clennell on thu 30 dec 04
As a potter and someone who owns a retail shop which currently carries craft
by more than 50 Canadian professional craftspeople I have been stewing over
this thread and I can't stay silent any longer. I deal with the public every
day in my shop. Yes, they sometimes ask questions that may seem silly or
obvious. Sometimes they make assumptions that are not realistic. This is not
unique to our profession. Doctors and lawyers I know have to field similarly
naive questions all the time.
This happens because they honestly don't know; but at least they are
interested enough to make the effort to come into my shop and ask the
questions!!! If they can put forth that much effort shouldn't we as
professional craftspeople make the effort, and be courteous enough to answer
their questions politely, and without condescension?
What I am trying to say is Be Careful about alienating potential customers.
The standard "It took me 42 years to make that mug!" answer is sarcastic. It
will never lead to a sale or a better understanding of our craft. I wonder
if Tony's idea about poting the mug making process is really a sincere
attempt to develop understanding, or merely a patronizing retort.
L.C. Rankin
L.C. Rankin Pottery
Lisa: Remember when comparing a potter's office hours with a doctor or
lawyer that their clock is ticking and it's ticking at a pretty handsome
dollar rate. Bring on the naive questions- you're paying for it!
Not everyone that walks in the door wants to understand the potter's craft.
That they walked in the door should mean that they are interested in
pottery. It could also be they have an hour to kill before little Johnnie's
soccer game.
In my studio it is easy to tell. Those that love the work go right in the
showroom and look at the work. They then ask questions and I'm pleased to
chat with them. The ones that want entertainment don't even look at the work
and come right into the studio and start asking questions. a sample question
might be "Oh, you're not working today? I was hoping you could show Johnnie
how to make something." 'Oh you're not working' might mean I am doing one of
the hundred and or so steps mentioned in the post Clayarters chipped in on.
As for my developing understanding or giving patronizing retorts here's the
answer you been stewing over- I don't give patronizing retorts to customers.
I am much more subtle. I don't say a thing. I go about my work.
No communication is the strongest form of communication.
The rules of "The Retailers Manual"often get broken in my shop. I even have
bad hair days and Guy Clark singing too loudly.!
Cheers,
Tony
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