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I had been thinking for some time of taking some of my best cards to work and offering them for sale, but I was really nervous on how to go about it. Today I finally did it.
Over the weekend, I did some baking and brought it in to work this morning along with my cards. I sent out an e-mail to about 10-12 people that I knew in the office, inviting them to stop by my desk and have some baking and take a look at my card sale while they were there. Well, offer food and people will come! The guys mostly just grabbed a piece of loaf and left, but the women really oohhhed and aaaahed over the cards. They were so complimentary.
They asked what I was charging and I said �well, I�m thinking maybe $3.50 per card or 4 for $10,� quickly adding that I was new to this experience and that I wasn't sure what people would be willing to pay. Well, nobody seemed to think those prices were out of line. I had one gal buy a batch of 4 and another gal said she�d come back after getting money from the bank machine. Some suggested that I have a basket of cards available all the time and whenever they needed a card they could buy one. That's exactly what I was hoping for! Whoohooo!!
Well, I was quite happy with that, but then near the end of the day, the assistant deputy minister (I work in government) happened to drop by and saw my card display. She ended up ordering a dozen! She said, �so that would be $30, right�. I was ready to say that $25 would be fine, since she was putting in such a big order, when she continued on to say, �actually that�s a really good deal when you look at the price of cards these days, and these are really something.� I was just so thrilled I�m sure I just sat there grinning like an idiot!
for a second I thought that maybe the boss lady was gonna shut down your operation, but to hear that she was your biggest and best paying customer-well, you go girl!
and dont sell your work short. have you seen the cost of a store-bought card lately? And last time I was in Caribou coffee they had 5x7 handmade looking cards for $6-10!
Aren't you glad you stepped out of your comfort zone?
Glad your first effort was a success!
Ditto! That's awesome. You have made it over that 1st hurdle. I look forward to the day when I will be able to accomplish this too!
__________________ "People associate me with a time when movies were pleasant, when women wore pretty dresses in films and you heard beautiful music."-Audrey Hepburn "I'm gonna make it do what it do, baby."-Ray Charles
Congrats ---- I'm another one who thought the boss was going to shut you down. I worked in govt here in the states and they wouldn't have allowed us to do that ---- I'm also curious to see your best sellers.
Outstanding! I remember when I took the plunge and tried selling for the first time. Isn't it a wonderful feeling? BTW-You do wonderful work! I love your style!!
That's great! Although my DH works with primarily men, perhaps next Valentine's Day (yes, I know it's a long ways out), I should send him in with some cards and some treats a couple days beforehand. The guys always appreciate food and to be able to get a card for their wives...I bet their wives would be impressed. What a great idea!
Thanks everyone for your kind words. It's great to share the joy!
The ADM ordered all thank you cards, plus a couple of sympathy cards. Here are two samples that seemed to be quite popular. Simple flower cards seem to go over well for thank you's and sympathy's.
Barb,
I lookedin your gallery, very nice cards! Do you have a sentiment on all the cards? do you put anything inside? How fun to have a great purpose with immediate feedback!
It's great to hear your story Barb. I have only just starting making my own cards but hope that one day like you I have the courage to consider selling them.
Congratulations! Looking at your gallery, it's no surprise everyone was excited about them! How nice to have some extra money - maybe to buy some new stamps with!!!
That's great, but I would rethink your bulk pricing. I think $3.50 per card is the right price, but I would put it at 4 for $12.00 instead of $10. 4 separate cards would cost $14.00. I think giving $4.00 off is too much - it's more than the price of one card. Just a thought. Congratulations - great job!
Location: Wishing I was not at work but I have to pay for my hobbies some how! LOL!
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Way to go!
Barb~
I agree that it is rather scary to bring your crafts to work to sell for the first time. I am always afraid that people will just look or buy because they feel that they have to because we work together. Now I have about a dozen people who order from me regularly; from a single birthday card to a set of sympathy cards to a special order of Christmas cards. I charge $3 each or 4 for $10. It still works out to be cheaper, and better, than a purchased card.
I just made 60 baby shower thank yous and I charged her $1.50 each ($90 total) since she ordered so many. I always have people ask me why am I working when I should be crafting full time. My response is that is how I finance my addiction!
hi Barb
Congratulations on your sales!
I have a wee shop in work too (a covered shoebox!) - I just leave a small amount of cash for a float in a wee money bag - staff just help themselves and I clear the big money out of the bag at the end of each day. That way I'm making the sales (which helps to pay for this addiction!), but its not interfering with my work so my boss can't complain (especially as she buys them too!!!)
Your cards are lovely by the way!
Barb,
I looked in your gallery, very nice cards! Do you have a sentiment on all the cards? do you put anything inside? How fun to have a great purpose with immediate feedback!
SuG, I did not print anything inside my cards. Some cards have a sentiment on the front, some have no sentiment. When my ADM ordered nine thank you cards, she chose the designs she liked and if they had a different sentiment on them (like happy birthday), I'm revising them to say thank you. Hope this helps.
Thanks for your feedback everyone. I'll definitely think about the pricing.
My first experience selling cards
Way to go!
