at the Pondering....... store.
$18.00 each, free shipping.
thank you, Berry, for fixing the photo ♥
Showing posts with label theponderingstore. Show all posts
Showing posts with label theponderingstore. Show all posts
Monday, February 15, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Friday, December 11, 2009
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Pondering....... poster boy
I love it when my customers/friends are happy.
plus, the free advertising for the Pondering....... store doesn't hurt.
Thank you, Scott.
Friday, October 30, 2009
In case you missed the first announcement...
The on-line shop I've been talking about
for months is up, working and open for business.
The Pondering....... store.
Please go browse. I'm proud of what's there so far.
If you have questions or suggestions, leave them in
comments here or send me an email.
Many thanks to Berry and Mick and rsm (serving in A'stan)
and Mark and That Dude and Sparrow and Blaez and
HoosierBoy and CarteachO and Freddie and Big Dick
for linking to the Pondering....... store on their blogs.
I'd appreciate a mention and/or a link from anyone
in the 'sphere.
I have a permanent link at the top of my sidebar.
Click on the photo and it will take you to the store.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
Monday, August 03, 2009
Clogged, Stalled, Hampered...
(^ My current status in three words ^)
Major effort does not always produce positive results
in our first attempts. Is that normal?
Or am I dumber than normal? Too blonde?
Criminycrackshit.
Flea Market = No Go.
In five weeks I took in $62. Rent paid = almost 5x that.
I removed all my products from the Flea-O Market-O.
Fine. On to...
1. Trying to create the finishing touches for the on-line store.
Unfortunately, still learning the tricks of the new camera to
produce clear, readable photos. Making progress, but... when?
Soon, I hope. (Thank you, Berry, for continuing to help.)
2. Getting information from as many small local arts/crafts shows
as I can find. (Dozens)
Whothefuckaretheykidding??
For 1 or 2-day events, the entry fees are outrageous.
More money than I feel comfortable investing on another gamble.
I know, I know. Risk is unavoidable in business.
But, I believe a better effort in developing the on-line store makes
more sense. At least for now.
And, of course, daily life must be dealt with...
Last week, the clothes dryer died.
The drum seemed to be jammed.
In the garage, in the heat, it took quite a while for me to
figure out how to get it apart. Then, when I did, there is a
squirrel corpse wedged where it should not be.
Bloating. Messy. *gag*
I still can't get the dryer to run so I've had to make trips to the
public laundromat.
(I know I'm whining here but, this was not in my plan.)
Thennnnnnnnnnnn... there's been so much rain and
I have been so terribly neglectful that my yard looks like,
not just a jungle but, an overgrown jungle. Yeah, that bad.
The only lawnmower I have is one of those push-reel types.
It is completely worthless, especially now.
So, I swallowed my pride and asked to borrow a mower from a
neighbor. He brought it over late last night.
As in, too dark to mow.
I mowed less than half the yard this morning because
I have to mow every spot over and over again. I think I'm going
to owe this neighbor a new mower blade by the time I'm done.
Took a break for lunch, to cool off and to run a couple of errands.
Now, I can't get the mower to start again, it's getting ready to rain
again and the only neighbors at home are decrepit females.
The mower-owner doesn't usually get home from his business
before 7 or 8 in the evening. Crap.
If there was a brick wall close by, I'd bang my head against it.
Repeatedly.
Since I have probably succeeded in either boring you or irritating
you, I'm going to suggest that you read a few other bloggers with
much more valid reasons for ranting than I have blathered about here.
Actually, the topic they are all addressing, pisses me off, too.
Since I am more than lame when it comes to politics, you would
do much better to read VMan, Dick and Joanie.
edit: Click on Joanie first, then you'll know what I'm talking
about. VMan and Dick have done more posting, so you'll
need to scroll down a bit at their places. sorry.
I'm too lazy to link correctly right now.
Major effort does not always produce positive results
in our first attempts. Is that normal?
Or am I dumber than normal? Too blonde?
Criminycrackshit.
Flea Market = No Go.
In five weeks I took in $62. Rent paid = almost 5x that.
I removed all my products from the Flea-O Market-O.
Fine. On to...
1. Trying to create the finishing touches for the on-line store.
Unfortunately, still learning the tricks of the new camera to
produce clear, readable photos. Making progress, but... when?
Soon, I hope. (Thank you, Berry, for continuing to help.)
2. Getting information from as many small local arts/crafts shows
as I can find. (Dozens)
Whothefuckaretheykidding??
For 1 or 2-day events, the entry fees are outrageous.
More money than I feel comfortable investing on another gamble.
I know, I know. Risk is unavoidable in business.
But, I believe a better effort in developing the on-line store makes
more sense. At least for now.
And, of course, daily life must be dealt with...
Last week, the clothes dryer died.
The drum seemed to be jammed.
In the garage, in the heat, it took quite a while for me to
figure out how to get it apart. Then, when I did, there is a
squirrel corpse wedged where it should not be.
Bloating. Messy. *gag*
I still can't get the dryer to run so I've had to make trips to the
public laundromat.
(I know I'm whining here but, this was not in my plan.)
Thennnnnnnnnnnn... there's been so much rain and
I have been so terribly neglectful that my yard looks like,
not just a jungle but, an overgrown jungle. Yeah, that bad.
The only lawnmower I have is one of those push-reel types.
It is completely worthless, especially now.
So, I swallowed my pride and asked to borrow a mower from a
neighbor. He brought it over late last night.
As in, too dark to mow.
I mowed less than half the yard this morning because
I have to mow every spot over and over again. I think I'm going
to owe this neighbor a new mower blade by the time I'm done.
Took a break for lunch, to cool off and to run a couple of errands.
Now, I can't get the mower to start again, it's getting ready to rain
again and the only neighbors at home are decrepit females.
The mower-owner doesn't usually get home from his business
before 7 or 8 in the evening. Crap.
If there was a brick wall close by, I'd bang my head against it.
Repeatedly.
Since I have probably succeeded in either boring you or irritating
you, I'm going to suggest that you read a few other bloggers with
much more valid reasons for ranting than I have blathered about here.
Actually, the topic they are all addressing, pisses me off, too.
Since I am more than lame when it comes to politics, you would
do much better to read VMan, Dick and Joanie.
edit: Click on Joanie first, then you'll know what I'm talking
about. VMan and Dick have done more posting, so you'll
need to scroll down a bit at their places. sorry.
I'm too lazy to link correctly right now.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
The earth is still spinning...
and it's keeping me dizzy.
I don't think the flea market will be my new home.
Time for Plan B. or, B 1/2. Maybe Plan C.
I know I keep saying I hope to have the new blog
with the on-line store completed soon. Shit happens.
Mostly my stupid shit. Still working on it in fits and
starts. Lots of fits.
Maybe progress will be made after the weekend is
done kicking my butt.
I shall return.
I don't think the flea market will be my new home.
Time for Plan B. or, B 1/2. Maybe Plan C.
I know I keep saying I hope to have the new blog
with the on-line store completed soon. Shit happens.
Mostly my stupid shit. Still working on it in fits and
starts. Lots of fits.
Maybe progress will be made after the weekend is
done kicking my butt.
I shall return.
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Weekend #3 not a good finish...
I'm beginning to think that my time spent at the flea
market (we won't mention the money spent) is
going to be more of an education in networking,
marketing and public interests rather than earning
much in the way of dollars.
Not a bad thing exactly but, it was at least supposed
to bring in enough to pay the rent there.
I'm getting mixed reviews from other vendors.
Not about my products but about how well they will
be received by the typical clientele coming through
the market. All the vendors like my products.
Potential buyers are very complimentary.
Just not buying much at all. But, all the vendors are
complaining about the lack of money changing hands.
All the vendors say I picked the worst season to start
a business there. Summers are always slow and this one
is especially sucky. Well... thanksahelluvalot.
Most say if I can hang on until September, business
will pick up considerably. Really?
One or two have said I should add cheap chotchke to
draw interest. One other specifically said I will not see
enough people here who will appreciate what I have.
My biggest argument is that I do NOT want to sell
anything other than my own work. Period.
I do not want to compete with the other vendors who
mostly sell inexpensive doo-dads and gee-gaws.
(most, not all.)
More than one has suggested approaching places like
Starbucks and Hallmark stores. Those are now on my list.
One vendor is opening a store on the Boardwalk on the beach
with a Hawaiian/tropical theme. She likes what I have but
said if I can come up with ideas that go with the theme of
her new store, she will sell my products there.
I have two ideas on the drawing board.
There are a few of you reading who have experience working
for yourselves. My hat is off to you. Seriously.
There is no way to know about all the details and time
involved in starting a business until you dive in yourself.
I am not giving up. I am learning as I go. Sometimes, I am
overwhelmed with information and opinion.
I will figure this out if it kills me. (please don't kill me.)
I've started the process with PayPal. Waiting on their
confirmation of my banking info.
Recently posted some test photos at theponderingstore.
Go take a look, please, and let me know if they show the
products clearly. I'm still not sure how the final set-up
will be done.
Have I mentioned how much I appreciate all of you and
your encouragement, ideas (and orders)? No?
Damn me.
I do appreciate, very much. And I thank you.
market (we won't mention the money spent) is
going to be more of an education in networking,
marketing and public interests rather than earning
much in the way of dollars.
Not a bad thing exactly but, it was at least supposed
to bring in enough to pay the rent there.
I'm getting mixed reviews from other vendors.
Not about my products but about how well they will
be received by the typical clientele coming through
the market. All the vendors like my products.
Potential buyers are very complimentary.
Just not buying much at all. But, all the vendors are
complaining about the lack of money changing hands.
All the vendors say I picked the worst season to start
a business there. Summers are always slow and this one
is especially sucky. Well... thanksahelluvalot.
Most say if I can hang on until September, business
will pick up considerably. Really?
One or two have said I should add cheap chotchke to
draw interest. One other specifically said I will not see
enough people here who will appreciate what I have.
My biggest argument is that I do NOT want to sell
anything other than my own work. Period.
I do not want to compete with the other vendors who
mostly sell inexpensive doo-dads and gee-gaws.
(most, not all.)
More than one has suggested approaching places like
Starbucks and Hallmark stores. Those are now on my list.
One vendor is opening a store on the Boardwalk on the beach
with a Hawaiian/tropical theme. She likes what I have but
said if I can come up with ideas that go with the theme of
her new store, she will sell my products there.
I have two ideas on the drawing board.
There are a few of you reading who have experience working
for yourselves. My hat is off to you. Seriously.
There is no way to know about all the details and time
involved in starting a business until you dive in yourself.
I am not giving up. I am learning as I go. Sometimes, I am
overwhelmed with information and opinion.
I will figure this out if it kills me. (please don't kill me.)
I've started the process with PayPal. Waiting on their
confirmation of my banking info.
Recently posted some test photos at theponderingstore.
Go take a look, please, and let me know if they show the
products clearly. I'm still not sure how the final set-up
will be done.
Have I mentioned how much I appreciate all of you and
your encouragement, ideas (and orders)? No?
Damn me.
I do appreciate, very much. And I thank you.
Monday, June 15, 2009
*UPDATE* Even best laid plans are better with back-up...
*UPDATE: Spent the morning at the market booth.
Paperwork, cleaning. Hot. Melted.
Approved another 5x7 proof for printing.
The three mug orders with the Good Mug Company are
in process. Might have them on the 25th.
Life is good. Too friggin' hot but, good.
*
Remember my recent ranting about Yucky Mug Company?
Yeah, well, they managed to bite me a good one.
I got notice that my three orders of mugs came in.
Good news, right? Not this time.
Forty-eight mugs per order = 144 mugs ready for me.
Except... they were ALL WRONG. Dammit.
Apologies were offered, along with a promise to call
corporate headquarters about correcting the issue ASAP.
At first, I said okay, after letting them know I had expected
to have the mugs available for sale in my booth at the
market on June 19. Eight days from the disaster discovery.
Considering this order took them almost a month to fuck up
and deliver, why would I expect miracles in a week?
So, I went home and stewed for about an hour and decided
to let them know I was cancelling the order, demanding a
full reimbursement and going to another supplier.
Oops for them.
The Good Mug Company will save me, almost.
I got on line and emailed them and began the process of
sending the .pdf files so they know what to print, back and
forth with proofs a few times until I see exactly what I want,
confirm the order and begin the paperwork process.
The first order from Good Mug Company took two weeks
from order to delivery. So, it will take a miracle (as in,
paying extra for rush processing, which I cannot afford)
to have these mugs by the 19th. I might... might... have them
in time for the second weekend.
I'll only have two mugs, one shirt and a gazillion Frame-ables
to start with. But, it's okay. I will simply overload the space
with more Frame-ables than planned and set out twice as
many of the two mugs to fill the space.
There is good news, too.
I finalized the arrangement at the market and will take
possession of the booth Monday morning. That gives me
four full days to get organized and set up for Friday.
Plus, I drafted a friend to help and she is thrilled.
I think all I have left to do is go to the hardware store today
and buy seven padlocks and have them all keyed the same
(don't ask). Oh yeah, I need a table skirt.
And, copies of my driver's license, business license and sales
tax cert for the credit card machine guy. And, I need to start
putting more Frame-ables together. And, I need to put together
a tool box to take with me. And, I need to get the car loaded
so I can get an early start tomorrow after I meet my friend
for breakfast. And, somewhere in all this I need to get the
other blog set up for on line sales....
If ya'll don't see me around here a lot, re-read this post.
p.s. I finally bought a simple digital camera for uploading
pics of the mugs and such. Pray for me. I got so frustrated
with the first digital I bought that I gave it away.
Paperwork, cleaning. Hot. Melted.
Approved another 5x7 proof for printing.
The three mug orders with the Good Mug Company are
in process. Might have them on the 25th.
Life is good. Too friggin' hot but, good.
*
Remember my recent ranting about Yucky Mug Company?
Yeah, well, they managed to bite me a good one.
I got notice that my three orders of mugs came in.
Good news, right? Not this time.
Forty-eight mugs per order = 144 mugs ready for me.
Except... they were ALL WRONG. Dammit.
Apologies were offered, along with a promise to call
corporate headquarters about correcting the issue ASAP.
At first, I said okay, after letting them know I had expected
to have the mugs available for sale in my booth at the
market on June 19. Eight days from the disaster discovery.
Considering this order took them almost a month to fuck up
and deliver, why would I expect miracles in a week?
So, I went home and stewed for about an hour and decided
to let them know I was cancelling the order, demanding a
full reimbursement and going to another supplier.
Oops for them.
The Good Mug Company will save me, almost.
I got on line and emailed them and began the process of
sending the .pdf files so they know what to print, back and
forth with proofs a few times until I see exactly what I want,
confirm the order and begin the paperwork process.
The first order from Good Mug Company took two weeks
from order to delivery. So, it will take a miracle (as in,
paying extra for rush processing, which I cannot afford)
to have these mugs by the 19th. I might... might... have them
in time for the second weekend.
I'll only have two mugs, one shirt and a gazillion Frame-ables
to start with. But, it's okay. I will simply overload the space
with more Frame-ables than planned and set out twice as
many of the two mugs to fill the space.
There is good news, too.
I finalized the arrangement at the market and will take
possession of the booth Monday morning. That gives me
four full days to get organized and set up for Friday.
Plus, I drafted a friend to help and she is thrilled.
I think all I have left to do is go to the hardware store today
and buy seven padlocks and have them all keyed the same
(don't ask). Oh yeah, I need a table skirt.
And, copies of my driver's license, business license and sales
tax cert for the credit card machine guy. And, I need to start
putting more Frame-ables together. And, I need to put together
a tool box to take with me. And, I need to get the car loaded
so I can get an early start tomorrow after I meet my friend
for breakfast. And, somewhere in all this I need to get the
other blog set up for on line sales....
If ya'll don't see me around here a lot, re-read this post.
p.s. I finally bought a simple digital camera for uploading
pics of the mugs and such. Pray for me. I got so frustrated
with the first digital I bought that I gave it away.
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Exhausted, anxious and happy...
I can barely keep my eyes open but I realized
that Friday snuck up on me and I haven't posted
since Tuesday. The new venture is keeping me
fully occupied and I'm loving every minute of it.
If my plans stay on schedule, I should have a
nice space in a very busy flea market and a good
amount of products ready to sell on June 19th.
I hope to have the other blog set up and ready for
business shortly after that.
The first order of mugs came in this week (from the
Good Mug company) and the next order of mugs
(from the Yucky Mug Company) are due to be
delivered next week. That will be four designs for a
total of 216 mugs to start with.
I hope to have six Frame-ables designs completed
next week. I forget how many frames I bought so far.
75? 100? Maybe more. I forget. I'm sleepy right now.
I do remember that the 5x7 prints will total more than 800.
I only have one t-shirt design right now. I'm too poor, after
all the other expenses, to afford more shirts until after
the other items start to sell. I'm hoping that the race fans
coming to town for the July 4th speedway events will
fatten the t-shirt budget. After the booth rent gets paid.
If this doesn't work out the way I hope, I'm going to
have a life-time supply of Christmas and Birthday presents.
Crap. It isn't Friday any more. It's Saturday.
Ya'll have a great weekend. I need sleep.
that Friday snuck up on me and I haven't posted
since Tuesday. The new venture is keeping me
fully occupied and I'm loving every minute of it.
If my plans stay on schedule, I should have a
nice space in a very busy flea market and a good
amount of products ready to sell on June 19th.
I hope to have the other blog set up and ready for
business shortly after that.
The first order of mugs came in this week (from the
Good Mug company) and the next order of mugs
(from the Yucky Mug Company) are due to be
delivered next week. That will be four designs for a
total of 216 mugs to start with.
I hope to have six Frame-ables designs completed
next week. I forget how many frames I bought so far.
75? 100? Maybe more. I forget. I'm sleepy right now.
I do remember that the 5x7 prints will total more than 800.
I only have one t-shirt design right now. I'm too poor, after
all the other expenses, to afford more shirts until after
the other items start to sell. I'm hoping that the race fans
coming to town for the July 4th speedway events will
fatten the t-shirt budget. After the booth rent gets paid.
If this doesn't work out the way I hope, I'm going to
have a life-time supply of Christmas and Birthday presents.
Crap. It isn't Friday any more. It's Saturday.
Ya'll have a great weekend. I need sleep.
Monday, June 01, 2009
I could use some advice...
I've spent some time looking over the PayPal website.
It gave me a headache. Holy crap. Details. Details. Details.
I want to make it easy for folks to buy (read: spend money)
at the Pondering Store. I want to be able to set up a cart
system in case someone wants to buy more than one item
at a time. I'd like to be able to accept credit and debit
cards.
What I need from you folks is this...
are there other sites besides PayPal? Are they better?
Easy and simple is my goal here. If possible.
Anyone who has had experience with on-line selling,
please leave ideas and opinions in comments or send me
an email.
My head is spinning and not in a good way.
Remember, I am still a tech-tard.
It gave me a headache. Holy crap. Details. Details. Details.
I want to make it easy for folks to buy (read: spend money)
at the Pondering Store. I want to be able to set up a cart
system in case someone wants to buy more than one item
at a time. I'd like to be able to accept credit and debit
cards.
What I need from you folks is this...
are there other sites besides PayPal? Are they better?
Easy and simple is my goal here. If possible.
Anyone who has had experience with on-line selling,
please leave ideas and opinions in comments or send me
an email.
My head is spinning and not in a good way.
Remember, I am still a tech-tard.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
New business hurdles...
I love love love the folks who are printing
my Frame-ables. LOVE them.
However, I'm getting mugs printed from two different
suppliers. One is right up there on the LOVE List
with the Frame-ables printer.
The other? Wet dreams do not stand a chance.
The Good Mug People notified me this weekend
(a holiday weekend, no less) that my order with
them is expected to ship this Friday. Yesssss!
Their proofs were perfect the first time, I approved
them and the mugs were in production in 24 hours.
The only drawback with these folks? They require a
much larger minimum order resulting in a bigger
cost for me, even though the individual mug cost is
almost the same as the Yucky Mug Company.
The Yucky Mug Company had the camera-ready artwork
for a week before they sent the proofs for the three mugs
I want. All wrong. WRONG. Wrong. Wrong.
They set up what I wanted on the front of the mug on the back.
What should have been on the back of the mug was on the front.
Print size on one mug was correct. The other two... too small and
off-center. Three different designs ordered for three sets of
mugs... they completely ignored/forgot one design and did one
of the designs twice. Twice. WTF?
Corrections were emailed to Yucky Mug Company immediately
and I was told they hope to have the corrected proofs back to me
tomorrow. IF those proofs are correct, it will take two weeks
to complete them. And then shipping time. Unless, of course,
something else gets added to the current clusterfuck.
Well, I guess my education in the world of self-employment
has only just begun, right?
my Frame-ables. LOVE them.
However, I'm getting mugs printed from two different
suppliers. One is right up there on the LOVE List
with the Frame-ables printer.
The other? Wet dreams do not stand a chance.
The Good Mug People notified me this weekend
(a holiday weekend, no less) that my order with
them is expected to ship this Friday. Yesssss!
Their proofs were perfect the first time, I approved
them and the mugs were in production in 24 hours.
The only drawback with these folks? They require a
much larger minimum order resulting in a bigger
cost for me, even though the individual mug cost is
almost the same as the Yucky Mug Company.
The Yucky Mug Company had the camera-ready artwork
for a week before they sent the proofs for the three mugs
I want. All wrong. WRONG. Wrong. Wrong.
They set up what I wanted on the front of the mug on the back.
What should have been on the back of the mug was on the front.
Print size on one mug was correct. The other two... too small and
off-center. Three different designs ordered for three sets of
mugs... they completely ignored/forgot one design and did one
of the designs twice. Twice. WTF?
Corrections were emailed to Yucky Mug Company immediately
and I was told they hope to have the corrected proofs back to me
tomorrow. IF those proofs are correct, it will take two weeks
to complete them. And then shipping time. Unless, of course,
something else gets added to the current clusterfuck.
Well, I guess my education in the world of self-employment
has only just begun, right?
Friday, May 22, 2009
It can't possibly be raining anywhere else...
There cannot be any rain left for any other part
of the world. It has been raining here non-stop,
NON-STOP, since last weekend. Crap.
UPDATE: Saturday local reports say the average
rainfall for the area is 25" this week. Yikes.
Feels like a hurricane without the hurr.
Florida is flooding. Is this 'cause the ice caps
finally melted? Are Polar bears on the way?
Somebody make it STOPPPPPPPPPPPPP. please?
Okay, okay it could be worse. It could be a full-blown
hurricane. Or, it could be no rain and lots of fires.
Let's see... I can reveal a little bit of good news.
Anybody remember the 'new venture' I've mentioned before?
Well, I got back on track with that and will be taking the
leap soon. I even started another blog so I can sell my
products on-line. It's called 'the Pondering....... store'.
I won't have all of my beginning inventory in hand until
mid-June, so that's when I'll be able to upload photos
and start the pimping process. Stay tuned for details.
I have business cards. Real business cards. (picture me
with a goofy grin on my face right now.) I'm excited.
I'm also just a teensy bit scared. I'm not usually a risk-taker.
But, this feels very good. I want it to work. I believe it will.
There is a lot for me to learn. Some will be by trial and error.
I have plenty of experience in trial and error.
Keep your fingers crossed for me, my friends.
of the world. It has been raining here non-stop,
NON-STOP, since last weekend. Crap.
UPDATE: Saturday local reports say the average
rainfall for the area is 25" this week. Yikes.
Feels like a hurricane without the hurr.
Florida is flooding. Is this 'cause the ice caps
finally melted? Are Polar bears on the way?
Somebody make it STOPPPPPPPPPPPPP. please?
Okay, okay it could be worse. It could be a full-blown
hurricane. Or, it could be no rain and lots of fires.
Let's see... I can reveal a little bit of good news.
Anybody remember the 'new venture' I've mentioned before?
Well, I got back on track with that and will be taking the
leap soon. I even started another blog so I can sell my
products on-line. It's called 'the Pondering....... store'.
I won't have all of my beginning inventory in hand until
mid-June, so that's when I'll be able to upload photos
and start the pimping process. Stay tuned for details.
I have business cards. Real business cards. (picture me
with a goofy grin on my face right now.) I'm excited.
I'm also just a teensy bit scared. I'm not usually a risk-taker.
But, this feels very good. I want it to work. I believe it will.
There is a lot for me to learn. Some will be by trial and error.
I have plenty of experience in trial and error.
Keep your fingers crossed for me, my friends.
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