One major hurdle I see for the smaller one person size shop, which I am, is having a store front presence. People may buy a cutting board, inexpensive box or under $20 item at a weekend show, but they prefer a stable store front for any substantial purchase. Like any contractor they want to know how to contact the person for warranty, customization, or delivery after putting down a deposit. A building with good location and parking is outside the budget of most smaller craftsman until established.
All of the consignment places I have found are not focused on original wood work, more interested in filling all of the floor space regardless of items, regardless of quality and not a destination in most cases for wood working customers. Craft places that rent space have you compete with too broad a selection of items and the resellers of catalog China goods. My impression of the booth situation is that the person isn't really serious about being in business, even though I have had a booth in two places.
My idea would be a regional (100 mile) retail opportunity that focused on hand made wood type products. Owner would do the vetting to ensure it wasn't just catalog resale and that the level of work was at a minimal level. Pricing could be kept up to account for the level of craftsmanship. Similar merchandise could be situated together rather than booth by booth. Prospective customers would then have a destination when interested in a higher craftsmanship item. Store would need to be consignment, but the focus of goods could make the split attractive to both the craftsman and store management. Special orders could be practical with the store keeping the deposit until delivery. This type of business could become a destination site that would attract people from a much wider area. (I have no interest in being "the" proprietor and the issues necessary for such a thing, just would like to be a user.)
Anybody know of a place or have a comment?
Steve.
All of the consignment places I have found are not focused on original wood work, more interested in filling all of the floor space regardless of items, regardless of quality and not a destination in most cases for wood working customers. Craft places that rent space have you compete with too broad a selection of items and the resellers of catalog China goods. My impression of the booth situation is that the person isn't really serious about being in business, even though I have had a booth in two places.
My idea would be a regional (100 mile) retail opportunity that focused on hand made wood type products. Owner would do the vetting to ensure it wasn't just catalog resale and that the level of work was at a minimal level. Pricing could be kept up to account for the level of craftsmanship. Similar merchandise could be situated together rather than booth by booth. Prospective customers would then have a destination when interested in a higher craftsmanship item. Store would need to be consignment, but the focus of goods could make the split attractive to both the craftsman and store management. Special orders could be practical with the store keeping the deposit until delivery. This type of business could become a destination site that would attract people from a much wider area. (I have no interest in being "the" proprietor and the issues necessary for such a thing, just would like to be a user.)
Anybody know of a place or have a comment?
Steve.