HelgaGPataki
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posted on March 24, 2005 06:28:10 AM new
I sell items I make. One of the items is pretty "hot" for me I would consider. I sell more of them than anything else. It's one specific pattern (everything I sell is basically the same). I found this fabric at a local store and then called 17 (yes 17) stores nation wide to find the rest when the items began selling really well. I've gone out of my way driving to buy the fabric, paying over the phone, having it shipped to me, etc.
I get probably 5 emails a day asking where I've bought the fabric and how they can obtain it. You can't find it on eBay, I've tried.
Do I respond to these emails or do I just ignore them? I put a lot of effort into finding the fabric in many ways and I really do'nt want to tell people who might become my competitors where to find it at.
Just wondering what I should do? I've received 2 emails already today with requests for it.
Thanks!
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niel35
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posted on March 24, 2005 06:31:27 AM new
No way Helga - tell them nothing. "Trade secret"
I used to make crafts and sell them. I would hunt everywhere for just the right fabrics and designs and patterns that would suit my produce. My time, gas and money spent were for my business.
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HelgaGPataki
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posted on March 24, 2005 06:40:58 AM new
So it's not rude to just ignore their emails?
I would hate to blow off a potential customer if they wanted to buy one of my items but I also don't want other people going out and trying to find this fabric. Not that they would I dont think. I think I've bought it all ;o)
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neglus
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posted on March 24, 2005 06:47:20 AM new
You could give them wrong information  ..."I found the fabric YEARS ago - I think it was at JoAnn's (as long as it wasn't REALLY JoAnn's)and I believe they stopped making it.." how will they know that you're not telling the truth?
**********************************
Just making sure the "SMILIE" thread doesn't die (we all could use SMILIES every now and again!
http://www.vendio.com/mesg/read.html?num=2&thread=187440&id=187440
http://stores.ebay.com/Moody-Mommys-Marvelous-Postcards
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pelorus
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posted on March 24, 2005 07:02:21 AM new
I respecfully disagree with neglus on this one. Just tell them the truth. Most will respect you for that, and the others you probably don't want a continued relationship with anyway.
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mamachia
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posted on March 24, 2005 07:06:42 AM new
Hi Helga,
Have you tried searching for the fabric by way of the manufacturer? I can help you locate the manufacturer if I know the name. I will be attending a textile show in Los Angeles the first week of April. About 90% of the mills and jobbers will be there.
Look along the salvage edge to locate the name. It should be there as that is where they normally locate it.
How wide is the fabric, since would indicate if it would be for consumer or apparel industry?
thanks
Rosanne
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Damariscotta
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posted on March 24, 2005 07:14:34 AM new
Being in the antique business, I am often asked: Where do you buy your merchandise?
My answer is always the same: Wherever I can.
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HelgaGPataki
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posted on March 24, 2005 07:17:22 AM new
mamachia that would be great.
How do I get a hold of you?
Thanks so much!
The fabric is actually out of print so I'm told, I bought it on clearance so I got a good deal on it. But there might be some left out there that i have not found yet
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mamachia
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posted on March 24, 2005 07:43:09 AM new
Hi Helga,
Not a problem. The fabric could be out of print true but it solely depends on who they bought it from.
Email @ [email protected].
Just send me the name that might be visible on the edge or a pic of it.
thanks
Mama
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glassgrl
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posted on March 24, 2005 05:12:19 PM new
gee Helga - it's a shame this is such a secret hush hush forum - I'd LOVE to know what you make. I truly appreciate artist crafted and hand made things.
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max40
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posted on March 24, 2005 05:57:59 PM new
I'd answer that question the same way I answer that cheerful waitress that asks me how I am every morning at coffee--------NONE OF YOUR D@&M BUSINESS!
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glassgrl
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posted on March 24, 2005 06:10:44 PM new
gee Max - (as Tomwiii said)
Are you talking to ME?
And....I'm thinking you've never been a wait person (keeping it gender neutral here).
That's a hard hard job.
Standing behind a cash register isn't wonderful either. It looks easy until you try to stand in one place for 8 hours. Even with 2 breaks and a lunch - it's a sucky job.
I've been a waitress. And I failed miserably at it.
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max40
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posted on March 24, 2005 06:18:33 PM new
That's strange, all the guys at the restaurant thought it was funny.
Even the waitPERSON laughed.
[ edited by max40 on Mar 24, 2005 06:20 PM ]
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sanmar
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posted on March 24, 2005 06:29:25 PM new
Well, your answer is NOYDB. Why in hell should you tell any one where you get your material?
Life Is Too Short To Drink Bad Wine
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sparkz
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posted on March 24, 2005 06:41:23 PM new
Tell 'em you stole it off a delivery truck in the garment district. And you're trying to sell it and get it out of your hideout before the sheriff and his posse track you down.
A $75.00 solid state device will always blow first to protect a 25 cent fuse ~ Murphy's Law
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HelgaGPataki
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posted on March 24, 2005 07:06:23 PM new
glassgrl, I sent you an email through eBay so you can find me there  ) I'm not all that super crafty, trust me.
Mamachia, will email you in a moment and send you a link.
I just didn't know if it would be rude or not for me to not answer those questions.
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bizzycrocheting
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posted on March 24, 2005 07:20:13 PM new
Helga -- I used to get this all the time when I was doing craft shows. I would just tell them that I buy them by the BOLTS directly from the manufacturer because I had a resale license. It never went further than that ...
Diane
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agitprop
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posted on March 25, 2005 02:02:50 AM new
We get regularly asked the same question. Our stock reply is "We bought out the entire supply of the manufacturer" which is exactly what we did right after they went bankrupt. They weren't very popular THEN. Cost us pennies in the dollar and we now have a monopoly on that particular item, which we offer at a modest 1200% markup over the original manufacturer list price. Timing (and patience) is everything. Needless to say they are now very popular with collectors worldwide.
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