Hello Ashley, Your work is amazing, you’re always smiling and miss your lives ( they were my relaxation time ☺️). I’m seeing/reading more about this? I’m older so it’s a bit different for me on this topic. I commented on MandaMal’s video about this new “issue”, which I personally believe falls on the coordinator (s) of the venue. My local farmers market in my hometown in Texas would send us a weekly newsletter/email asking 3 simple questions: 1. Will you be attending 2. Name of business 3. Type (s) of items being sold Submit I paid when the coordinator came around to collect, he would always ask how it was going for me and if I was being successful. He was always so pleasant and kind, and even if I wasn’t having a good start to the day it made me feel better. He never had more than three of us crochet vendors, plus the other two that would show up had other items to show case. I’m aware that a 100+ venue this is not possible, however for a local one sounds like “money” making🤔 I could go on and on however, this is a good topic for a live or a toll🤔 Stay positive young lady and you do YOU, because without US creators, venues would not exist. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your experience - good coordinators are seriously so important!!! I do plan to get back to my lives!!! So nice to know you enjoyed them so much.
I really loved your positive message at the end of the video. I recently had 3 markets over 2 consecutive weekends. The first was a flop. I didn't even make 1/2 of my booth fee back. Here, like you, there were too many crocheted plushie sellers in one small space. I was discouraged. The next two markets were a success, though. I felt a lot better after that. ❤ I LOVE making plushies and no one's going to take that away from me!!!
Great motto… “We don’t have to do it, but we get to do it”. My Dad would say that and it would always put things into perspective 😊. It’s a hit or miss with these craft fairs. Hang in there and keep enjoying what you are doing with your awesome creativity. When it’s not to the best interest of each individual vendor, it’s time to move on to another craft fair. From one crafter to another, I’m sending positive vibes ❤️🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼❤️
Just be happy creating. I go to a few a year, never sell as much as I would like but I don’t care. I can donate some to women’s shelters if I want to quit. It’s my hobby, not my life’s work. You are right to not get discouraged, everyone has a flop or two😂.
Your such a great creator, keep on doing what you love and just distance yourself from that market. Because it's not ok for coordinators to not care what type of market they are putting together. ❤
I feel this. In the 2 years I've been doing craft shows, I've seen the number of booths with other crocheted plushies multiply incredibly. It's frustrating, to say the least. Coordinators need to limit how many of the same vendor they allow in their shows. Especially if they're smaller. I've been crocheting for 20+ years, and put so much time/effort/thought into what I make, and then it sometimes gets devalued/overlooked because there's just so many crochet vendors. That being said...that's also why I don't make many of the popular items. Everybody and their brother makes the popular items. I go for the more unique items that stand out. It really helps to bring people back to my booth. In the past 3 markets I've done, I've had several people purchase from me and they've proceeded to tell me that they had walked around and chose to come back to me because they liked my items and my work. 😊 Yes. It is INFURIATING right now to go to a market and see at least half a dozen crochet vendors, and I understand not wanting to create a community of competition, but in some sense we have to in order to keep going. 😔
Thank you. Yes I try to create different things than others as well and when I go to markets and see people making the same thing as me I stop making that item! Thank you for all the feedback it is great.
❤ my sister and I had our very first market back in October, there were 15 vendors.. 2 selling crocheted plushies.. the other was one of the organizers daughter.. they were right at the entrance to the venue.. we were put at the exit.. there was also one table in between us.. it was very frustrating. But on the bright side we had created a community of friends, family and coworkers that came and showed their support, and we were able to sell 40% of our inventory. So we definitely saw how amazing our support system was when the odds were stacked against us. ❤
it's definitely hard sometimes, especially when you can hop on youtube or whatnot and see others selling similar products at similar events and making bank. for me, it's getting the positive reactions to something that i created with my own hands. even when they don't purchase, just hearing and seeing the excitement and happiness my plushies evoke. it's just so awesome. but yeah, the markets are getting SATURATED with plushie makers. and that definitely makes selling harder. fortunately, for me, it's a hobby and not something i rely on to survive.
I did "markets" for 20 years. Some years good some bad. A good friend of mine said the first year you make a new product you make your money on that product. The next year you Won't make as much because those who loved it last year got it. The ones that missed it cause you sold out bought year 2. One must keep finding new ideas each year!!!. I have watched alot of videos this year and theses markets are just getting saturated with plushies. Your work is very very neat. I love your work. I think the organizers need to have the spaces full to attract customers. Maybe the other plushie vendors were the only ones to pick from???? Who knows. Have a great next market
I think that is a very interesting point about sales and making new products each year and I feel it is so true. That is why I am always switching up my items. Great advice
❤ it can be so disheartening when you put your heart into all your creations and then have an experience like this one. But keep going, your creations are amazing, and your next market will undoubtedly be awesome 🙌
♥I had the same feeling at my event this weekend. There weren't as many crocheters as at yours, but still enough that it was more competitive. I'd see people who had already purchased plushies from someone else before they got to me. But yes, stay positive I agree! We do it for love of the craft.
❤ I just started with amigurumi and haven’t done a market yet so I’m watching all the videos with the good, the bad, the ugly! I’m enjoying learning this craft and gave myself a year to build up inventory then maybe a show! I’m retired so it would just be an extra income thing for me!
Thank you, thank you for your outlook on this disappointing market day. You are such a talented creator and I learn so much from you. I am a hobby crocheter of cutsie little items and bigger projects as well, and a retired grandmother, so I am no spring chicken. I love this craft and only started plushies 5 months ago. No markets, just word of mouth and social media. Gotta pass on the cuteness, and donate when availabe. Your words are so wise. Keep creating and sharing. Love your honesty and example!❤
ik the struggle. I thought about quitting too, but as long I make back booth fee and try not to expect anything, I'll be okay. I hope everything gets better for you tho ! you got this !
I just had my worst market ever and felt the same way. Especially when I watched stuff fly off the shelf of another crochet vendor. I love your outlook. I have to remember the same thing...I do this because I love the craft. Thanks for sharing. ❤
Hi Ashley! I understand your disappointment. I do not understand why they let so many of one craft in ether. Never give up! You do great work! Have a beautiful day! ❤️😊
@@GoingCrochetzy I had that happen about a month ago. 7 crochet artists in one small area. I was discouraged also that day, but just yesterday I had a market that did VERY well! I try to check before I sign up now to see if they limit the same artists. I really enjoy your content and think you are an amazing crocheter. Have a great evening!
@ wow that is a bummer but so happy the next one went well. I usually try to check too but it is hard to know until the day of or a week before when they give out the map (if they do). Sometimes I am told I will be one of one or two and then show up to a bunch. It is a gamble I take at this point unfortunately
❤️I understand completely. I’ve only done 3 markets and I have gotten progressively less sales each time. I know in my head it’s because they are such small markets and the last one wasn’t advertised at all but I’m very discouraged at the amount of inventory I have that really should sell this close to the holidays. I don’t know if it’s worth the stress! Thanks for the heartfelt video, it’s encouraging to me.
I can so relate to everything you are saying. Thank you for the little pep talk as well as it certainly can get discouraging but like you, I love creating….wishing us all success in the upcoming markets.❤️
I’m so sorry it wasn’t the best market for you.. I recently had one with those comments “oh look another one”, “there are so many of you here” 😢 and it’s definitely not a good feeling but it doesn’t reflect on your talent! Your items are beautifully made and I wish the best on your next one! Congrats to your mom!!! 🎉❤
This was my last market as well. I haven't done a video on it yet because youtubing is difficult. But yeah, at the market there were at least 6 crochet booths and it was a small market. I did not make my booth fee back and I did provide feedback for the event coordinators because it's not a good way to treat your vendors. Yes, you want to fill your market, but you also should be doing your best to make it a successful experience for the vendors as well.
I had my second event at a farmers market this weekend and it was not heavy foot traffic and I think that’s just because there was so many other craft shows going on, but I at least made my whereas my grandfather did not even make one cell and it was very sad and showed me the reality of market
I'm in Australia and crochet plushies are only just starting to get popular. I was the first one at my local market, then another two joined. Now there's a woman who buys already made crochet items from Temu and makes out that she made them herself.
I am so sad for you. Shame on organiser set people up to fail!!!!! Your utube is fantastic Please keep going. I love your market prep. Your little boy sounds lovely . Take care!! keep on hooking.
Those are the coordinators that don't care about their customers experience or your bottom line. They are just looking out for their bottom line. Those are the shows you don't give your hard earned dollars too ever again. Sounds like they've done this to you before. Move in girl!
Hello Ashley,
Your work is amazing, you’re always smiling and miss your lives ( they were my relaxation time ☺️).
I’m seeing/reading more about this?
I’m older so it’s a bit different for me on this topic.
I commented on MandaMal’s video about this new “issue”, which I personally believe falls on the coordinator (s) of the venue.
My local farmers market in my hometown in Texas would send us a weekly newsletter/email asking 3 simple questions:
1. Will you be attending
2. Name of business
3. Type (s) of items being sold
Submit
I paid when the coordinator came around to collect, he would always ask how it was going for me and if I was being successful.
He was always so pleasant and kind, and even if I wasn’t having a good start to the day it made me feel better.
He never had more than three of us crochet vendors, plus the other two that would show up had other items to show case.
I’m aware that a 100+ venue this is not possible, however for a local one sounds like “money” making🤔
I could go on and on however, this is a good topic for a live or a toll🤔
Stay positive young lady and you do YOU, because without US creators, venues would not exist.
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your experience - good coordinators are seriously so important!!! I do plan to get back to my lives!!! So nice to know you enjoyed them so much.
I really loved your positive message at the end of the video. I recently had 3 markets over 2 consecutive weekends. The first was a flop. I didn't even make 1/2 of my booth fee back. Here, like you, there were too many crocheted plushie sellers in one small space. I was discouraged. The next two markets were a success, though. I felt a lot better after that. ❤ I LOVE making plushies and no one's going to take that away from me!!!
It is so encouraging to hear that you kept going and turned things around!
Great motto… “We don’t have to do it, but we get to do it”. My Dad would say that and it would always put things into perspective 😊. It’s a hit or miss with these craft fairs. Hang in there and keep enjoying what you are doing with your awesome creativity. When it’s not to the best interest of each individual vendor, it’s time to move on to another craft fair. From one crafter to another, I’m sending positive vibes ❤️🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼❤️
Thank you for the kind words. It's great to hear from other crafters and their perspectives.
Just be happy creating. I go to a few a year, never sell as much as I would like but I don’t care. I can donate some to women’s shelters if I want to quit. It’s my hobby, not my life’s work. You are right to not get discouraged, everyone has a flop or two😂.
❤ you do a great job! Don't be too hard on yourself. It's hard when the coordinator doesn't limit the amount of each type of vendor
Thank you so much, I really appreciate it!
Your such a great creator, keep on doing what you love and just distance yourself from that market. Because it's not ok for coordinators to not care what type of market they are putting together. ❤
I feel this. In the 2 years I've been doing craft shows, I've seen the number of booths with other crocheted plushies multiply incredibly.
It's frustrating, to say the least.
Coordinators need to limit how many of the same vendor they allow in their shows.
Especially if they're smaller.
I've been crocheting for 20+ years, and put so much time/effort/thought into what I make, and then it sometimes gets devalued/overlooked because there's just so many crochet vendors.
That being said...that's also why I don't make many of the popular items. Everybody and their brother makes the popular items.
I go for the more unique items that stand out. It really helps to bring people back to my booth. In the past 3 markets I've done, I've had several people purchase from me and they've proceeded to tell me that they had walked around and chose to come back to me because they liked my items and my work. 😊
Yes. It is INFURIATING right now to go to a market and see at least half a dozen crochet vendors, and I understand not wanting to create a community of competition, but in some sense we have to in order to keep going. 😔
Thank you. Yes I try to create different things than others as well and when I go to markets and see people making the same thing as me I stop making that item! Thank you for all the feedback it is great.
❤ my sister and I had our very first market back in October, there were 15 vendors.. 2 selling crocheted plushies.. the other was one of the organizers daughter.. they were right at the entrance to the venue.. we were put at the exit.. there was also one table in between us.. it was very frustrating. But on the bright side we had created a community of friends, family and coworkers that came and showed their support, and we were able to sell 40% of our inventory. So we definitely saw how amazing our support system was when the odds were stacked against us. ❤
Wow! That is frustrating but a great thing all at once. So happy you have such a great support system!
@@GoingCrochetzy we have a big market coming up here in December, we don't know what the rest of the vendor list looks like. But we are being hopeful
I love how you handled the disappointment ❤❤Jenn
Thanks 😊
I love your videos! Don't give up on something that makes you happy! 😊❤️
it's definitely hard sometimes, especially when you can hop on youtube or whatnot and see others selling similar products at similar events and making bank. for me, it's getting the positive reactions to something that i created with my own hands. even when they don't purchase, just hearing and seeing the excitement and happiness my plushies evoke. it's just so awesome. but yeah, the markets are getting SATURATED with plushie makers. and that definitely makes selling harder. fortunately, for me, it's a hobby and not something i rely on to survive.
It’s so true about the positive reactions!
I did "markets" for 20 years. Some years good some bad. A good friend of mine said the first year you make a new product you make your money on that product. The next year you Won't make as much because those who loved it last year got it. The ones that missed it cause you sold out bought year 2. One must keep finding new ideas each year!!!. I have watched alot of videos this year and theses markets are just getting saturated with plushies. Your work is very very neat. I love your work. I think the organizers need to have the spaces full to attract customers. Maybe the other plushie vendors were the only ones to pick from???? Who knows. Have a great next market
I think that is a very interesting point about sales and making new products each year and I feel it is so true. That is why I am always switching up my items. Great advice
❤ it can be so disheartening when you put your heart into all your creations and then have an experience like this one. But keep going, your creations are amazing, and your next market will undoubtedly be awesome 🙌
Thanks for that, it means a lot ❤️
♥I had the same feeling at my event this weekend. There weren't as many crocheters as at yours, but still enough that it was more competitive. I'd see people who had already purchased plushies from someone else before they got to me. But yes, stay positive I agree! We do it for love of the craft.
Sorry you went through it too
❤Stay positive and don't lose the joy 🥰 I love your message from this video. I hope your next market is better!!
❤ I just started with amigurumi and haven’t done a market yet so I’m watching all the videos with the good, the bad, the ugly! I’m enjoying learning this craft and gave myself a year to build up inventory then maybe a show! I’m retired so it would just be an extra income thing for me!
That is the perfect mindset, a year is great to build a good inventory
Thank you, thank you for your outlook on this disappointing market day. You are such a talented creator and I learn so much from you.
I am a hobby crocheter of cutsie little items and bigger projects as well, and a retired grandmother, so I am no spring chicken. I love this craft and only started plushies 5 months ago. No markets, just word of mouth and social media. Gotta pass on the cuteness, and donate when availabe. Your words are so wise.
Keep creating and sharing. Love your honesty and example!❤
Thank you for your kind words!!! I will be rooting you on with your new creations and continue to try to inspire. 😊
ik the struggle. I thought about quitting too, but as long I make back booth fee and try not to expect anything, I'll be okay. I hope everything gets better for you tho ! you got this !
I just had my worst market ever and felt the same way. Especially when I watched stuff fly off the shelf of another crochet vendor. I love your outlook. I have to remember the same thing...I do this because I love the craft. Thanks for sharing. ❤
I’m so glad my video helped! It definitely puts things in perspective 😊
❤. Thanks for sharing your experience. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows. My mantra is sometimes you win, sometimes you learn.
Yes!
I feel you but its really part of doing markets ❤ lets just do our best in every markets and pray we sell our items well😊
Hi Ashley! I understand your disappointment. I do not understand why they let so many of one craft in ether. Never give up! You do great work! Have a beautiful day! ❤️😊
It was a little rough but it will be okay! Thanks for your encouragement
@@GoingCrochetzy I had that happen about a month ago. 7 crochet artists in one small area. I was discouraged also that day, but just yesterday I had a market that did VERY well! I try to check before I sign up now to see if they limit the same artists. I really enjoy your content and think you are an amazing crocheter. Have a great evening!
@ wow that is a bummer but so happy the next one went well. I usually try to check too but it is hard to know until the day of or a week before when they give out the map (if they do). Sometimes I am told I will be one of one or two and then show up to a bunch. It is a gamble I take at this point unfortunately
@@GoingCrochetzy It sure is 🙂
❤ Wise words. Keep smiling 😀
Thank you. I will 😊
❤️I understand completely. I’ve only done 3 markets and I have gotten progressively less sales each time. I know in my head it’s because they are such small markets and the last one wasn’t advertised at all but I’m very discouraged at the amount of inventory I have that really should sell this close to the holidays. I don’t know if it’s worth the stress! Thanks for the heartfelt video, it’s encouraging to me.
I feel that, it is discouraging when it feels like all your hard work isn't paying off. It will all sell eventually!!!
I love how you have ended your video. It is about the joy. 😊 ❤
That is what it is all about!
I love watching your videos and seeing all your creations. I have my own craft show this weekend. I am worried that I didn't get enough plushies made.
Thank you!!!! Good luck on your show! Any amount of plushies is better than none 😊
I can so relate to everything you are saying. Thank you for the little pep talk as well as it certainly can get discouraging but like you, I love creating….wishing us all success in the upcoming markets.❤️
Thank you, you as well
I had a show yesterday and I feel everything you're saying! I'm feeling so discouraged, but I'm trying not to.
We can do it!!!! Focusing on positive and joy here on out 😊
I’m so sorry it wasn’t the best market for you.. I recently had one with those comments “oh look another one”, “there are so many of you here” 😢 and it’s definitely not a good feeling but it doesn’t reflect on your talent! Your items are beautifully made and I wish the best on your next one! Congrats to your mom!!! 🎉❤
Thanks so much.
This was my last market as well. I haven't done a video on it yet because youtubing is difficult. But yeah, at the market there were at least 6 crochet booths and it was a small market. I did not make my booth fee back and I did provide feedback for the event coordinators because it's not a good way to treat your vendors. Yes, you want to fill your market, but you also should be doing your best to make it a successful experience for the vendors as well.
I am so sorry to hear that. I hope you get a chance to do a TH-cam video!
I had my second event at a farmers market this weekend and it was not heavy foot traffic and I think that’s just because there was so many other craft shows going on, but I at least made my whereas my grandfather did not even make one cell and it was very sad and showed me the reality of market
Yes markets can be brutal.
I'm in Australia and crochet plushies are only just starting to get popular. I was the first one at my local market, then another two joined. Now there's a woman who buys already made crochet items from Temu and makes out that she made them herself.
The temu thing should totally be banned from markets if it is a handmade craft sale for sure but how do you prove that 😟
I am so sad for you.
Shame on organiser set people up to fail!!!!!
Your utube is fantastic
Please keep going. I love your market prep.
Your little boy sounds lovely . Take care!! keep on hooking.
Thanks so much, I will keep on hooking! 😜 I have the best little boy 😊❤️
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And so I have another market in two weeks and I don’t have to do a lot of market prep so I really get to do some fun things and not like frogs😂
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Sorry it wasn’t great. Sounds like you need a positive pickle for yourself. 💚💜🖤🩷♥️💙🧶🧶🧶🥒🥒🥒
So frustrating! Definitely sounds like it's time to find a different market to focus on that juries their entries. 😢
Yes
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Those are the coordinators that don't care about their customers experience or your bottom line. They are just looking out for their bottom line. Those are the shows you don't give your hard earned dollars too ever again. Sounds like they've done this to you before. Move in girl!
I agree!! But I would also send an email to the coordinator to let them know this is extremely unfair!!
It can be disheartening when that happens
Absolutely horrible!! I would let the event coordinator know this is absolutely unacceptable!!!
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