Reading the Room

Let's have a little check in about marketing a small business during strange and sometimes very difficult times.

This is my job, I have to sell my work and the holiday season is really the time to do so. That doesn't mean I'm insensitive to all that goes on in the world. Like any kid that grew up in volatile environment, I'm deeply sensitive to the emotions of others. That often makes me feel terrible whenever I have to "sell", especially when I know there are so many differing perspectives and views of our country and economic future. 

So here's some great news about making the vases in porcelain, they're not going to die in a week like when I had the flower shop and my inventory had a shelf life. The vases will be here if now is not a great time to buy something that is not essential. Whether you can buy a vase or not doesn't change the fact that I'm so grateful for you following, reading my emails and enjoying some beauty when I do get around to sharing flower photos. 

I sent out a holiday shopping survey a few weeks back and learned a lot, thanks to everyone who filled it out! One lovely person commented wishing the vases were more budget friendly, by far the nicest way I've received that sort of feedback. People commenting on my ads on FB are not so sweet but I'm hopeful someone gives them a hug soon-not me of course but someone must like them somewhere.

While I can't do anything about people's budgets and everyone's financial outlook  I thought I might share a few things that affect the price of my pieces. 

My Vases are Made in the USA

I made them in the USA because I want to support US workers, who knew that would insulate me from potential tariffs? I considered making them in Mexico and the rumor is 100% tariffs from there, buy your avocados to enjoy now! It does cost more to make them here, it costs much more than mass production in scary factories with questionable labor practices.

It means that I make fewer pieces, that I have to be selective about the designs I choose to produce. But if we as US citizens want to see everyone do well, have healthcare and safe jobs-we need to pay a bit more to produce things here. I feel fortunate that I can make them here, we are not set up to make a lot of things in the states but hopefully that will start to change. 

Buy it Once

Personally I buy for quality, not quantity and produced my vases with that in mind. I would rather save, wait and buy the best version of something I need so that I don't have to replace it often, or ever sometimes. I like to buy for life whenever I can. I made the vases to last, out of a durable material in a neutral color that goes with most home decor.

I also engineered them to make flower arranging easier, making them incredibly useful which is sometimes overshadowed by how pretty they are. They feel good to touch and to use. I made them because there's no other vases like them, they look so different because they are. If that holds value for you, I hope you can buy one and love it. If it doesn't fit in the budget at this time, I will make more.

And if you buy them, I know that you will likely not be buying that vase again because unless it's totally shattered, these vases should last you a lifetime-even with a chip here or there. 

Only so many fish in the sea

The above limits my buyer pool, I don't expect a lot of repeat orders which means I can make new models and maybe new products but I won't be selling that same vase to you over and over again. When you buy from any brand making long lasting, hand made items they are most often functional art. You're supporting the brand, sometimes its heritage and keeping the rest of the business going for future generations. 

In the case of me, Sullivan Owen, I've never been short of ideas and things I'd like to make. Not all of them are high end but they will take time, research and development. I need to learn more about manufacturing and continue to learn how to use new technology to test and prototype my ideas. It's why I'm so grateful to have you here, even if you never buy a thing from me. You're interested and when you're creating something brand new, you have no idea if anyone will be interested. It's support that you probably never realize you're giving but it means so much to me!