RenaissanceFestival.com Forums

South => Texas Renaissance Festival => Topic started by: Lady D1 on October 27, 2011, 10:24:24 AM

Title: I had an idea and need your feedback.
Post by: Lady D1 on October 27, 2011, 10:24:24 AM
All, even thought I have not met many of you in person, I do highly value your opinions.   I chose to post this in the TRF forum for feedback as this will most likely be a local endeavor at least to start (due to shipping issues)

Last year my daughter wanted wings, so off to the store we went to create some with this result:

(http://images34.fotki.com/v1195/photos/5/250685/9091868/DSC07031-vi.jpg)

She wore them most days, last year.  She wore them on opening Saturday this year,  many people wanted her picture as well as inquired as to where she got them.  When they found out we made them, they wanted a pair. 

So off to the store I went, and the results where as follows:

(http://images59.fotki.com/v684/photos/5/250685/10132521/2011101419_37_49-vi.jpg)
(I wore these on Sat of 1001 dreams)

(http://images53.fotki.com/v249/photos/5/250685/10132521/2011101419_38_58-vi.jpg)

At this point, they are all handmade and one of a kind.  I would anticipate that they would remain as such. I have searched the web and don't see anyone else doing anything like these. (copyright process has already been started)

My questions - is there viable market for these? what price range seems fair? best way to sell?  etsy? existing booth at TRF (next year or Sherwood, etc)  Shipping issues would need to be overcome for in order to sell outside of a Festival setting.

Any other thoughts?  ideas or suggestions?  Thanks in advance for your input.
Title: Re: I had an idea and need your feedback.
Post by: Lady Gryphon on October 27, 2011, 11:06:15 AM
Right now, I just wanted t say how beautiful they are.  You do great work

Title: Re: I had an idea and need your feedback.
Post by: Lord Virgo on October 27, 2011, 11:51:58 AM
Those are really awesome.  Keep up the great work
Title: Re: I had an idea and need your feedback.
Post by: Breandan on October 27, 2011, 12:33:51 PM
Is there a market? Yes. How much to charge for them? No idea, I'm terrible at that sort of thing :)  Where to sell? eBay, amazon.com, etc. as well as online and retail at faires
Title: Re: I had an idea and need your feedback.
Post by: Strange on October 27, 2011, 01:31:05 PM
I think that you could find a lot of interest for these on Etsy, particularly if you do commission work.
As for pricing, it depends on if you want this to be a real business, or simply a self-sustaining hobby.

I'm definitely not a market expert, but similar sized wings from the fairy winks stand in front of our shop are like $30+ for sheer fabric on wire frames.
I also looked around online, and the closest similar styles I found (feathers, branches, custom) are running in the $150+ area.

Those look really nice, and I hope you can get something going :)
Title: Re: I had an idea and need your feedback.
Post by: Lady D1 on October 28, 2011, 11:07:43 AM
thanks for the compliments and feedback.
Title: Re: I had an idea and need your feedback.
Post by: KiltedPrivateer on October 28, 2011, 10:52:55 PM
If you can find someone to host your wares at Sherwood, I would say go for it.  Though Sherwood is not as fairy friendly in its first few weeks (kinda chilly)  The last few weeks are very good and (this is my personal opinion and cannot be backed up without some vendors support) I think those who visit Sherwood are more apt to spend money on really fine hand crafted works such as yours.  Best of luck which ever path you choose (o:
Title: Re: I had an idea and need your feedback.
Post by: nomad on October 30, 2011, 01:34:12 PM
Those are amazing!  You have a gift.  I wouldn't worry about shipping... If somebody wants something, they will pay for it. 

Maybe if you could have them disconnect in the middle and reattach them when they arrive. That would save alot on size.

Title: Re: I had an idea and need your feedback.
Post by: Merlin the Elder on October 30, 2011, 01:48:58 PM
Quote from: KiltedPrivateer on October 28, 2011, 10:52:55 PM....  Though Sherwood is not as fairy friendly in its first few weeks (kinda chilly)  ....

That wasn't the case this past year's opening weekend. It was far too warm for me to use my cape on Saturday. A little cooler on Sunday. It was a lot warmer than historical data would have suggested.  Anymore, it's hard to outguess the weather—look at PaRF this weekend, closed due to heavy snow and the damage brought by it!
Title: Re: I had an idea and need your feedback.
Post by: Bonny Pearl on October 31, 2011, 09:38:18 PM
Those are beautiful!  You should do well at selling these.
Title: Re: I had an idea and need your feedback.
Post by: dreamwalker on November 01, 2011, 04:17:26 PM
Wings are always in style  :) very beautiful esp. for this time of year.