WAHM Forums

Hi everyone,


I'm new to selling offline and am looking for some feedback.


A little background... I wanted to add legitimacy to my candle website, an opportunity for people to see and smell the candles, and the chance to sell to those that don't buy online.


Ever hear the phrase, "what goes around, comes around?" I have, so I went to another small business (Brick & Mortar) in which I am a loyal customer. It's a "smoke shop" (yes, I smoke cigarettes and I know it's bad for me, shush! smileys/smiley9.gif)


Anyhoo, we happen to sell a candle that is not only very similar to yankee candle's "clean cotton" candle with smoke odor eliminator but it's better! So, I worked out a profit share with the owner in exchange for shelf space.


Now, I have been selling my candles there since July with left-over ribbon (from our wedding invitations that we made) tied around the neck and they sold very quickly.


The customer's loved the product but some thought the scent was too strong... and since I also left a pamphlet about the candles, different sizes, scents, etc, some customer's started requesting specific candles and some just wanted something "softer" (like vanilla.)


Currently, since it is coming out of my own pocket hoping it sells, I only order 6 at a time. So, now I am ordering only 2 "cool cotton" candles and adding variety as requested. But, sales are now slow!


Where did I go wrong? http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley3.gif


Was it the ribbon? Is July a more popular month to purchase candles than August or September? Did I give too much variety? Here are pictures I took from the store when the first 6 pack sold quickly http://www.southernercandle.com/new.html


Any thoughts?


TIA,





Peggy


PS, again this is new to me to my Inventory list, Accounts Receivable, and Sales are a little fuzzy right now. Their documented but not quite as organized as I would prefer for quick reference.Edited by: PeggyR

My guess would be that it wasn't just the ribbon (although presentation does mean a lot). But maybe the "regulars" were the ones who bought them and haven't used them up yet? Consider adding a scent or 2 more to the store (in small quantities of course) and see what happens. Plus, I would think Aug and Sept could be slower months. I'd bet when winter rolls around and people close their houses up, they might be more inclined to buy.





JMHO!


Lisa:)

Good points Lisa! Each oz. lasts 5-7 hours.


Thank you for taking the time to respond! I have several other "stuff on the burner" at the moment but this one needs more attention than I am able to give enough attention too. (My own two e-stores, designer and updates with our family website, contracted to assist a disabled client of the state with design and business consulting, plus living in Houston and helping with Katrina relief efforts- it's safe to say my plate is full but I am doing everything I can to keep everything afloat, so to speak.)


I have a tendency to take something very simple and make it complicated while taking something very complicated and making it more simple at the same time. (Ugh!)


Any other thoughts? I have already made the investment and need a better return. Thanks again (and I hope this thread helps others in the process.)