Beating the Wal-Mart Mentality
Sunday April 6, 2008
I call the race to the bottom in pricing the Wal-Mart Mentality. This is when people are always looking for lower prices over quality. If you compete with cheap imports you will always lose as a crafters. The only way to compete with lower prices is with higher quality. Remember to let your customers know about the superior craftsmanship of your work at every turn.
Comments
I can’t agree more strongly! Not only are the economic repercussions of underselling devastating from a completely monetary point of view, it also has horrible repercussions on us psychologically. I have seen artists and craftsman begin to wilt under the barrage — they come to believe the “your work isn’t worth the money” attitude.
My father, a painter, told me when I was young — “Your work is important. It carries with it a part of you, a part of your vision. People buy the vision, not a piece of paper with watercolor pigment smeared on it.”
It goes back to what you said in your article — we create something unique, and that has value. One person speaking to and sharing with another person through the things they create has worth.
This problem seems to be getting worse as the economy gets worse, or there gets to be an over-abundance of people in one craft. Customers will go to a lesser expensive artist, even if they know the quality is also lesser.
You are so right. Quality is very important. I ran a consignment gallery for handcrafted items and it was the quality items that sold every time. Price did not matter.
back in the day when I use to set tile
I thought to my self every piece or job done was a business card that someone will see….in otherwords…if the detail and quality show people will respond to it….
I definetly agree about quality handmade items. Some people may bicker over the price, but they are getting quality, a one of a kind item that cannot be found elsewhere. You’ll have more people, who are willing to pay your price, more than they who looking for something cheap.
You are so right, I’ve been doing craft shows for over 20 years and Walmart has hurt alot of crafters because people will walk in your booth and say I can get something like tht at Walmart–not true they just want something cheaper with the way the economy is going, I know at least 6 crafters that have quit the business because of these retail stores.
I as an employee of Walmart and buy my supplies at Walmart to make my crafts totally disagree with your article.
We all survive in this world if we choose to make it. Don’t blame our problems on WALMART. Everyone seems to think our economy is Walmart’s fault, but, please do not forget Walmart began in Arkansas not Washington, D.C. and you did not vote for Walmart, and, Sam Walton was just a little person like you and I, just a beginner.
Thank you for posting my comment, too.
I also agree with the “Walmart Mentality” issue. To the poster above, no, the flailing economy is not Walmart’s fault, but the “Walmart Mentality” is most definitely a true phenomenon, particularly when it comes to the impact Walmart’s bargain prices are having on the craft industry as well as good old-fashioned mom and pop stores. I shop at Walmart for basics as well, but I also know quality when I see it. You aren’t going to find a high quality item at rock bottom prices.
If you want to sell high end crafts you had better be at a high end show.Where people know quality for themselves,in a section of town where $20 wont break anyone.
I agree and disagree with aspects in all the comments voiced . . . but, I feel it is the home shopping networks that have hurt the jewelry artisan as I sit and watch thousands of pieces blowing out their doors, hundreds of thousands of dollars being made, and probably credit cards being charged to the hilt! there is where our competition is.
I agree with the walmart person only to a point. Yes it was started by Sam Walton in Arkansas. One of the things he started too was to have items made here in the US in his stores. Then to compete it needed to be cheaper. And his idea of an American business seems to have died along with him. I don’t think Sam Walton would like what his company has become. And don’t kid yourself honey if the worlds largest retailer sneezes you can bet Washington will give them a kleenex. And no its not just Wal Mart. I have been to shows where half of the vendors have merchandise from China. And yes they are selling faster than I am.
I too have been told “I can get this cheaper at walmart.” I tell them that they can get sth similar and mass produced in China from walmart but not ‘this.’ My crocheted scarf and hat set goes for $20 -$25 depending on the type of yarn. Here is a trick that usually works for me. I tell them to buy the materials and I will give them a discount. They usually call back and say they will just pay what I charge.
I also am an employee of Wal-Mart. Their current motto,”Save More, Live Better” would be very true if they were selling you something of equal or better value”. Since they are adamant about selling you second-best merchandise, that motto is a great oxy-moron. As a wise man once told me, If you’re willing to settle for second best, that’s what you’ll get.
I do purchase some products there, only because I work there and feel that I owe them that much. I also stay with brand name products and not their store brands or products made especially for them.
I agree they are not to blame for the economy, the customers are. And as one of our politicians said about the “Economic Stimulus Package”, Whose economy are we stimulating. The government money is borrowing money from China to give us so everybody can go buy products made in China.
I agree with Tony. Borrowing from China to give us money to buy products made in China is a “win-win” situation - for China. I hope we can all find American-made products to spend that money on. I will sure try hard. Check out:
http://3trillion.org
Maybe we can find better ways to spend our money.
Blessings to all.
Ann
First, let me say I really like the shared quote from Beth Peterson’s dad. Next, this is something that I have struggled with in pricing. I am now trying to keep a wide price range in mind. I hope to soon be able to offer smaller items at a less expensive price, and then on up, so as to cater to as many as possible. There are many artists that I admire their work greatly, but could not afford their work. It would be nice if something smaller could be offered.