Here's an economic puzzle: Yes we know you hate economics and some of you hate puzzles as well, but this is an actual puzzle that we just solved.
Here it is: Many of our customers are bead stores. Unfortunately many of them are reporting very slow sales and some are quitting business.
Also, many of our customers are in the business of selling at gem and bead shows throughout the country. Regrettably, their sales have also plummeted, with high gas prices and all. Some of these show dealers have also cut back or quit.
With all of this happening, we would expect our sales to drop as well. But they haven't, thank the Lord. The puzzle is, "Why not?"
After lots of investigation, we found that it was the result of a marked increase in certain activities by our customers. In large measure, it's caused by the hard financial times we're experiencing with all the layoffs and cutbacks. We're finding that a small army of our customers have discovered that they can make a fine living, or supplement their living, making and selling jewelry to people they meet. This is not new, many of our customers have always done this. What is new is the huge number of jewelry-makers and beaders who are shifting from a crafting viewpoint to a professional viewpoint.
It goes without saying that we encourage this trend and we will do whatever it takes to support our customers in this endeavor.
One customer who has done this on a long-term basis is Patricia Hawkins. She has written an article about tips for getting started in making money by doing what you love.
Her article, Making Jewelry and Making Friends...For Fun and Profit, can be found on our website. Simply locate EncycloBEADia, then select Beading Articles.
If that article inspires you, here's a huge ½ price sale to get you started on the road to financial prosperity. Let us know about your experiences.
Happy New Year!
Love,
Chris and Stuart
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