THIRD ANNIVERSARY

The day after Thanksgiving is the third anniversary of “Out Of Hand” in its present form. Time flies when you’re having fun. Last week I was confused by donations, but this week- I don’t how to celebrate- at this late date. I once bought a book called “How to Run a Sale ” . The ideas were far too ambitious for me. Let’s see- what are my options?

Give discounts on select pieces.
Hurry up and send out a coupon to locals.
Discount every thing in the store.
Serve cookies (I’m sure champagne would be illegal).
Donate 3% of the day’s profits to charity.
Buy 2 get one free or any such combo.

This has been helpful. I think I’ll opt for cookies and donations.

I guess I’ll need a sign.

Till a later date……..

WHAT’S A WOMAN TO DO?

Along with selling retail comes many opportunities to make donations. I’m happy to comply with this tradition but I’m always confused as to what to give. According to what I’ve read, one should have an agenda behind the gift. Some say it should be a gift certificate to draw the recipient into the store. Interestingly enough, only one third of the gift certificates I’ve issued have been redeemed.

Some say you should give the most popular thing in the store. Only what would make a good impression on everyone that sees it? But I have no idea what that would be. One person’s treasure is another person’s…..

Then there’s the faction that says “dump what hasn’t sold” and probably never will. Reluctantly I admit I am somewhat in this category. When I have only one left of a popular piece and I can’t get anymore, people tend to ignore it. If I donate it, I’m passing on something that was desirable to others besides me (who ordered it in the first place) and I can make room for a new display. I guess I’m comfortable with that. Till next week or so….

Season’s End

The Sausalito Tourist Season is winding down for this year. It was nothing if not a curious one. It was like a roller coaster saleswise. From the highest one day to the lowest the next. In the end, averaging out to be the same as last year.

This morning I was reminded of how fortunate I am to have located in Sausalito. When I was selecting a site, I had my heart set on a charming space in San Anselmo. I had signed a lease and paid a deposit. Four days later, when I called the agent he said they decided to lease to someone else. I was outraged but it turned out definitely in my best interest. After two floods and a depressed economy, my uninformed decision to try Sausalito turned out to be brilliant. I love it here, both as a place to live and a place to

work. Although we’ve been affected by the current economic climate it hasn’t been nearly to the degree of our neighbors. It will definitely be interesting to see where we go from here. In the meantime I’m going to spend the winter organizing my new storage space and planning for next year.

DO NOT TOUCH

I often find myself pondering how to politely ask people to take care when handling merchandise. I have some porcupine quill pens (no porcupines were harmed in their creation) and I found them in the pockets of some hand knitted sweaters. Interesting!
I have music boxes with a sign in front that says “Please ask for assistance” and
frequently I hear a lullaby chiming in the background while someone examines
the pictures on the sides. I have the same signs on jewelry displayed around the store and I’ve watched as a woman pulled a necklace apart trying to get it off a mannequin.

Then there is my “Please enjoy food outside” sign on the entry door. I thought a sign wouldn’t be necessary because it’s only common sense that dripping ice cream around
silk scarves is not a good idea. Not the case. We have a candy store nearby and I find wrappers tucked away in the most creative places.

I have become much more aware of these phenomenons and when I shop, I take notice of what goes on in other stores and consider myself quite lucky. Thank goodness I didn’t feel a calling to own a toy store. A Ross or Target. Not that the money wouldn’t be nice, but I’m susceptible to ulcers and I’m sure they would be severe.

If you have a clue for my cluelessness, please advise.

Back On Board

Most of my purchases from the NYIGS have arrived to my delight-mostly. There are always those few items that fall into the category- “What was I thinking?” For instance: Copper table accessories:
1. Wine bottle holders with 3 legs that tip when approached.
2. Salt and pepper shakers so small you have to refill them after every meal.
3. Wine stoppers whose tops are so large they don’t fit in a bottle.

Apparently I was blinded by the fact that they were made by one of my favorite not-for-profit organizations. I’m thinking I better be a little more discriminating about my choices so I don’t become a not-for-profit organization.

Then came the piles of stones that represent a cat, dog, frog, etc. Down on the waterfront on weekends there is a man that stacks stones- big ones. It’s actually quite fascinating as confirmed by the throngs of people that gather around him. I thought these related to those. Not so much.

Last but not least are the music boxes. Nostalgia was the key to that purchase. One plays "How much is That Doggie in the Window” which was a favorite on my sister’s when she was young. She was the cutest little person I’ve ever seen and I was insanely jealous. But apparently I left room in my heart for the happy memory of her loving that song. I’m going to give it to her for Christmas. Buyers don’t seem to find it so inspiring.

Otherwise, I did well and I’m thoroughly enjoying my new surroundings.

Sausalito Woman's Club

Last weekend was the annual Sausalito Art Festival. I volunteered for two years in a row to make gyros for the women’s club. People that know me find this quite humorous. Personally, I find it great fun and beyond exhausting.

Sausalito is a small town so a big event leaves little parking room for shoppers. The people that come by bus or ferry usually opt for the event rather than exploring the “Out of Hand” pathway. But not this time. Sales were double over the previous labor day weekend and I’m left stunned.

I’ve been in business for three years and remain clueless to predict a high or low sales day. Heat, rain, holiday, festivals- none remain consistent. So for the time being I’ll take what comes along and if anyone has the answer, please let me in on it.

What, Me Worry?

New York Gift Show and back. Piece of cake. I was deliriously happy weaving through the aisles, oohing and aahing. I found enough goodies to totally transform Out of Hand over the next two months.

What stood out to me are the “uplifting” imprints on anything that can be imprinted-especially jewelry. I avoided silver; the price increase was a shock I couldn’t adjust to. But I adored the leather bracelets that appealed to my “old hippie” nature. I chose wall plaques, eye glass cases, photo albums, etc. etc…

I was very cautious what works of wisdom I selected. There was one vendor who couldn’t accept that I didn’t want Grandma….. on anything. I’ll bet it shows up in the shipment anyway. My criterion was “I had to believe it to conceive it”. Things like “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” are not on my inspirational radar.

I have definitely converted to a NYIGS patron and can’t wait until the end of January to return. It was the most fun I can remember. Maybe I’ll imprint that on something.

Two For The Show

I was shopping at the LA Gift Show two weeks ago and found some wonderful bags made from recycled materials. I enjoyed them so much I had trouble choosing what to buy for “Out of Hand”. The artist pointed out one in particular and said it was her best seller because it was “Ugly Betty’s” purse. Unsure of who was ugly, Betty or the purse.

I thought I’d try a few. They sold immediately and I heard over and over again- That’s Ugly Betty’s purse.

My son visited last week and since he works in the entertainment industry, he brought an entertainment magazine and on page 6 there it was-Betty and the purse. Unbelievable!

But not to be overlooked are the one of a kind bags made from rice sacks. Designer Rebecca Moling has her bags made by a women’s co-op in the Philippines , giving them the opportunity to develop business skills and have a sustainable income.

Rebecca calls her bags environmentally stylish and I have to agree. They’re colorful and beautifully designed. As to “Ugly Betty”,Thanks for the education.

First blog ever!

Last week I wasn’t sure if you “are” a blog or you “have” a blog. I actually answered that question- but have a lot to learn. My intention is to write each week about something I find interesting in my “Out of Hand” life.

Grabbing most of my attention is my first trip to the New York Gift Show. I’ve been in Vail during an avalanche, Guadalupe during a terrorist attack and Los Angeles during a major earthquake, but I’m intimidated by going to New York alone to shop.

I’ve tried to find top notch, affordable, handmade, fair trade, recycled treasures in many different ways. I consider my efforts warm-ups for the big event.

I want to look for candlesticks, baby gifts, pet toys and anything else that captures my fancy. Absolutely no jewelry or clothing accessories. I already have quite an array of goodies that fit my criterion. I hear they have a section “Handmade” in the USA. I’m especially looking forward to that.

People visiting the store often ask if all the artists are local. Even though the Bay Area is vibrant with creative people, wholesale crafts are not their main interest. I’m always open to finding more but it is a special breed and unfortunately rarer than one might imagine. So I’ve chosen a second focus. I love artists who have formed woman’s co ops around the world to produce their products,

Wholesale crafts require quite a different artistic mentality. I’ve represented a number of artists who filled one order then decided quantities were not for them. I mourn the loss of the ones whose work sold quickly.

The most inspiring show is in Philadelphia. I went in February and met the champs who produce Wholesale American Crafts. I stayed in a small boutique hotel surrounded by stellar café’s and ice cream shops. It totally changed my “not so positive” feeling of Philly. It was delightful.

So off I go- looking for the best NYIGS has to offer.
Until next week,
Chris Butler
Out of Hand, Proprietor
www.itsoutofhand.com