Returning to Consignment Shops
We were talking about the pluses and minuses of consignment. One of the things that I find important about whether or not consignment shops are worth trying or not, is how the shop looks … how much care and concern the owner/manager/workers put into making the shop appealing. This new shop where we have recently put our work is well taken care of. The owner has invested a lot of herself into this shop, clearly wanting it to be successful.
When customers come in, she or her friend go up and offer to help them. But they do it in a non-intrusive way. Being helpful without stifling someone. She says that when someone comes in, she loves to show them around to see what is available. She has this gift shop section to service her (hopefully ours too!) customers to offer them more choices.
This store is very spacious and light and has a lot of nice touches such as pretty sashes on the clothes trying out rooms. It is obviously well cared for. So that makes me feel better to put in her care and trust a couple of thousand dollars worth of merchandise. Yes, you hear right, it all adds up quite quickly!
Today I made signs for the bins we have bought for our mats, prints and cards. We still haven’t exactly pinned down the % she will take for consignment. At this point she is planning to make her money off the clothes and sees the gifts as extra. So there are details to still be worked out … but the bottom line is I trust her. So much of what I do is based on trust .. and then backed up with paper afterwards.
By the way, I live in Mass (US) … I just came across the Black Beauty Ranch and thought that you would like it. Also, I believe the Lulu might be the same Lulu … but I am not sure.
Thank you for being in my life!!
~ Diane Clancy
p.s. These can be purchased at Diane’s CafePress Shop.
Technorati Tags: consignment, customers, gift shop, merchandise
That sounds like a fun store to go to and wander around in. Especially as they have clothes also! My all time favorite hobby. I hope your merchandise does really well there and flies of the shelves. Good luck to you!
It’s nice to know that when you have put so much care into your work that it is being presented properly. I admire you for being an artist and also showing such business acumen.
Wish you well in your new venture! And yes, is the same Lulu!
I am enjoying reading your perspectives on consignment selling. When I return to the world of print, Im sure these reflections of yours will help me in my decision making process. Thank you for taking the time to do this!
~sue o’kieffe
I deserved the comment you left me. I try to be fair in commenting on blogs. I have already grown tired of leaving them and getting none on mine. You have been a loyal comment person on mine I thank you for that. I may visit and not leave one but that isn’t right on my part. I hope your consignment does well,I used to do that with alot of luck in the 80’s with my handmade quilts. It can work in the right place,hope it does for you. You are one of my constant look at blogs. Thanks for being loyal. Love the coffee mugs,but mostly I love the bubbles in your art,hope I have told you before.
This is very impressive and organized. I can see how you are finally pulling everything together. Wishing you the best of everything…Sorry, I have been really swamped!
Hi Irene, I bet you would like it a lot .. and thank you for your good wishes!
Hi Beverly, thank you for your kind words … I am glad you see me as an artist and business savy!!
Hi Bobbie, it is fun to know it is OUR Lulu! And thank you for your wishes!
Hi Sue, so glad you are enjoying this … After all, you started this all! You know I am glad to help you think.
Hi Joy, that is good to hear that you had luck in the ’80s! So delighted you like the bubbles!! Thank you for your good wishes on the consignment.
Hi Neda, Thank you so much!
~ Diane Clancy