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Entrepreneurship:  Could be a good opportunity  |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 30 2007 : 08:38:16 AM
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There is a new store in town, they have consignment shelves, like in an antique store, I was in there yesterday because I only JUST found out about it.
While I was in there, one of the Women wanted to know if I had made my clothes, and since I did, I answered yes, as well as what both of the girls were wearing. THEEEEEN she recognized me from the Farmer's Market and the Sustainability Fair. She asked me if I wouldn't like to stitch up a few aprons (WOULD I!?!?) and bring in some of my home and bath and body products to stick on a shelf.
We got to talking business. THey don't take a cut of your retail price, they only charge you the shelf space, which is CHEAP-a 1/4 of a space is $12 per month, 1/2 space is $24 and a whole space is $48. CHEAP!!
they want me to be in by Friday as their grand opening is then. I am just not sure that it is going to be a good thing long term though. Maybe the first few months while they are getting known they will be busy, but after that....the store that was there prior was only open for a year-granted, she sold stuff that didn't really appeal around here- these are somewhat simple people around here and she was attempting to sell them high end clothing. I think I almost always saw the same stuff in her store each time I went in there-some of it was cute and I bought a couple of things from her, but see how fast she went under and was replaced!? I am just not sure it is worth the time and effort of stocking a shelf there...
what do you think?
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
Blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://frugalwitch.wordpress.com
http://tasharose365.wordpress.com/
Homepage: http://mysticwoodsfarm.com |
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lilpunkin
True Blue Farmgirl
368 Posts
Texas
USA
368 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2007 : 08:42:51 AM
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I think it would be a great idea. Its a way to get your stuff out there. And the thing is, you dont have to do it long term. Do it for a while, and if business starts to slow down for you, then just remove your stuff. I think its worth a try.
Life isn't measured by how many breaths you take, but by how many moments take your breath away. |
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cmandle
True Blue Farmgirl
846 Posts
Catherine
Minneapolis
MN
846 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2007 : 08:43:37 AM
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I think you should do it because it is so cheap, you're going to make the stuff anyway, and it does sound like a great little store. It's true that she could go under in a year, but who knows? She could be expanding in a year too! Would it be contractual or just a month-by-month thing for you? Sounds like a good opportunity to me...and a good place to "test" new ideas and products in person. Good luck!
Catherine
p.s. Don't you have a "touristy" season coming up there? Spring brings boats on lakes and all? That may make for a great six-month run!
http://yogurtandgranola.blogspot.com |
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katiedid
True Blue Farmgirl
601 Posts
Kate
West Jordan
Utah
USA
601 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2007 : 08:55:55 AM
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I say "go for it!" Especially if you can do a month-to-month deal...it could be great, get your name out there locally, establish yourself in the local economy as well as the internet...
Plus, on another side, you might get to know some really cool people. And who doesn't want new friends??
K
my new blog http/www.theknifemakerswife.wordpress.com |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
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Nancy Gartenman
True Blue Farmgirl
9093 Posts
Nancy
West Seneca
New York
USA
9093 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2007 : 08:58:09 AM
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I don't see as you have anything to lose by doing it. Also people in that area might ask you to do thinks for them on the side.
NANCY JO
www.Nancy-Jo.blogspot.com |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2007 : 09:00:01 AM
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OOOO, I forgot to add, it IS a cute little store. They have Watkins stuff in there, there is a table of Avon, but we wont hold that against them....There is everything from craft fair bulk items-you know, the older people who buy all manner of junk things and sell them to unwiting flea market goers...to handmade kids clothes and fabric and yarn and and and....I bought a whole bunch of a fine wale courdoroy yesterday to make more Leg warmers with. I think I spent just over $7 and I got a TON of fabric....I may get the rest of the cord fabric thay have if I do go back to stock a shelf....
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
Blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://frugalwitch.wordpress.com
http://tasharose365.wordpress.com/
Homepage: http://mysticwoodsfarm.com |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
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faithymom
True Blue Farmgirl
360 Posts
Faith
Sandpoint
ID
USA
360 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2007 : 10:32:25 AM
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This sounds great, Tasha! Finding somewhere to set your stuff up (on a small scale) that won't take a cut of the sale price is great.
They're opening a public market here and I'm looking into renting a booth. I heard that it is only $50 a month and I may be splitting it with a friend.
Go for it and Good Luck!
Faith
"All television is educational television. The only question is, what is it teaching?"-Fmr. FCC Commissioner Nicholas Johnson |
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bramble
True Blue Farmgirl
2044 Posts
2044 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2007 : 10:32:46 AM
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Tasha I think it's a great idea and certainly reasonable. I would say don't invest too heavily into overhead until you see how the traffic is through the store and for your merchandise. I belonged to an antique/craft cooperative for many years (we just had a monthly fee and required work hours) and there were definitely months that did not show how profittable the overall was. Just don't spend too much upfront to create "product" unless you know you will have a market for your merchandise at this shop or elsewhere. Word of mouth and getting flyers out to people will help this shoppe get people in. The trick is to get them to return.Good luck!
with a happy heart |
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FarmGirl~K
True Blue Farmgirl
512 Posts
Kelly
TX
USA
512 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2007 : 11:06:47 AM
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Tasha... Go for it! Even if it is only for a year it will bring in extra $ while you work at home with the girls. Also if they don't have room for your clothes except for one outfit, you could have a binder there showing other examples of your work for them to order from. The cost of placing your things there is very reasonable... unless of course you spend your earnings in the store... 
"Work as if you were to live a hundred years, pray as if you were to die tomorrow." ~Benjamin Franklin~
http://wandascountryhome.com/forsale/index.html |
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Nance in France
True Blue Farmgirl
1438 Posts
Nancy
St. Laurent de la Salanque
France
1438 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2007 : 11:14:36 AM
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| TEE-rrific with tons of possibilities. And definitely hang a cool skirt there so potential customers can see the real deal; and how about a cute little "clothesline" string or ribbon strung with tiny clothespins holding photos of your adorable kids in their mommy-made fashions, as well as photos of you in other creations? I am excited for you! Nance |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
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Tina Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
6948 Posts
Tina
sunshine state
FL
USA
6948 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2007 : 11:28:06 AM
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I think it is a good idea. I did something similar a while back and made a little bit on the side. It was a nice accomplishment and something that I could say"I did it".Go for it!
~Seize the Day! Live, Love, Laugh~ |
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FarmGirl~K
True Blue Farmgirl
512 Posts
Kelly
TX
USA
512 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2007 : 12:04:35 PM
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I would also make up some business cards to place in your space so customers can go to your web page. If it turns out to be short term, you'll still have your name out there for customers that will end up missing you if the store has to close shop.
"Work as if you were to live a hundred years, pray as if you were to die tomorrow." ~Benjamin Franklin~
http://wandascountryhome.com/forsale/index.html |
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daffodil dreamer
True Blue Farmgirl
805 Posts
Jayne
Hamilton
Victoria
Australia
805 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2007 : 5:00:58 PM
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Go for it, Tasha! As others have said, you seem to make the stuff anyway for fun, and having a small space isn't too big a committment. I'd only be worried about ending up spending all your time making things to sell and never doing what you want for your own family, but as it is only a small space and you can make what you like, I think it sounds perfect!
Best wishes,
Jayne |
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MustangSuzie
True Blue Farmgirl
634 Posts
Sarah
New London
Missouri
USA
634 Posts |
Posted - Feb 01 2007 : 5:29:26 PM
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Sounds like a great idea Tasha. Even if it only lasts a year or so, you are getting your name and your work out there. Advertising and publicity are good things. And who could possible resist if you hang up a lil clothesline with pics of your two best models!! They are adorable!
Blessings....
Sarah
Something I borrowed...
"In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations." -From The Great Law Of The Iroquois Confederacy.
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
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bramble
True Blue Farmgirl
2044 Posts
2044 Posts |
Posted - Feb 01 2007 : 5:52:27 PM
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Yay Tasha! May you sell out in your first week! Wishing you much success!
with a happy heart |
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oceanfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
231 Posts
Rachel
A Little Closer to Heaven
Oregon Coast
USA
231 Posts |
Posted - Feb 01 2007 : 6:02:32 PM
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What a great idea to put out business cards! I say shoot for the moon!
rachel
See what I'm up to on my blog... http://minetothine.blogspot.com |
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daffodil dreamer
True Blue Farmgirl
805 Posts
Jayne
Hamilton
Victoria
Australia
805 Posts |
Posted - Feb 02 2007 : 02:05:04 AM
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I agree, Rachel - shoot for the moon, even if you miss you'll still hit the stars!
Go for it, Tasha, and all the best of luck!
Best wishes,
Jayne |
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Aunt George
True Blue Farmgirl
1476 Posts
Georgann
Midlothian
VA
1476 Posts |
Posted - Feb 02 2007 : 02:19:16 AM
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Go girl!! I think it is a great idea and your clothing is FAB!!! If you have internet sales generated off of this stock in the store, do you have to give them a cut? If not, put your internet site URL on the tag you make up for your items! Just a thought. I'm so excited for you......I know your 1/4 booth will be the most interesting one there! And good score on the corduroy fabric, and I too would go back for the rest of that today!!
G
http://auntgeorgeshouse.blogspot.com/index.html
Thanks for checking out my apron and sewing musings! |
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Forrester Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
703 Posts
Ann
Belmont
MI
USA
703 Posts |
Posted - Feb 02 2007 : 04:33:45 AM
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Tasha, The nice thing is that you can mention the store to your customers at the Farmer's Market. A sample of your work with a note that say's "Available at _____ - name of store". Little chalk boards are charming for notes at the farmer's market.
Good luck, it sounds like a great outlet.
Ann
http://annforrester.tohe.com |
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blueroses
True Blue Farmgirl
1323 Posts
Debbie
in the Pandhandle of
Idaho
USA
1323 Posts |
Posted - Feb 05 2007 : 10:51:44 AM
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Tasha,
This is so exciting. Very happy for you and I look forward to hearing how things go. The ladies here have given you very good tips.
Debbie
"You cannot find peace...by avoiding life."
Virginia Woolfe |
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Nancy Gartenman
True Blue Farmgirl
9093 Posts
Nancy
West Seneca
New York
USA
9093 Posts |
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MustangSuzie
True Blue Farmgirl
634 Posts
Sarah
New London
Missouri
USA
634 Posts |
Posted - Feb 05 2007 : 3:56:16 PM
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Tasha...did you take things down to that store? How is it going?
Blessings....
Sarah
Something I borrowed...
"In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations." -From The Great Law Of The Iroquois Confederacy.
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Entrepreneurship: Could be a good opportunity |
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Could be a good opportunity
