I’ve had some thinking to do the past month or so and have come to the decision that I am going to have to close my booth. It has been almost a year since I opened it and I told myself then that I would give it a year. As long as it paid its own way in the rent, I would continue.
Unfortunately, it has only paid for itself 6 months out of 12, with the past five months in a row being losses. In the beginning of January, I asked about moving to a smaller booth because I seemed to be able to at least make the rent for that size. They haven’t had one come up available and I can’t see realistically {and financially} continuing with it.
It has been a lot of fun and was something I always wanted to try. I’m glad I at least had the opportunity. I won’t rule out doing it again in the future. So for now I am doing some makeovers on the bigger things to move them out {because I don’t have room for them at my house} and will probably be bringing the smaller things home to put in my Etsy.
I expect it will be a few more weeks, just so I can try and sell everything I can. It’s a bummer, but it will relieve the stress and anxiety of “will I or won’t I make rent this month”.
37 comments:
thats too bad Kathy. but at least you had fun with it. I think everything looks great regardless!
have a nice weekend my friend.
xoxo
vivian
Your booth looks so cute, so sorry you are closing it. I certainly understand. Wondering if a sale a couple times of year with a group of people would work better. I know I love going to those. Wish I was closer, I'd stop by .
You have to do what works (financially) for you, Kathy. You do great work. I've had booths in the past, and always preferred shows, or by appointment. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do next. xoxo
Love your little space!
Around here I see that a few of the booths do consignment on others things. So maybe you can find someone's booth that you can share by putting some of your things in their booth. Just a thought. Hugs, Marty
I had a booth for about a year and a half. I was lucky that there was only one month that I had to pay a part of the rent. But it was a lot of hard work for not a very big return.
If I had a storage space at my house, I would spend 6 months creating items to sell and have a big sell twice a year.
Kathy you did something that you always wanted to try. Good for you. Now you won't have the "what if's". I bet you also met some really nice people. So many positives. Many of my work experiences have not brought me wealth but still made me richer.
Sometimes the best thing we can do is try something and then let it go if it doesn't work the way we want it to. If you HADN'T done it you would always regret not trying anyway. I am sure the economy played a big part in your decision. Too bad they didn't have a smaller booth available. AND you can ALWAYS try it again someday.
Good luck-hope you can sell your big pieces. xo Diana
That's too bad, Kathy, but at least you tried, and you can always give it another try if you can find a smaller space. xoxo
It's such a shame that this didn't work out for you, Kathy. At least you had made something happen that you wanted to do. Maybe you'll find a smaller space one day and try again. Good luck with selling what you've left.
Bummer! Sorry to hear that but at least you did it. Give yourself a big pat on the back for trying. =)
Jeanine
You can check it off your "to do" list and go forward! Last month we didn't make rent at 1 of the shops..and we are downsizing there! Giving that a few months...the other shop is doing okay! It's a funny business...just can't figure out what people want!
warmly,
deb
Too bad Kathy..But you gave it a try and now you know..You have some cute things there..Could yu share a space maybe??
I know you're disappointed, but I'm glad you gave it a try. It's a hard business.
Oh Kathy, I can so related to this post! I have been flip flopping about whether or not I will keep my booth. Although I have done well in sales (except last month) it's getting harder and harder to find things at a reasonable price. Having a booth is a lot of work! I think I'm going to give it another month or two and then will make a decision. Enjoy your weekend, Gail
Kathy is that an ottoman in the first picture?
I am so sorry you have to close your booth...I know how much you loved it and loved finding and making treasures for it...I am fortunate to have a "booth partner"...it certainly helps in many ways! Will you still do the "fairs"?..
You should be really proud of yourself for what you've accomplished! You took on a challenge head on, and now you won't have to wonder "what if?" I think you were pretty brave, kudos to you! All your handmade things are fabulous. And really, I'm sure it was the economy right now. Who knows, never say never, right? Hang in there, it will all work out as it should:) xoKathleen
Hi Kathy, I know it is a hard decision but if the rent is hard to meet then it is the right thing to do for now. I had my spaces several at a time for over 10 years and I know how difficult at times it can be. I always made rent and a profit but times were a bit better then. The economy now is just not the same.
The smalls will do great on etsy and I hope you sell off the bigger item before you leave.
You gave it the best with wonderful treasures so maybe you can give it a go at another time. I imagine less stress will be a plus!! Go forward and have fun with etsy and we'll all be here to cheer you on.
Have a great weekend.
Hugs!
Kathy your booth is so nice. Don't feel bad and don't give up, I started with a booth a long time ago and was finally able to have a little shop. Remember when one door closes another opens. Good luck. Denise
Hi Kathy,
I understand completely how you feel. I have always managed to make my rent but this year has been a tough one. I'm not sure if it's the economy, the bad weather or the fact that there are so many places with booths.
I think you are making the right decision. I know we get attached to them and put so much work in making our booths a part of ourselves. But sometimes we just have to let go.
There will be many more opportunities. Hang in there.
hugs
Sissie
I feel really bad that it didn't work out the way you wanted, Kathy...I'm sure it was your baby. But you were brave to follow your dream and that's more than some of us do. I hope if you decide to try it again that it's a big success! And in the mean time...be happy that you put yourself out there! :) You are one talented lady!
XO,
Jane
Phooey, I know how disappointed you must feel. Your booth and treasures are lovely, maybe it's just the location? Is there another place you could rent a booth? I have had better sales since I moved to a different store. It's still a point of stress, though, wondering if I'll make rent.
Kathy, I think it's great that you tried something, had fun with it, and have made the hard but right decision for you to move on. I believe that things will work out for the best and you'll move on to something that you're meant to do! (Even if it's opening another booth in another place/with a partner, etc) I wish you the best of luck and success!
Susan
Kathy, I know just how you feel! I'm so sorry your booth didn't make it because you are so creative and talented! I'm glad you did try it because you would have always wondered how it would have been. I had a similar experience. When I added the cost of the items, the materials to repair or paint them the rent and commission it just wasn't worth it. I never made anything for my time and gas. If I went to the mart I couldn't resale items for the wholesale cost! It's a difficult business if you consider all costs. I made money when I decided to close my booth because I didn't have to replace the inventory. I know you have so many wonderful items in your Etsy shop- sending best wishes for it!
I'm so sorry that you're faced with this decision, Kathy. I love your booth and know how much time, creativity and love you put into it. If you decide to "retire" it for now, that only means something bigger and better is on the horizon!
You should be very proud of yourself for making your dream a reality and not worry about the fact that you will close your booth for now. As one door closes another opportunity will welcome you with open arms. Lovely pieces you create. Blessings...
Oh bummer I know you were having fun Kathy! You’re so creative and talented! I know there will be other things later on that will work in your favor.
Kathy I am so very sorry to read this and I know how much you hate to close your beautiful booth. As creative as you are I know something better will come in the near future for you to enjoy.
My friend has been trying to get me to open a booth but like you I don't know if I want to deal with the stress of trying to make the rent.
Hang in there honey and something better will come along.
Love ya
Maggie
That's so frustrating, Kathy! You booth is lovely! I know what you mean, though. It's so nice to be able to try something you've never done before. And now that you've got this year under your belt maybe the right opportunity will open up for another booth. Your smaller items will be a great fit your your Etsy shop!
What a shame, it looks like a fabulous booth!
why don't you just close it out and sell the bigger stuff on Craigslist? sorry you're having to close, but so appreciative of your sharing the story with us.
I'm so sorry to hear your giving up your booth Kathy...I know it's a lot of hard work!!
That's too bad - at least you tried. It was a good creative outlet for you I'm sure. Have you thought about selling the larger pieces on a local facebook sale group or ebay with local pickup only?
I've been there, Kathy...it's a hard decision to make, because you have fun with it. I put on a good sale when I wanted to sell off stuff, so I wouldn't have to move it again...
I missed this. I hate to hear it did not work out, but I can tell by looking at your gorgeous booth that it was not your products, it was the store you were located in. Some just don't get enough traffic to support the vendors and you just cannot put all of that work into it and not at least pay rent. Shoot, maybe some high traffic mall will open in your area, and you can try again later
Carol
I'm sorry to hear that you are closing your space, but knowing what I know now after 12 years, there are better ways to make money selling your items. Look into doing shows and sales by appointments like Rosemary said. Your stuff is great, you just need to find the right market. Good luck whatever you decide to do.
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