Crying softly into my lovely fabric

[ChantelandMe]

I just had my first auction on tophatter. We were out celebrating my birthday and I missed getting home for it by 12 minutes. I was auctioning one of my market bags that I sell here for $26. It sold for $6. Tell me it isn't so. I know there is nothing really to say, I just wanted to whine for a moment. crud.

[Former_Member]

Oh no! That's disappointing. But, happy birthday! Hope you had a lovely night out, and it somewhat made up for the low auction price :)

[Former_Member]

Auctions of handmade items are notorious for underselling. I won't even do charity auctions anymore, as my jewelry never fetched anything near what it was worth, and then, worst of all, people thought that that was what I sold my items for. The horror!
Don't sweat it. You're not the only one. Perhaps doing more in-person craft fairs would do better.
Your work is BEAUTIFUL. I'm sure you'll sell lots when you find the right marketing/promotion/selling venues. We're also in a down economy, so ppl are pinching pennies. Don't worry, your shop will do better and better :)

[Former_Member]

Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. :( I would start with maybe a higher biddig price so that you don't lose so much money if doesn't have many bidders. It might keep buyers away, but there's always a potential of that. But at least then you might not lose so much money. I have my first auction tonight, so I'm really excited! :)

[Former_Member]

I'm sorry, I've bought a few things on Tophatter and yes, they went very cheap.

[BeMyBee]

Think of it this way, you just made someones day - they just got a gorgeous bag for a steal and maybe you'll get some great advertising when everyone asks them where they got their gorgeous bag and the're directed to your shop.

Please don't let it get you down, today is your birthday, enjoy! Happy Birthday!

[LBlackbournJewelry]

I watched a few items go up for auction there and I don't think it's a good fit for me :( Live and learn, I guess! Maybe she has a lot of friends ... send some business cards along with it!

[Former_Member]

It was a learning experience. Next time you will do it better or be able to say that it wasn't part of your business model and find selling venues that are.

I do have to agree, that handmade+auctions usually come out in favor of the buyer. I feel for you, chin up and Happy Birthday!

[Former_Member]

Sorry to hear that :( Auctions can be very heartbreaking I know. I once attended a charity fundraiser that was very near and dear to my heart. I was asked to make a piece of jewelry for a silent auction which had been planned. I made three because I as I said, it was something I believed in. I went out and bought 3 silver chains at retail prices to give away with the pendants. The auction started, I stayed away from the table but eventually started to hear rumblings. Long story short, the person handling the auction put "for all three" on the auction sheet. The bidding had started so it was too late to separate them. The winner walked away with all 3 for about $120, less than I actually paid for the chains.
We live and learn I guess. But, on a brighter note.....Happy birthday!!!!

[seemomster]

*hugs*

[Former_Member]

I'm sorry to hear that. It can be very frustrating. Last year I raffled off some of my painted letters at a charity event ($125 worth) Later I came to find out they only made $7 on the raffle. I was glad to donate but it did make me sad that more money wasn't raised.

[WintergreenDesign]

That's very disappointing I'm sure... but you make lovely things... Tophatter just isn't the proper venue : )

((hugs))

[Former_Member]

hope all gets better!

[2True]

:( I quit tophatter after having quite a few sales like that even when I was there! So sorry...

[PaperStatement]

I am so happy, that my item did NOT sell on tophatter. I put the beginning price quite high. It was an experiment, and now I know, that tophatter is not the right place for me....

[Former_Member]

One of THOSE days! I thought about opening a bottle of wine after putting the kids to bed... I'll be right back ;)

[Former_Member]

I'm sorry that your first auction was a bust. What a bummer. I'm not familiar with tophatter but are you able to make a reserve in the listing so if people under bid, it won't be sold? Something that says reserve not met yet.

[ChantelandMe]

Thank you guys! And yes, I had a wonderful, wonderful birthday. My husband and 2 sons sure know how to make a Mom feel good!

Live and learn is right. I really appreciate the sympathy, makes me feel better :-)

I like the idea of sending multiple business cards - maybe she'll get the hint. I have received 3 shop views today from tophatter so there is hope yet.

Thank you also for the compliments on my shop/items. I like hearing that :-)

[ChantelandMe]

NaturesTouchCrafts, there is no reserve to put on and it has to sell at what it goes for. It's a bummer, but I've been wondering how I would do there and now I know - something like a dog throwing up something red on my nice rug - that sinking feeling is getting number now though.

[Former_Member]

So sorry to hear that it went for so cheap. I had my first tophatter auction on Friday, but I was unwilling to part with my item so I put the starting bid at $10 and decided if no one wanted to bid I was okay with that. It sold for $12 and I sell the same item here for $17.50. Not sure if I'll try tophatter again or not.

Happy Birthday btw!

[Former_Member]

Sorry you sold for so low! That's what's been holding me back from trying it! Though at least for my items the supplies are inexpensive so I'd just be losing out on my wage for the time it takes to create one. I've been thinking it might be good to do just for more exposure but not as a regular thing.

I thought you set the opening bid though? You could set that higher so you'd at least make a bit more. Hopefully you'll make some more sales from people who didn't get a chance to bid though! That'd make it worth it!

Edited to add that I'm glad you had a great Birthday! Hope this didn't put too much of a damper on it!

[ChantelandMe]

To add insult to injury the buyer is in Canada so I'll be losing at least $1.05 on my shipping too. I had marked US shipping and didn't realize Canada was considered US - when did that happen? Then to add insult to that the cheaper Canada shipping can't be purchased through paypal, I have to get dressed (!) and drive to the post office. And it's storming, and today is REALLY my b'day, .......and I'm laughing at myself now.

Alright, I've laughed at myself and I'm over it now.

Thank you for all the b'day wishes. Today is a decade b'day and I'm milking it for all it's worth.

[AndreaDurhamDesigns]

Laura Happy Birthday

Use Tophatter as a marketing opportunity not as a money maker! Don't give up on it, just place your bids, like Bill said, at the lowest price you are willing to take! Then when it sells you at least covered expenses and got paid marketing your item. And if it doesn't sell people still saw you and you lose nothing! :)

And what is up with Canada's shipping from here what a pain...Sorry Canada I really do love ya...

Happy Birthday again GO HAVE SOME FUN!

[Former_Member]

Awww Laura. One of the other posters was right though, it will make someone's day. I LOVE my business card holder I bought from you and cant believe how well made it is! I show it off to everyone! Happy Birthday!

[Former_Member]

I think the problem with auctions in general is people want a DEAL. I think the fun of it for shoppers is the challenge of getting "something for nothing". I've been to charity auctions and silent auctions locally - usually they are fund-raisers for the schools. And very rarely will the selling price go over the listed "value". Even though people KNOW they are donating to a good cause, they refuse to pay one penny more than it's "worth" because it's an "auction".

Don't take it too personally.

Happy Zero-Ending Birthday!!