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pittswood
Fellow
Good luck with that idea, Glen.
Kelvin
Kelvin
Harry
Full Member
I have been selling pens in a shop for a few years. It must be said that this is probably the least effective way to make money from pens, but this suits me just fine as it pays for my hobby. The commission the shop takes will be pretty high, in my case 50%, but the shop is in a prime location for tourists and some of my pens have gone to America and Australia.
Be prepared to get a lot of knock backs before being accepted - it's a bit like trying to get a job. I heard of my shop by word of mouth from one the shops that turned me down! They have a website that has a section where you can apply to have your work accepted, then I went to meet them and show them some samples, and we just clicked! It's a great feeling.
So if you don't mind a small profit, it really is a good way to sell, as the shop does all the selling and dealing with the public, which is a big plus for me!
Be prepared to get a lot of knock backs before being accepted - it's a bit like trying to get a job. I heard of my shop by word of mouth from one the shops that turned me down! They have a website that has a section where you can apply to have your work accepted, then I went to meet them and show them some samples, and we just clicked! It's a great feeling.
So if you don't mind a small profit, it really is a good way to sell, as the shop does all the selling and dealing with the public, which is a big plus for me!
I have sold in shops and currently have two shops with my work in. I have found condition vary as much as anything.... I have had a monthly charge+ low commission..... No monthly charge + high commission.... And no charge, but they purchased from me. Other things to check is what happens after 5 finger discounts(theft, who's out of pocket) Commissions.... if they supply the lead what is their percentage.
Penpal
Grand Master
A solid problem with my friends experience in shops when said business works on commission is theft,proprieters using your pens for personal use randomly,customer damage to nibs,threads. In all honesty unless you click with honest real people its a tightrope. Over the years the happiest makers seek out shops etc that buy their product.
Peter.
Peter.
Pierre
Graduate Member
You might be better off on Etsy at least their commission isn't 50% and you can then tell your story per pen better, it also reaches world wide, you just need to be switched on about postage rates so you dont lose.
Harry
Full Member
Wow Harry 50% that’s nearly half.
Yes it's a lot, and it means I can't sell more upmarket pens as the cost to the customer would be too high, but it works for me as the folks who own the shop are fantastic.