What we are up to
Describing our current projects.
Entry for June 28, 2007
photo

Here is the light fixture.  Our client had the lights, but she couldn't find a bracket that would allow the lights to hang over her bar.  That's where we came in.  The branch is made from pipe that was 'drawn' down, very slowly so that the pipe wouldn't collapse.  It took some time.  Anyway.  She was happy.  The blue bird took the longest, having never made one.... I'm sure given the opportunity, it will go faster for the next one.


Frustration is mounting for us.  We are in a dilemma of how to reach clients that want what we have to offer.  We had advertised in a local magazine for a year...Close to $5000.00 later, two phone calls and no orders... I guess that's where the old saying goes, 'education don't come cheap'. 


We consider lowering our prices, but here's the dilemma with that scenario... lower the cost and make products that reflect that price range?  Or... keep the prices where they are, and have fewer sales.... frustration.....yup...


2007-06-28 20:02:30 GMT
Comments (3 total)
Author:Anonymous
I understand your frustration. I have been advertising in the phone book(yellow pages) and in local papers and on the internet for close to three years and have got maybe 3 paying jobs that haven't come close to paying the cost of advertising. I have thought of lowering prices but that that wouldn't be fair to myself or other smiths in the area. In fact, that was mentioned when I put some items on sale at a local craft show(I had been packing some of the stuff around for over two years & just wanted to get rid of it. I believe a lot of it has to do with competition from cheaper imports, at least in my neck of the woods.

--Steve S., Coeur d'Alene Forge
<mailto:slstransky@gmail.com>
2007-07-06 21:48:58 GMT
Author:Anonymous
Thanks for understanding Steve. Still in a stoop-er as to what to do.
--Paula Jensen
<mailto:eartheagleforge@yahoo.com>
2007-07-17 13:24:32 GMT
Author:Anonymous
The easy thing to say is 'never lower prices', art is not an item of economic elasticity. Reaching those who will see this stuff and want to possess it is the greatest challenge facing all of us ( I'm just starting this as a second career ). I wish I could provide an answer or a pleasant change.

Your work is incredible!

In September of this year, I visited the Texas Metal Art Festival ( again, I'm very new to this) and asked the various exhibitors ' what sells ? " and the answer was invariably - the good stuff - and not cheaply. So what I think I learned there is to be - and have your stuff at some place where those who come, come to find art.

Jim Adams
2007-12-27 21:26:36 GMT
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