Crafthaus sales

[Michael Romanik]

I just came back from participating in CraftBoston - although it was an incredibly beautiful show and an honor to be a part of it (www.craftboston.org) sales were very disappointing. I wanted to comment, though, that a customer had looked at my work on my crafthaus page and came to the show, specifically looking for me, and bought my "Encandas Brooch." She had purchased a piece from me when I participated in the show in 2004 and wanted to get something "impressive" from me this year!

Also, since I wasn't accepted to this year's Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival in Winter Park FL, I sent out a mailing to my customers from that show, stating that I wouldn't be participating in the show this year but that they could contact me if they needed "a jewelry fix" and gave my crafthaus address. The customer who purchased my "White-breasted Nuthatch Brooch" from me at the show in 2007 looked at my crafthaus page and ordered a "Rose-breasted Grosbeak Brooch."

Since I don't have a website of my own, I use my crafthaus page as my website. It has certainly paid off for me to become a member and direct customers to the site! I've now made three sales from it. Thank you, Brigitte!

[2Roses]

We thought you raised a good point Michael, namely one person's promotion is another person's potential annoyance. This is inherent in the intrusive nature of promotion. What do we, as a community of artists, feel are best practices for promoting oneself and when does that cross a line into worst practices?

[Michael Romanik]

I retract my "don't go overboard and be annoying" comment about self-promotion in one of my previous posts. I'm sure I'll get more of an earful on that! It was not intended to offend - it was just a reaction to something totally unconnected to crafthaus and any consequences or possible lash-backs were not thought about, as it was "spur of the moment" and just said innocently and mistakenly. And yes, the comment itself was "annoying!" Carry on, self-promote, and sell yourself !

[2Roses]

We like that thought Michael "don't overlook any opportunity to "sell yourself!" Just don't go overboard and be annoying about it!" The question is, where is that line, exactly? We are firm believers in self-promotion. After all if you don't do it for yourself, who will. We have seen many examples of shameless self-promotion right here on the pages of crafthaus, some of them we're proud to say ours. When does it become annoying, tacky, tasteless, overbearing, intrusive and downright abusive? Is it the quantity of promotions? The quality? Context? Timing? Is there a downside to breaking the rules? What were those rules again?

[Mary V. Smith]

Congrats Michael! Your work is beautiful...I completely agree about the self-promo...I try to do as much of it as I can!

[Michael Romanik]

Thanks everyone!

In this economic climate, or any at that matter, it's important to put forth any effort that may have a positive effect on our career and financial future. Self-promotion is a big key. It's difficult to do with the many hats that a self-employed artist and craftsperson must wear but we need to fit it all in somehow. Any effort is better than none, I feel. I sent out ONE postcard for the CraftBoston show - I lost my mailing list from 5 years ago and could only find that one customer's address. She ended up being the "golden egg" and came to the show and purchased a high-ticket brooch. And had I not sent out that postcard mailing to my Winter Park FL customer base, informing them that I wouldn't be at the show this year, that customer may have never contacted me or looked at my crafthaus page and ordered that bird brooch. That was well worth the $5 or so in postcard stamps I spent to do the mailing...

So don't overlook any opportunity to "sell yourself!" Just please don't go overboard and be annoying about it! :)

Michael

[Stevie B.]

Sorry CraftBoston sales were down, but not at all surprising in our current economic climate. It's great that you were able to balance it out right here on Crafthaus :)

[Grace Stokes]

Smart moves by you Michael!!! It's great when the customers come to you!!!!!

[Glen Guarino]

Hi, I am new to Craft haus. I'm glad to see that this site. I find it easy to navigate.
I love Boston & the show was a good opportunity to increase visibility in another state for me.
Congrats on making sales in this economy, your hard work is paying off.
Glen

[Chihiro Makio]

Wow, thats great! For those who suffers at craft shows, good things happen afterward :) It was nice seeing you in Boston. I hope train rides werent too bad ...

[Michelle Pajak-Reynolds]

That's AWESOME!!!!! Congratulations :)