We had our first official vending experience over the weekend (November 18th and 19th) at Vancouver Waldorf School.
We learned so much - how to present our collection within a tight space, how to talk to people and greet them as they came around to our area and stared in awe at our things and how to package and sell the items we sold quickly and beautifully. We had sorted all this out in our heads and in theory of course but doing it under the crunch of a waiting customer is quite another thing.
We love Vancouver Waldorf school. The space is mellow, welcoming and full of light and wonderful positive energy. All the other vendors had such beautiful items, it was hard to not want to take regular breaks and wonder about checking their things out. From gorgeous hand carved wooden toys to lovely cards, knitted hats, ceramics, quirky kitchen accessories and lovely local photos it was a lot to see and absorb.
Our things did not quite fit in there but then again, we also offered hand made, unique things. We had a little corner by the school's stage to ourselves where we were able to create a make-shift change room behind the stage's curtains. We worked on some of our clothes as we spent the day watching people come and go.
We earned some valuable advice: learning that if we are able to make some of our clothes in smaller sizes, we might be able to find a very enthusiastic clientele in the girls of 5 to 9 year old range - and boy can we relate to that. We have vivid memories of playing with any old bit of fabric that had any sparkle or beading on it for hours on end, using it make various things from a belt, to a top, a cape and on several occasions a stream of be-jeweled long hair!
We will be working fancy whimsical tutus soon. We will also be adding pantlets in smaller sizes. You heard it here first folks! They will be coming.
We sold a few items too, surprised that even though the crowd was not necessarily our target demographic, we still tapped into a particular desire for clothes that make you stand out, no matter who you are. Our clients ranged from young teens to a mom in her fifties.
We were called "exotic" and we were told our kind of spice was a welcome addition to the annual market. Fun!
We will be back, this time with the knowledge that in every market there are people who would love a bit of extra "spice" added to their wardrobe.
Posts
