I want to go up on the corner and do this and my family thinks it is dangerous. What do you think?
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I want to go up on the corner and do this and my family thinks it is dangerous. What do you think?
Suzanne
Asking a seamstress to mend is like asking Picasso to paint your garage.
My first inclination is to say "what?" And no way. Surely you wouldn't even consider it by yourself? And would you need a permit? So many questions - will wait to hear what others say.
Alyce
It's highly likely that you would need a permit to do this. You would taking up space on a public sidewalk, public road, or public easement for the purposes of making money. Check with your local government to see what their regulations are. Chances are they require you to get a permit in order to do this. If your location is not in an area where permitted activities such as this are permitted, you will not be legally able to do this. If you do it anyway, then you are subject to ticketing for violating local ordinances.
What is the corner like? There are some corners where it might be safe, but many others where a 73yo on a street corner would simply be an invitation for crime -- especially since you would probably need to have money on hand to make change for customers.
Edit: It would be *much* safer and less likely to be illegal if you would find local boutiques or craft fairs where you can display your handmade items for sale.
I decided to put a sign on a box at the end of our Street and be just out in front of our house. I guess it would be safer.
Suzanne
Asking a seamstress to mend is like asking Picasso to paint your garage.
How about a local shop for a consignment. We have several around here that take homemade things to sell for the elderly, and sometimes they get orders for more. Maybe a kiosk in a shopping center. Be Safe.
Wait for a craft sale and go there to sell your stuff.
that is dangerous in front of your home too.
Have a nice day and a safe one too!
In my area, a permit is needed to sell anything in the yard. I am mid 70's and I sell things on line.
sewingsuz, where are you in AZ? In Phoenix, I would say no way. Parts of Scottsdale, maybe. And no, I'm not a snob, just realistic. Flagstaff, why not, Page, sure. It really depends on where you are.
Better to do something imperfectly, than nothing perfectly.
Done is better than perfect.
family is right.. dangerous .even in front yard
DEBRA
Mavita - Square dancer and One Room School Teacher
We have an on-line garage sale for our county -(also had one in Ohio) I was surprised at how many people sell their hand made projects on there. I am on a waiting list for the crochet topped kitchen towels. I joined both counties through Facebook. But you could just do a search for on-line garage / yard sale's in you area .It's safer to meet them in a business parking lot close to you. Especially if you are in a larger city. But I would still try to take some one with me. Whether buying or selling. Safety first.
I've seen a few signs like that out in front of peoples houses.
selling flowers, woodwork, and quilts. they are usually in the yard with a kid or two
and the seller.. Different parts of the country, this is acceptable. ie. amish country.
put off till tomorrow what you can do today, and if you procrastinate long enough, you may never have to do it.
You could do what a friend of mine does and that is go to craft shows. She does quite well and once you get started with the first one you can network and find out which ones are next and where and whom to contact. Good Luck.
Some times you can find other craft vendors who will sell your items for a small amount of money. This works great but there is a lot of tracking you may have to do. Then there are those strip malls where you can display your items and they sell your items for you. Most profit is made selling things yourself but then there are always expenses such as booth rentals, tables, etc. Good luck with your selling !
Check out www.goodsmiths.com its a online Marketplace for Hand made items check out their site and see what the requirements are... better yet check out local Community Center/Senior Center. /Quilt GRoups... to see if they are going to Host a Crafts Sale in the Spring...
Friend who can share your laughter and tears are the only ones you need.
www.goodsmiths.com is closed as of the end of December.
You can check out retirement (housing areas with club houses), communities for sales with outside vendors (prices for tables are $5 to $25 dollars per sale - most are once a month). The price of the tables when they have sales for the season (winter visitors season - not sure what area in AZ your in so it could be summer visitors season too), if you book for the whole season you can get a discount. Some of these places only hold 1 sale a year for vendors, but you could still book in. Or ask at the office about posting a sign for your items.
I started out at park sales in Yuma. Did it for a number of seasons, so my name and number was out all over the place. So I was able to do a lot from home, because people would call and order (again something to think about). Whenever you sell anything make sure your name and phone number is on it, for more orders from this one sale. You might even check out your local senior center, some have craft sales a couple of times a year (or season). Also some have small gift shops for handmade items, center keeps like 10% but they handle all the sales and then cut you a check. Most only allow a couple of vendors selling the same things in at a time, but it allows you to change up your items as needed. Good luck
Nope. not safe! if you decide to do it make sure you have some one else with you. Many like to snap grab and go. See ya later! kind of type.
I would not even have a sign directing people to my house. Makes you a target. People who came to my house to buy quilts, were referred by shops where I sold quilts on consignment.
I agree, craft fairs are a good way to start. There are some that are quite reasonable fee-wise.
Farmer's Markets have craft days where hand made goods can be sold. You might check that out.
Mavita, it's nice that you are not cynical. Unfortunately I believe most law enforcement people would agree with what others are saying....it would be very risky, especially for an older woman. I live in a suburb of Des Moines, IA. We are a Midwestern community and as a general rule friendly and a safe place to live. That is however if you take the necessary precautions. So many people were getting attacked here from Craigslist ads that the police departments encouraged people to complete their transactions in the police department parking lot! The reality is that it only takes one....so you could be safe 59 times but the 60th time puts you in the hospital or worse. Sad but true.
The expert's mind has no room to learn while the beginner's mind is free to know everything....
No one would arrest a 73-year-old. You can do it once, at least.
Aren't there garage sales where you'all live???? In my community I think you would have to get a permit on a corner in the business area, but not for your front yard, a'la garage sale. There may be H.O.A. regs if it were more then an occasional "garage sale". In my area I would not feel unsafe, but don't think many sales would be made, I think the better idea for actually selling items would be a consignment store, craft fair, or online site. But I think a lot depends on location, location, location.
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