As promised, I've compiled a list of reasons why a store may not choose to carry your work.
Believe me--every single reason on here has been heard by me or other artists. And a few were suggested by bona fide store owners. Can you guess which ones?
Be sure to post a reason YOU'VE gotten if it's not on the list. You can put it in the "comments" section or e-mail me at luann@luannudell.com
Enjoy!
Why didn’t they buy my work???
· It looks too much like something they already carry.
· It doesn’t look like anything else they carry.
· It’s not unique—it looks like a lot of other products on the market.
· They just don’t like it.
· They like it, but their customers won’t like it.
· They may be looking for new work, but not new people.
· It doesn’t meet their criteria of “handmade”.
· It’s functional and they only carry decorative work.
· It’s decorative and they only carry functional work.
· It’s too expensive for what it is.
· It’s priced too low for what it is.
· It’s not in line with their price points for that item. (Could be too expensive or too inexpensive.)
· They have too many items with that price point already.
· It’s not the right size.
· It doesn’t come in enough sizes.
· It comes in too many sizes.
· Your finishing techniques aren’t up to snuff.
· They overbought and have too much inventory.
· They overbought and they’re short of cash.
· They’re struggling to stay in business.
· They’re on the verge of bankruptcy.
· It’s the wrong season or wrong time of year.
· Your work is too seasonal.
· The “buyer” isn’t really the person allowed to make a purchasing decision. Or a committee has to approve the purchase.
· The ownership/management is chaotic and NO ONE is in charge.
· You are difficult to deal with; you are argumentative, confrontational, too meek or too sullen, etc. You aren’t taking “no” for an answer, and they are SO done.
· THEY are difficult to deal with—insecure, shadow artist, had a fight with their significant other that morning, they’re an alcoholic, etc.
· It’s someone’s “hobby store” and not a viable business.
· They have cramps.
· They’re a jerk
· You’re a jerk.
In short—It could you, it could be the work, or it could be them. Or any two, or all three! Remember—it’s never really over. Leave the door open, leave a business card, leave on a high note, and try again. Try again with them, try another day, try another year, try with another manager, or try with another store.
