Dealing With The Dreaded "I Can Do That" Shopper
Posted by wendyswhimsies at 4/23/2010 3:21 PM 
Categories: Craft Show Tips, Business
Tags: craft show tips business etiquette selling tips small business resources
Categories: Craft Show Tips, Business
Tags: craft show tips business etiquette selling tips small business resources
If you have ever sold your hand crafted products at an Arts & Craft show, Farmer's Market or Festival, you have probably heard someone stage whisper to a friend, "I can do that." When it happened, I'm guessing your gut reaction was most likely, "How rude," or "Yeah right, but will you?" Let's face it, you have put your blood, sweat, and tears into your artwork, so comments like this often feel like a slight to your creativity. This scenario happened to me several times when I sold my hand painted ceramic tile signs and glassware at Art Shows and I too felt offended, but maybe we should interpret these comments as a compliment. Obviously the individual thinks enough of your craftsmanship to even consider trying it themselves. Be honest, don't you feel recharged when browsing the aisles of an Art Festival or Craft Show? I always come away with lots of creative energy and my head bursting with new ideas. I do not go to these events to blatantly copy someone else's creations, but I do find inspiration from their creativity.
OK, enough about what inspires me, lets get back to the "I can make that" person... Rather that get mad about an overheard comment, ask yourself how you can entice that person into making a purchase before they leave your booth? Someone may say they can do it, but by the time they track down and purchase the supplies and instructions needed, they have usually lost that creative spark. They have also probably spent more money on all those supplies than one of your completed products would have cost them. Carol Gunkel of Professional Crafters.com has written an interesting article about catering to the "I Could Make That" shopper. Carol suggests offering kits that include the supplies and instructions. By appealing to that individuals artistic side, the I Can Do It shopper gets to experience the satisfaction of making the item themselves, and you have still made a sale. You may be concerned about giving away your secrets, but Carol reasons that if that person does truly decide to copy and sell work that is similar to yours, you will most likely have moved on to new products by the time they master it. We are creative people, and we are always looking for new ideas to inspire us, right?
So if you find yourself up against the dreaded I Can Make That shopper, don't get mad, embrace their creativity. If this person is truly a passionate crafter, they are no different than you or me. Strike up a conversation about how you create your products and ask them about the type art medium they like to work with. Share tips and encourage them to pursue their artistic self. You may just end up making a sale and a new friend.
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