One of the best things about doing the same craft show every year is seeing repeat customers. Even those who visit every year but don’t buy anything become familiar and are worthy of a Hello! Good to see you again!
Robert and his friend have been repeat visitors and buyers at my booth at the Chateau St. Croix festivals (spring show and fall show) for several years. They love my candles and bought some every time they stop by. A couple of shows ago Robert said he was looking for a chocolate candle like the one he bought the previous year. He ranted and raved about how it made his bathroom smell like a candy store. I was sorry to tell him I stopped making chocolate-scented candles. People loved the scent, but would usually just comment instead of buy. “Ooh, that smells wonderful! But if I burn it I’ll just get hungry.” Robert was sad to hear of the discontinuation and settled for another fragrance.
During the down season, between January and May, I received a small complimentary sample of fragrance oil with an order I placed with my supplier. The fragrance? Fudge Brownie.
Of course I thought about Robert right away. The sample bottle of fragrance oil was enough to scent only two candles. I decided I’d make them up and when I returned to The Chateau I’d keep them behind the display and pull them out as a surprise for Robert.
Fall, 2011 ~ no Robert.
Spring, 2012 ~ no Robert.
Where are you Robert? I have the candles of your dreams!
With the disappearance of Robert I have to grapple with the decision of whether or not to try to sell these two chocolate-scented candles at my upcoming shows. What do you think? Hang onto the candles until the Fall Festival at the Chateau St. Croix with the hope that Robert not only shows up but actually buys the candles? Or take them along with me to the Olde Ellison Bay Days show next week with hopes to entice another chocolate candle lover?
What would you do?
Where is Robert, indeed! These candles look just outstandingly beautiful! I’m not much on the food scented candles myself – except maybe citrus – but these would tempt me! I bet you do worry when regular customers don’t turn up…and no way to check up on them. Thanks, Sara!
You’re like many who don’t really go for the bakery/food scents in candles. I don’t carry too many anymore just for that reason. They are pretty realistic though, and smell like a baker’s kitchen. And seriously, I do wonder about Robert. I hope he’s okay. I think it’s cool how connections are formed with people we barely know. That’s one of the reasons I like to do live shows ~ so much more personal than online sales.