I’m Not A Salesman
I still don’t know how it got this big. I keep telling myself it’s not THAT busy, yet, but then I can’t get ahead on inventory. Inventory that I myself have to make 100% of…call it OCD or call it good-for-business but I have to have eyes on every bit of every batch. Best way to ensure quality? Do it all myself.
Anyone else feel that way?? I don’t think I’m the best at everything. I’m not doing so much myself because of pride — please don’t get me wrong here…haha! It’s just there’s a bit of pressure knowing the QUALITY of every single thing I end up selling comes back to ME. Whether it’s a good or bad experience for someone. Whether it WORKS! I haven’t had a negative review, yet. I have customers who haven’t returned, sure, that’s the nature of pushing so hard the first year of owning and running a retail business. There’s been so many passive sales, and knowing I cant have every single person return to my booth, website, or local store kills me a tiny bit inside.
I’ll always remember my VERY FIRST, in-person, vendor event. It was the locally famous Dirt Road Junk Fest out near Valley Falls, KS. It was so close to home, and I knew it was now or never. I had to just SHOW UP without a clue what I was doing. Thankfully, my gracious friend, W, came alongside me and taught me how to sell. The first morning she helped me set up my display table and asked me how I planned on selling my first Whipped Tallow Balm. What would I say when the first customer walks in to our tent?? I told her, “Buy it or don’t, you can’t hurt my feelings.”
W’s face was shocked, horrified, then she recovered quickly and gave me a few pointers. How Not to Scare People Off 101. That woman is a saint. We had a CRAZY successful weekend, all because she was willing to sit outside every day in unseasonably warm conditions (how’s a steady 95 degrees in October with NO WIND sound to you?) and teach me HOW to get my Tallow Products in peoples hands.
That weekend changed everything. I met customers I still see show up on my weekends in town working. I met my first ever wholesale buyer, who just did a 3rd? 4th? bulk reorder this last week. And I found my footing.
I still struggle with sales - I’m not pushy enough. But man I love success stories, before and after pictures of all your sun burns, surgery scars, eczema patches, ring worm, athletes foot, mystery rashes and acne issues - healed. I love seeing the relief in your eyes and giving/receiving the hugs. I love hearing about your families and you asking for updates on mine. I ON PURPOSE started this little business but had no idea I would ACCIDENTALLY grow a beautiful community. Thank you for being as obsessed with Tallow as I am, and for supporting this venture with your orders, reviews, follows, and shares.
Love you guys,
Katie Jo Rauch
