Just Be Depressed…sort of…

November 14, 2008

For the last couple of months I have been busy each weekend traveling to different craft fairs and festivals setting up and selling Just Be tees. It’s been a hectic schedule and it is really wearing me down. I thought that these fairs would be a great way to get the Just Be name out there and make some quick cash. Boy was I mistaken!

Now don’t get me wrong, I am definately building brand recognition at these events, but I’m not making the quick cash I was hoping for. I am getting some great feedback and response from people, but these economic times are tough for everyone. People are looking, but not necessarily buying…even for the holidays.

And, many times, these fairs don’t have the right crowd of people that I am targeting. I figured there would be some older folks that you would typically envision at those types of events, but I thought they would at least have kids, grand kids or even great grand kids that they would need to buy for.

Today was the first day of a 3 day craft festival in Salem NH. It was a dismal day for sales…I only sold 2 items…in 7 hours! It was busy in the morning, but completely died off around 1 pm. Which means I had to sit around and do nothing for another 4 hours. I was so depressed.

But…just when I was at my lowest point, I made a connection with someone who put me in touch with a rep who might be interested in taking on the Just Be line. This might be the break I’ve been waiting for. Someone who can sell my products! If I can get this connection, it will make the whole depressing weekend worthwhile.

Now, I don’t mind selling. It’s just that my time would be better spent doing other things than sitting in a dumpy place for 21 hours not selling a thing. I have more shirts that I need to design and more connections I need to make! I wouldn’t be bad if I had my laptop and an Internet connection. Then I could at least get something done while I’m sitting there…but I don’t.

Speaking of new designs, the next one that will be debuted will be “Be a Boarder”…as in snowboarder. Even though most of us don’t want to admit it, winter is coming. That shirt should be finished some time next week or so. If you want to be the first to know when it’s available, make sure you’re following me on Twitter!

I first have to get through this weekend. So, I’ll put on a happy face and try it all over again tomorrow. Let’s hope the crowds are bigger and better this time (and they’re buying…Just Be tees)!

Posted in A place to...JUST BE