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Here I sit, watching You Tube, learning new techniques and finding new ideas and I seem to ALWAYS end up at the same demos chanel. I just love all of her stuff! Here is the problem...she is not MY demo. I watch her videos and then I order from someone else and I really do feel bad about it. I am on one side saying: I do love my demo. She is so nice, she calls when she sees that my order has arrived to be sure everything is ok; she sends emails with ideas to use my new stuff...she is just great. Then the other side of me says: This other demo obviously takes great care in the things she does. She makes fantastic videos that are very detailed and her style is exactly the same as mine. She deserves the commission! If it were not for her videos, I might not be ordering the things I am ordering. I have even thought about changing demos but then wonder: This other demo is very popular (according to the amount of hits on her videos) and maybe would not be able to give that fabulous personal touch that my current demo gives me. Someone tell me I am not alone...does anyone out here lean towards a demo that is not "their" demo?
__________________ "For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack" ~Rudyard Kipling my gallery
I think that you are not alone, however...the demo with the videos is obviously living the SU! motto of Inspire, Create, SHARE! That is wonderful and I applaud everyone that does. But, if you are happy with the demo you have and she is providing great service, then stick with her. You might want to share the YouTube channel you are watching with her. Maybe your demo doesn't have the time to devote to videos that the other demo does and she (your demo) might benefit from watching them as well. Or maybe your demo doesn't have a clue (like me) as to how to go about making a video to post to YouTube. Just a thought.
I am a demo (hobby only - just to support my own crafting addiction), but I've always watched other demos videos. There are some people who do fantastic videos and there are others who do beautiful work but just don't do very well explaining themselves on video. I think you should stick with the demo you've been using because she has given you such good service over the years. But don't feel guilty for loving someone else's work. Your demo probably watches some of those same videos! Just my two cents.
I'm a hobby demo - like kmatuschka. My upline left SU awhile ago to go back to work full time. So all my "learning" comes from here and videos and the like. In the world we live these days, I don't think there is any way to avoid seeing other things, getting ideas, etc. If I were a full-time demo, I would not do videos - I am not that technical.
I think you are fine handling it the way you are. My two cents' worth as well!
I applaud the talented people who can create projects and tutorials and share their knowledge! When I started stamping, it was just me, Carol Duval & co., and a few magazines. When I became a demonstrator, SU had very little available to help me. Having SCS and internet helps has made a huge difference in my creative development.
I have a fabulous demonstrator locally; but when I learn from another source, my demonstrator understands that I feel like showing my appreciation by ordering occasionally from that source. (It's easy if she has a demonstrator website!) I can support both, although the bulk of my business goes to the demonstrator who does so much for me personally. Being a demonstrator isn't cheap!
Just my two cents...
__________________ ValliWhen I'm not near the stamp I love, I love the stamp I'm near.My tiny little gallery
I am a demo and I love to watch other demos videos. Every demo can't know every thing. If you order online from a long distance demo and something is wrong with the product have you thought about contacting this long distance demo for help? Will that be a pain? Just something to consider.
__________________ Barbara SU! Demo with a Blog
Procrastinators of the world unite... tomorrow!
I applaud the talented people who can create projects and tutorials and share their knowledge! When I started stamping, it was just me, Carol Duval & co., and a few magazines. When I became a demonstrator, SU had very little available to help me. Having SCS and internet helps has made a huge difference in my creative development.
I have a fabulous demonstrator locally; but when I learn from another source, my demonstrator understands that I feel like showing my appreciation by ordering occasionally from that source. (It's easy if she has a demonstrator website!) I can support both, although the bulk of my business goes to the demonstrator who does so much for me personally. Being a demonstrator isn't cheap!
Some demos that have videos and tutorials have a tip jar on their blog. One idea would be to give them a tip after you have viewed X amount of videos. Even change is fine. Still order from your local demo but this way the video person is getting something for the time they spend making the video.
I have a local demo (a good friend) but I visit a lot of other SU demos' blogs and videos. I have been tempted to purchase from them sometimes because I appreciate all the effort they put in, and some of them have really nice incentive programs they offer to customers. So far I have put all of my orders in through my friend so she gets the commission, but I don't think it's unreasonable to place an order now and then through another demo whose videos you follow.
Well, thanks to all of the SU demos out there who inspire beyond their client base, you are loved
I second this thought! I know it takes a lot of work to create the videos and tutorials along with their many blog posts, and I have been inspired and educated by many of them.
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I know for myself, I don't blog or share online to get customers (if that happens then wahoo but it's not the point). I do it simply because I love it and I love to share! So, I wouldn't feel bad! Others have given good suggestions as well...just wanted to give my own "demo" view of it!
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CraftyMel2
Thanks for the input! I feel better now knowing that I am not the only one. I do think that this demo has a place on her blog for donations; I am going to have to go look and see, that is a good idea to donate to her for her many inspirations! I do love my current demo, she has been doing this a long time and knows just about everything there is to know and I don't want to switch, I just thought as a matter of principle that I should recognize this other demo for her work, I can't imagine how much time it must take (and money!). I suppose it would not hurt to put in an order from her now and then as well and, for some reason, I actually think my current demo would understand if I did. Well, thanks to all of the SU demos out there who inspire beyond their client base, you are loved
I'm a demo as well. I don't do video's but I do create tutorials for people to use. To me- a comment with a simple THANK YOU is enough recognition for my creations. We all love to hear that people like what we create and a simple Thank You makes ME want to create more!
I actually feel the same you do CraftyMel2, and I'm a demo myself. I CASE a lot of ideas from a couple of blogs I visit, watch their videos as well. And sometimes I feel like I should pay back to them - but I have trouble enough making my minimums. But what I do is sometimes I buy their kits or classes or projects if I like them and think it would be easier to have the written instructions then just try to figure it out (obviously these are projects that aren't on line with instructions/videos). That way I get a project that I probably couldn't figure out on my own, the product to do it and pay back to them for their inspiration and work.
The other thing I thought of doing this last year (but didn't get it done in time but will look at doing it next year) is donate money to Salvation army or something like that 'from them'. If they are giving their time to inspire us I think they would appreciate that type of gift.
I also make sure I tell them on their blogs how much I appreciate their work and inspiration. I think that does go a long way - everyone likes a thanks once in a while!
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[QUOTE=mrussom;19936440]I actually feel the same you do CraftyMel2, and I'm a demo myself. I CASE a lot of ideas from a couple of blogs I visit, watch their videos as well. And sometimes I feel like I should pay back to them - but I have trouble enough making my minimums. But what I do is sometimes I buy their kits or classes or projects if I like them and think it would be easier to have the written instructions then just try to figure it out (obviously these are projects that aren't on line with instructions/videos). That way I get a project that I probably couldn't figure out on my own, the product to do it and pay back to them for their inspiration and work.
The other thing I thought of doing this last year (but didn't get it done in time but will look at doing it next year) is donate money to Salvation army or something like that 'from them'. If they are giving their time to inspire us I think they would appreciate that type of gift.
I also make sure I tell them on their blogs how much I appreciate their work and inspiration. I think that does go a long way - everyone likes a thanks once in a while![ /QUOTE]
To me this means more and makes me feel better than if you made a huge order from me:-)
I have a few friends who are Stampin' Up demonstrators so I try to keep things fair. When one of them inspires me to purchase something, I take my business to her. Then when another one gets me excited about some other project, I give my business to her. I feel this keeps it fair in that each of these demonstrators has "earned" my business.
These demonstrators on-line are trying to earn a living too. When the inspriation comes from them, then I feel an obligation to support them. They are no different from my local friends. They do get lots of hits, but many of these viewers have that same opinion that it is alright to glean but then take the support elsewhere.
I worried too about getting personal care, and I have found these on-line ladies to be wonderful in that regard too. Just think, if they didn't take good care of their customers, then they wouldn't be in business at all.
I just like to give credit (or support) where it is due.
I have a local demo that is amazing. She's very talented, does great classes, and I just love her. Most (almost all) of my SU business goes to her. Then I also have a friend in another state that has an incredible blog. I love her work and want to see her succeed, so once in a while I place an online order with her. I don't feel like I'm cheating on my local demo, instead I'm happy to be supporting both of their businesses.
My demo loves the ideas that I get from other places, Not just other SU! demo videos. She'll use them in some of her other classes. I figure it helps her keep going and not stuck in a rut if there's input coming in from other sources.
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I know there is always a lot of talk on the demo boards about how we demos don't "own" customers...and I think it bears repeating here. No one demo owns any customer so don't feel bad if you spread the love around a bit and if your demo isn't meeting your needs find another who does. There is a demo for every customer and a customer for every demo. I had to change demos way back when and I did feel kind of bad about it but you have to do what you have to do for you to make YOU happy, kwim? I don't feel bad when I buy clothes from XYZ store as opposed to ABC store...and I know it IS different as there really aren't the personal relationships we deal with here but it is kind of the same too. :-)
It's a great idea to place an occasional order with the demo who inspires you just to thank her for her efforts. But then go back to your usual demo. It is nice of you to ask! Thoughtful.
__________________ Dear Paperlicious is my blog...with a series on how I'm learning to improve my cardmaking by studying others.
Maybe you have settled what your feelings are now, and don't need any more opinions. But I don't think you're cheating at all to check out others inspiration. The bloggers and video-makers are choosing their avenue of creative sharing, they know how the internet works and I bet they are thrilled that we wander around looking at their ideas. There are a few websites I check out regularly and enjoy very much the ideas I get. I think that is their goal. As well, they do have their customer base but I know there are a lot of us who just enjoy the visit to the blog.
My demo provides me the personal touch and encouragement...and product. No one online could begin to replace my demo with the level of personal care she gives me.
As a demo I don't have a problem with my customers looking at other demo's work and I have no qualms about a customer buying from another demo. Like Minders said, we don't own our customers and most demos wouldn't give it thought as we know that customers like to shop around.
However, I know demo's have a problem when a customer buys from another demo and then asks you for help on that item. Most demos will help you, but it stings a little. The same with buying from a big box store.
Everyone knows that we crafters like to shop around, look for a bargin, find the newest technique, style, or idea. We love to learn and if you have sources where you get great ideas, you should support that source the same as you support your demo that gives you great service.
I'm not a demo, but I know demos pay for their catalogs, so I would suggest this...don't get your catalog from someone you don't intend to order from. It isn't fair to the demo. My demo has given out many catalogs only to find that instead of ordering from her, they are ordering from someone else.
I think there has been great things said in this post. As a demo, I get inspiration from other demos online as well.
I personally blog because I enjoy it. Having a local demo is helpful for classes and workshops. I do have customers that are out of state, which I assume are from my blog posts. Some customers like to attend workshops and classes. Some customers just want to order and enjoy their items. I assume some of the long distance customers are these type.
If you have a demo that is helpful and gives you good customer service, don't feel bad for looking at blogs or videos. Maybe even mention that you would love a class on "X" technique!!!
I had the opposite problem, my local demo was not what I wanted. Classes were not welcoming and she didn't seem to care if I ordered or not. This is my "fun" money and I want to feel happy when I spend it. I went online, found 2 demos that I really enjoyed watching. Ordered from both, found one was more personal than the other and that's the demo I stayed with. However, occasionally I do add to the other demos "tip jar" just to say thanks for the hard work that goes into making the videos.
Kathy T
Never saw (or looked for) a tip jar. I will look now. I am pretty good friends with my demo, although she was clearly a demo first, and then a friend. Anyway, I forward her links from other cards and demos and we talk about techniques a lot. I hope I'm not insulting her. She has made cards that I have forwarded to her, I hope that means she is fine with it.
Leah
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lmcgraw01
Never saw (or looked for) a tip jar. I will look now. I am pretty good friends with my demo, although she was clearly a demo first, and then a friend. Anyway, I forward her links from other cards and demos and we talk about techniques a lot. I hope I'm not insulting her. She has made cards that I have forwarded to her, I hope that means she is fine with it.
Leah
My guess is she likes knowing what you're interested in! It's good to get feedback!
I feel like I am cheating on my Demo
I do think that this demo has a place on her blog for donations; I am going to have to go look and see, that is a good idea to donate to her for her many inspirations! I do love my current demo, she has been doing this a long time and knows just about everything there is to know and I don't want to switch, I just thought as a matter of principle that I should recognize this other demo for her work, I can't imagine how much time it must take (and money!). I suppose it would not hurt to put in an order from her now and then as well and, for some reason, I actually think my current demo would understand if I did. Well, thanks to all of the SU demos out there who inspire beyond their client base, you are loved 
