Alexis Yildir on wed 15 may 02
Hello all,
I have to share this hard knock learning opportunity with you. After
finally having the temerity to sell my work at an at-home open house this
December, I gained the confidence to place some pieces in a store on
consignment. I was delighted when a piece sold and was wondering why the
fellow took so long to pay, but not worried. You see, my pieces were in
store number three and it sounded so solid.
Last week, aware that three months had passed without payment, I called
and left a message on the answering machine asking him to return my call.
Nothing all week. Then this Monday, I called again and left a message with a
clerk to have him call me. Again Tuesday. Both times I ascertained that he
had been in the day before. So he was getting the message. Did I? You bet.
Feeling like a big foolish worrywart, I went over to retrieve my work
feeling guilty to be 'making a scene' (I'm Canadian).
When I got there, I noticed a man with a box of prints and woodburnt
drawings who seemed to be on the point of leaving. I asked him if he was the
artist and he said that he was. When I asked him how he found dealing with
the shopowner, he said that he was pulling all of his stuff and advised me
to do the same as all three locations were closing soon. I did so and was
told that the clerk was not authorized to remove money from the till so no
payment today (or probably ever).
In a way, I felt relieved because my hunch was borne out: that when
someone refuses to return your calls, you are more than justified in
doubting their trustworthiness. I also took note of another crafter whose
card was part of the tag and called her to let her know what was happening.
Now I shall have to gird myself to track this villain down and extract
payment. And to find another shop that needs to decorate it's shelves with
my wares. Maybe I should call the Better Business Bureau first instead of
after my suspicions are aroused. Any suggestions as to what to beware of?
Best to all,
Alexis in Winnipeg
Maid O'Mud on thu 16 may 02
My best advise is to wholesale COD - that means CASH on delivery. I, too,
was burnt a few times. If a store does good business, then consignment is a
pain. Record keeping of each person's work is tedious. If they like your
work, have them buy it. Period. If they purchase other types of things to
sell, then they can buy yours.
Don't make the (beginner) mistake of being grateful someone is willing to
fill shelf space with your work. Be positive - assume your work is good!
Be un-Canadian!!!
sam - another Canadian who's been there, done that, bought the t-shirt,
washed the t-shirt, shrunk the t-shirt and thrown it out!!!
Sam - Maid O'Mud Pottery
Melbourne, Ontario CANADA
"First, the clay told me what to do.
Then, I told the clay what to do.
Now, we co-operate."
sam 1994
http://www.ody.ca/~scuttell/
Alexis Yildir said in part:
Now I shall have to gird myself to track this villain down and
extract payment. And to find another shop that needs to decorate it's
shelves with my wares. Maybe I should call the Better Business Bureau first
instead of after my suspicions are aroused. Any suggestions as to what to
beware of?
>
> Best to all,
> Alexis in Winnipeg
>
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