A reminder about sales...it's not you....it's...... / General / Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

The Silly Bear
Portland, Oregon
Posts: 3,119
Website

Aleta - The Silly Bear Apr 1, 2006

I know a lot of you out there are feeling down about sales on eBay and elsewhere. Please remember.....it's tax time. This happens every year. March and April are usually low months for most artists. Not all, but most. This is a great time to work on new designs, clean your studios or work areas, or learn something new you've been dying to try. Sales should start to pick up again around the first of May. Hang in there!

Warmest bear hugs, :hug:
Aleta

Newcastle, Ontario
Posts: 5,643

thumperantiques Apr 1, 2006

Aleta, that's something I hadn't thought about - it's also getting close to Easter and although it's not as huge as Christmas, there are family members that need "pressies" and "chocolate" (like me LOL!)

Hugs,

Brenda

Apple Dumpling Designs
Willamette Valley Oregon
Posts: 3,128

shantell Apr 1, 2006

Aleta - The Silly Bear wrote:

it's tax time.

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!! bear_angry Having absolutely nothing to do with bears!!!

The Silly Bear
Portland, Oregon
Posts: 3,119
Website

Aleta - The Silly Bear Apr 1, 2006

Ahhhhh.....but a lot to do with bear......sales! bear_sad I used to own my own retail shop. March and April = stinkers May, June = an upswing July, August = Back to school = down turn September, October, November = Yippee! Skippee! December = Christmas = UP!.....unless you're a bear artist....then you have to wait until....January, February = upswing

Lesson: Follow the bouncing ball and roll with it when needed. It's not rocket science. It's retail. If you're selling, you're retailing. If you're bucking the trend. Hooray for you!!!

This is meant as a general guide. Some artists will always sell well regardless of the time of year. Do not compare yourself to how others are selling, especially if they are well known and you are just starting out. Keep in mind that there are so many variables in this formula......ie: trends, politics, weather, etc. The main idea is to put forth your very best effort in strong sales times.

Hopefully this helps those who are struggling with: Is this what I'm really supposed to be doing or am I wasting my time and money?

My very best wishes and warmest hugs, :hug:
Aleta

Pandy Potter Bears
Staffordshire, UK
Posts: 1,864

Amanda Apr 1, 2006

Don't remind me about tax, I've got a years worth of accounts to do. I know I should do them as I go along but I hate doing them!!! bear_angry

Vintage Mink Bears by Kathy Myers
Lakewood CA
Posts: 1,387
Website

minkbears Apr 1, 2006

Thanks, Aleta!

Since I've been depending on my bear sales for income for the past 18 years, I totally agree with your up and down months. After all these years, the ups and downs still make me "sea-sick".

Bear Hugs~ Kathy