First sale of the season - Rant!!

[barb.j.enders]

Did my first sale of the Christmas season today.  Was one of the worst ones I have done in the 5 years I have been doing sales.  Could have been the weather.  Was wet & rainy.  Could have been worse - could have been snow!!  The gym was freezing. I think the ac was on the whole time. Never saw the organizer other than just at the start of the show. 

My biggest rant is actually about my hubby.  I get that he is an introvert and these really exhaust him.  I could find others to help, but he insists on helping.  I do, greatly appreciate his help.  My biggest, and really only complaint, is when we are taking down the display.  I know he just wants to get out of there but......  I spent a lot of time making the items.  Packing up the items.  Etc.  I would really like for him to take some time in taking down the items.  I try to keep them wrapped in paper or bubble wrap.  The puzzles are shrink wrapped, so I am not worried about them.  I try to sort the items into different bins.  He just "dumps" them into whatever bin is handy.

Yes, I have mentioned this peeve of mine to him.  It doesn't seem to really make a difference.  

Rant over.  Thanks for letting me rant in a safe place.  

[Scrappile]

Mam! count your blessings,  I would not even think of going to something like this for my wife. I am a true introvert.  It is The reason I do not do shows.  I do not do well with crowds.  I do not care to.  So thank your husband for at least trying on your behalf.  And be thankful he is less of an introvert than me!    I have not had a close friend since I got out of the service, well not true, I have friends but none that live close and I spend time with on a routine bases. I do go visit my brother once and a while.  I do not know why I am what I am, but, green eggs and ham or something like that.

Edited November 4, 2024 by Scrappile

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

Nice display. Yes on the time spent making so it does take some love and care to restack and cart things in and out. It is all part of the game when we do shows. You come to realize the effort it takes to do shows right away. Now you will get those on here that will start to say, see this is why I don't do shows. Well then like you say they are introverts and not made to deal with the public. Yes crowds and personal interaction can become trying at times but it is all in your makeup and how you deal with stress and anxiety. Just as it can be anxious at times it can be just as rewarding. Talking to people can relieve stress also. Besides there is no bettter way in our industry to sell and promote both yourself and your items. I do not care how many web sites you sell on. It does take the gift of gab to become a good sales person and enjoy what we need to do. There is work involved no matter how you sell your items. When I was doing shows, it was my brother that I counted on because of the extra car needed and the heavy weight of boxes to carry in. I have shown over the years many items that I make and lot of them are bulky and thus need muscle. He at times fussed about doing it but in the end we help each other in many ways. I was always one of the last out of the show because I would refuse to throw things in boxes just to get out. I had a system and stuck to it. Makes for easier set up times the next show. 

I feel for you and the anxiety because of the help situation but at least he is there. What makes times even more troubling is if the sales were not so good. Not every show, every year is going to be a winner. We all been there. It is part of the experience. Good luck on the next show and maybe you will sell all out and be less to repack.   

[kmmcrafts]

Nice set up! Sorry for the lousy weather and poor traffic. Better luck at the next one hopefully.  

[Wichman]

Nice setup Barb.

Some ideas for the hubster 

     Have a snack and beverage ready for him at the close of the show, while he is partaking, you pack up. At least to get the tables cleared.

     If you have any kind of a drive back from the show, suggest that he nap in the car so he's refreshed for the drive.

[barb.j.enders]

22 hours ago, Wichman said:

Nice setup Barb.

Some ideas for the hubster 

     Have a snack and beverage ready for him at the close of the show, while he is partaking, you pack up. At least to get the tables cleared.

     If you have any kind of a drive back from the show, suggest that he nap in the car so he's refreshed for the drive.

Thanks.

He has always stayed and helped with the sales.  He is actually quite good at that.  This sale was a 15 minute drive from home.  Just across the city.  We always take our own water bottles and a "lunch" of veggie sticks, cheese, nuts, meats & crackers so we can graze throughout the day.  

[Roberta Moreton]

I sell the people and pets things. I give my husband a small tote and have him package each set in a sandwich bag before placing it in the tote, same for ornaments in a different tote.  He also gets the truck pulled up and the tables folded. I have plastic grocery bags for the tablecloths as well. My plaques get wrapped in a dish towel.   

Edited November 6, 2024 by Roberta Moreton