Gayle Bair on mon 3 sep 07
A couple months ago I was set up at the Farmers Market.
It was cold, overcast and about to rain. Sales so far that day
were dismal. I was not a happy camper.
People are usually drawn to my work because they think it is different.
I've heard many times that they like to come to my booth because
they always find something new.
So in walks this woman who give a cursory look and then asks,
"Do you have any regular butter dishes?". I said, "No, I only have the
French
butter dishes." She asked in kind of a whine, "Why don't you have
regular butter dishes?" My instant no mental censorship reply was....
"Because I choose not to!" Conversation over ..... she was out of there!
Gads..... where was Mel's 2x4 when I needed it?
However it was a valuable lesson that finally hit home! I finally realized
that even when a show is going very wrong when I'm out there I have to be
there for the customer.
If sales are going poorly I have to look at what I am doing wrong. It could
be many things
from my attitude, paying attention to a friend who stops by to say hi
instead of a customer,
wrong venue, sloppy display etc. etc.
After selling better than most artists at a show from hell this summer
I've come to realize how important it is to be aware of all the issues that
can impact sales.
Most of them are within my control. At that show I had heat exhaustion
symptoms
but maintained a presence even though at one point it was so bad I couldn't
make change!
I apologized and the customer was very patient and understanding.
There are many things that can make or break a show or sale.
It's good to know what to say..... It's also good to know what NOT to say!
After many years I am starting to get the hang of it....hey.... I'm a slow
learner!
And being from the East Coast putting the brakes on an instant witty retort
is really hard!!! Unbelievably hard!!!
Gayle Bair - Black belt at wrong 1 liners
Bainbridge Island, WA
Tucson, AZ
http://claybair.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Chris Campbell
You close the loop when you say Thank You .
This gives the browser permission to leave empty handed.
They did their job by complimenting your work and
you accepted it as enough by saying thanks.
Not saying thank you right then leaves the ball in play.
My reply is ... which pieces do you like best? or what
color would fit in your home? which is your favorite?
Whack ... the ball is back in their court!
Sales is a fun activity of approach and retreat.
There is nothing more interesting than watching a real
sales person who loves their job and knows how to
do it well ... poetry!
Chris Campbell - in North Carolina
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9:31 AM
Russel Fouts on wed 5 sep 07
>> If sales are going poorly I have to look at what I am doing
wrong. It could be many things
from my attitude, paying attention to a friend who stops by to say hi
instead of a customer,
wrong venue, sloppy display etc. etc. <<
Or just nothing but bad luck. Don't be to hard on yourself.
Russel (You might not get this directly, Comcast thinks I'm a spammer)
Russel Fouts
Mes Potes & Mes Pots
Brussels, Belgium
Tel: +32 2 223 02 75
Mobile: +32 476 55 38 75
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