A successful sales technique

[Jim Finn]

At one of my farmers market sales, a shopper told me that he has bought a couple boxes from me that he gave as gifts. He is a cotton exporter and he used the boxes as gifts to cotton buyers in Japan. (I am in the middle of the largest "cotton patch" in the world) He asked me to make five more for him and I agreed. I made eight, and when he came to pick them up I gave him the option to choose form the eight or buy them all. He bought all eight of them! Whenever I get an order for a design that others may also like I make more than requested. I then offer the buyer to choose which they want or maybe all of them. It usually does not work quite this well, but on occasion, it does.
I eventually sell everything I make, but it sometimes takes a few years.

[meflick]

Great idea Jim. Thanks for sharing. I can see why he would want to buy them all with the reason he gets them, the cotton inlaid, and how nice your boxes are done. Now that he bought you out, make a few more so you are ahead of the game when he wants more.

[kmmcrafts]

Glad that seller tip has worked out well for you.. I've done the same thing with good results... I used to charge for artwork for all orders that needed a pattern made.. I rarely do anymore unless it's something that is personalized in some way or an item I feel wouldn't be all that popular to sell.. I found that many customers start walking away when they end up needing to pay pay 20-60 for the artwork.. Many times I've paid a good amount on fees for items that I think would be good sellers even though I'm not really making money off the order just so I have the design and can work more pieces out of that design.. Have one guy that charges $40 for a design for the car clocks for me over that last couple years that has added up considering I was eating that cost.. most items have really paid off though for me to just eat the cost.. Now I've been working to learn the designing part myself hoping to save the money.. Once I get somewhat efficient at pattern making... doesn't usually take that long.. just that I have to remember what tools to use to do what in the design programs is what I need to work at learning / remembering.. 

Anyway, thanks for sharing the great tips

[Jim Finn]

4 hours ago, meflick said:

Great idea Jim. Thanks for sharing. I can see why he would want to buy them all with the reason he gets them, the cotton inlaid, and how nice your boxes are done. Now that he bought you out, make a few more so you are ahead of the game when he wants more.

Yes I have started five more of them.  Ready to put the finish on them tomorrow.

Edited August 20, 2018 by Jim Finn

[amazingkevin]

You are a professional Boxer, Jim!

[John B]

Very nice box Jim.
I do the same thing as you, as it takes a lot less time per item to make multiples.  I'll get rid of them all eventually. My thoughts are "If one person likes it there are bound to be others that like it too":.