Today I was at the Kirkcudbright Garden and country fair. The weather was gorgeous, and I had a great time meeting new people and catching up with other crafters I had met before. I love hearing people’s comments at craft fairs. The appreciation shown to my work is very touching, and I love to see people smile and stroke my rugs, especially the Beltie rug. Many say how lovely they are, pass the time of day and then move on, which is very welcome. There are other who like to ask how it’s made and tell me of things they are working on, which I also love. But today I was approached by a man who explained that he had a stall at a farmers market and other places, and would love to sell my rugs for me. He was very clear to make it known he didn’t want to do it for nothing, but that he wanted it to be profitable for both of us. I was happy to listen to what he had to say until…….He asked the price of the item, to which I answered they are £60. He then wanted to know what I would sell them for at a trade price. I went over my pricings with him and explained that two thirds of the trade prices were the costs of the fabric and the rest was my time. (When I sell to trade my time has to be charged at a lower rate, It’s only when I sell them direct that I make a proper wage…I know, I’ll never make business woman of the year!)
He wondered if I could possibly sell them to him at a lower trade price, to which I explained My time was as important to me as no doubt I expected his was, and this needed to be respected. He then wondered if I could use cheaper fabric, because surely it would be better for him to sell more rugs at a cheaper price than maybe only making one sale at £60. I was getting slightly upset at this mans insistence, but kindly explained I wasn’t prepared to cheapen my products to suit his needs. I use luxury fur for a reason. These are luxury Items that I want people to enjoy for many years. I want people to want to step onto every day and remember this is why they bought it.
Then he persisted in pushing my buttons by asking ‘Had I thought about getting them made in India or China? Again, but slightly more assertively, I told him I didn’t want my rugs mass produced as it would take away the bespoke individuality of each rug.
I like to stand by the fact that each one is made by me, He left at this point!
At the end of the day I’m self employed and it’s MY reputation at stake (for this reason I told a white lie to an elderly client last week, who didn’t want her curtains lined to keep the cost down. So I lied and said a friend had given me some lining so she wouldn’t need to pay for it. I might loose £30 for the cost of the lining, but for all the people she may show her curtains to, they will see beautiful lined curtains and increase the probability of more work. For this end £30 is a small price to pay)
