Do You — or Don’t You: Do You Take Part in Art and Craft Markets as Either a Buyer or Seller?

Published

11 years ago

December 19, 2012

Do You — or Don’t You: Do You Take Part in Art and Craft Markets as Either a Buyer or Seller?

Do You — or Don’t You: Do you take part in art and craft markets as either a buyer or seller?

BY INSTORE TEAM

Do You — or Don’t You: Do You Take Part in Art and Craft Markets as Either a Buyer or Seller?

Published in the January 2013 issue

15% YES, I HAVE

I shop for up-and-coming artisans. — Michael Cook, Walter J. Cook Jeweler, Paoli, PA

We went to the Philadelphia Buyers Market and the Global Design Show and had a great buying trip. We saw some regulars and also picked up quite a few new jewelry artists. — Leslie Lawrence, FireWorks Gallery, Halifax, NS

We’ve found that one or two of the jewelry designers we sell are selling at these shows at the same pricing they give us, which we consider to be unfair. It’s definitely not the best situation, but the shows are a great place to find emerging talent and catalysts for new trends. — Andrea Riso, Talisman Collection, Folsom, CA

Love them! The creative part of the jewelry business is what I adore. Craft markets show things with a lot of fresh ideas and innovative styles. — Susan Eisen, Susan Eisen Fine Jewelry & Watches, El Paso, TX

We do a lot of custom so I need to see what’s out there. — Marta Jones-Couch, Elements, Des Moines, IA

We always do a raffle so we can get the e-mails of people in attendance. We like to follow up with an email with a promo code for free shipping with an Etsy purchase, or something along those lines. We love to network with the other vendors, because in the handmade market, other crafters can sometimes be your best customers. — Sarah Ragsdale, David Douglas Designs, Marietta, GA

85% NO, I HAVEN’T

Our downtown just had a big one, and we closed for it! Sometimes we try to participate, but it usually proves to be not worth our while. Those craft festivals tend to bring out bottom-feeders, and our regular customers can’t get to us because of street closures and parking complications. — Jennifer Hornik Johnson, Jae’s Jewelers, Coral Gables, FL

The set-up and tear-down, the travel and the overhead just got to be stupid-expensive for us as vendors. As a buyer, they make me want to buy a beer, chug it, and slice my wrists with the bottle. Glass sold as stones, plate sold as sterling — just too disheartening. — Erin McMichael Hess, Accents, Colorado Springs, CO

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”