I am getting nervous about the cat show

[doolittleky]

My mom has been working day and night making these cat beds for me to sell in a booth at a cat show May 21st. I am getting a little nervous about it . What if they don't sell and my mom has spent all of these hours making them not to mention the cost of supplies. I will feel so bad. Plus I have to try and figure out how I am going to work around the cat show being so early and all my diabetics that have to stay on their insulin schedule. I guess I will have to get there late and let my mom work the booth until I can get there. here are some pics of the ones she has made for the booth.

http://http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/JamaicaJim/Rainbowfishbedsideview.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/JamaicaJim/orangepurplepinkyellowfishbed.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/JamaicaJim/greenbluefishbed.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/JamaicaJim/darkpurplefishcatbed.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/JamaicaJim/blueturquoisefishbed.jpg

[doolittleky]

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/JamaicaJim/Rainbowfishbedsideview.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/JamaicaJim/100_0786.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/JamaicaJim/100_0785.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/JamaicaJim/tigerprintcattent.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/JamaicaJim/leopardprinttecnt.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/JamaicaJim/100_0784.jpg

[doolittleky]

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/JamaicaJim/100_0783.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/JamaicaJim/100_0780.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/JamaicaJim/100_0781.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/JamaicaJim/100_0782.jpg

I still have to make a sign and alsoa photo album of pictures of beds I have already sold and that are from satisfied customers.
Melissa

[PJ's Mom]

Oh they are so cute!! How much are you selling them for?

I want this one:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/JamaicaJim/100_0783.jpg

:D

[Karen]

Put up some photos of the kitties in the cat beds - I am SURE they will sell like hotcakes! Those are adorable! How much are you selling them for? Clearly marked prices, and a good "display" of kitties in fishies, and you'll sell out!

[kittycats_delight]

I think you will do great with them. The colors are beautiful and they are lovely patterns. And above all you are going to a cat show where people go that love to spoil their cats. I am sure they will fly out the door.

[Shady]

I *JUST* knew I shouldnt have looked! lol

Dont be nervous, I'm positive you'll do fine!

Melissa, we need another one a bigger one. Seems almost everyone here is getting in the act. I knew it'd be a hit, I just didnt know how BIG. ;)

I like the purple one...are you taking orders?

Here are a few hams (a.k.a. satisfied customers)

Kewpie - being antisocial

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v714/qpdoll/Kewfish.jpg

Spike - who NEVER gets inside anything, because he needs a clear and quick escape route

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v714/qpdoll/spikefish.jpg

And Tinkerbelle - just hangin out.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v714/qpdoll/tinkfish.jpg

Could you let me know?

Thanks
Tess

[Uabassoon]

You have nothing to be worried about! I'm sure you will sell out! Not only are the cat beds amazing, but they are all unique. :)

[kuhio98]

You and your mom have done a fantastic job! I don't think you have a thing to worry about. Any that don't sell at the cat show will be snapped up by fellow PT'ers or on eBay. I hope your mom isn't getting sick of making them. Where do I send my order for 3 large ones?

[rg_girlca]

Oh WOW Melissa, those colors and patterns on the Fish beds are absolutely beautiful. You're Mom does such a fabulous job.

Try not to worry as I'm sure they will all be a big hit. :)


Shady, the picture of Spike is just too darn adorable and the one with Tinkerbell is just too darn cute.

[QueenScoopalot]

I think the biggest 'problem' that you'll have is people fighting over them! I think your mom should start looking for help sewing these hilarious kitty beds! :D :D I'm sure they'll be a big hit, and a total sellout as well. ;) Hope she doesn't have a day job lol...this could become a full time business. :D

[moosmom]

I want this one:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/JamaicaJim/orangepurplepinkyellowfishbed.jpg

Let me know how much and where to send the check!! (seriously!!)

You are going to have NO problem selling these! They are SO cool!! Stop worrying!!!

[Orca]

Those are absolutely adorable! It must have taken you a long time... are you going to keep one for yourself?

[Lacey]

Wow! The folks at the cat show will snap those up lickity-split! Having an album is a great idea because it'll show people that the beds are greatly enjoyed, as well as what's available if they don't see exactly what they're looking for at their table, or when you sell out.

You've probably already thought of this, but take along a notebook so that you can write down the info for people who want to order a bed from you.

Does your mom use a pattern for the beds, or are they done completely from scratch? I bet with a bit of playing around, she could easily modify the fishy into a giant mousie if she wants to try something new.

Be sure to let us know how the cat show goes! I just know you're going to sell out! :D

[catnapper]

Those are GREAT (as normal!) You'll do fine! I bet she'll sell out and have people placing custom orders!

GOOD LUCK!!!!!

[doolittleky]

Thanks everyone! You have made me feel much better. I have pm'ed everyone that have asked about them in this thread.

Lacey, to answer your questions. My mom uses a pattern for them. The pattern made smaller fish though and not all cats could fit into them so I had her enlarge the pattern to accommedate larger cats. And I have already been thinking of different variations that she can make when she gets time. I am also planning on making some kind of form in case we get some orders. About taking orders though I think we need to get some kind of deposit for orders. The reason I say this is that when she first started making them there were a couple people that ordered them and then when my mom made them I never heard anything else from them. Do you think people would have a problem with making a deposit on their order? I am so not a business minded person.

[Shady]

Melissa, I was talking about this one:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v714/qpdoll/darkpurplefishcatbed.jpg

or similar.

As for the show. I would definitely ask for deposits. There is no reason a person couldnt order one and not come through with the money, not that you would have trouble selling it, it's just the best way to do business and protect yourself.

I would ask for half of the $ up front, or at least the cost of materials. That way you arent out anything if they reneg.

I'd have a form, that clearly stated this, and all pertinent information on how to contact you, and their full name/address/phone #. That way you also have a record of how much remains owing etc.

Good luck, if you need help with a form, let me know.

Tess

[smokey the elder]

I bought a pair of handmade boots about 10 years ago, and had to pay half up front, so this isn't unusual.

[Shady]

Melissa, I tried to respond to your PM but your box is full.

Please contact me.

Thanks.
Tess

[catmandu]

I have never seen Cat Beds,thatunique,and wonderful,at Any Cat Show,that I have ever been,to,and I bet,that you sell out,to the Breeders,before the Customers,ever get,in the door.There is a lot,of buying,by the Breeders,foor thier Cats,and your Beds,will be over Big Time! And the Found Cats All Want,a Fish Bed TOO!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v621/catmandu/catphotos747.jpg

[QueenScoopalot]

Take into consideration shipping fees as well. I'm sure many buyers will be local, but it still costs $$ to send boxes that big. ;)

[doolittleky]

well I hope we do as well as everyone here thinks we will. That would be nice to sell out and get some orders too!

Jan i think the butt shots are too funny too. I have some of Linus that i was looking for but couldn't find to post. I do plan on making a photo album of the pics of customer's cats in the beds. i think that show people how much the cat really like the beds and hopefully will convince people to buy one. Plus i just love looking at those pics! i am still waiting to hear from jazzytina who i shipped two beds to last week.

Melissa

[AmberLee]

Those beds are gorgeous. Can you please post prices?

*blush* Are they in the Marketplace area??? I'll go check. :o