first time to sell a pen

[MarkHix]

One of my coworkers approached me to make a pen for her to give to her father. So far, I have only made them for myself so I was a little apprehensive to do this. I showed her some different styles and figured out what she wanted. She bought a comfort grip w/o the grip in olive wood for $30. The next day, I was showing my work to some other people and two people demanded that I sell them one of the pens. They actually started bidding against each other. I ended up selling a Rosewood Sierra for $60. They made me do it.

I know it can't be this way all the time and I have no plans to do this other than as a hobby but it sure was sweet!

 

[stevers]

My, my, customers bidding against each other for one of your pens? Send em my way, I'd love to let them battle for a pen.

 

[Russianwolf]

Hey Mark, The first two cigar pens I made I took on the train with me to work. I showed a couple buddies on the train on the way home. When I got off the train I had $70 and no pens!!!! And an order for two more. One of the people that bought one of those first cigar pens ordered 3 fountain/rollerballs for christmas gifts recently. Now I just have to get a new tool rest so I can turn again.

So, yes, it can happen like that. And then some.........

Just be glad you are being paid for something you enjoy doing. I am.

 

[DCBluesman]

If it ever happens again, offer to make the "loser" a pen and to charge each the second highest bid. [8D]

 

[Ligget]

Congrats on the sales![]

 

[wudnhed]

Love it when that happens, good for you Mark!!!

 

[RONB]

Time to build inventory,you don't want unhappy customers.Then you can carry more pens with you in a roll up pouch.

 

[MarkHix]

I have already made the pen for the other person. Same kit, same wood and I think it came out better than the other one (practice, practice, practice) so I guess now I have my third sale. Thanks for the kind words and all the advice you have so generously given me.

 

[Rifleman1776]

That's the way it starts. My personal carry pens are examples of my best work. One a snakeskin Gent, the other a knock-out Big Leaf Maple Burl European. Both have the "Wow" factor. I have made quite a few sales just by taking them out of my pocket. I don't have to say much, they do the selling for me.

 

[txbatons]

Congrats, Mark. I haven't sold a whole lot of pens, but it usually works the way you described...without the bidding war!