12 days of Christmas -at a pottery Booth

[Mark C.]

I'm running my Pottery Booth for the 42nd year now in a small shopping center outsidse under the overhangs.Last year I posted photos of this booth about the same time.

I'm in front of a local pet supply shop past 15 plus years now. 

I am running same days and hours as past few years -two weekends ago I opened on Friday-0Sunday and closed  Monday for 3 days until the 16th and reopened and am open every day thru xmas eve

I run short hours 12-5 mondays thru Thursday -11-5 Fri -thru Sun.

I have tried all hours in this 42 yaers and have settled here

I only want to be open for no more than 12 days

I have to open and close booth (it locks up) and usually farm out the selling.

I pay well (20$ and hour and some pots as well as a bonus) .I always hire  women sales staff as they sell more as most customers are women except near xmas-then its men looking like deer in the headlights staring at pots

I learned this long ago (in the 80s) about who sells the most pots men or women -I think women like buying from women better or at least thats my belief 

This year one women wanted all the days and I limited her to 10 of the 12 days. She made it 3 days and got a flue virus and was out the rest of the dates. I luckly had a plan B and had a backup women I lined up a month ago. I have done a bit of selling this week  myself as well and will do xmas eve solo-11-3 pm it can be the busiest day as well. My backup gal is from Brazil and has a great outgoing personality which always helps sales.

We (my wife and I ) will take it all down after 3 pm -pack the wares and disassemble booth-a full size truck and ex-long van takes it all in one trip. I then will pick up my 7  pottery sale signs around town usually around 6-6.30 pm and call it a year in the pottery world. I have closed out xmas eve the same way for over 40 years now in this small town of 18k.. Xmas eve at that time is pretty sleepy and this routine is ingrained in me at this point.

This week has been extra wet and we have cold storm (low snow in hills) coming in tomorrow midday for xmas eve.I have. small propane heater for helpers

Last year I set up plexiglass covid shields even though its an outside sale. We use them as long as it not windy.

I'm thinking one more year of this booth  before just letting the shops alone sell my wares. I have made deliveries about every two days to 8 outlets past 12 days as well.

I have spent 4 decades building up a huge xmas sales season and soon will start working the other way  down to less is more.

This years sales are over the top and last year was the best ever for the shortest time-this year is better. I will have very little stock left. I may have to fire some greenware still in studio  next month even though I planned on not doing that. I have some outlets that will need some stock on shelves in Jan. I'm down to one day left and then done with pots this year.

I have a large stack of UPS boxs that will ship out next week after the UPS crunch time is over. (rough handling).

In a week I'll start the bookkeeping side of things getting ready for the accountant in Feb.

Its been my best year ever in sales .Its a mixed blessing. Considering I had a bone removed from my thumb last January 19th and had 4 months off. Next year will be less pottery -in making and sales  I am telling myself.

Happy Holidazes

 

[Chilly]

6 hours ago, Mark C. said:

Next year will be less pottery -in making and sales  I am telling myself.

Hi @Mark C.What a brilliant year.

I'm sure you said last year (and the year before?) that you were cutting down, and going fishing more !!!!
 

Season's Greetings

[JohnnyK]

It sounds like it's about time for you to put the pots away and go searching for Moby Dick...Sometimes retiring from your main gig is difficult but not impossible. After almost 40 years in the construction business, I didn't find it too difficult to shut down the business although not entirely. I still do some handyman work for a handful of my old (literally and figuratively) customers...about once week or less, which enables me to spend more time with other interests like pottery, farming and now, drone photography. My body keeps telling me that I'm not as strong as I used to be and that I should ease up and do less strenuous things. I'm taking that advice more and more. Some habits are hard to break but maybe now is the time to make a few cracks... 

Good Luck, Mark!

[Pres]

I really can't imagine the amount of dedication you have put into this. However, reflecting, I have to realize it is your BUSINESS. Just as teaching was my business and wore me out from day to day, and week to week. . . . so happy we had summer vacation to rejuvenate by taking classes, vacations, and time with loved ones. It was much needed. As I get on, I find that I seem to have less and less time in the shop. However, this year has been a strange one, as my household duties have doubled. Hopefully Spring and Summer will bring in more fun time in the shop.

 

with great respect. . . .

 

best,

Pres

[oldlady]

nobody deserves time off more than you, mark.   enjoy every minute doing exactly what you want to do.

 

[GEP]

Mark every year after the holidays: I’m going to start slowing down now.

One year later: I had my busiest year ever!

You are hardwired to grind! 

[Mark C.]

Yes I'm a type A potter for sure-or A for whatever I;m doing-fishing diving

Yes I'm a grinder for sure.

I have cut a market out for 2022 and had not given them a pot since last August but thats not enough slow for me.

I'm going to cut back some other outlets after a review of the numbers within a week or two.I have given notice on changes to some folks.

I started packing pots at 3 pm yesterday and was home with booth (a separate truck load) and all the 7 signs by 5.45. a new  early home record.

I think next year will be my last year with this xmas booth and there is a chance I will just give it up and not do it again -but I like to fly a last years sign at any booth or show to give the customers a heads up. I have done that at at least 4 shows so far in past 4 -6 years

I'll miss the customer interactions and the cash-in front of the pet shopm you see folks with their anaimals as well.

I still have to unpack the truck and it may snow to the sea thay say in next few days a very rare thing for us here.

Merry xmas to all

Out for a walk as we have a bit of am sun now before the storm

 

 

[Roberta12]

I haven't done the final total yet, but this was a gangbuster 4th quarter.  Oh and @Mark C.  Thanks for the idea (and the gift) of the sponge holders.  I made a dozen just to see how they would sell.  They were gone in an hour.  

Roberta

[Mark C.]

Yes they are popular -I try to keep a 100+ in backstock at any given time. I sell the heck out of them  past 15-20 years and with a jig you ou can cut the U out quickly .I usae the mud cutter tool in my jig for the cut.

The think is once folks buy them they want more and come back as there friends want more-its an addiction sale almost. More more more. I sell them at the super markets every week -stocking more all the time. I do not mind making them-cutting and sponging them is like a zen time for me.Plus they stuff everywhere for free in the kiln expecailly around bowls.

I go the extra mile and put a non skid neoprene bottom on them but they work and sell without that just fine.

[Roberta12]

@Mark C.I do like the neoprene you put on yours.  For my test market, I didn't take that step, but I might in the future.    A local kitchen store is interested in few.  

r.

[Mark C.]

Here is that booth from a few years back

 

 

[Mark C.]

On 12/25/2021 at 8:16 AM, GEP said:

Mark every year after the holidays: I’m going to start slowing down now.

One year later: I had my busiest year ever!

You are hardwired to grind! 

I'm working on 4th quarter billing some outlets now and for example 

One outlet which has two locations that does mugs and glasses  only nearly doubled in sales this past year -thats what I'm seeing nearly everyone is up this past year.

Grinder for sure.The tax man is going to be a grinding me as well in a few months

[DirtRoads]

Was a good year.   I can't complain.  Had  17% increase.

However, I deleted my 2 big shows.

I have reset store hours for 2022.   Dropped my bill board, which basically drove loads to the store on Saturday, Sunday, Monday.  I had to stay open 7 days to make this really profitable.

New store hours are being reduced from 7 days a week to Wed, Thurs, Fri, Saturday, 10am to 6pm.  I'll probably go back to 7 days in mid November to Christmas 2022.

I couldn't keep up with production anyway.   If I hadn't supplemented with some molded bisque, I would have been out of pottery most of the time.       Sort of getting ready to retire this business.   Had a good buyer,  that fell through.   Giving this a few more years I guess.   Down to 2 employees now ... and it's more like 1.5.    I simply can't herd a new group of sheep to learn this.   All the family children have moved on past college now so no fill ins.   I am not working this 7 day schedule another year.

My sales will go down this year, but don't think profit will.     For sure sales will drop, but I'm not working this many hours again.      Really think I can manage the reduced sales ... I'm already cutting costs to match (hopefully).

Have a few commissioned pieces lined up.  $400 to $1K each (not many .. 4 to be exact .. so this isn't a living)   Really at a cross roads .. no idea what I really want the next year to be for me.

I feel I'm winding down, even though my health is really good right now (better than it was a year ago).   I've working on eating less, lost 25 pounds, got A1C to 5.6 .... but feel I'm nearing a significant slow down in this business.  For some reason I'm feel emotionally stuck right now.   Guess because I don't have a build plan going on.    But I just can't continue the required hours to grow.

 

 

 

 

[Mark C.]

Well just finished the 4th quarter billing -was able to calc my increase which was 38% overall. Best and worst year ever. Most $- most work. Also mentally taxing.Pysically my hands and wrists are not happy as well.

I to like Dirt roads is at a crossroads-I have to not do as much this year.Really going to think  hard about who is out in terms of outlets.Cut one large one already but need more off the list.

Took nearly 50 years to build this business into an empire of pot sales now I'm slowly taking it apart-very strange feeling. Not knowing a few factors like will the demand slow down or economy slow will also need to factor in as well.

I had one outlet (my favorite ) call me about moving his order up (9k) from March to sooner-I said I'll try but am not going back to clay until feb. Except one small load and pots are already made last year to keep my local outlet supplied in all forms (need tumblers badly)

what a year now I'm neck deep in data entry and the fruit trees need pruning

Trying to learn to put my feet up as Mea says

 

 

 

[neilestrick]

On 12/30/2021 at 7:58 PM, DirtRoads said:

Guess because I don't have a build plan going on.    But I just can't continue the required hours to grow.

I'm a firm believer that continued growth is not necessary. In fact I think it's one of the problems with the way many (most?) businesses are run in this country. There's nothing wrong with finding a place where you're working as much as you want to and making good money and just sticking with that. Sure, you make adjustments to meet cost of living increases, and design new work to keep your products relevant, but the idea that you have to produce more than the previous year or add more employees just for the sake of growth will eventually burn you out. I would rather turn away customers than kill myself trying to accommodate everyone.

[GEP]

I fully endorse the idea of “enough.” Spend the time to figure out what is “enough” for you. Enough money, enough success, enough material possessions (house, car, clothes, etc.). Then allow yourself to be happy with “enough.” As opposed to always wanting “more” which our society promotes. 

[Mark C.]

I have yet to had enough fun-yes I have pursued it for many decades but am still after more. I'm a bit like Jimmy Buffet in this sense

I have not had enough time underwater-yes over 2,000 dives but need more of it also in the more fun needed category

I need to be tuna fishing more-not yet had enough way offshore time-fun category 

I have enough $ for sure by now to last my whole life as I have done well saving the past 40 years

My life has never been much about money-heck I choose pottery or it choose me.

We owe nothing on property or vehicles or anything else so that all good

We have been downsizing goods for many years so not needing more material items 

I have enough boats as well not wanting any more or any new ones.

Enough cars and trucks as well except maybe a 4x4 travel van (been looking at storyteller vans)  which I am looking at more these days -its fits in the more fun category 

Not enough  world travel and thats on hold for now with the world condition-it also fits in the more fun category 

Been to many places around this globe  already but still want to see more of them so thats also in the  fun category 

Our 2020 Iceland 2 week trip  in June was scrapped due to covid

I'm very happy most of the time hanging at home on the hill

Had enough fame and fortune as well so no need for any  more of that c--p

I'm also in a bit of give back frame of mind these days-had a pretty great run all in all.

[Joseph Fireborn]

16 hours ago, neilestrick said:

I'm a firm believer that continued growth is not necessary. In fact I think it's one of the problems with the way many (most?) businesses are run in this country. There's nothing wrong with finding a place where you're working as much as you want to and making good money and just sticking with that. Sure, you make adjustments to meet cost of living increases, and design new work to keep your products relevant, but the idea that you have to produce more than the previous year or add more employees just for the sake of growth will eventually burn you out. I would rather turn away customers than kill myself trying to accommodate everyone.

This is so true. There is some assumption that has been put into the world that if you are not growing, you are failing. There is nothing wrong with just accepting the amount of money you want to make and just limit your time to that amount. 110% acceptable.

[Callie Beller Diesel]

A really big part of the reason I want to be self employed is because I want my business to work for me, not so I can work for a business. I don’t particularly want to deal with employees, or having to work so many hours I that I loose major time with my family. I watched my Dad do that, and it wasn’t good. 

I like that my work brings value to others. I like that there’s a personal connection aspect to it. I like offering my skills as a service. I don’t need to be a production machine to do that. 

[Roberta12]

Great thread. Thank you all for input.  My situation is different from @DirtRoads @Mark C. @neilestrick @GEP @Callie Beller Diesel and others on this forum, because I am not supporting myself with my small business.  I want it to pay for itself, plus have extra for workshops and clay travel, but I heartily agree with sentiments  from others, make what you have enough. My business pays for itself and that is my goal.   And at times I get sucked into thinking I have to produce  X amount of pots in order to please everyone. But I don't have to.  I can make what I choose to make and explore many facets of clay.  That is what gives me joy.  I love the sensibility on this forum.  Happy New Year friends.

Roberta

[GEP]

This circles back to a recent thread here where we discuss “marketing experts” and how they don’t always know what they’re talking about. Their goal is to make us feel like we need “more” so they can sell us their services. I especially scoff at the “you need more social media followers!” message. “Look at how many followers so-and-so has!” No thanks, I’m good. 

[DirtRoads]

Actually, I'm beyond just supporting myself.   I set these (ridiculous?) goals and have tried to make them.   I knew I couldn't reach that number with just pottery so I've been in jewelry for the last 8 or so years.  3 years ago, I added fragrance.    Started filling in with some slip casted pieces too.  In my last businesses I've had pretty solid exit strategies.   I almost had this place sold so was working to pump up revenue & profit.   That fell through.  My employee costs less than half of the old days.   One of my 2 main employees had hip surgery, now needs back surgery or something of that nature.     I only had one great niece come in a few days a week (she is also in a lot of physical therapy and can't work full time even though she finished at Mississippi State ... waiting to get married and going to grad school so she is not a long term option ... too bad she doesn't want this business because she was great at it)

Up 17% in revenue and net up about 45%.   So guess who chipped in all that work?  I will NEVER work this much again.  NEVER.   Today was my first Monday closed.    Been hitting that retail 7 days a week, including all holidays except Thanksgiving & Christmas.  Now only Wed-Sat.  And closed on holidays.   First time in years I've closed on New Year's Day. Three days off!    And no bill board now.    I really pulled from that casino  & bill board. 

Actually I was pretty sad ....  not quite depressed ... but almost.  But wow did these 3 days off feel good.   Giving me time to do more hand building.    Didn't meet my final goal.   
So close .... was a few hundred dollars from it.    My brother is always like "so?"

Don't know if any of you have ever worked in any of The Limited Stores (Bath & Body, Victoria's Secret, Cache, et).   They run those stores on "plan".   Like managers frantic to get to a certain number ... for the month, the week ... even the day.   I learned that and ran my mall stores just like that.  Tried doing that out here.    It worked .... when I worked.   This is my last year to ever do it. It was ten years July 1, 2021 I started here.    Still going to stay open, but with less days and employees..   And less total revenue (not necessarily less profit).   Feeling better about this now.

Cheers to all!