My landlord is a pharmacist by trade and has been working for May's Drug Warehouse *okie thinks there is something wrong with a warehouse full of drugs and how it seems a bit like the Mexican Cartel kinda deal* ever since I have known him. Recently May's sold out to Walgreen's and is closing down. Instead of him making the switch he and his wife have opened up their own pharmacy and gift shop. I am totally excited for them and I am quite certain they will do well.
I was in there this weekend and she asked if I wanted to make some cards to put in the store. Well ya'll know I like money but don't like pressure! I hate crafting under pressure! Okay I hate doing anything under
pressure, but especially crafting. I think because it is my outlet, time
to relax, time to do what I want how I want without any rules or
dictation of methods. But, I have to admit that the opportunity is exciting! She wanted to know a price and I told her I generally sell my cards for between $4.50 and $5.00 each depending on the card. I don't think that excited her too much really and we will have to hash out the details of the expense and that means I will have to think numbers which sends me into fits of "JUST LET ME DIE", and my friend Linda can attest to this quite well.
Now I wonder if this is truly a journey I want to go on and then I think "nothing ventured, nothing gained". I guess I will just have to give it a shot and see how it goes!
I know what you mean - a fun hobby can fast become a job! BUT, if you were to do a batch of cards ahead of time, put them in the store - if they sell, they sell - if not, you've got a great stash of cards! Nothing ventured, nothing gained is exactly how to look at it - if you decide to go for it, I'm sure you will do well.
ReplyDeleteJackie
I totally understand about "having" to make a card/cards. I do not like to work under pressure either, in fact I was on A design team once and always had plenty notice of what I had to create for each week but just the thought of having to have to have something done by a certain date put me in a tailspin. So I prefer to just craft on my own terms, but the opportunity that you have before you could be quite tempting. Good Luck in whatever you decide to do.
ReplyDeleteYou won't know til you try. It always sounds good to make a little extra money but it's also another demand on your time. You could start with cards then maybe something else. You've made some fabulous things lol but not sure the drugstore is the market for your naughty cards ... giggles !!!
ReplyDeleteI create for myself but have had a few requests to create for money. Many of my friends say, "you should sell them". Yes I would like to do that but I don't work well (creatively) under pressure. If what I have in my stash sells I am happy but to "have" to come up with something day after day would drive me nuts. Whatever you decide to do, I hope it will make you happy. Isn't that why we craft...to make us happy and in so doing we often make others happy too.
ReplyDeleteMyrna
I've often thought of making cards to sell (mostly to get my "DH" off my back about how much I spend on craft items) but I don't like the idea of being ruled by deadlines and a "need" to create something just to sell it. I like to do it on my own terms and in my own time. I'm an accountant by trade and this is to be my escape, not a job. Good luck with whatever you decide.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good opportunity for you to support your collection. :)
ReplyDeleteAnna
You want some accounting advice? lol! Just call! I think you should show her your FRAMES! They're showier than a card and would sell great! Also, the shadowboxes like the one you did for me with just a mat opening for a photo. Aim them toward grandma's---we love this sort of stuff for our grandbabies' pictures!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Linda. Craft higher ticket items, not cards. They will be more unique, sale at your prices, etc.
ReplyDeleteMaybe try it on a trial basis to see how they sell, how you feel about it after trying it. I think they would sell out, your creations are wonderful, if you were in my area I know several people who would snap up a beautiful handmade card or frame (the frames would not last on the selves). Nothing ventured nothing gained....Laura D.
ReplyDeleteOkie, this is really interesting! I went to our local UPS and drugstore and told them they had awful cards (they do!) for some reason, I had some of mine in my bag and showed them. They told me to make some to sell in their stores--I did not, but I wish I had. Do it!!!
ReplyDeleteKathy
Go for it We have a card maker at our farmers market and her
ReplyDeletecards sell for 5.50 and up. People will buy because they are
one of a kind.
fergie
I know what you are talking about Okie.
ReplyDeleteMy Sweetie use to take some cards to work and that was fine until he would come home with a list of orders of ..... this guy want one with a different color.
Then someone else would like the front but not the inside, could I change that.
Then it becomes not fun because you don't know if they really like it or not.
so I told my Honey to try not to take orders because that makes it not fun.
I made a card for someone a few months back and they told me in detail what they wanted. I thought that I had got it right but she was really disappointed.
If you have it already made and they like it then it is fun orders, not so fun.
But if you could do them ahead of time and just let her choose the ones she want to put in her place then it won't be so bad.
I say go for it. It might be fun!
ReplyDeleteCongrats and what a great opportunity, don't feel pressure and do it only if it works for you!
ReplyDeleteI think that's such an exciting honor!! Everything you do is fantastic!! Good luck.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Linda...why limit it to just cards?????
ReplyDeleteI hear ya. I agree with Linda (above).....You do so much more than cards. Keep us all posted. :)
ReplyDeleteI made 20 cards before Christmas for a local charity. They were sold for $10.00 each!
ReplyDeleteI know exactly how it feels to work under pressure as the request came in about 2 weeks before Christmas.
It was an honour to be asked but hard to be unique 20 times.
Smiles
I hate to be under pressure I rather work on my own time. But it sounds like a great opportunity!
ReplyDeletejust do it, you will be fine.
ReplyDeleteI sell cards through a local knitting shop and the hardest thing for me is keeping the rack stocked! When Mr. Mojo takes a hike I'm in trouble. The other problem is, all the customers know me and know I make the cards so I get things like .... Oooooh my friend's birthday is day after tomorrow, she likes salad and playing cards - can you make one up for me ..... It is a double-edged sword. The money is great but like all the rest, I'm not crazy about the pressure. All that said, it is certainly worth giving it a try. hugs, eileen
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you will do GREAT, your cards are great... HUGS
ReplyDeletei think this sounds like a win/win. i'm just curious....did you discuss what commission she will be taking from the sale of your cards? good luck with this venture.
ReplyDeletei was approached by someone wanting to set up my cards to sell in their store for a hefty $50 a month....i don't think so!...spend $50 to make $25? not a good business proposition. i pay $10 to set up at craft sales just before the holidays and make from $100-$200. usually do around 5 sales a year. i only sell my cards for $3. we're rural and these country folks won't pay $5. but i make up for it by making boxes/purses/layouts/cuts for them. i have regulars now, and special orders occasionally. good luck and bon voyage!
ReplyDeleteyou could make up business cards if you want to do special orders, with your contact info.
Well, I sell my cards for $10 a piece. So $5 is a bargain. That is great that you were asked.
ReplyDeleteGo for it girl. I agree with everyone else. Dont limit yourself to just cards. Let your imagation run riot with what you can design. Show of your artistic talent and sense of humor. Make a variety of items as well as cards. But do have a talk to the landladies wife to see what she prices she would buy things at. You need to find out if she is going to buy the items then on sell or are is she going to sell on your behalf? There is a big difference in that.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes it could become a chore rather then a passion. But you have to try these things sometime to see what happens.
JUST REMEMBER YOU ARE THE MASTER NOT THE SLAVE.
What a wonderful opportunity. Something to check off the "things I'd like to do one day" list maybe? Looking forward to seeing your creations
ReplyDelete