More WFM

Just got back from visiting the Buckhead store which was interesting.  Chris and Blakely liked the bags but weren't sure there was a good market there for them.  They'll keep them in mind for back-to-school.  On the other hand, they asked me to send them photos of my tote bags and suggested I contact the specialty department about the wine bags.  Will do!

Stopped by Sandy Springs WFM on the way home but Tatjana wasn't in.  I think I'll drop by tomorrow on the way back from Duluth - I really want to keep the vendor app process going and I think the personal contact will help.  Until it gets annoying.

Going to send this bag (in stock) plus some sold samples.

A Good Donation?

One of my networking connections is the director of a major charitable organization based in Athens, Georgia.  She recently asked me to donate a tote bag to a silent auction in an upcoming fundraising event.  (She also ordered a tote bag and a card case for herself.)  I happily agreed.

I don't make a lot of totes, so I thought I'd whip up something new with a hat on it to link it to their theme "High Hat."  Then I thought, why should I go to the trouble of making something new and creative, which frankly would take a lot of time, that I'm just going to give away?  So I took another look at my stock and decided to donate a tote made from a repurposed raincoat.

Now granted, I've had this tote awhile.  But it's a great tote!  It's not that I'm giving them crap; it's well-made and has all kinds of interesting features like an adjustable strap, a key holder, a big pocket, and more.  I think the reason it hasn't sold is that it's a little expensive and I'm a lousy photographer so the features don't show well.

I'm feeling a little guilty about not making something new, but I don't think I should.  It's a bag I'm proud of and that showcases my workmanship.  So, off it goes.  Now I need to talk to my accountant about how to take the tax deduction for it.