Selling your own goods is somewhat like every other aspect of life: it would be simple except for the people.
It sounds a bit trite perhaps, but it's true. No matter how well you've planned things out you can almost never account for the human element, which will often make dealing with people one of the most cumbersome and uncontrollable aspects of your small business (that and the weather, but there's less controlling that and more to prepare for it, so...).
There are a thousand things I could relate about experiences with people, but that would be tedious and i don't like to type that much, so instead of all of my experiences, here's three things to remember when dealing with people (specifically customers).
1. Be Patient
By now you might've noticed that this is a bit of a theme for me. Trust me, it's not my first instinct, but it is often the wisest one. Whether you're angry, bored, disgusted or frazzled with a customer you shouldn't lose your cool. At least not until it becomes clear that it is the very last option available to you. Now here's why...
No matter how poor the quality of an individual may be, that doesn't mean they're not a potential customer. And even if they aren't, their friends, family, coworkers, neighbours and other associates might be. You might be asking, "So what?" but think on this a moment: A good reputation might take a lifetime to build, but it can take seconds to ruin it. You, as a vendor, have a reputation. Get a rep as someone who's rude, inconsiderate, or just plain mean and you'll find yourself seeing a bit less of people on a regular basis. Now, of course this doesn't apply the same way when it comes to shows a long way from home that happen once a year, but it's probably a good idea just the same.
Another thought, you never know who is going to buy something and often the most painful people to deal with can turn out to be great customers, maybe even repeat customers or regulars.
You should get used to the fact that more people really aren't that imaginative when it comes to sharing their feelings on your work. The phrases, "Nice work!", "Your work is beautiful.", "This is so cute!", and my all time favourite: "My husband's father does this sort of thing so if we want something we'll just have him do it.", will become all too familiar to you. Smile through it all, accept the intention of their words and allow yourself to believe that it's all genuine. These are nice comments, not necessarily useful ones.
2. Be understanding
This has been a big one for most of the vendors I know this past year. People haven't been buying as much as they have in past years (even recently). While there are some good reasons for this, this is neither a political blog nor an economic one, so I'll move on...
Just as there may be various reasons for people to say silly things, there are also many reasons why they might come to a venue, look at your stuff, compliment it until your ego threatens the airspace of those around you, and then walk off without it.
For one thing, we are in a tough economic period right now (and that's all I'm going to say about that).
We are also (in North America but specifically in Canada where I am) in a period of demographic decline. This means that we have a population that is aging and dying faster than it's being replaced. A few hard truths accompany this fact for craft vendors: 1. As people get older they tend to downsize their home and possessions, not add more to the collection. 2. With fewer children, there's less of a market for toys, knitted children's clothing, etc. etc. This is also one more reason why older people buy less, they have no grandchildren or great grandchildren to buy things for. 3. There are fewer kids running around with $5 that grandpa gave them to spend at the market.
There's more, but again this should give you an idea of where many people are coming from. Again it comes back to being patient.
3. Be Attentive
I know I've spent some time on this in past posts, but I can't emphasize it enough. I've had customers give me tips on prices (going both ways and seldom directly), pass on suggestions for new products, and tell me about venues and events that I otherwise wouldn't have known about.They may also offer you tools or materials, either free or for sale. I've had several people offer me materials for no cost at all.
Customers are the people you're trying to please. Without them you cannot hope to succeed in a market environment. Learn to love them and appreciate them as they are and as they come to you. Make small talk, get feedback, listen carefully to what they're saying and even if they don't buy anything from you, treat them like they're special. Special in a good way.
Now go make some stuff and enjoy the market!
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