[Woodcarver] New Question from Chris Whillock

[Sally Nye]

Hi Chris,
My comments below...


>> From: Chris <chris at woodcarverswarehouse.com>

>> Date: March 13, 2009 7:03:08 AM GMT-04:00

>>

>> Have carving shows been affected by the recession? Have you  

>> noticed less people attending shows, are they buying as much in  

>> the past? What has been your experience ...


Show attendance is up and people are buying supplies.

At the Dayton show in November several of us dined together Saturday  
night.  The dealers were almost sold out of stock and still had  
another day to go.  They were wishing they had brought more  
inventory.  The main comment, "It's like Christmas."

At the end of the show several of us talked about how many people  
were paying with cash.  Only one dealer noticed credit card sales  
however, he had just got on board with CC offer.  That is normal.   
Folks are always surprised how much their sales increase when they  
offer plastic.

All of us noticed people were:
1. buying $20.00 items and paying with cash.
2. A lot of new folks wanting to get into carving.
3. our take was people are staying home and spending their time with  
handwork (carving)
4. people were cautious with their money...not buying big ticket items.

Personally, our sales are up.  We had no after Christmas slump.  In  
fact, it has increased.  We could almost hire an employee.  But then  
in fan-carving, we get the trees, buck up the wood, prepare it in  
water, package it in plastic, store it in the freezer, ship orders,  
write articles, do the fan-carving......

Our business is a bit different.


>> What about classes, club activities etc ....


We have cut back on teaching because we have qualified people that we  
encourage to take up that role.  They are doing great!  We support  
them and  it helps us stay closer to home with daily shipping  
activities.

As far as Michigan clubs, we have 42 clubs registered with the  
Michigan WoodCarvers Association.  There are many more clubs that do  
not belong to the MWCA.  The clubs are healthy and strong.  Some have  
divided to support more of their interests (power-pyro-hand tools).   
Change keeps them healthy.

We had 8 MWCA districts but for ease of communicating with everyone  
we have formed 10 districts now.  Each district has a Regional MWCA  
Representative that coordinates items of interest.  In that way, we  
all stay in touch...mostly via computer and telephones.

Chris, I don't know if this information is a help to you or not.  I  
will see you at the Rochester show and we can talk further if you'd  
like.
Best to you,
Sally
http://www.FanCarversWorld.com
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