Question for those who sell in person and online.

[LUSCIOUSLEATHERNYC]

On top of selling on Etsy I also sell in Soho as a street vendor. I started off as a street vendor and have done for over 13 years.
Recently I have had a lot of people (more than normal) contacting me about wanting to see the items in person before they buy, they want to make sure they like it or want to feel it before making a purchase.

At first I was selling the same items so it was not a problem, but after a while I got sick of looking at the same stuff on etsy and in my outdoor shop. So I treat the outdoors as a chance to experiment with leathers and sizes and get feedback from customers. Its fun to make stuff without measuring height depth length
just make what you feel like making just because.

So now when people want to buy something and I tell them that its not on the street they get upset or frustrated or ask me to call or email them when I make it so that they can come and see it. (no way jose, too much work)

Its so frustrating because if I tell them the item that they are looking for is not there, they shut down and stop talking to me. And I explain that whats on etsy is on etsy only and what outdoors is outdoors only and its the best way I can explain it.
I usually invite them to come and look at my quality or my leather but by telling them the item they are looking for is not there (although the truth) seems to shut down the conversation.
So should I say sure come by anytime, and not point that out. Cause I think its sound univinting or rude because so far the last six people who contacted me regarding a potential visit did not come and did not speak to me again.

Am I reading too much into this? What would you do.

Now I understand where they are coming from, which is why it took me so many years to join etsy because I did not believe or feel that someone would buy such an expenisve bag sight unseen. But I work from home and I do not have the space to make bags and have them just sitting around for when someone wants to see them, and most of all people customize their bags so much in color and hardware and thread I acutally loose out making stuff ahead because its hardly ever what people want!

Help!

[Former_Member]

Speaking strictly as a consumer with a (very small) budget, I would have to see it first before purchasing. I don't ever order clothes, bags, shoes online unless the return process is very specific and easy.

Maybe have a mixture of your usual stuff and new stuff at each location? That's a tough one..

[LUSCIOUSLEATHERNYC]

Thanks appreciate the advice

[Former_Member]

Aixa, I am very impressed with your work. I am not very clear of how you work. Are the bags in your etsy shop are samples?? Do you physically have the bags? Or the pictures are just to show customers what they can order? And you actually do not have the bags.

If I was a customer ordering from your etsy shop I want the bag I see in the picture deliver to me however if you have to make it to order I would buy only if you allow returns. I have an idea who may solve your problem. Why don't you creat mini bags as samples so customers can take a look at them and give you their modify version. As a shop owner I would hate to loose so many sales especially for such a high priced items. I would accommodate my customers as much as possible to make the sell. Good luck.

[LUSCIOUSLEATHERNYC]

Hello Manjit
The photos are bags I have made in the past and decided to put it on etsy
I do not have the bags as they are made to order
Everyone does customization almost always so its made to order with whatever customizations you want.
Yes I make them like the picture with your changes .
Mini bags would not help because people want to see the size of the bag
The weight etc
They want to see the real bag but make their own version
But thank U

[WilliamsGiftshop]

Is there a reason that you gave your customers control over your business?
You don't HAVE to customize every bag. You could sell finished bags, like every other shop that sells bags.
And perhaps offer some customizable ones on the side.
Take back control.

[Former_Member]

We are planning to do the farmers market every week this year. My plan is that if someone wants to see an item I have on Etsy but not in my booth is to have them come back the following week and I will bring that particular item. We also allow custom orders for things, otherwise what we have in size, color etc. is what we have

[Former_Member]

Aixa, it seems that you do not have much choices. I would create the bags and sell them as is per BeaG suggestion and add additional fee for custom bag.

[EnchantedCircle1234]

I do shows also, and live in a studio apt....bed here work table at the end of bed....I have already made what is on Etsy and have MANY pieces not yet on Etsy....my Etsy pieces will go with me to the shows, with a little E on them...the bird in the hand thing. I don't do special orders lol.....too many flaky people.....and I have jewelry EVERYWHERE....but that's my love....if you make ahead what is on Etsy and take them to your show, if someone comes and buys it, put another already made up variation of that bag on Etsy and repeat the process....your bags then become originals on Etsy.

[thevicagirl]

I agree that you need to take control back. If you are making bags the same to sell multiples of I don't understand why you can't make some to sell. Think about it, if you have a design that sells well, make more of them. If it sells chances are people like it. Don't just have bags you are testing in the markets, make the tried and true ones as well. There is a great chance that people will like those better than your test runs. So, if you know something is going to sell, then what is the hurt in you making it? Good luck. Maybe you will make some more of your etsy ones, maybe you won't. It is really up to you. Maybe you could just make some samples and say that they need to order on etsy. My friend does that, but seems to sell more if she can just sell what she has.

[3bearsco]

Your bags are beautiful. I would make two of each and agree with BeaG. (:

[Former_Member]

Agree with BeaG too...you need to take back some control while you can.

[rhodyart]

Definitely agree with Bea. YOU run the business as you see fit. You cannot please everyone. I think you using the street business to experiment with new lines is a great idea. If people want to see a specific item from your shop in person, great but tell them they have to notify you ahead of time and make an appointment to speak with you at your vendor stand. They can't expect to take you away from dealing with street customers for a special request.