People checking out Geoffrey Warner's Owl Stool at the Maker Faire.
Last week I wrote about the resurgence of the custom market. Just a few days later, I found myself at the 2010 Maker Faire in Queens, NY, a gathering for people who make things, and the thousands of people who want to see it. CustomMade exhibited at the faire, and after just two days I’ve never been more convinced of the viability of the custom market.
We displayed the fine work of a handful of CustomMade’s artisans at our booth, and saw throngs of people filing into our booth to gawk. We expected people to look, but when so many of them approached us to learn more about who made these and what the custom process is like, I was pleasantly surprised at the response. They were not only amazed by the quality of the work, but freely opined on how useful the custom process would be for them. Many of them are frustrated by not being able to find what they need to furnish their home, and some even take a strong philosophical stance against chain stores. One humorous and notable quote was “I think IKEA is the downfall of our society”. For many of our booth visitors, it looked like a light just turned on in their minds, saying things like “This is such a good idea, I don’t know why I never thought of it before!”
The fact is, the idea to get something custom made is often forgotten as an option. But, when presented as an alternative to convetional shopping methods, everyone thought it made so much sense. Talking with this sample of people made me feel like we can be relieved that so many are receptive to the idea of getting items custom made, but that we need to continually remind them of custom as an option. We need to increase our efforts at staying visible amidst the throngs of retail stores, and stay confident in the viability of hand-made, customized items.
Comments
People seemed very enthusiastic, but were they actually willing to drop some change?
Hi Jgourlay - that's the million dollar question. Since we weren't selling furniture at the show, I suppose my answer can only be speculative (although a few people asked if the Owl Stool was for sale). But, a few things can happen:
1.) Someone learned about getting things custom made but forgets/doesn't care about the possibility next time he buys furniture.
2.) Someone learned about getting things custom made, remembers next time he buys furniture, but can't find someone he can afford.
3.) Someone learned about getting things custom made, remembers next time he buys furniture, finds someone he can afford, and goes through with it.
My hope is that we did a good enough job introducing the idea of and building the value of custom that people not only remember the option, but also go through with the purchase (even if sometimes it is more expensive). I don't think we induced a tidal wave of new buyers, but I think we got people thinking, and some of those people will turn into future customers.
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