You might call it something else but its little shops (Not pawn shops) that will buy handmade jewelry, crafts, anything they like from you.
I got lucky this month, I made a few bead and strung wire earrings with handmade bags to hold and I wanted to see if the local shop Grandma's attic owner wanted a pair. She wanted all of them, lucky me huh?
Well enough of my good luck heres my question.
What are the names of the local "oddling" shops in your area and where if you can remember.
I want to make a list for a friend that travels cause she always end up selling her wares to the pawns and I'm not fond of her skill being belittled by their prices. she doesn't have a computer for ebay so I thought this might help her.
What a great question! In business, we call them "mom & pop" shops. It just means they are owner run little stores, not the mega stores like WalMart, etc. , also boutiques is another good name one too! Loves your jewelry! You might want to check out some local beauty shops too, not the franchises, like Super Cuts or Clipper Cuts, but the owner run type. Often they have jewelry and other sundry items in their cases for sale. Sometimes you can leave them on consignment with the owners, check back often and collect your money if they sell. Ot have the owners purchase outright.
What a great idea. I live in a rural area of Vermont, and have sold some items in local "gift" shops. The first place unfortunately went out of business, economy too bad right now. Her shop was called "Pine & Feather" and she really helped local artists & craftspeople show their talents. Right now I have some items in a gift shop in Derby, VT called "Country Thyme". She is well established, but again sales are slow - but not completely flat. She sold two of my rings last month. Practically every village in Vermont has a country store, amd most will display handiwork from locals. Stop in sometime.
(Yes, we still have actual villages. Several villages combine to form a town. Very few cities.)
What about hotel gift shops? They are always looking for something a little bit different.
In the smaller shops maybe you could offer to make a card or box for the jewelry that says something like "Exclusively for xxxx by xyz." That would be good marketing for the store and for crafter.
I just enjoyed the conversation of the neighborhood. I am a buyer; however, I love to visit the gift shops in hospitals. I have found some really unique items. When I am in airports, I love to visit the unique shops; especially, the ones with products from local talent. I love "oddling" as you call it. I have sent an entire day starting early in the morning searching for unique finds.
well, here in south Florida...in the past year several elegant Casinos have opened up near us...they all have beautiful gift shops!!!
I have to agree...I always check out the hospital gift shops!! My hubby is in there enough...and they usually sell things that have been donated.....so I am always finding "goodies" there....and when I buy...it goes to a good cause.
Thank you for your help, I'll give her the ideas and maybe keep a copy for me also. I'm planning to go when the gas prices are down and when I get a new car.. Updates are always nice.
And yes, oddling is a wonderful and fun word to say.
)
)
)
