post by nancyf on Dec 31, 2009 8:25:17 GMT -5
Oh, I forgot to mention that Valentines and Mothers Day are good times to market and sell.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Dec 31, 2009 14:58:54 GMT -5
First of all congratulations!!! In today's economy those that are selling ANYTHING are doing well. Great job!
I do have one question though.......you mention opening up a shop in an upscale boutique, having a lease payment etc. If I understand your post correctly, you had only those few items up for sale total? It seems that in order for there to be success in a shop that has overhead, you must have a well built up inventory always on hand. Do you have extra items in the event that the ones on display sell? I know customers get irritated when you run out of stock.
Shan
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Post by frane on Jan 2, 2010 16:38:38 GMT -5
That is great that you are going out with a bang! I would say just open up temp shops for specific times of the year, otherwise you just make up for the lost money during the rest of the year. Your call but it does sound like you made it work when you were closing up shop. Marketing does work but only takes you so far. Work at building up your stock and go at it next Christmas if you want to do it again. Just my two cents... Fran
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Post by Bikerrandy on Jan 3, 2010 19:55:38 GMT -5
I wish you much success Karen!! ..... now how about some pics? ;D
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kjohn0102
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since April 2006
Posts: 774
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Post by kjohn0102 on Jan 4, 2010 13:22:56 GMT -5
Thanks for all the comments folks! Shan, in answer to your question, in my display I have 6 pendants and a few other necklaces, then I have hanging on the wall a display that holds about 20 pairs of earrings. I've also got 4 or 5 silver bracelets set out on another small table top display. I go in each week and swap out or replace anything that has been sold so that all of the displays are always full. I keep meaning to take a pic-will try to remember my camera next time I go in. Fran, the space in this little shop is very pricey-I think I figured it out at 14.50 per square foot. I share an area with 2 other people so end up paying $125.00 per month. We were lucky to be able to do that-since the place was just opening up they were willing to do anything to bring in merchants. All of the spaces are now full, and we're the only ones with a split booth. They are only renewing OUR leases for 3 months-I think they really would rather that we all pull out so that they can lease that spot to something with higher sales volume.
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