The show was not as busy as the holiday shows I participate in, which made it easier to talk with people and get their feedback on the designs. I like to ask a lot of questions and really try to engage them in a conversation.
I realize that their are certain styles that people are drawn too, and make them stop and look.
When I design I want it to be difficult to tell that the jewelry is made from hardware. What I found out is that my customer likes the idea that it's hardware, and the pieces that sold the best showcased the hardware. I also found out that my customer likes the idea of being able to tell people that it's made of hardware.
Seeing my work through my customers eyes has helped me decide what pieces to create for my next few shows, which pieces I should showcase, and what questions to ask to engage my customers in conversation.
Have you looked at your work from your customers perspective?
I'm always surprised at what customers are drawn to in my booth. What I think will pull them in is seldom what they pick-up and try on. I like how you displayed your items on the raised wooden stands.
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Lori
Hi Valerie,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your customers. The fact that you incorporate hardware makes your pieces extra special!
I love it when customers blog about the items they bought from me :)
Hey Valerie, I think that it is great that you have mastered the art of listening to your customers. And I do agree with them about the hardware. Good luck at your next show.
ReplyDelete-Debbie
It's great that you can get this kind of feedback and evolve your designs accordingly. Have you seen those new bracelets/ jewelry trending on etsy now with textiles and hardware? I think of you as the originator of that and get cranky every time I see one! LOL. But it's good though- I wonder if you'll have a spike in sales because of this!
ReplyDeleteWe learn so much from our customers. Your pieces, being made from hardware, is such a great selling point since it makes them unique!
ReplyDeleteI only sell online but I learn from my customers who request modifications to pieces I have made. If they are asking for something a little different I know there are other customers out there who would like that difference as well. This always gives me ideas too!
The hardware aspect is what makes your pieces so unique and special :) I can see why your customers would want to run out and tell everyone that their new piece is made from hardware!
ReplyDeleteI only did one craft show and had modest success at it (because half my friends showed up and bought stuff...). The only feedback that I remember is that people want longer necklaces, which surprised me. I usually make them between 18"-22".
ReplyDeleteIt's great that you truly listen to your customers. I worked at a gift shop where the owner didn't listen to what the customers wanted and that shop is now out of business.
ReplyDeleteLooking from the customer's perspective is important! It's great to know what they think. I'm glad you had a chance to engage in conversation during this show. It helps!
ReplyDeleteMany of our fun items are inspired by my kids and what they like, and we get feedback from their school friends (customers), and it's great!
Thanks for a great post.
~Kim
http://2justByou.blogspot.com
That's the beauty of instant feedback, your work is lovely and the hardware makes it so unique that customers want to brag.
ReplyDeleteI took a chance and clicked to comment, thysm for using the old popup!
I have my first show in the beginning of May, and I can't wait to see how customers react to my Toekini's, and my new mosaics. Two totally different things, it will be interesting to see how it is received.
ReplyDeleteI definitely take cues from my customers! They have the best ideas, and their unbiased opinion is priceless.
I love the energy at spring shows, lots of time to talk and put out new ideas for feedback!
ReplyDeleteSeeing your work through the customer's eyes is definitely a good idea, and it sounds like it's working for you! So glad you were able to talk to your customers at the show and get their feedback. :) And I agree with them - I know if I had one of your wonderful pieces, I'd love to say it was made out of hardware! :D
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your customers Valerie, I love the fact that your jewelry is made from hardware. In fact, as I frequently show off my bracelet, I always make note of that fact! :)
ReplyDeleteThat's why I decided to follow you, Valerie--because of what you do with hardware and knowing that it's hardware!! As a matter of fact, I hope that will be a large part of your upcoming interview for my blog.
ReplyDeleteRefashioning jewelry is a passionate hobby for me right now, and I am always surprised to find out that many people who buy want the STORIES behind the pieces I make. Where did the jewelry come from? Is it from another country? Etc.
That's why I decided to follow you, Valerie--because of what you do with hardware and knowing that it's hardware!! As a matter of fact, I hope that will be a large part of your upcoming interview for my blog.
ReplyDeleteRefashioning jewelry is a passionate hobby for me right now, and I am always surprised to find out that many people who buy want the STORIES behind the pieces I make. Where did the jewelry come from? Is it from another country? Etc.