Made to order at the show?

[kkwhite22]

I am setting up my glue gun, heat tool and am going to make bows for people if they ask. I have some in inventory, but thought some people might have a "special order". I also don't feel rushed because I can work and sell at the same time. THOUGHTS?

KK

[lana1]

I did afewcutom order at my last show.

[LPLKaryn]

It is a nice idea, and I occasionally indulge people, but overall it ends up a nightmare because I leave the show with a huge list of tedious custom orders and don't have time to restock for the next show.

I'd go ahead and try it, but

1. Be prepared to just tell people no if you get swamped.

2. Keep in mind some people may just stick around to learn how to make the bows.

Good Luck!

[AdrisMommy]

I am in the process of a show this weekend and this is the FIRST show that I have not done that at. IT IS SO NICE!!!! I got tired of telling people their bows would be ready in 10 minutes and when they came back an hour later, I still had not had time to finish casue you get really backed up and then have to sell to people waiting, even with a helper. I like it better like this. IF they want to do a custom order, I tell them I will have it for them within the week. I also have over 500 bows at this show!!!( I am just so proud of all of my hard work!). Good Luck!

[fragglerock]

I'm doing this for my playgroups Holiday Showcase next week, but I'm only doing it for headbands. It's also a small group of only 50 people, so it's manageable. If it's a busy show, I probably wouldn't do it and just take orders to make and send later.

[danielle06]

I did this as a special favor to 1 vendor at the 2 day show I just finished yesterday; she saw a headband in her granddaughter's school uniform colors, but doors were opening and had to get to her table when she took a break later, it had sold since I had ribbon with me (I will cut ribbon, weave headbands, sew bows during slow times - but I never finish a bow so anyone who may be watching never sees the beginning to end) I told her I would make one for her in the colors. Too hectic and too much pressure, I think.

[shemorg]

I did custom orders at one show and I learned from my mistake. LOL Too much of a headache. And there are people out there trying to learn so that is a problem as well. I would tell them that I can do custom orders and give them a card.
HTH
Sherry

[kaneohegirl]

nope take a order book... get half payment up front, get delivery info... if its a mailing situation then have them contact you thru etsy to order or get full payment up front...

you want to interact with ppl not spend time with your head down making something...

I will take headbands to weave at shows when its slow and I dont feel like reading... but thats about it... plus the more non essential stuff you take the more you need to pack up at the end of the day and let me tell you the more trips to the care you make the grumpier you're gonna be

[ldelzer]

I would NOT do it. Take some stuff to make in your down time, but don't burden yourself with custom orders. There's just too much unknown, especially at these busier Fall shows.

BTW- with people trying to watch you make stuff....they will watch and say they will do it on their own. But, if you are fast at making them (many of us are probably really fast), they can't follow. So, while it may look easy to them, it's deceptively simple.