Retail/ working space

[p.j.]

Does anyone on here retail their pipes in the same place that they work?

i was thinking about doing this in my state where things are chill. i would like people to be able to watch me work while my wife works the front of the store, and maybe give some lessons.

the fact that the blower works on site would be a draw, i think.

any feedback would be cool

[RajS]

alot will depend on what your city will allow. our first shop was really tiny so the only thing separating us from the public was a display case. the new one they required tons of stuff (wall w a window for separation, sprinkler system out the ass, etc) just be aware that you may not always have another person to watch the shop so design it so that if your on the torch your able to atleast see what the customer is doing while you finish up quick and get whatever into the kiln so you can help them.

[B.C. Creations]

i tried this at my retail store and over time found that it was way easier to not have the shop at the store.

2 main problems..... you have to spend a shit load of time and money to advertise it so people know and get the word out.
the other is insurance. you need some damn good insurance to cover your building and spectators.

i have found that doing a *special* glass demo around holidays and bigger weekends is the way to go. easier to advertise for and you will get a bigger draw of people.

this is just my opinion of what i have experienced first hand. but i have been doing the retail and shop end for over 4 years now and have tried to do what your planning. good luck either way. its hard to do both

[B.C. Creations]

oh ya and get involved with the local business association if there is one in your town. we have a not so public liked trade that we partake in. if you involve yourself in the community you will be more accepted by the community. better to have a good reputation with the community than a bad one.

[Forche]

I have a friend who owns one of those shops in town. It's the Fathead shop and he's got a good reputation goin with the kids in town. He had to jump through hoops with the city, but right now Micha has an very good team for publicity: Eush, Natey, Calm, and Webb.

[Campy]

HEy Pj, i was talking to Jesse about this the other day. We need to get a bunch of us together in a collaborative studio/store setup...

[Mr. Wonka]

P.J.- There are pros and cons with everything. Elaine and I have been doing this for many years, and here are some quick thoughts:

Pros:

-We are located in the middle of nowhere, and live demonstrations always bring customers to the store… sometimes as far as 2 hours away.

-Customers almost always want to buy something (usually the item they watched you make) because they met the artist

-Word of mouth advertising is always best, and nothing spreads the word more than someone working on a torch. We do this stuff every day and sometimes take it for granted. To others, it is one of the most amazing things they will ever see

-In most cases, this sets you apart from the competition and makes you truly unique

-You can supplement your work with items from other artists. It will broaden your product line and provide income to other glass workers.

-Guest artists that visit your store give you a unique advertising opportunity… sometimes at no charge through local media if it is a well-known artist, or a group of artists for a special event such as a “community day” or anything sponsored by the town / city.

Cons:

-You have a responsibility to be there during store hours… all day, every day (unless otherwise advertised)

-If you are talking to people as you work, be prepared to answer the same 10 questions day in and day out

-Explaining what you are doing and answering questions takes a good bite out of your productive time

-A store on “Main Street” will require adherence to strict codes, and could pose a problem with delivery and storage of gasses.

-Insurance… You can’t just do your thing at home and be covered by a simple homeowners policy. Our business insurance is about $7,500.00 per year

-If you do any kind of consignment, it takes more time to keep track of inventory, book keeping, and cutting checks to your suppliers

There are many more topics to cover and I will be sure to make some follow up posts, but this is something to start you thinking.

Also: If you (or anyone else for that matter) would like to call me, I’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have, and give the best advice I can. My number is (724) 791-2100.

Tom Doner

[p.j.]

thanks everbody!!!!!

excellent help