I am speaking from my own experience.

Once the hard work is done in whatever area.Work..home study and garden the rest comes easily.

e.g the meal is prepared and served well if I shop for the right ingredients and have the kitchen ready.

Likewise a project.
You have done all the preparation.Your jewelrey speaks for its self..you know what you are doing due to the hard work attending the fairs.You are no a novice.
So if things evolve easily and seemlessles ( this coming out of the blue) its a sign. But signs only come due to the foundations you have built.
The economy is bad..but during that time people still have birthdays..weddings etc.
Have you made tiaras and bridesmaids favours...gifts for the Mother of the bride and bridegroom.A theme...individual.
I know here one jeweller had diversed into kilt pins for men at weddings.No one else had thought of this.
Keep us posted..glad for you that a new door is opening.
Its exciting
Mountain ash

Meredith, just a question for you. Did you figure out how much you made at the different places you show versus your online sales? Perhaps that might lead you to a decision.

Yes the economy is pretty iffy and we don't really know when it will get better. Hopefully with a new administration in Washington D.C. but no matter who takes office it will take some time for it to work better for the general populace.

I do understand about taking the risk and if offered to set up in the gallerie. Just it's not impressive if there are no sales. You have great, good product that sells and if you're in the gallery you may have the right spot.

I just thought I'd ask that question. Would you also be maybe more ahead to put your websites out to more search engines or something like that?

Either way it's exciting how you make your beautiful jewelry and can earn a living with it. Best to you and keep us informed.

Meredith, summer is the slowest time for gift sales. You could be getting in just in time for the holidays.

You say you need to sell $2,000 worth to break even. How many pieces is that? How many individual sales or sets would that equal? (You don't need to tell us, just helping you work things out)

$1200 is only going to get you about two months of quality google advertising. This will last you an entire year in a gallery. You can also list the gallery on your website as a place to purchase, and it will add validity to your online business.

The other woman that didn't sell anything - - how similar are her products to yours? What about her price range compared to yours? How are others in the gallery doing? Is the other jewelry in the gallery different from yours? How does the gallery market itself?

I noticed that you capitalized the word POTENTIAL under the pros; that's the only thing you capitalized in either list - does that tell you something?

Just my thoughts; let us know what you decide.
K

Meredith, I have no business sense whatsoever. But your jewellery is phenomenal. What might work in your favour as opposed to other vendors who have tried that location is that you can offer a wide diversity of product in terms of both design and price range. People may not be able to spend a lot right now in today's economic climate, but they still want to be able to buy. You offer beautiful jewellery at affordable prices - which is crucial when "affordable" means something different to every person. That might drive more people into your shop.

Meredith, have you considered eyeballing the gallery on a weekend to witness first hand the traffic issue? Is it possoble the traffic is there, but not the best quality jewelry? If you agree, will all three jewelry spots be taken, and if so, how does the other jewelry compare to yours? Also, you mention other shops in the area. How many sell jewelry and do you know how they are doing?

Meredith would it be possible to have women have a jewelry party in their homes for you? You could offer the hostess a gift of jewelry for her efforts. No party with less than a dozen women though, not worth your time...

Meredith, you sound like a good business woman who weighs all the pros and cons. I would definitely try to bargain with the shop owners. Tell them you are interested,…but act like you have a choice of owners wanting your wares. You make the terms, after all you are drumming business for them! Tell them you only work on a commission basis. They are most likely feeling the economy slump as well, and your beautiful jewellery gets people into their store. I think if you have to pay them to display your jewellery plus a commission then it sounds like a rip off.

I used to sell pewter gift items at Christmas fairs during the Christmas season. I remember standing behind my booth, my items lovely displayed on thick velvet cloth, and watch over my empty counter how the crowds gathered in front of the food stands.

When I was able to place my booth between food stands, my sales went up 100%. People munched and needed something to look at. If I had continued along this line, I would have started a food business myself and displayed my gift items along the side. It’s pretty sad, but it’s true. You need a gimmick to sell, in order to stand out over the competition. And no matter how rocky the economy is; people got to eat. What if you tried to display at coffee shops and/or restaurants?

Just a thought to add to your own good ones.

To add:
*gas prices may rise again
*25% of sales on top of monthly booth fee? - reduce to 10%?
*bad economy (probably to worsen) for at least two years
people rethinking lifestyle choices
*questions: Can a clause be written into the contract, which would void the contract if after 180 days you decide the venture is worthless to you? This is not standard, but new things are sure to be tried in today's unstable financial mess.

EW put forth the suggestion that first popped into my mind - find a chic restaurant to set up a display, sales = strictly commission based, no space fee

How is your home situated? Can a portion of it be set up as a store front, to where you could charge $85 a month, plus commissions, plus free floor help, plus getting another write-off for your business, as well as personal? You could even have individuals who wanted to test their jewelry making skills come for a day. There are people out there looking for things to do for income, but who can't and won't dish out the start up funds out of fear or lack... but, if jewelry making was on their list of 'wish I could' and they got the bug from a day with you, a day's fee for your time and mentoring may appear worth it... not to mention you might pick up another customer for supply purchases.

The capitalized word, POTENTIAL, stuck out for me, too. I didn't know whether to take it as a positive or a negative capitalization - positive, in that you imagined fortune and fame, or negative as in 'it's only a possibility, not a given.' Can you clarify? I think (like kathy) it's important to understand that entry.

Word of mouth is the cheapest and best way to grow business if you have the quality in merchandise/service to generate it.

You are VERY smart to be thinking ahead. BUT, so what if you aren't chosen... its a good time to get ready with other ideas.

These are my thoughts only, not expected to be taken as truths by any other person.

Hi Meredith, Please make sure you post your decision. I can see the pros and cons of both sides. Woman, You've got talent. I'm totally impressed with your books and web sites.
Maybe you can help me solve my problem. I’m a Boomer and it’s now impossible for me to read without reading glasses.
Unlike Sarah Palin, I buy my reading glasses at the dollar store and I'm always losing them, stepping on them, bending them on the top of my head, you name it.
1. Typical lanyards don't work for me. I like the concept of hanging like a necklace but they pull off.
2. I'm too lazy for the necklace where you hang the folded glasses. Anyway, they fall off too.
3. I'm willing to sacrifice my dollar store glasses.
4. Here’s where you come in, maybe get an earplug or cosmetic foam. Super glue around each of my glasses arms, stuff and super glue into something like a plastic sewing thimble. The thimble would have a chain or something that would clasp to my "one of a kind" meredithbead lanyard.
5. Maybe put something cute on one of the thimble- Like a smiling monkey face. One of those statement pieces that put strangers at ease and they smile back.
6. I know being willing to destroy my dollar store glasses doesn’t bode well and adds credence to the Disposable American Sterotyype- but I really think it will help mother earth in the long run because I break so many!
7. If you get something that works, maybe there’s a market for the Gadget that lets you super glue your glasses and clasp to a lanyard. Maybe apply from a design patent pending.
8. Let me know if you want to give it a try and I’ll go to your web site and place a special order.
Sincerely, Lea

Meredith I think your long term goal is where you are thinking.

You said, "Do I expect fame and fortune? Hardly. But I think that success in this gallery would open up other doors -- NOT doors where I'd have to dolly 500 lbs. on 17 trips from the parking lot. "

So you're expecting to use this as a stepping stone to something bigger and better. Right? So, it sounds like your wanting to accept the offer if you can get it. That's okay because you've got something in your mind where you want to go and this may be were you need to be for now.

I understand MB. I did mean that you know in your heart if you want to use the new gallery as a permanent place or stepping stone. I agree that if you are selling well in the gallery, it would say something about your craft.

I think it's commendable that you are on your way to doing just that with your business. You've done your homework and time girlie, so it's time for you to get the good site. I'll be praying God leads you in the right direction and that doors will open for you.

Meredith, first let me say congratulations again on 1st place finish in the annual show.

I have given your post considerable thought and I have read all the posts. Here's my 2 cents worth.

Location being number one on my list: Why is the previous leaser, with good stock, not making it in a prime location? This is a good question that you really need to address.

Advertising - In store: Are you responsible or will your first place finish be part of any ad campaign for the store? Will you have a professional ad on your display that states that you are a first place winner?
Is there any such thing as out of store advertising? If not,why not? Any brochures for the store?

Setup: Is there a generic setup or are you allowed to do as you see fit for your collection? Presentation is imperative.

They are very lucky to have you and they recognize that. I would try to come to some better agreement that makes YOU feel more comfortable about displaying your art in this location. Sit down with all involved and express your concerns. See if you can come to a solution that works for both parties.

Your jewelry is beautiful and deserves front row center. Wishing you the best in making your decision.

Meredith, I live in a town that has quite a few shops that sell creations from local artisits. What attracts me is DIFFERENT. You should definitely include your boxes and vases. Can those be included with your jewelry?

Good for you Merry...I applaud you. You don't get blown out by the little bumps that can pop up.

You do beautiful work so you should be fine. And not even worry.

And I liked your comment about my birds... I've not actually ever batiked... can you believe it? But someone had asked me about the little quilt pieces I make and I was thinking that I could do that with them... little bird patches... fly away home.

I think I can't pack anything art worthy until the last possible minute.

Kate

Way to go Meredith...also, aren't you the savvy biz woman in recognizing that long-term serves you better than fly by night sales...there is no telling where this will lead.

Congrats!

Kate, I totally get what you're saying about packing it at the last minute. If I had to pack right now, my computer would be the last to go....and I would be attached to the keyboard when it went out the door! Amen!

I know I am late in this response and the deal has been done. But one thing stood out to me and I feel I have to mention it.

I will try to be as clear as possible. Did the previous occuppant have an artist's personality and style? Sometimes that makes a huge difference. Since this is a prime place for artists, perhaps this person didn't have the demeanor. I don't know, I am just guessing here. Many times you can have the best products in the world at the least expensive rate and not have any of your products move if you have a dull personality.

Just my opinion. I am glad you made the choice Meredith. I think the pros definitely outweigh the cons. It takes a while for any new establishment to get started and if this is a new gallery, well...people are still trying to get a feel of the place.

Please keep us posted as to how you are doing.

Cheers,
Cathi

Meredith just want to let you know I'm rooting for you. Have you ever tried selling over Ebay? Just wondering.

Just know that if I lived closer, I'd be there spending. My collection of Meredith's jewelry is growing and many of my loved ones also have at least one of her items. I've bought her Christmas items and the young gals in the family really like them. Actually, also bought for boomer women friends. Last year I went Christmas shopping with a few women and darn if one of them wasn't nice enough to wear the earrings I'd given her the year before.

What's in store for this holiday season?

hmmm. that's what I thought. If I come up with any new marketing ideas, I'll let you know. It's tough.

Aside from marketing, Ihave a thought for you Meredith. I love sets. Love them, especially necklaces and earrings. WIll you be making any Christmas sets?

Merr~ You need to put your things up on Etsy. I joined the site years ago, but while I was working it was impossible to actually have any continuity at all because I was always putting something different up there and trying to get a feel for what would "work"... so sadly I made some really wrong choices about what I could make... okay, here's a really good example of what NOT to try to sell - custom Adirondack chairs... now WHAT was I thinking?

Now, since I've got a bit of time, I'm trying to approach it a bit differently, with small things, things that ship well and are easy to pack and won't cost an arm and a leg. I've got those little sewn items up there right now, primarily to get my shop "out there", and when my small ceramic things have their last firing I'll put those up there as well. Your jewelry would probably do wonderfully just because people are looking specifically for custom, handmade art pieces. So CHECK into it and do it. It's really simple to do once you've got the pictures taken. DO IT!

Kate

Meredith my own experience with Ebay is that they all want someting for NOTHING! I and you, work too hard to just give our talents and merchaqndise away. That is unless WE WANT TO, and I have wanted to more than once. I wish you all the luck in your endeavors. From what I've seen of your jewelry, it's beautiful and timeless.

MB, anything we can help you with?

Meredith....oh Meredith! I'm not THAT far away... Call me if you need me.

Kathy

I SO WOULD, if I could!!!

Some graphics with limited pixels can be doctored to look OK, visually acceptable... but for a pride-worthy portfolio, I'd go for original crisp/clear images. In addition to providing a higher quality portfolio, original shots will serve as a better historical cataloging of your work. I'd not skimp in any way in this area. Not for your portfolio, but for history, can you dig up original digitals or prints of any/all of your prior work? I can see a coffee table book of your work - something similar to the books of hairstyles you find in hair salons.

I'll skip to the ending first. I was NOT invited to be a permanent member.

Now here's the rest of the story, from the beginning:

1. Jurying day, the gallery director "P" sent me an email saying "we close at 4, make sure to pick up your work by then." The person to whom I left my jewelry with, "W" said, "be sure to pick up your work by 4." Hubbo and I drove down and arrived 3:30. The gallery was closed. (This was actually at their other gallery location. This will make more sense of #4.)

When I later asked about what had happened, W said "Ask P." P said, "I wasn't sure if you'd be there." Has anyone heard of a telephone? I know it's a rather new invention, but...

2. two days later I got the email, "congrats! You've been accepted!" I had less than 2 days to plan, install & inventory.

3. when I juried, I brought in 7 pieces from $17-$135, to show both my price and stylistic range. When I was installing, I gave the inventory list to "A" to put in their computer. A, who had been one of the judges, complained that I had too many low-price items. BTW, the jewelry was priced $15-$225. Then P sauntered by and said "we really don't want anything in that price range." P & A agreed that over $40 is preferred, but if I had a few items in the $30s "that would be OK for now" but if I was accepted as a permanent member, I'd have to show $40 & up. I said Fine.

Question: since 2 out of 7 juried items were under $30, why wasn't I told about the price requirement THEN?

4. A said "I really liked a certain necklace and it isn't here." P agreed. A asked where the necklace was. I said, "It's at the other gallery, which was closed when you said it would be open." Silence.

5. A few days later, I got a nasty-gram email from W saying that "We are not Walmart, and we don't have cheap items in our display." Plus some other stuff, all pretty mean. I wrote back, saying that I'd remove all the lower-priced items. A few days later, I drove down to the gallery and took out 11 of 47 pieces.

6. then I was called in for work training via email, with less than 24 hours notice. I wasn't supposed to be called in for training unless I was accepted as permanent. So if I wasn't being accepted, then what all was that about?

7. While I was there for training, W came in and said, "I see you removed those items." I said, "I told you I would." He said, "I didn't know if you would do it." Then he's going on about "you might want to look at the portfolios and see what to do."

8. October 29 I still hadn't heard from anyone about when to come in to pay my check, sign the contract, etc. so I emailed. 2 days later, November 1, I got an email from P saying "we've decided not to offer you a permanent position. Your prices are too low. If you have more pieces appropriate to our gallery, please come in to the next jurying. Please remove your jewelry..." SLAM.

9. Since my contract was up THAT DAY, I had to come in THAT DAY. A & W were in the gallery and I really didn't want to talk to anyone. Just get my stuff and get out of there. They kept trying small chitchat. Please. When I was ready to leave, they each said that my prices were too low, they really liked that one piece, blahblah, "You really have to come to the next jurying." HUH???

I said as calmly as possible (and it was not easy being calm, I probably looked like I was going to cry, I'm sure) that the piece everyone loved would've been in the gallery had anyone actually thought to be at the other gallery when they said they would -- or at least call; that they would've gotten the prices they wanted had anyone actually thought to tell me "we like a,b, & c, but d & e are below our price range" -- because my prices were MARKED for jurying; and that I had worked all month to make a whole new collection of large expensive pieces and they had been ready to install that day.

Then A and W both apologized several times for their lack of communication skills and said I should jury again.

I went back to my car and cried.

I had a craft fair the next day so I drove home to get ready. The following (last) weekend, I had my biggest craft fair of the season (which btw was good) so I busied myself getting ready for that. I was very, very upset for a few days but I'm OK now.

I jumped through every hoop they set in front of me. I did everything they asked, sometimes on very short notice. I had all new merchandise, I had my portfolio half done. And that wasn't good enough?? And I'm supposed to jury again because??? (And I'm beginning to think "please jury again" is the gallery equivalent of "let's have lunch.")

Dear Gallery: Thank you, but I've already jumped through that hoop. That hoop, and way too many other hoops in way too short a time. I gave it my best. If it wasn't good enough the first time, why should I think that it will be any better next time?

Hubbo thinks I should write them a nastygram telling them why I won't show up for the next jurying. I think my absence will say everything. Provided anyone even notices.

I gave it my best, and to me, that was good enough.

Meredith, too bad we all live so far away. It would be great if we ladies could just show up in their gallery and complain that their stuff is too damn expensive and that they don’t have enough variety. Then leave with a huff . Every hour a new “customer” saying the same thing. Heh heh…that would be better than a nasty letter.

I was thinking Meredith, I wonder if the jewellery business is something like the publishing business. They say keep away from publishers that want your money upfront. There must be stores that would take your merchandise on a commission basis, no?

I think with these hard economic times and all, you are on the correct path carrying jewellery under 40 dollars. Have you contacted hotels too? They usually have showcase windows in their lobbies. Maybe they would work on a commission basis?

Oh goodness Meredith, what a crappy unprofessional way to handle the situation (them, not you!). Given how I'm feeling right now I would like to smack the snot out of them...not that it would do much, I know. And...smile

I like Edelweiss's idea...I'm in!

Please know I'm thinking of you and sending lots of love and positive thoughts and energy your way.

So wrong!
Do you think we are going into a "new" type of business culture. Everything around us is going to pot.

---thought I'd look up 'going to pot,' out of curiosity, to find out where it originated - here's to share:

"Around 1542, when the phrase first appeared, 'to go to pot' was to be cut up like chunks of meat destined for the stew pot. Such a stew was usually the last stop for the remnants of a once substantial cut of meat or poultry, so 'going to pot' made perfect sense as a metaphor for anything, from a national economy to a marriage, that had seen better days. Early uses of the metaphor were usually in the form 'go to the pot.'"

I'm sorry this happened to/for you, meredith. Might it be a sign that this particular location is not meant for you? Then again, it might be a sign from a totally different direction --- Or, the universe knowingly realized you had your own reservations and brought them to attention....
So many possibilities - but, don't let them shake you. We know what you're worth!

Meredith, if I ever come out your way, you'll have to give me the name of the place so I can go in wearing one of your pieces and ask them if they have any more - then be aghast because, well, everyone in Europe LOVED this piece that I'm wearing, so I want to get more before my next trip.

Because it's true. I wore my beautiful Meredith ensemble several times while overseas and each time received so many comments from the other women raving and asking me all about it. So I told them your name; one woman who lives in California was particularly interested, but I didn't have your contact info with me. But I will be sending her the info as soon as I can find her email address again.

They're very short-sighted not to recognize and appreciate the beauty of your work, and the value of such diversity.

I think I could've accepted the rejection better if they weren't such uncommunicative, inconsiderate snots about the whole thing. I was expected to drop my whole life every time they snapped their fingers, and they couldn't even bother to pick up a phone?

Revenge dreams are good, but I don't even think these people care. They have their own little agenda, their own little playground, and their own little rules.

Edelweiss, hotel windows and gift shops are operated in 1 of 2 ways:
1. they're owned by the hotel itself (or hotel chain) which then buys merchandise to stock in these windows and displays; or
2. they're rented by an outside party, who then buys the merchandise displayed.
Either way, their merchandise tends to be more commercial and/or glitzy than what I do.

I absolutely prefer selling to consignment, which can be a royal pain in the butt, but most galleries are consignment. Retail stores have already spent their holiday $$ and will not be looking to buy more for several months at least.

The next few days I'm busy with customer orders but hope to put my holiday jewelry online SOON. For the rest of the season, I'll use the extra time for updating my websites with a bunch of new pics. Or maybe even start a site on Etsy. I certainly don't have a shortage of things to do.

Eagle Heart, I want pictures!!

I hope the next direction for your business, Meredith makes you stronger and even more creative savvy ...with abit less stress.

Meredith, out of over 2000 pictures, this is the only one of me wearing the jewellery, and it was taken in a boring hotel room. Hubby grabbed the camera later that night at the restaurant , and took many pictures of the other people there, but didn't think to take one of me in my Meredith-masterpiece (this night we were in Madrid; but I wore it several other times and can't believe that we didn't think to take pictures!) So this is all I have, unless someone else sends me some of their photos. I know lots of other people took shots of us at these various outings, so someone out there has better photos of your jewellery! Anyway, this will have to do for now.

That's a cute picture of you Eagle Heart. Do you have some Irish blood in you? You look Irish or even German.
Okay...here goes; I'm posting a picture of me showing off Meredith's necklace as well....I also love wearing these turquoise stones to a white summer dress.

Ya'll are so purdy. Meredith's Jewelry is beautiful. Eagle, was your Mom part Irish? Many Nflders are. My ancestors go back to Tipperary, Ireland. We could be related.

Edelweiss, my Dad's side of the family are all Mennonites of Dutch/German descent. Many of my relatives can speak German and Dutch. Dad had a German Bible and seemed to be able to read it, but never advertised that he could speak the language, though German would have been spoken exclusively when he was a child.

Chick, Mom's family proudly and stubbornly claim that they're Newfoundlanders and nothing but Newfoundlanders, as if nothing else ever existed before. Her family have records (and gravestones) dating back to 1604. But I did hear Mom refer once or twice to a Welsh connection way way back.