Hi, we are starting off the month of June flat broke! Just paid all the important bills and we are in trouble. I sold my deer rifle for $500.00 to pay bills. We only spend on our bills and things to live on. 2 more house payments and that will be paid for. Internet sales have fallen to nothing. We have not lost any of our vendors bless them! If the next 3 months over the summer doesnt pick up we will have to re-group and make some sort of change to keep afloat. We have always had internet sales, but not now. Thanks, Noel.

www.primitivefurnituresales.com

Gosh, I hate to hear that.  My husband started his own company over ten year ago, and I remember the days when he thought he would have to close the doors because business was so slow, or people didn't pay him, but luckily, something always came through.

Have you considered listing your stuff with Amazon, etsy, or ebay?  I know fees eat away at profits, but they offer exposure that is impossible for to get on your own.  I'm doing booksales on Amazon, and you're not out any money upfront.  If you don't sell anything, then you're not out a dime.  They deposit money directly to your bank account when a book is sold, less any fees they charge.  I haven't tried selling other merchandise with them, so I don't know the rules, but it might be worth looking into.

Are you able to set things outside of your store so that people driving or walking by can see some of what you have to offer?  That's a good way to lure people in. 

Does your building have a lot of windows, or large windows?  You could paint advertisements on them in neon colors.  Tacky, yes, but it grabs attention.  There's a flea market here that does that.  I think they hired someone, because it looks "professional" like what you see at car dealerships, but there's no reason you couldn't do it yourself if funds are tight.

Are there any other businesses in the area that would be willing to hand out coupons to their customers for you, or are they suitable to join together for a sidewalk sale or block party?

Do you have a mailing list of your walk-in customers?  It's good to ask people to sign up for a mailing list whenever you have a sale (and even when you don't).  You can send them postcards or emails with special offers, or even nothing on sale, but to inform them of new products or giving them decorating tips or something--just any reason to remind them you exist.

Having said that, if you still have information available, you can email former online customers or wholesale customers and give them a VIP/customer appreciation discount to try to spur some sales.

Hi Noel,

Here's a suggestion....do you have a good supply of furniture pieces made up???

If so good...if not make some up fast and then contact Market Square:  http://www.marketsquareshows.com/index.html  and see about getting a vendors booth....people are pulling merchandise out of these shows by the truckloads. They WANT american made furniture and yours is beautiful.

There's a show this coming week so it's probably too late for it but there are so many others to go to...there's the Valley Forge Show, Heritage Shows, Columbus Ohio shows....give it a try.

I thought about Heritage Cash & Carry shows too, but they require money up front to rent space, plus if you have to travel and stay overnighit you're looking at hotel fees and meals as well, and you've got to have a vehicle/trailer to haul enough stuff to make it worthwhile to exhibit there and if money is so tight that he's having to sell off his personal possessions, it might not be an option at this time.

I agree though, that it is an excellent way to get his name out there, and surely buyers would be making purchases on the spot and he could even take orders if merchandise runs out.  You know the old saying--it takes money to make money, and maybe this is one of those things that you have to decide if it's worth going into debt further--charge the credit cards if you have to, to try and make things happen.  But then again, there are no guarantees.  I've heard many people say sales at cash & carries aren't what they used to be--not as many people are going, nor buying, which should come as no suprise to anyone with the economy in the shape it's in and gift stores closing left and right.  If you do consider doing the show, see if the fees are negotiable.  I've learned that in some cases they will lower their rates if they don't have enough vendors.

Vivo, what you said is soooo  true but we were at Cash & Carry in Madison, WI on Monday and vendors were almost sold out by noon - people are still buying and they truly want AMERICAN MADE so I don't think Noel would have a problem...

It might just be worth it just once to get the feel for it - I know there's money up front but again like you said, if you don't spend it you won't make it....IT'S A HORRIBLE CATCH 22 THING...darned if you do and darned if you don't.

I think it all depends on how badly one wants to STAY IN THE BUSINESS AND KEEP THE NAME GOING AND FIND NEW CUSTOMERS....

I'm so happy for you Noel....I understand the upswing in business...I'm in it right now and it's overwhelming but I'd rather be stressed at getting orders done than stressed about having none.

YEAHHHHHH FOR YOU! Congratulations.

Karen

Hurrah!!!!

Deborah Kay

Great news Noel!  I wish you continued success.  Keep those orders coming!!

Donna

Dear Noel, I am glad to hear things are picking up.  A friend of mine has a glass art gallery and most of the people who come in to buy want to buy American.  Your furniture is beautiful. 

Lisa

Glad to hear the wholesale buyers are wanting to "Buy American" again!!! Unfortunately, I haven't seen that locally here (Sacramento). Talked with one shopowner just last week and she said, as always, that she loves my work ... but her customers won't pay more than $30 for a doll. Her shop is sooooo cute (other than it's full of imports!).