Question

Topic: Other

Open Studio / Sale

Posted by whimziequiltz on 7/2/2006 at 9:22 AM ET 125 Points
I've been thinking about having an 'open studio' for my quilt business later this year. But I run my business out of my house, so I don't really want people trekking through my home. I was thinking about setting up a tent in the front yard, hanging out finished quilts and selling some smaller items, having a work in progress table, some treats out for people who are visiting, stuff like that. I don't want it to look too much like a garage sale, but I'd probably put out directional signs. I also don't want it to look too 'business in my home' because I don't want to get in trouble with the homes association. Any advice for walking the fine line between angering the HOA and having it look like any old yard sale? Any advice for making it a success in selling my inventory, in getting new orders and for just making it a fun time?
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  • Posted by whimziequiltz on 7/2/2006 at 3:20 PM Author
    I'm just a little bummed because I thought an open studio would be such a great idea, especially since with quilts it's so nice to have a personal relationship with potential customers. I thought they'd really appreciate the opportunity to come by the studio, see my set-up, see me working, etc. An off-site event didn't seem to have the same feel for what I was trying to accomplish, but I'll probably talk to the HOA before I do anything. If I can pull it off - any advice for the actual event?
  • Posted on 7/3/2006 at 8:29 AM Accepted
    One way to do it would be to hold quilting preview parties, I would advertise them (very carefully) in my local paper. Put the tent in the back yard and not the front. If it is a private event you are safe, and it raises the preceived value of the quilts.

    Alyson
  • Posted by Deremiah *CPE on 7/3/2006 at 12:43 PM Member
    whimziequiltz,

    here's what I'd do...I'd open up my business online that way you are not having to have people trek through your home or having to deal with the HOA.

    You could do this by opening up your own website or sell your quilts on E-bay. You might be surprised how easy this is. And by using the interior of your home as the backdrop for the quilts you can add a warm feel to the quilts image.

    Now there are many other ways to approach this I'm just trying to get you to see the possiblity of how you can deal with the current challenge. Remember there are no real problems only a failure to be creative. Invent your opportunity and create your future. Is there anything else I can do for you?

    Your Servant, Deremiah, *CPE (Customer Passion Evangelist)
  • Posted by whimziequiltz on 7/6/2006 at 7:48 PM Author
    Thanks all!

    Alyson - Terrific! I especially like your idea of making it a private event in the backyard - solves a lot of my HOA problems. I think I'll send invitations to customers and offer a special gift if they bring someone else with them to increase attendance.

    And while I'm not big enough for my own office or studio outside the home, everyone's ideas for sharing space are great and something I'll follow up on.

    (Deremiah - Great idea, but I do have a website! I was looking to expand my marketing ideas beyond online and that's where the idea for an event came from.)
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