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For artists and collectors sponsored by Intercal...your mohair supplier and Johnna's Mohair Store
Featuring two incredible full-day workshops by Armella Dana and mini-workshops by Vicki Stephan and Irene Helcke-Volpe.
Learn: Ball-joint neck using loc-line, Scoft sculpture, technique for German set eyes, airbrushing, clothing pattern design, needlefelting and more!
(That's "Willie", the workshop bear for Armella's class on Friday, April 15th!)
Exhibitor space is still available too!
Come crawl out of hibernation and celebrate spring at the second annual New England Teddy Bear Gathering!
Hope to see you there!
Hugs,
Daphne Blau, Event Coordinator
www.backroadevents.net
News to me!
Crocheted blankets and scarves are everywhere as a lot of people are crocheting/knitting and making their own or trying to sell. Be sure yours stand out in quality, yarns used, patterns, detail etc. to have a better chance at selling. In order to offer custom made items you've got to have a plan as to how you're going to market them/spread the word. As for pricing... that depends on what you're using for yarn, how intricate the pattern, size, etc. Like with anything hand made.... supply vs. demand as well as quality and popularity all factor into pricing. Sorry I can't give a specific pricing structure. Bear artists ask the same question. There is no straight answer.
Shannon, Yes, I will! I look forward to seeing you and hope you'll be feeling much better by then! :hug:
Shannon,
I'm SOOOOOO glad you finally have an answer. Sometimes the not knowing can be as stressful as the actual symptoms. Since we met in November and you told me the doctor was saying it was all a result of your diabetes I've been trying to wrap my head around that and just couldn't see the connection. Mom and I have talked about it a couple of times too. (She's type 1 like me and type 2 runs in the family so we're well versed in all of it!) So glad you now have a diagnosis that makes sense and is treatable. I can relate to getting the rare or uncommon diagnosis.... but it's better than none!
I hope your recovery is rapid and I'm so pleased you have not just an answer but hope! Yay! 
Big Happy Hugs to You! :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
Shanna, here is information on how mohair and alpaca "fabric" for bear making is made: http://www.reinhardschulte.de/en/images/flyer.pdf
It is provided by the manufacturers of Schulte mohair (owned by Steiff) but will give you a good idea of how all the natural fur fabric we use is made regardless of what mill it comes from. It's quite interesting.
I'm not sure anyone is going to have been brushing a collectible mohair or alpaca bear THAT much to reach the point of split ends. ;)
I'd suggest just brushing with care. Both mohair and alpaca fibers are natural fibers similar to human hair... thus I imagine they could develop split ends like human hair. I think you'd need to do quite a bit of brushing though. Normal brushing alone won't typically cause split ends. Back brushing (brushing against the natural direction of the fur/fiber) will cause more stress on the hair cuticle which can result in split ends. The mohair and alpaca fibers we use have already been through a lot of wear and tear in the milling process and still arrive on our door step without split ends.
One of the causes of split ends is dryness... so NATURAL oils from your hands are perfectly safe and, to a certain level, helpful for the fur. I'd be careful about a lot of hand creams and contact with the bears as it can build up on the fur and collect dust particles making for a dirt bear.
Oh, wow! I've never heard of Picnik before... it's awesome! I just spent 1/2 an hour playing (I should have been wrapping Christmas presents! Sh!) I use Paint Shop Pro for all my photo editing and graphic design but Picnik looks like a lot fun for quick editing and fun graphics. Thanks, Joanne!
I think it depends on what kind of bang for your buck you're looking for. Most friends and fellow artists to chat with? Most collectors to help increase awareness and sales for your business? Both? I think you have to decide what is most beneficial for you. There are places I only check in on once a week or so, others I go to every day. It may not be a question of eliminating the others all together but not frequenting them nearly as often.
No, it's nothing to take personally. I just couldn't share any "return stories" because it hasn't happened to me. I've had bears get lost in the post, I've had someone claim she never got her bear when I KNOW she did yet I had to send her money back. If you have provided very accurate and complete details and pictures that are a true representation of the bear then it is most likely a simple case of the buyer not liking the bear in the fur OR she's decided she needs the money for Christmas shopping. Because it's taken her three weeks to make this decision I'm venturing to guess she needs the money.
If she wants to return the bear because she truly doesn't like it I still wouldn't take it personally. It's a risk that is taken when online selling/buying. You never REALLY know if you're going to like something you've never seen in person before nor know the quality of, until you've held it, touched it, looked at it from all angles. I've certainly purchased bears online by artists I've never bought from before and been a little disappointed a time or two. It happens. It doesn't mean that if someone else had bought it they'd dislike it too... someone with different taste would LOVE it!
Regardless of the reason for the return (which you may never truly know) make this a learning experience and get a return policy in place and on your site ASAP so you don't have to go through this again.
Yes, we have discussed machines before. Everyone uses something different. It depends what is available near you. You'll want to find a brand carried by a local dealer who can also repair it should it need to be serviced. It also depends on what fits your price range. It is best to go and try machines out. If you plan to sew mohair on it take some scraps with you when you try out machines.
Some brands many of us use include: Viking/Husqvarna, Janome, Bernina, Pfaff and if you don't want a lot of stitch options but a machine that will out live you consider an old fashioned Singer Featherweight as Janice mentioned above. I bought mine from Cathy (see the link in Janice's post) and love it. I also have a Viking... a basic model that does just enough pretty stitches and has all computerized controls and sews mohair and fine silk beautifully.
You can click on search up near the top right of the screen and type words into the keyword box like "sewing machine" to find previous discussions on this.
I require the collector to contact me with in 48 hours of receipt if they wish to return the bear. It must be returned in original packaging in original condition. Once I have received the bear back in original condition the customer will receive a refund less all shipping. Not in original condition, smelly, dirty, etc. then they don't get their money back. I have never had a bear returned to me in the 10 years I've been selling but I've heard many experiences from others to determine that having a strict refund policy in place is very important.
If you are in the UK, and have an ecommerce site i.e. one that you can buy direct from, you have to have your business address on the website.
Who governs this, Dawn? Who makes sure anyone selling anything online in the UK has their address on their site and what is the penalty if you don't? Just curious.
Wow! Lots of great responses. I'm glad I'm not the only bothered by the lack of a price on an artist's website. 
But Marilyn, I didn't mean for you to feel pressured to change your ways! :hug: If your reason for keeping the price private was because of one person then I'd say it's certainly fair to give this another try!
Another way to look at it is that for every one person who DOES call or email you for a price look at how many people likely don't given the responses here. Does listing the price mean you'll have greater or fewer sales? Time will tell but I honestly don't think it could hurt. Those who can't afford a bear might now know what your bears sell for and be prepared to buy one later on. Do let us know how it goes!
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From a sales and marketing perspective:
We live in a fast-paced age of technology, ecommerce and instant gratification. As a business with an internet presence and something to sell it is important to seize the buying habits of internet shoppers. That means offering sharp pictures, simple factual descriptions, price and a way to buy instantly. PayPal buttons or another shopping cart service can greatly increase sales as you'll capture impulse buys. While artist bears aren't really an impulse buy given their price point there are collectors who may have a want or need for a new bear and sit down to their computer to buy one. If they see two by different artists, on different websites and can't decide between the two do you think they'll go for the one in which they don't know the price or how to purchase it and have to email and wait for a response? Or will they go for the one with the price including shipping clearly stated and a "Buy Now" button right there? While PayPal may not be something everyone wants to use it's something to consider.
There are all kinds of articles, courses, etc. about how to sell online. Most address buying habits, simplicity, easy navigation and providing customer service by giving a customer all the information they need to make the decision to buy. Handmade items are no different than anything else. You can make your website a visual reflection of "you" and make it personal with your "about me" page, etc. but the bones of a good website still need to be in place. Personal customer service can still be given to your customers via a thank you email, thoughtful packaging and a thank you card with the bear.
As an artist I wouldn't put my physical address or phone number on my website. If you have a PO Box I'd say you are safe. This is just my way of thinking: If someone is on the internet at my website then they likely have email by which to contact me! If you chose to give them your phone number or mailing address privately through email that is much safer! In the 8 years I've been selling online and involved with forums like TT this is the first time I've heard of someone being concerned about having a show schedule AND address on their site and fearing someone could go to their home while they are at a show. Hm. I don't think stating you'll be at a show means that everyone in your home is going to be gone too. Also keep in mind that even if you don't post your address or phone number on your site it is very easy for anyone to look up a person's address online if they want it that bad!
I'm so glad so many of you responded. Thank you for your input! :hug:
(If we've discussed this in the past and I missed it or forgot I'm sorry but this might be worth re-discussing anyway!)
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If you are an artist and sell your bears on your own website or blog do you state the price on your site or do you request that a collector email you for price? Why?
If you are a collector would you prefer to see the price stated right on the site or are you comfortable emailing the artist for this?
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As an artist I list the price with a PayPal button right on my site. I don't have anything to hide and I don't have time to answer a lot of inquiry emails about my prices. If a collector wants one of my bears I want to make it as quick and simple as possible. They shouldn't have to WORK for it. It's just good customer service, in my opinion.
As a collector I don't feel I should have to email the artist for a price. If they can't include the price after listing all kinds of pictures and details about the bear then I think either they figure I'll be turned off by the price or they don't want to sell it that badly. But maybe there's a very good reason for not stating the price that I am missing?
What personality (pigernality?) he has!!! Love him!
I really would like to sign up again, but when I tried I couldn't pay with Paypal. I could only chose to pay with several credit cards... What did I do wrong? :(
Only Teddy Bear Review accepts PayPal, not Teddy Bear & Friends and Review has the online magazine not Friends. The only online magazine Friends puts out is the holiday gift guide which just came out and is full of great doll and bear ads and write ups. It's free and can be found HERE.
Time will tell where the magazines are truly headed. Let's hope they continue in the right direction!!
Dog lovers and cat lovers are a breed all their own. It's harder to find dogs and cats than it is a teddy, especially that looks like a beloved pet. I have no problem selling my dogs when I make them, to owners of the breed I make... they are fanatics and it's wonderful! And most of my dog customers are online, no, all of them are actually... not at shows. Do you think, Karen, that perhaps sales in that speciality market are a little different than general teddy bear sales? I'm just curious.
Indeed heavy self promotion is a very important factor in one's success. It does take effort, time and money to build and maintain business... perhaps now more than ever. I wish all artists realized this.
Peter......
In reality it is not a necessity to buy artist made teddy bears. It IS however a necessity to put food on the table, pay the electric bill, college tuitions, medical bills, etc. and for many they are struggling just to do that in today's economy, job market, etc. As a show promoter in touch with hundreds of collectors I hear a lot of sad stories about why they can no longer buy but come to shows to have a "fix", see friends, etc. For artists it is indeed nice to see these collectors but they don't pay the bills and some artists need to do just that.
Aleta began this thread as a concerned artist questioning the pricing of her bears. Taking in the reality of many, many collectors helps to gain a better perspective. While many feel as you do about our dear friend teddy, they have had to cut back on the number of bears they buy none the less and some have had to stop altogether. Why? Because paying bills IS a necessity, the bears are not. You said yourself you have had to cut back. With so many collectors doing that very thing it changes the teddy bear industry.
Yes, we all need something in our lives that makes us happy when the world around us is not... but not at the expense of loosing the roof over our heads or starving. The cost of a bear is a week's worth of groceries for some who have lost their jobs, have children, etc. Many of our aging collectors are now on fixed incomes, have had adult children move home with them because of job loss or loss of their homes. Some have lost their spouse meaning loss of pension money. Artist bears are not a necessity. In fact I see a lot of bears up for rehoming on the secondary market because collectors need the money now more than ever. Ebay descriptions say "selling to pay the bills" or "I've lost my job and need to save my home".
I have 30+ yrs of collecting, 10 yrs of designing and selling and 5 years of promoting in the teddy bear industry. Don't think I LIKE how things are! I wish more felt at you do. :hug: The good news is.... teddy isn't going any where... there will always be artist bears for those who want to collect and one day artist bears will be more popular than ever!
Many of the ones who express concern about a recent decrease in sales are the ones with what, in today market, would be considered high prices. Others with prices that cater to today's economics are still selling well. The posts in this thread are proof of that. A look around the internet will show this as well a walk around a teddy bear show.
As an artist my simpler, lower priced bears sell first. Both at shows and online. The higher priced bears sell but not like they used to.
As a show promoter I see collectors tightly clutching the only money they have for the show, going round and round to be sure they're making the right choice as they can only afford one bear. I'm seeing a lot of artist who have lowered their prices slightly... anywhere from 5-15% and they are selling well with many people stopping at their tables.
As a collector I am much more cautious about my purchases. The world and our economy is shaky and I'm not spending like I used to. BUT I still love to buy bears and if I can get two nice bears at a reasonable price I'll do that over 1 high priced bear.
I'm seeing many well known artists offering free shipping or a percentage discount or a holiday sale...
Dropping prices isn't the answer for everyone. But if you're experiencing a decrease in sales that has you concerned it might be worth offering collectors something to encourage them to buy. We sell an expensive luxury item that people don't need and many can barely afford. Many other industries are having to drop prices or offer incentives... look around... retail stores, auto manufacturers, restaurants... they're doing it too. The argument that handmade teddy bears are "art" and can't be lumped into the same category is valid to a degree. But let's face it... anything.. antiques, art, houses, cars... they are only worth what you can get paid for them. Their value goes up and down with the economy and demand.
Just some food for thought.
Becky you are such a lovely person! :hug: It was wonderful to meet you!
Peter... I will be collecting and posting pictures on the show's website in a few days... I'll be sure to post a link to pictures here on TT too! Need to catch up on some sleep, emails, phone calls, laundry and get some groceries so we can eat first!
You can list the price. You can have PayPal buttons. Anything goes!
The website for my events is done on blogger and the page on that blogger site for the Chicagoland show has paypal buttons for collectors to register for workshops, evening reception, etc. See? www.chicagolandteddybearshow.com
I've used PayPal buttons on blogger for various things for a while now... since I started seeing others do it! No problems and no, it's not against the rules.
February issue ships Dec. 1
Their editorial calendar is actually very similar to most any other magazine. In other words.... waaaaay ahead of the calendar us regular people follow. I can never keep up! LOL! Do they really expect artists to think and plan that far ahead? We're creative, not organized. (OK, I speak for myself, not everyone, but I know I'm not alone!)
Alison, it would be nice if we got an email introduction to new people.... ad reps and editors. I have a hard time keeping up between the two magazines!
Evilbay. :crackup: Love it. Sad but true. 
I'm excited to see the "new" Alfred.
I've presented a couple of pieces to fellow artists in the past and had some great suggestions that had me heading in a whole new direction with a design! It was fun!
So glad you are ok with my advice.... not everyone really wants to hear an honest critique even though they ask! 
Show us a picture once you've made changes to him! It will be fun to see a before and after!
