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Posts: 3,177Scott wrote...Make it -sell it-make a demand for it -resell it at a higer price because of a higher demand...
I don't believe that good artist bears are bought with re-sell in mind Scott, they are bought for life and then to pass on to the kids. If the bears are good enough they will always have appeal won't they? Good antique bears hold their price (pretty much).
Scott wrote: i am telling you very simply you do not have a collectalble if you do not have a true indrestry and "circle of collectable life"
I don't look at my bears as having a circle of collectable life Scott. I sit and think about how i want a bear to look, how i want it reflect a particular feeling etc and and make it. If it sells and makes a collector happy then i have achieved what i set out to do. I know what you saying Scott but i think we are coming from completely different angles here.
Let me just say this.
I make bears because i think i can bring something to a bears character that is unique. I don't think about how much i'm gonna get for it - it matters more to me that i produce a little individual that did'nt exist before i made it and that it gives someone pleasure.
I don't actually care whether my bears become collectable or not, i think we are getting caught up here in the argument that Artist Bears are just commodities. To me they are'nt Scott and i prefer to sell my little beasts in any way that i think fit without the added hassle of retailers being involved.
If you want true control over your market you have to market your bears in any way you think is best for you. Besides we are'nt producing little mass-produced plastic bears are we? We are putting a lot of time and effort into this are'nt we?
Penny :dance:
Baird'sBears
Sheila,
I certainly can't improve on the variety of wonderful advice others have given, but I had to chime in here and say that I love your little bears! Your style is quite distinctive.
Don't quit! There's a wonderful novel called The Alchemist, by Paul Cuelho. It embodies the belief that the whole universe is conspiring to help you achieve your 'legend', what you really want to do. The trick is to recognize the omens, and learn from the setbacks--which are usually disguised opportunities. Often very well-disguised!
I noticed on your website that your bears have been featured in Teddy Scene and Teddy Bears and Friends. Why not mention this in your auctions?
Eileen
scott's bearsTell me what happens if that child does not want that bear collection?? what happens? the trash ? land fill? this marketing concept is very selfish and does nothing for the indrestry..And not at all realalistic I beleave in supporting the art of makeing bears and you can be very assured that I have been one of the artists that have Promoted the love of bears around the world with my own two feet I have stood with colectors in japan,germany,and other countrys and I will tell you all I am very tired of the all will be just fine lets hold hands and wish for fairy dust to make it all good again. what its going to take is real work and a shoulder to the grind stone the real life ancers apled to our indrestry. Many artists have given more then anyone ever asked for the ablity to call ourselfs artists and we do not honer then and the bears that thay have created by not supporting the whole indrestry. "You dont get to go on the full ride till you pay your nickel"
scott
Brutal honasty is tough but at leats its truth.
Wagga WaggaSheila, you don't know me from a bar of soap but I looked at your bears on your website and they are well and truly beautiful. Your attention to detail is excellent and they are well and truly lovely. Don't despair - perhaps you need to give yourself some more coverage somehow, because you and your work are worth it.
Newcastle, OntarioAw Sheila, don't be too hard on yourself - this bear business is tricky. All artists are disappointed when a bear they have worked so hard on, isn't accepted by the buying public - it's disheartening and happens more often than you think. But as Lisa says, if you don't get up and try again, you are only hurting yourself. I think your bears are adorable, but as Mindy says, there are a lot of adorable bears out there. You really have to try and get your name out there and identifiable by the public. I was reasonably well known in the bear world in the Northeastern U.S. and Canada when I tried ebay and my first toy sold for only $40.00 - quite a shock for me, but I did keep trying (I had to) and it took about 6 months to establish a customer base. Scott talked about using snazzy trims etc and that's a good point, but sometimes just adding a cute prop can make a difference. I use props, sometimes hand made and sometimes vintage ones, and it's worked well for me. Check out gift stores, or craft depts of Warmart or even dollar stores, for little containers etc, to go with your bears. As Mindy said, send in pictures of your bears to the magazines for specific editorials (it's free!) and you could even just send in a portfolio of pics of your bears to bear magazines to see if they are interested in doing an article on you and your teddies, but make sure the pictures are really good. I've had my minis photographed at the local photograph dept of hubby's grocery store! The best advice is "just keep plugging away" and when you least expect it, you'll find your sales improving. Good luck and feel better.
Hugs,
Brenda
Sheila, you don't know me from a bar of soap
LOL! I never heard it put quite that way before :)
Sheila, please don't give up!! Your bears are adorable!
I remember a while ago I think it was Bobbie Rippenger... mentioned that on eBay what you need to do (and I need to get back to doing!) is to list regularly!! Even if your bears don't sell right away... get your bears up on a regular basis.... Not just once a month or so... I know that Bobbie started her bids at a lower price when she first started to get an eBay collector base... and then as she got more of an ebay following.. the prices naturally started going higher.
Wagga WaggaAn unusual Australian saying (sorry if it sounds rude) it wasn't meant to.
Newcastle, OntarioSheila, I forgot to mention that I noticed that even though your bear didn't sell, the top bidder was another miniature bear artist, with is an incredible compliment for you!
Hugs,
Brenda
An unusual Australian saying (sorry if it sounds rude) it wasn't meant to.
Oh no, not rude at all!!! I thought it was very cute
scott's bearsLisa thank you for your supportive words.
Its time to acknowledge the big "pink elaphant in the room" make her a cocktail get her drunk and figure out how to get her out of the living room..LOL
BearHugs
SCOTT
Sheila,
I'm sorry you're feeling blue. I don't have any advice since I don't make bears, but I think everyone has given some good advice. Sending some hugs your way. :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
I realized you weren't on my site, I Love Teddies, so I added you. You can also contact http://www.teddy-bears.org This is my husband's site and you can edit your picture and information. Hope this helps.
Sorry you are sad and hope some of the advice helps.
I agree with Penny that in the u.k shows are mostly a waste of time and I never got advertissing money back really.I had a few dodgy years and who knows I could again.Right now everyone sells but that could allchange.I don't sell to shops ,advertise or do shows.I have regulars and ebay and thats it.
If you bears sell well elsewhere take a break from ebay if not perhaps a spell of working on your bears.
I looked at your site and the bears looked nice but perhaps you have not found that signature look.Hundreds of people make cute wee bears and you have to have a distinct look.I hope you don't think I am being hard but sometimes we need to face things.I would spend your time and money working on your own look rather than advertising etc.If you can say in all honesty they are just as you want them then discount what I say.I cannot judge as I am not an expert and my preference is for traditional bears and antique ones.You obviously have talent so just build on it and give your self esteem some time off.
Big pats from Diane xxxx
Mindy sums up what I would have said. Ebay is just one outlet, think beyond. No matter how long anyone has been in the business, there is always a need to self-promote. It's an ongoing process. You have to stay focused and above all, stay confident!
As for Ebay, well, it has its ups and of course, its downs. It's useful from time to time, but I'm always in two minds as to its benefits. It does introduce new collectors, which is great, but oftentimes, it's used by folk to find a bargain and I'm sure that as with everyone else on TT, I value what I do and don't want to work on a 'bargain basement' system of selling! Having said that, I do enjoy the fun of an auction when it's running well!
I don't know whether there's a magic formula to achieving good sales on Ebay, mine work okay most of the time, but that's probably because I don't rely purely on Ebay customers to stumble across my auctions. I have a database of mail order customers that I've built over the years and I always notify them of my auctions because they have already expressed an interest in my work. Some of them enjoy the auctions, but many of them prefer to buy direct from me.
Was it Judi, or maybe Shelli, who suggested adding a very personal touch to auction listing info? Either way, both ladies sell well on Ebay and market their work with a lovely personal touch which invites collectors to share the designer's vision. They take wonderful photographs and use attractive layouts (auction hosting services). I always think the time and effort they put into their auction listings makes them really stand out.
Thinking outside of Ebay, I'd suggest hammering on the doors of some of the magazines, not just US mags, think about UK mags too ... they really enjoy hearing from overseas artists. Try www.teddybearscene.co.uk for example. If your pictures are great and you have something interesting to say, I'm certain you won't find it too hard to gain exposure in specialist collectors publications. Once that's in place, build on it regularly and most importantly of all, keep in friendly contact with any collectors who express an interest in your work.
Magazine advertising can be expensive, but these days, most of the mags offer a reasonably priced website advertisement ... so why not consider whether the money you are fruitlessly spending on Ebay might be better spent on an advertisement to let collectors know how to find your work?
Keeping a website fresh with new work will help to draw collectors back time and again - but you need to let them know whenever it is updated. So email them and invite them to view your latest creations ... maybe even offer a small discount for early purchase if that's practical for you. Most collectors love to build a relationship with the designer of their latest purchase and if you can establish that, business sales will build, whether it's on Ebay, your website or at shows.
I've been selling bears for more than a decade now and one thing's for sure, those collectors need an introduction! It's rare that they will arrive at a bear maker's 'door' without a good deal of leg work to establish the bear maker first. Marketing is the key. Proactive marketing is time consuming and hard work, but if the product is good, it will eventually bring rewards.
Teddy Bear and FriendsSome follow-up...
Nancy Tillberg introduced me to her new bear auction site, bid4bears.com. Nancy is both a bear and computer expert, so her site is organized and easy to use--plus, lots of pictures! Have a look for both buying and selling. Isn't it cool that people are starting new businesses to help all of us improve ours?
Someone asked about submitting editorial to magazines. My address is in every issue of TBF (I'm the one in Lancaster PA). You are always welcome to send me photos of your bears, news of store appearances, reports on shows that you've attended, announcements of awards you've won, etc. (I always joke that arctophiles collect bears, and editors collect pictures of bears.) I would love to individually invite each of you to participate in editorial, but there are thousands of you and only one of me, so I have to rely on you to accept my blanket invitation: Please, send pictures! Send them via e-mail or snail mail. If digital, send high res. Make sure they're "professional quality," which means sharply focused, no shadows, plain backgrounds. (If you're not having success taking picture, outsource: Walmart has cheap photo packages.) Include captions (piece name, size, materials, edition, story/inspiration), contact info, and a brief personal biography. And, keep sending them. I have a magazine to fill six times per year, plus Web renovations and an e-mail newsletter coming soon. I might not be able to use one set of photos, but the next set might be perfect for me.
Someone else mentioned group advertising. While this is not my department, I do know that you are welcome to create a co-op ad. For example, eight of you could get together and split a page for $200-$300 each. While you could pay the same amount for a 1/8 Artist Studio ad, the advantage of creating a one-page co-op ad is that you would get front-of-book placement. If anyone is interested in organizing such a project, contact Kellie Love at klove@madavor.com or 617-536-0100 x116.
(To be completely fair, I'm sure Review and the international magazines welcome editorial as I do, and would happily create a co-op ad for you as well.)
One final word in favor of shows: In the next issue, which you should have in about 10 days, I feature six people because I saw their bears at the Schaumburg show last October. While I noticed several of the designs myself, I had help with others. One person grabbed my arm and said, "I have something I want to share." Another was demonstrating her technique at her booth. A third was displaying her bears on a raised table, so they stood out from the pack and caught my eye as I walked by. I would not have seen them on the internet, and might not have noticed them in the crowded show if the artists hadn't done something a little different to catch my attention (and that of collectors, of course). Even if you don't sell at a show, they can help you make connections that make a difference to your business.
All right, I'm off my soapbox. Time to finish my "JeoBEARdy" presentation for next week and get started on the July issue of TBF.
Warm wishes and spring flowers to all of you!
Mindy
Apple Dumpling DesignsThanks Mindy. It was me who asked about the editorial information. I hoped it would be useful to others as well. You do realize that you just opened a flood gate?!!! 
Shantell
Teddy Bear and FriendsA flood is welcome. I don't have the pages to print everything, but I would rather have too much than not enough. Seeing what all of you are making helps me make connections, stay on top of the market, create ideas for upcoming features, etc. Let the flood begin!
Mindy
Me again,I just re read my last post and though what an old boot I sound!!!I just want you to get success and hapiness from your bears.If it is not a hobby and you need to sell then perhaps I was right about honing your own look.There is sooo much competition out there !!!The ways of the bear world are different outwith the U.K and reading other posts perhaps advertising is not a waste of money in the u.s.Sorry if I am harsh I am scottish and we speak as we find.
Soemtimes making really nice bears is not enough.
Diane xxxx
Bears-a-Bruin!Sheila, I would strongly encourage you to keep on doing what you do! Your bears are lovely and totally deserve to sell well, but as many people have mentioned eBay is a fickle market. If you give it another go why not try different layouts, experiment with your photos, add some personal details....I'm not saying you're doing anything wrong already, but sometimes a simple change can make the difference!
Now, the ensuing discussion about marketing and the bear world has been going around in my head... and while I understand the advantages of marketing and selling bears in the many different ways mentioned (personally and for the bear-world as a whole), I simply don't see why there can't be room for everyone. Those who prefer to do shows and benefit from them, those who like to advertise in the various magazines, those who sell exclusively from the internet, those who sell successfully to retail outlets, and those are able to take advantage of all the various strategies.
Scott, I'm not sure I understand why you used the word 'selfish' in one your posts? The internet is a wonderful, positive marketing tool that when used correctly can bolster the bear collecting world in a way that no other medium can. It reaches out to those people who might not otherwise come across artist bears. It generates communities of like-minded people, not only for the artists but for the collectors too. Collectors who might previously have felt isolated in their hobby/passion now have a whole world of friends to discuss their favourite bears with. Bears can be viewed quickly and easily via artist sites and auction sites. I guess I agree with Penny, times have changed. And Penny should surely be praised for her support of the bear artists and collectors who use the web to further their businesses and collections (see the avatars she so generously gives? the time she has taken to master new computer skills to help the businesses of others? the support she gives to new bear makers? not to mention the pleasure her collectors get from her constantly changing and unique designs?)
Please tell me how Penny - and others (including myself) who use the internet as their sole marketing tool - are not supporting the promotion of artist bears?
Ok, I've had my say....sorry if it offends anyone :redface:
Sunnie BearsIf I had a bucket to catch all the tears I have cried because a bear I felt was REALLY good didn't sell, we could all go swimming! I consider myself somewhat established.... I have only been making bears for a little over 4 years, but I suppose that could be called established. Yet, I listed my Scottish bear, MacBeth on ebay TWICE and both times it didn't reach the reserve. And my reserve was very low for a 29 inch bear. Michelle Lamb emailed me when I first listed him and told me how wonderful he was. I got numerous emails saying the same thing. The first listing went to $221.00. And it had 32 people "watching" it. Yet it didn't sell. I relisted it and lowered the reserve. Right after I relisted it Michelle wrote me again and said she couldn't believe that he didn't seel. She told me NOT to lower the reserve. to take him to my next show. And you know what, she is RIGHT! I can't tell you how many bears I have put on my website or on ebay or bearpile and they haven't generated any interest. Then I take it to a show and someone snatches it up right away. And I have had people see a bear and rave about it, yet it had been on my website all along and they had been overlooking it. A picture will never take the place of the real thing. I think I take pretty good pictures, but beleive me, Almost EVERY bear I sell, the buyer has written back to me and said that the bear was SO much nicer than they thought. We all have our downtimes right now.. It has been slow for so many people. You would have thought that after I won a TOBY that my sales would increase. NOT! Actually they dropped off. I was having a hard time keeping up with orders and my website before. Things have really declined the last year, for almost every bear artist I know. I still get hurt feelings and think, "What is wrong with my bears?" But I do realize that it is nothing personal. It is just the market right now. I was just talking to an artist this weekend who had 3 TOBY nominations last year. She said she has not had a bear reach it's reserve in 6 months.
You gotta just hang it there. Believe me, it is NOT your bears!
Hugs
Sonya
Newcastle, OntarioSheila, I just sent you a PM. There will be a notice at the top of your page.
Hugs,
Brenda
I have nothing to add but empathy. I have felt this way many times and felt like quiting. But, I tell myself I can't give up as I am new to this bear business. It can be heartbreaking at times and so fullfilling other times. It is a rollercoaster ride; more for some of us than others. Ebay can really mess with your emotions too. Just when you think you created your best masterpiece it doesn't sell. Keep trying and as Mindy said try other venues. There are a lot of people way more experienced that I am , but I can at least send hugs your way if nothing else. Hang in there ! :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
Sheila LeighTo my dear friends:
Your kind words and empathetic hearts has left me very overwhelmed; in a good 
way!! Yesterday I was reading all the wonderful posts that was sent to me. I didn't expect such a huge response. I just wanted to send my feeling in a post and send it off into cyberspace. Sometimes I feel better when I write my feelings down and click "send", and then I feel better.
As I was reading all the posts yesterday, I just cried and cried, the more I read the more I cried. Not because it made me sadder, but because every one on TT is so nice and caring. If each and every one of you knew how much you lifted my spirits yesterday, words just can't explain how It made me feel. I feel blessed to be apart of the bearworld and to have such wonderful friends.
I am feeling so much better today. I have read every post that was written, some of them twice. I appreciate all your opinions and tips that you have given to me. I'm going to give many of your ideas a try. I'm not going to give up bearmaking. That's just how I felt yesterday. I can't give up something I truly love doing. The reason I create mini bears is because I love the way they make me feel when I'm holding one in the palm of my hand. I know every one of you understand what I mean. There's nothing better than looking into the eyes of one of the bears that you created with your own hands. I don't create my bears for the "money." It is just nice when someone does buy your bear, it's an emotional high. It just makes you feel like, "Yeah, I am an artist!"
After reading every one's posts, I was inspired to create a new bear. I've created a new design. Something I've been wanting to do for a few years now. This weekend I will give my new pattern a try and see what happens. Hopefully I will have a new bear to show every one within the next few weeks.
I wanted to try to email each and every one of you back, but if I run out of time this evening, I just want every one to know that I appreciate your kind words, and I appreciate every one's opinions.
bear hugs,
Sheila
bear hugs,
Sheila
Sheila LeighAwwww......Shelia your post was so wonderful. I just want to give you a big hug! :hug: :hug: :hug:
Hi Erin,
I feel like I should have written more because every one has been so nice to me! I hope every one knows that I am truly touched by all the warm wishes!!
hugs,
Sheila
Sheila, 
May I just say, I think your bears are truly delightful. I haven't wanted to get in the mix with this topic because......well, just because....we'll leave it at that. I felt it important though to encourage you to keep doing what you're doing if you truly love it. There has been some really good information posted here. Search within yourself and follow your heart.
Warmest bear hugs,
Aleta
Wagga WaggaGood luck with it Sheila, it will be a success I am sure of it. :hug: :hug:
