Taken From this youtube video

Have you ever encountered customers who say the funniest?! things? In this post, we delve into the amusing and sometimes just blooming rude remarks handmade sellers face from customers at various shows and online platforms.

“I can make that!”

The Rudest Remark: “Oh, I can make that myself” One of the most common and perhaps rudest remarks handmade sellers encounter is when customers boldly exclaim, “Oh, I can make that myself.”, or “Jane down the road can make us one like that!”
Whether it’s at a show or online, what do you say? how do you even react to that?
I mean, it’s just rude!  Are you just window shopping for ideas? Honestly, just don’t say it out loud, in front of the person who has made it!!

Cheap or Expensive?

Customers often have completely different views on pricing. While some may appreciate the affordability of a product (but please don’t call it ‘cheap’), others question why handmade items are so expensive (in their eyes).
Have you heard the song “It cost that much because it took me f-ing hours?” – well, just that!
The irony lies in customers willing to splurge on mundane items but balking at the cost of handmade pieces that require skill and effort.

Fanboys and Fan girls

The Endless Inquiries Fanboys and fangirls are avid admirers of handmade products, constantly inquiring about custom orders. However, the enthusiasm often wanes when the price is revealed, leading to …..  tumbleweed. I’ve learned to now gauge what they want quite quickly and give an estimated price asap, to avoid such situations.  However I still fall for it.. I’ll ask on social media what people want me to make, and low and behold, no one buys it.  I must trust my own creativity more and make what I think will sell.  As much as I enjoy making most things, I also need to pay the bills!!

“How Long Did It Take You to Make?”

A seemingly innocent question, “How long did it take you to make?” can trigger fear in some sellers.  It ridiculous, as the question is usually genuine and born out of interest. However, the anxiety sets in and you feel like you then have to justify the cost of something.  I mean if I said something takes an hour to make, why is it not priced at an hours wage? Do I need to explain how I cost things, overheads, materials, actually making a profit? the decade of experience I have and time/money it’s spent to hone those skills?  Likely not, but for me at least imposter syndrome sets in pretty hard.

“Can I Get It Cheaper?”

Discount requests are a common occurrence, with customers seeking deals or haggling over prices. It’s madness really.  Would you go into Tesco and ask for a discount for no reason? I offer discounts on my website (sign up to the mailing list guys), and price my items to be as good value as possible.  Most of the discount seekers are only looking to spend small amounts too.  I mean if you spend £100s I’m likely to offer something for free, or chuck something extra in, but don’t ask if I’ll take a tenner for a £20 item!!! It’s not a car boot sale!
It’s not uncommon for me to find comments online of.. you can get it cheaper at xyz… stop it!!!

“I Don’t Like This”

It’s creepy, what it it?, don’t like that smell! Stood right in front of you, or commenting online… I mean, need I say more… Just rude!!!

In conclusion, sellers, you’re not alone!! It happens to everyone, try not to let it knock your confidence.  Buyers, try and be kind with your words 🙂

Let me know your experiences in the comments 🙂