Lampwork sales

**geti-titanium** · 18-11-2009, 09:52 PM

I truly don't believe that there is a huge amount of money to made from niche markets,

If you believe in what you are doing you'll find a way. 10 years ago hardly anybody had heard of Titanium and Black Zirconium rings. 10 years ago charm bracelets were a niche market. 10 years ago the internet itself could be classed as a niche market.

**geti-titanium** · 18-11-2009, 09:57 PM

Mobile phones - they'll never catch on!

**geti-titanium** · 18-11-2009, 09:58 PM

I hadn't even heard of Back Zirconium until recently Alan. LOL

I bet you know now though don'tcha?

**minnie** · 18-11-2009, 10:11 PM

Originally Posted by mizgeorge

erm... How about

"I'm a member of GBUK" Glass Beadmakers UK (UK)

"I'm an SRA" Self Representing Artists: Specializing in Glass (international)

Both are trying hard to raise awareness, but it's like pushing water uphill with a rake most of the time.

Really sorry if I have upset you but only meant to help!! Raising awareness is the only way.

**caroleallen** · 18-11-2009, 10:14 PM

I don't think anyone's upset. It's good to be able to say what we think.

**mizgeorge** · 18-11-2009, 10:19 PM

I'm not upset in the slightest Christine. I'm more worried at how little we're achieving if people even within our own industry don't know we're there!

**geti-titanium** · 18-11-2009, 10:30 PM

I'm upset! oooh! 'ang on - no I'm not - it's passed - carry on

**Lindyloo** · 18-11-2009, 10:32 PM

Shows like Country Living must help. It's a big name show, so perhaps the lampworkers should come up with a promotion they can all use in common.

**Carl Martin** · 18-11-2009, 11:36 PM

There is the problem of awareness for any handcrafted item in this country. Unfortunately there is no easy solution and you cannot rely on large events or magazines as quoted as an advertising medium previously. You have to change people perception by actively getting out there and targeting it.
IF we look at the craft situation in the UK, the crafters happen to be their own worst enemy by driving their own prices down,and thus their own reputations and credibility ,many don't know their a*** from their elbow in relation to selling,marketing etc. In relation to Lampworkers I was looking at an ETSY shop the other night where some bright spark and there seems to be a fair few of them was selling four to six handmade lampwork beads for 12 bucks...Thats the darn problem, I have had recent meetings with a colleague who regularly sells sets of lampwork beads for in excess of £250 ... why because she has targeted her market and her work is incredibly good.
In response to life being a struggle for full time people - not quite so - I wouldn't swap my lifestyle for anyones who are employed with a gauranteed income.

Get out there speak to people and explain what you do at every possible opportunity raise the awareness of your own craft or trade - trouble is the value of hand made articles have taken a big nosedive in recent years because too many think it's easy to earn a few quid at a jumble sale on a saturday morning and call em selves jewellers....

Think I'll get off my soapbox now.

No offence to anyone meant or intended but I'm very passionate about what I do.

**Carl Martin** · 19-11-2009, 01:12 AM

Jason .. it is exactly what I have done. I could not make a decent living from one aspect alone. I work alone so I have to do 6 different jobs at once most of the time. The teaching is great fun and probably now has taken over from just making in general. I still get a fair bit of commission work and to be honest thats nothing to be sneezed at.

I can see you have learnt an awful lot in the short time you have been designing and making...keep it up mate you've learnt alot very quickly and to a high standard as far I can see.