What is your response to "How can I make that?"

[Former_Member]

I have just had my first Craft Fair and it was great! My only expectations were to have fun, laugh, and meet new people. Accomplished all and went home with a few bills in my pocket.

I anticipated the whispers, "I can make that." Heck, I'm the Queen of that, but what do you say to those that want to know how to make it? I don't have a patent or copy write on my items, but dang it, I worked hard researching and testing out theories. Not to mention the money sunk in it. I graciously told a few and others I replied that they didn't' need to, I already made them.

Just curious to all you seasoned veterans.

Thanks!

[jill2day]

I laugh, and say "well you start with a lot of trial and error, and then you do more research to find suppliers and finally get it right. I wish you luck with all that!"

[Former_Member]

Great response! I don't want to be mean or rude, but I do want to sell my product.

Thanks!

[HoldsIt]

"Well, you start by googling how to do it and then you find the instructions are wrong and your item looks nothing like it is supposed to. THen you start over from scratch and you throw a few things across the room. Then you discover a way to do it right but your supplies are costing a small fortune and your husband is holding the credit card for ransom so you spend hours and hours finding new supplies!"

[Former_Member]

....how did you know my exact scenario.... :)

[KilnMasterPottery]

Practice. Practice. Practice (and then you might get it).

[TigersandDragons]

I did once respond to a "my friend can make that for less".
"Really can you give me their phone number? I have a lot of orders to fill and it is so much work, I would love to hire an assistant that can make it faster and cheaper than I can."
Of course the person looked at me as if I was crazy.

[Former_Member]

I'm am polite to haters......and people who are short sided.

[Former_Member]

My response?

Of course I'll teach you how to make my XXXX. Here's my card and if you drop me an email I'll send you out my class schedule.

Classes are held afternoons, evenings and weekends so there's always a time that will fit your schedule.

[CarolSMiller]

I made it with blood, lots of sweat and a few tears.....

[TheSalvagedEdge]

crochetgal took my answer.

But most of the time I have my travel bench so they can watch me do it.

[EllieGraceCrafts]

Crochetgal - Love that! I've been thinking for awhile of doing "tutu parties" where I would bring the supplies and teach a birthday party of girls & mommies how to make tutus. ...but that just seems like a lot of work and time I could be working on orders. Also thought about making up tutu kits to sell, but it's the prep work that takes all the time & energy.

OP - I usually use the question as an opportunity to tell what makes my tutus better than other ones. I explain that I make the waistbands by hand (and why I use satin ribbon sewn around the elastic), handcut the tulle, and tie it in triple layers for maximum fluff "...and I have another technique to make them even fluffier with twice the tulle. Would you like to order a custom tutu?"

[BlackCatStitches]

Crochetgal beat me to it! I was going to say, tell them you're starting up classes and if they want to give you their email you can let them know when and how much. ;)

[SecretGardenNotes]

There was a great thread about this the other day with a lot of good advice :)

http://www.etsy.com/teams/8070/craft-fairs-its-a-living/discuss/12196568/

[Former_Member]

I just tell them to sign up for my class and in a few years they'll might have work worthy to sell.

[Former_Member]

@secretgardennotes

I tried searching for this topic but it was a hard one to nail down in the search field. I'll try going back.

Great advice guys!

[TheEnchantedWren]

I love your answer, Erin!

[ForgedMettleJewelry]

I usually just give them the basically of what metal clay is and how you fire it in a kiln. So far no one has asked for more...

[Former_Member]

We have a shop in Stoughton and sell the supplies. I also teach classes and here is my class menu"

But usually I hear incorrect comments about how a friend makes something like this.

[KaelMijoy]

When I was a kid and we would ask my mom a question that started with the word "how," her answer was always, "Very carefully."

That's my answer.

[Former_Member]

I tell them that I have practiced 8-10 hours a day for the past 10 years. That is usually enough to stop them.

[ThePlayfulNeedle]

'Lots of time, hard work and skill development!' followed by a big, big smile.
;)

[FarmersSoapery]

My standard response is "Lots of trial and error and experimentation!"

[CCreativeVisions]

Your response was perfect. but when you get tired of saying that you could use the military statement as a back up. It is Top Secret, so if I tell you I will have to kill you and laugh.........

[Former_Member]

I've found that some people are just interested, and I get sales from the "How do you make that?" people

but then again, crochet takes a long time to learn, and this wood stuff, well not everyone has or can easily get a table saw, band saw, sander, drill press, etc.