Company/Artisan Name: Arnetts Country Store – Stacey & Bruce Droit
Address:585 Old Johnston City Road West Frankfort Illinois
Phone: 618-932-6633
Website: www.arnettscountrystore.com
Q&W
Please describe your art?
Stacee & Bruce:
Craft/ Folk Art.
Q&W:
How long have you been making your product?
Stacee & Bruce:
1976 & we had a local shop.
Q&W:
How did you let people know about you & your product?
Stacee & Bruce:
Word of Mouth.
Q&W:
Do you have a guiding philosophy?
Stacee & Bruce:
Treat customers right.
Q&W:
Do you sell to retail shop owners? (Do you sell Wholesale)?
Stacee & Bruce:
Yes and yes
Q&W:
What made you decide to sell wholesale or to not sell wholesale?
Stacee & Bruce:
Expand the business.
Q&W:
Do you have any advice to other vendors/artists on working with shop owners?
Stacee & Bruce:
Always try to meet their needs.Listen to them and answer their questions. One cannot sell a product they don’t know about or believe in.
Q&W:
Have you ever participated in a trade show?
Stacee & Bruce:
Yes. (Show are) Fast paced and sometimes very busy.
Q&W:
Do you have any advice to fellow artists on displaying products?
Stacee & Bruce:
Show your best work always.
Q&W:
Some artists do not sell wholesale because they believe they cannot get fair value for their product. Can you describe benefits to selling wholesale, especially in a struggling economy?
Stacee & Bruce:
This can be difficult. One must be very aware of the value of the product. If it is not performing well then adjustments may need to be made.
Q&W:
Do you have any advice for artisans on weathering a poor economy?
Stacee & Bruce:
Work hard and watch expenses.
Q&W:
What are some effective (& economical) ways to let customers know about you?
Stacee & Bruce:
Take advantage of any and all FREE advertising. Word of mouth usually works best for us.
Q&W:
Where do you find inspiration for new designs?
Stacee & Bruce:
Inspiration is all around us. Knowing how to take advantage of it is important.
Q&W:
Do you have a favorite quote?
Stacee & Bruce:
“This too shall pass”.
Q&W:
What do you think American artisans/venders can do to make themselves more marketable/sellable?
Stacee & Bruce:
Create their own look.
Q&W:
Please describe your product:
Stacee & Bruce:
Crafts and folk art
Q&W:
Describe how your products are unique from similar items in the market place:
Stacee & Bruce:
We strive to make each item look as if it came from us!!!!
Q&W:
What kind of marketing materials you produce to promote your products:
Stacee & Bruce:
Email, magazines, fliers etc.
Q&W:
Describe your ordering process.
Stacee & Bruce:
Order is placed at market and ship date given.
Q&W:
Ways customers can view and order your merchandise:
Stacee & Bruce:
Website and at Trade Show Markets.
Q&W:
Minimum order, return policy, order confirmation, back orders shipping process:
Stacee & Bruce:
Min orders are for first time buyers only. Items may be returned within 10 days.
Q&W:
Customer Service
Describe what constitutes customer service to you and Give examples of how you provide excellent customer service:
Stacee & Bruce:
Make the customer happy…PERIOD.
Q&W:
Give examples of how you help your customer grow his/her business…:
Stacee & Bruce:
Protect territories if possible and back them when it is needed.
Q&W:
Describe how your company/customer base has grown over the years:
Stacee & Bruce:
Started as a Mom and POP shop and now has approx 20 part time and full time employees.
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