View Full Version : A Kettle of Fish - Card Updates
Talk about one extreme to another! Like a blooming roller coaster in this house today!
Some of you may have heard me rambling on about "Maggy" at Ignition Licensing (they license Juicy Lucy!) Well, I left a message with her on Friday and have just received this email:
Hi Clare,
Morning - hope all is well with you? Thank you for your message - funny
really as I tried to call you Thursday evening on my way home, but
didn't have your mobile number on me. Obviously great minds!
I have been frantically busy this last 6 weeks - having two new clients
on board has meant much extra work and the trade fairs were positively
busy. So, I just haven't had the time to devote to anything else.
I do like your work but as we have discussed before this type of
creative needs a very different approach in terms of licensing. I am
about to start seeing a whole load of greeting card companies with my
other two new brands (neither of which is competitive to yours by the
way) and I will also be going to two books fairs over the next month.
I have also had a couple of mobile enquiries and I think Kettle of Fish
could work well in this category.
What I would like to suggest therefore is the following:
In the greetings, social stationery and publishing categories, where I
am talking to relevant manufacturers I will present your work as a
quirky new social expressions design license. The very least is that
you will get feedback and (hopefully helpful) comments and the very
best is that you will find a publisher and licensee in these categories.
With reference to terms, I thought we had discussed the commission
before, but I cannot find any record of me putting anything in writing.
We would look to a commission of 50% on any deals negotiated, any of
which are subject to your approval. Should a deal go ahead, Ignition
would look after all the paperwork and funnel through approvals to you.
Any deal and all product development are subject to your approval. At
the moment I would not expect to be your exclusive agent (although I
would hope you would see us as your exclusive agency partner in spirit
for now). However, you are still free to make direct contact with
manufacturers/partners. Please just keep me in the loop and I of course
will do the same thing with you. If Ignition starts to negotiate
deals, then I suggest we put the relationship on a more formal footing
and I can issue you with an Agency Agreement. Let's review either
way after New York Licensing show in mid June. In terms of royalties, I
would expect to be able to generate 5-8% royalties depending on
category and company. Please don't expect more until the brand is better known.
I couldn't begin to forecast anything for now as it is a bit of a
"finger in the wind job". Let's see what feedback we get from
companies.
If you are happy to work in this slightly ad hoc way to start with, I
will need a link into your new site and a PDF file of a good selection
of latest a/w which I can send through to companies for their
reference.
PDF's are safest because the creative cannot be re-worked. Please make
sure it clearly states the Kettle of Fish copyright! I also have the
presenter which is fine. Any further information about yourself and
the brand, your objectives, ambitions and background to the Kettle of
Fish would be great.
I am not in the office much today, but do try getting hold of me
tomorrow, or alternatively, drop me an email.
Many thanks and best wishes,
Maggy
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE *pop*
This is _good_ news. VERY good news in fact! I know it's a high commission rate BUT due to A Kettle of Fish being completely new to the market then I can't complain at all!
I will speak to her tomorrow about it all because I'm curious to know who she has spoken to and confirm whether or not she will be taking my stuff to the exhibitions (she's pretty much said to me she will which is so exciting)
I feel far too excited. I don't know what will happen - if anything - but I stand a hell of a better chance at anything now I have Maggy on my side!
HOOOOOOO RAH!
*kicks £300 garden table people in the Nads*
:D :D :D :D :D
Before you jump in, can you contact Juicy Lucy and ask what the commission rate is for them? Maybe its me, but 50% seems like a real kick in the nether region. I don't know, if _that_ much commission the norm?
Thats really good news Pheebs :)
Hopefully you will be able to get some good feedback and get up a few more rungs. :)
Fingers crossed it all goes well - so proud of you and the progress you are making :)
*mwah!*
BB x
That's fantastic news :)
Congratulations :D Good luck with how it goes, I'm sure you'll excel :) You rock :D
Thank you people!
As for commission - the reason why it's so steep at the moment is because my cards haven't been on the market at all... therefore it's a huge risk to take to strike up deals as if they flop... they're in the poo poo! :)
I'm going to call up Maggy in the next 20mins and speak through some details with her - I remember when discussing monies prior she said that it would only be a 6 month - a year contract I would be drawn into so after that we could re-negotiate figures if my cards were to do supremely well!
For such a large cut and a much more of a mahooooooooosive chance to get into the industry limelight... then I'm willing to sacrifice that amount for a few months :)
*very excited* tis all good news :D
In the art world London based galleries take 50% and the gallery I work with in Liverpool takes 40%. It does sound bad but its fairly normal so you're not getting screwed or anything. Best of luck with it :)
Thanks petemc! :D
Just spoken to Maggy and I have to do as she's said pdf wise and also plonk together a bit about who I am, the ethos behind the works and so on and thheeeeeeen... she's going to send them off to a load of companies. She will also plonk them in another portfolio and take them to a number of exhibitions (book exhibitions and art and design) and see what interest is generated. Already one or two companies have asked to see my work though which is kinda nice!
Overall though... she didn't sound very positive (as in... she was very much "I don't know whether this will take off or not as it's a hard industry to get into" plus she thinks it's very bubblegum-esque) but all the same she's going to try. I don't know if that's speel or what but I am going to take it as proper because there's no use getting massive amounts of hope up on something that mightn't happen! Just glad I have more of a fighting chance now!
I mightn't hear from her for a couple of weeks though as she is bogged down but as soon as anything does come through she will let me know straight away.
So YAY but *nervous*. Hoping it works so much. Worth a shot really :D
I'd be wary of her if she was just like "This is great, fantastic and I'll get back to you." It sounds like she's being a bit more honest. As you say, worth a shot :)
Well it is good news. It's not an industry I know about, but purely looking in it seemed high. Granted to get the visability yeah its worth it.
Sounds very promising :) No idea what a good/bad commision rate is, but I'm sure you'll check it thoroughly before signing anything!
Hello!
Well firstly, BIG SPANK YOU to the Desmo for his help with PDFing and FTPing and things :D As well as the Jasper and Belmit for helping with wording and such (though brain finally fizzled in the end so God knows what I've done now!) I think we've quite established I'm in debt to many people on here already and I'm about to put myself into more!
Would people be so kind as to have a peek at my which Maggy has asked for and just check it over!?
The writing bit... I've played around a few times with it now but seem to be getting no further with it and have gone past the stage of being able to see my own errors!
Comments and any ideas for changes would be MUCHLY appreciated!
Fankoo and wubs to the people xxx
My poodfff (http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/AKOF%20Samples(2).pdf) :D
IT IS BRILLIANT!!! At the moment we are tendering our design agency and this just woke me up! I wish they would take a leaf out of your book!
One thing I was going to suggest earlier - wouldn't it be better to add the copyright text across the images as a watermark like gettyimages do? As people can still cut/paste these? :( Or did you think of that, but it would ruin the impact of the piccies?
I LOVE the fact that you have now immortalised me as 26 :D that has totally cheered me up!!! THANK YOU honey!
BB x
Looks absolutely fab hunny :)
At 23, a man of few words is I.
oh yes :) The ages - they may have been altered due to giving more of a range of ages :p ;)
Well it's Desmo to thank for the layout. He's the design genius. I just supplied the pics and the box and he plonked it all together!
Does it read alright though? That's my main concern!
better than your Spoken English. \:D/
How about a title... 'How it all began...' or something?
Wouldn't use 'doodles' as most of the wording has been quite businesslike and it reads a bit random to chuck in that one... ?
"interact with games and other such activities..."?
I am still at work so have my 'harsh executive' head on... so apols for comments :p
What were your thoughts on the watermarking? Do you think it would be ok not to go with this? Who will you be sending this to - are they trustworthy?
Well done you both! :D
BB x
Oh yes! Watermarking!
I did watermark my images and they looked super dooper poo. I know they can be copied but at least they won't be of superb quality and it does have the copyright note on it as a deterrant.
It's going to be sent to potential publishers and clients. All my work to date has been fully copyrighted so if any numpty rips it I will have them for it! Big time!
Fankoo for the correction of the wording - I need proper proper criticism though as this is going to be mahoosively important!
As for doodles... I didn't know what else to put (other than "sketches" with I've already put in a few times). Plus I don't draw or anything as such... I quite literally doodle! *need help thinking up a better word!*
Man I've stared at the screen too long. Got myself a glass of wine and going to have me a bath now to reeeeeeelax!
Fankoo for your help peoples :D
I cant imagine Mei being a harsh executive...at least - not without conjuring up disrespectful mental images.... :eek:
Very nicely done :D
Well done both of you for creating such an appealing package :)
Looks fantastic :D Not just saying that :) My suspicious nature agrees with Mei, would be best to put a (subtle) watermark across the pics.
I cant imagine Mei being a harsh executive...at least - not without conjuring up disrespectful mental images.... :eek:
NEVER call me before 10am... ESPECIALLY on a Monday.
You will feel the wrath! :evil:
:D
BB x
Going to look into how-to-do-the-digital-watermarky-thingy tonight!
Big spanking you for that though Lozza! *mwah* :D
Looked into the digital watermarking thingy ma bob and it all costs muchly or requires you to change your pictures to a certain format (which is poo).
Decided after lots of umming and arring to not worry. (doonn't woorrry bee haapppy!) I have all the copyright gumph here and will sue BIG TIME if someone rips them so yeh! :D
After much revision of the poodf and things (sowwy and FANKOO to Desmo)... I have just sent it all off. I've also sent back an email confirming that I am happy with her terms and conditions.
*nervous*
Will give Maggy a call about it tomorrow or Wednesday to see what she reckons.
Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
*excited*
*nervous*
*EXCITED*
Man. I hope this works. If it doesn't I will be gutted.
The Response :D
Thanks Clare,
This is perfect!!
I will keep you updated. In the meantime, please be aware that I am away Easter week on holiday and then at the Bologna children’s book fair first week April. I will be back in the office properly on April 3rd. I will send your KOF ideas through to the Irish mobile company before I go and see what they say. All other activity will happen after I get back. I will also take the ideas to the London Book Fair 14/15 April.
All the best,
Maggy
\o/
Oooh it all sounds so exciting :D
Sounds good :) Fingers crossed :)
Hi Clare,
Many thanks for your interest in Urban Graphic and your kind words!
I can see why your ‘Kettle of Fish’ has had a good reception –it definitely hits the right notes for the card market; it’s sweet, colourful, well executed and the copy/ideas are spot on. The main problem is that the artwork is just soooo close to ‘Bang on the Door’ that it would be difficult for us to go anywhere near it. We try to avoid stepping on other publishers toes at all costs and whilst I’m sure everything you do IS your own ideas, we like to stay well clear of crossing into other people’s territory as an established publisher.
Your happy-go-lucky style is great tho, it’s probably a little sweet for urban graphic to be honest but I’m sure it has great sales potential and a bright future. You seem already to have started something with your site – have you considered publishing yourself? It’s worth trying other publishers anyway, but that’s how Urban Graphic started with ‘Scrawl’. You just need enough interest to prove to yourself and potential buyers you’ve got something they need.
Let us know if we can help in any other way. All the best with it!
GAvin
:(
*awaits similar response from the Really Good company*
Sucks. I really love Urban Graphics too. What they're saying is 100% true though.
:(
Am feeling really poo now :(
:(
Pheebs, you're reading too many negative things in there when it actually contains a lot of positive things. Not every card company is going to take you on....but you already know that. You can't take this first knockback as a negative thing....it was almost certain to happen. Let's face it, if the first company apporached takes on your cards that would be VERY lucky really. So, just look at the positive things from that note :)
Remember JK Rowling, how many people turned her down! And the Beatles! It's a cut-throat business, try not to take it personally (after all, they don't know YOU!), don't let it dent your confidence and crack on. I am 150% confident you WILL sell a gazillion cards and end up having to buy all us girlies our rabbits ;) xx
It's just a knock from a company I heart muchly :) I will beaver on don't you worry but booooooooooo. Made me sad. Which Made me eat chocolate. Which is baaaaaaaaaad!
And I know it's similar to BOTD... but it's a different humour altogether I think.
Not to worry :)
*fankoo for your support*
And I know it's similar to BOTD... but it's a different humour altogether I think.
I think the humour is notably different, it's just the drawing style which is similar.
However, I think that can be taken a positive thing, those cards are very popular but have been around a while, your style is a breath of fresh air on a proven popular 'genre' and there will be a publisher out there who will jump at the chance to take it on.
Just a little update!
Currently waiting to hear back from Maggy about what's happened in the past few weeks. I have sent over a load of recent requests I have done to her and also a linky to the webby now it;s been updated so yeh... will be interesting to hear what they have to say.
Still no news from The Really Good Card Company :( Boo! *waits patiently*
I am now bored of being patient though... so... I am going on a little venture :D With all this apprentice gumph on TV I have been inspired to sell my little socks off to everyone and everything! I am going to book myself a stall in town (get it over the bank holiday weekends) and FLOG FLOG FLOG uber amounts of cards!
For production costs and envelopes and wallets, each card comes to £0.35. I plan on selling them to begin with at around £1.50 - £2.00 (I will judge the public while I am there). I also think I am going to start charging for requests (don't worry - people who have asked on here get some BD loving still and thus tis free-age :D)
This does mean, however, that I will have to change the website :( I know the request page is planned to be changed anyhow but booo :( Silly me for not forward planning (or rather not expecting such a volume of interest from such small communities).
I don't know if it will work so want your thoughts. If I have a stall and a number of the requests up and about as posters, I figured I could have a form which people fill in for a request and then charge them for it. Price wise... I'm not sure yet. Picky thinks £3 - £4 per request (if cheaper I could get inundated with requests see).
Problems are, I don't know whether people would be willing to pay upfront for something they do not yet have/can't see. I would either have to email them their design when it's done or send them a poster/card of one.
What do you think I should do? Would you guys willing pay some random on a stall in town to draw a design you have not yet seen? If so, how much? I'm unconvinced at the moment...
Any way... that's it in a nutshell. Been bartering with the printing companies and struck up a couple of deals which I plan to knock down more this thursday when I see them by offering free advertising to them on my stall. I am very excited yet very nervous! Can't wait to get out there though and see peoples reactions :D
goldilocks
22-04-2008, 18:15
pheebs - i'm sure you won't struggle getting money up front. £4 is hardly a lot for a custom piece of art - even if they hated it (which is more than unlikely - it's impossible) i don't think anyone would grumble for that price!
and i'm sure you'll have no problem with the selling adventures - i wish you both luck and sunshine!
Sounds like a brill idea Pheebs, and if I was nearish to you then I'd come along and help you. Make sure you get some custom t-shirts made to pimp your stall :D
If it was one of your designs, I'd happily give you the cash up front! You should set up some boards showing examples of ones you've done already along with the brief you were given and then the customer comment afterwards. I'm sure people would at least take away business cards and then give you a call when they needed something. I think it's a fantastic idea and reckon you could certainly get more than £4 per design. Make sure you give them a finished product though rather than the design itself or they'll just go off and print loads of them. Remember - photographers never give away their negatives!
Don't forget - we're coming into Wedding season too. So make sure you get a few Wedding/Engagement cards printed :)
Blackstar
23-04-2008, 02:03
I paid £4 to get passport pictures taken the other day £4! So £4 for a custom piece of art is nothing at all, I'd pay more than that.
Wow. Thanks Ladies... I didn't think it would work at such a high price... which evidently isn't that high!
The idea was mainly the Pickers :) He's a clever chap you know :D *gives him the credit*
Will have a play - look into how much mini posters would cost to produce (do some blagging at the printers tomorrow) and other such stuff.
As for wedding cards - was top of my list ;) Great minds eh?
*excited* a very VERY Busy day today for me. Very.
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!
MarcLister
23-04-2008, 17:32
After seeing your work I would expect to pay at least around around a tenner for a personalised imageI would have no qualms paying £10 for work of this outstanding quality.
It's just brilliant! :D
MarcLister
23-04-2008, 18:07
Thankyou, but what about Pheebs pictures?? ;D£4.99 tops. ;D
I've seen people selling their photos for 50p online. You can't even buy a can of coke for 50p now days. I'd value my work slightly higher than a can of coke or a happy meal. You should too. £10 is a good price. Thats 2 magazines really.
£10.00! Woah.... I think us southerners might be cheap skates! Hehehehe!
I am sorting out muchos today - visiting print company and things. Oooh yeh, found out the stall actually costs £16 per day (£75 per week), which includes a 2.5m x 2.5m canopy and area on fore street. No table or nowt (I'm sure I can find one somewhere).... but yeh. Sounds good. I need to be trained on how to put it up though (god help me... It will end up looking like some obscure sculpture!).
If I can get my cards printed in the next few days then I will try and find some money for the insurance (currently looking behind the sofa cushions seems like a good option ;)) and set up a stall in the coming 2 weeks!
Will take looooooooaaaaaaads of pics when it's all happening!
Fanking you for your advice and helparoo and support! :D
Ikea do good tables for £15 if you need one.
Maggy is the ill one :( Poor lil lady. So waiting to hear from her next week now!
Print company wise - these guys rocked. I managed to barter down a little bit but they wouldn't budge by much. Drawing up the figures now I am and figuring out what I need to move forward! Proofs will be ready on Tuesday though! YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY! :D :D
I've decided to do custom Posters (or posters of designs already made) instead of cards. I just don't think custom cards would sell (unless of course they were for an occassion - like a birthday party or something). Price wise, I am waiting to hear back from the print company how much an A3 poster would set me back and ten figure out from there whether it's worth it or what.
All good though!
*is excited* :D
I think the posters are a much better idea. You could even do nice A4 print ones, or print size like 10x8 so people can easily buy a frame for them. As an example I sell my A3 prints at £50 mounted and unframed. They do sell. They don't sell by the truckload, but they sell.
I think the posters are a much better idea. You could even do nice A4 print ones, or print size like 10x8 so people can easily buy a frame for them. As an example I sell my A3 prints at £50 mounted and unframed. They do sell. They don't sell by the truckload, but they sell.
Coolio! :D
Well I think my posters will be muchos cheaper! ;D Afterall, they're stickmen, hardly a genius photo from a dude who has his own book :p
Haha :p Don't sell yourself short though. Easily £25 for custom A3. The cards were about 6x4 size for £10? A3 is a lot bigger so easily £25-30. Its an original one off signed by you.
I really don't think they would sell at that price though.... I think I will have to judge it when I am selling.
Will go look at the local market soon and see what's about and things :)
Knipples
24-04-2008, 17:22
You do me my pic and I would happily pay to have a larger sized one for my very ownsome.
Plus im the type who would love to have that sort of design on a tshirt I could proudly wear.
LeperousDust
24-04-2008, 18:00
Wow this all sounds excellent pheebs! Tbh i wouldn't think twice about paying you £5 for a custom personality based piece of art, and i'm a pikey student (can't stress the pikey enough!). I'd say £10 would be probably above what i'm prepared to pay which means i think you'd be hitting the right market, making more money but keeping requests to a minimum. But you'd have to make sure people know of you, you'd need to get your name right out there. We're willing to pay because we know of you and how good you are, other people dont, and wont be convinced so easily! If you're charging for posters i'd be interested though, i need something on my wall and i'd rather it was different! :D
Cool cool! Well it depends on how much it costs to make a poster - I've been looking around on the webby and most of them say at least a fiver! *eak*
Hoping these dudes who are doing my cards will set me up with a 1337 deal.
You've just reminded me of students. My main market. Will give the Uni a call next week and see whether I would be able to set up a stall anywhere on their campus sometime soon. Their shop won't take any at the moment as it's teeny and the rest of the stuff they take through NUS people.
Which, I need to talk to Maggy about. If she hasn't chased them then I am going to. I hate waiting for other people to do stuff for me!
Oh and just found out I may be advertised in the local newspaper this week :D HUZZAH!
I forgot!
Memory like a goldfish! ;D
But I remember now! You said it just up there *points* /\
*wubs*!
Good stuff happening:
My Proofs came and they looked fab (though so wish they were lithographic prints but I canny afford that - especially not knowing what's going to sell and what's not!) I have changed a number of them and resubmitted for a second lot of proofs but by next Friday, all going well, I should have my designs properly printed! \o/
Which means by the following weekend I will have a stall in town and will be sell sell selling me stuff! :D
Maggy still hasn't been in contact though - and I know she's ill I just am beginning to itch a bit. I so need to get out there and get into places to pitch - I know I can gain business - I just know it. I just need the opportunity.
So. I have emailed her today with updates and enquiring about a number of companies and plan on contacting them myself next week. I have to be patient about going to independent stores as I need my prints completed prior to attacking them.
I am so so busy... and yet feel like I'm getting no where. It's so infuriating. I just... want this so so much.
*sigh*
Give me two weeks. TWO WEEKS and things WILL be happening as I am going to make them work. Like it or lump it.
*plugs up patiences for another week*
Bah.
Oh yeh... anyone think they're able to flog any of the following cards at schools/work places/fairs ... then give me a prod and I will order up a batch for you (though at the moment it will probably be a two week wait whilst I figure out pricing for sure)
Current prices stand at £1.50 (though will most likely change soon)
Cards to print at the moment (all 150mm x 150mm)
Lights Make Me Go Pretty:
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/1.png
A Proper Chocolate Bar:
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/2.png
Chocs Are Yummy:
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/3.png
Birthday - Legless:
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/4.png
Bottoms Up:
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/5.png
Feeling Rubbish:
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/6.png
Happiness:
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/7.png
Hoorah:
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/8.png
Uh Nuh:
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/9.png
I Wish I Could:
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/10.png
Aannnnnd....
Raghr:
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/11.png
Uh Nuh:
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/12.png
Wedding:
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/13.png
I Like You - Ginger
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/14.png
Box of Love:
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/15.png
BSOD:
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/16.png
Mmm Pi:
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/17.png
Nerd Stud:
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/18.png
Cabbage Power:
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/19.png
Zombie:
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/20.png
:)
Awwww they are BRILLIANT!!! :D
I would buy all your cards... but not more than £5 for a poster sorry :(
I think thats how much they are about in Zavvi.
BB x
Knipples
02-05-2008, 18:11
Pheebs, I seriously want some.
Where do I sign?
MarcLister
02-05-2008, 20:07
Pheebs any chance of putting those taster pics on your site or something? I'd show my mates and see what they think. :D
Blackstar
02-05-2008, 21:48
They are brilliant Pheebs, i agree with BB i wouldn't pay more than £5 for an off the rail poster mainly because that is the going price, obviously if it was a personalised one i would though.
I loooooove your cards so much the rock:D
goldilocks
03-05-2008, 18:27
there was an AKOF advert in my dream last night - weird!
I loooooove your cards so much the rock:D
http://www.celebrityvalues.com/images/the_rock_300.jpg
Taster ones on site is not possible I don't think as they will squish up :( I will see what I can do...
Saw second lot of proofs this afternoon and they're good to go! SO! I should have my cards printed and with me by Friday! :D
I have bought my traders license too - though this may not come for another 2 weeks :( Booooooooooo!
If I can get everything here by this weekend I am selling... this weekend :D
I think I will set up a webby at some point too so peoples can purchase them online... though one step at a time really ;)
*wubs for all the support*
*is excited*
Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
Awesome. Those cards look bloody brilliant.
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/9.png
I so want one of those. If you have one going spare, can you send it my way? Obviously I'll send you monies for it.
Sure thing! I will let you know when I get the cards and envelopes and thingymabobs! Will need your address :D
Yay! I'll email you my address. Just let me know how much monies you be needing :)
Okie pokerly!
You may be my first customer! :D \o/
Oh yes! Question peoples... please put businesses heads on!
Selling wise. I know some of you have said £1.50 is too cheap, but it is marked up by 3 and VERY competitive and will virtually guarantee sales. This is good for a number of reasons, but main ones being
a) My name will start getting about! Huzzah! Which means a bigger fan base! Huzzah! Which means more sales! Huzzah!
b) I will be able to figure out what sells well what doesn't.
c) I can change the price whenever - at £1.50 I will still be making a profit per card.
So. £1.50 it is for the moment - previous market research suggests this is goood!
Stall wise. I will be trying it out at a car booty sale place one Sunday. The stall costs a tenner and it's open from 6:45am til 12.45pm. Not long, very restricted consumers, but there are no other stalls there selling cards so really I have a monopoly. Also if I don't break even I have basically advertised my cards for a tenner.
This is where I am confused though. Do I take it up a grade and buy myself a trade stand in Exeter at their Summer Arts and Crafts fair running in June for 4 weeks (every Saturday).
Client wise - there will be everyone who goes shopping - so a larger market.
Cost implications though... £45 for a stall (2.5m x 2.5m, table included) a day. So £180 for the 4 weeks (though you can go one week only and I think if you go for all four you get a 10% discount leaving the price at £162 for the four weeks) Lets say the cost of producing a final wrapped and packed card is 50p (it's less than this) and I am selling at £1.50, I would need to sell 45 cards each Saturday to break even.
Picky thinks it's too much to pay out and too big to start with (it's 4 weeks away... I'm hoping to have tackled a few bootys by that point and maybe a stall in town over the half term). I think it's worth it though. My thoughts - even if I don't break even then I still have advertised very cheaply to a huuuuuge number of people. I can also use it as market research and welly when speaking with potential clients/publishers.
Now bare in mind I have minimum amount of monies at the moment... what are your thoughts on this? Should I go for the stall or hang fire for a while?
I'm fed up of hanging fire and am worried that this will make me do stuff too quickly leaving me under prepared and looking silly.
If you can be prepared to have enough cards for the stall, then I say go for it. Advertising gets CRAZY expensive and actually getting out there and getting your cards sold and sent to people is the best marketing I can think of.
OOH or make badges for everyone to wear. That would rock. Or stickers. And then stick them on bus stops and street lamps and...other things.
I got carried away with random ideas, sorry.
The stand sounds good.
Actually, the stickers thing could be a good idea...
Draw up a little dude holding a sign with your URL on it, order a few hundred stickers and just stick them around everywhere. People will see, look at the site and then maybe remember it or mention it to friends etc.
Kell_ee001
07-05-2008, 21:37
I LOVE the sticker idea :D Send me some and I'll do a tour of bus stops etc to put them up round here quite happily!
As for the stall, I say see how Sunday goes with a small base of customers and then follow your heart about the biggy :)
SidewinderINC
07-05-2008, 21:58
I LOVE the sticker idea :D Send me some and I'll do a tour of bus stops etc to put them up round here quite happily!
As for the stall, I say see how Sunday goes with a small base of customers and then follow your heart about the biggy :)
Could that not fall foul of the law sticking things around like that?
Kell_ee001
07-05-2008, 22:28
Only if they caught me? :huh: ;D
SidewinderINC
07-05-2008, 22:39
Only if they caught me? :huh: ;D
Well natch you'd only get into trouble if you got caught :p
IAHVE C ARD II HAVE MYE CARD IHAVE MNY CARD IA HVAVE MY WAAAAAAAAARDS!
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAY
YAYA YAY YA YAYY YYAY YA YYA YAYYYAYY YAYAYAYAYYAYAYAY!
Go to the gym, get back, and THERE THEY ARE!
They look absolutely flipping AWESOME! Seriously! So SO SO Awesome!
I still haven't had my envelopes or cello bags through.... that will be the cherry! OH MY GOD! I am SO EXCITED! THis is GOING to work! No doubt about it! I Really Believe so!
YaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY
*pop*
THey're in a box!
OMG they're SUPERB!
I will wait to post when I have them wrapped packed and displayed :D Cos then they will look the doggies danglies!
Where is Maggy in all of this? I'm calling her, I canny be bothered to hang around any more!
OOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooooH YEH!
I'm still excited.
I feel so so sick. I think I've got over excited.
Boo.
BUT YAYAYAYAYAYAYYAYAYAYAYYAYAYAYAYAY!
Spoken to Maggy - she was SUPER apologetic for not getting back to me bless her. She had news from the Irish Company saying the cards were PERFECT.... however... she wants to take them to a different company first! I was like... WHAAAaaaaaaaAA! That's a potential client! But still, she knows best and is thinking bigger so I will wait and see.
Spoken to Really Good too and they're wanting me to send through some actual cards.
*feels sick again*
Am so excited and really REALLY shouldn't be because it means nothing as of yet.
OH yes.
Also spoken with NUS and have just emailed them reference trade enquiries and am eagerly awaiting for them to get back to me so I can get the ball rolling there.
*feels sick still*
It's like Christmas here! This is the BEST house to be in at the moment :D
Oh yes and they've sent me loads more cards than they should have... I've looked at the delivery note and it specifically says "20 kinds @ 15 of Each in 1 box"... but i have about 26 of each design?
*awaits invoice*
I think I'm gonna have to eat something. I'm shaking a bit. Best do that.
OMG ITS AMAZING THEY RULE!
Sounds brill Pheebs :D
My only suggestion would be to get the details about the Irish company so, if you need to, you can contact them yourself
That's brilliant Pheebles :D
Sometimes printers print a few more copies to cover themselves... i.e if the print hasn't dried properly they can take those out of the order and put the overprints in their place :)
Obviously in your place they all printed and dried well :) so hopefully they shouldn't charge you - fingers crossed!
Also (think I said this elsewhere) when and if you get T shirts/vests printed, I would gladly buy one and be a walking sandwich board for you - brilliant for exposure if lots of us around the country did this :)
BB x
MarcLister
08-05-2008, 14:52
Also (think I said this elsewhere) when and if you get T shirts/vests printed, I would gladly buy one and be a walking sandwich board for you - brilliant for exposure if lots of us around the country did this :)
BB xI WOULD do this. :)
I WOULD do this. :)
actually, I would too. AND i'd wear it in another country:-D
MarcLister
08-05-2008, 15:15
actually, I would too. AND i'd wear it in another country:-D:shocked: Pheebs' international sales rep? :shocked:
:shocked: Pheebs' international sales rep? :shocked:
I'm off to Africa at the end of the month. I could see how well the cards would sell in the Kruger National Park :)
MarcLister
08-05-2008, 15:22
I'm off to Africa at the end of the month. I could see how well the cards would sell in the Kruger National Park :):D
Nice one, sounds like it's all coming together :D
As for pricing, how about "special introductory price" at £1.50, and if they sell stupidly quickly, up it to £2, if not, keep them at the £1.50 and ditch the introductory price tag? :)
Pheebs, if the delivery note states how many there are, then the invocie shouldn't be for more. Hopefully you have some freebies!!
Don't forget that you have to include your overheads (stall costs etc) in the price of your cards, as that's your only income. So when you say they are marked up by 3 times, is that just to cost of the card or have you accounted for the stall rent and other things? That's why cards are generally more expensive as they don't just absorb the cost of their raw materials, they have to absorb overheads too.
I'd pay for AND wear a t-shirt designed by Pheebles as advertising *nods*
Keeping everything well and truly crossed for the car boot and the other companies who are looking at your cards :)
Yup, I have covered overheads and eeeeeevvvvvvvvvvverything!
*has been bartering to get everything SUPERB quality but uber cheap!*
Special starter offer sounds goooooooood! I like the idea nutcase :D
Tshirt wise... it's still really expensive to have a full colour printed tshirt - unless I buy bulk! Or... unless people can find a webby that prints onto tshirt full colours cheaply! I cannot seem to find them where they're under a tenner :( Booooooo!
I'm convinced they mucked up on producing the cards - checked emails and it specifically says 20 designs, 15 of each - 300 in total! :D
*waits patiently car envelopes and cello bags!*
Yay!
Knipples
08-05-2008, 17:38
Sounds fab Pheebs, im so pleased for you!
And I would seriously buy some cards off you and a tshirt!
Kell_ee001
08-05-2008, 19:26
Tshirt wise... it's still really expensive to have a full colour printed tshirt - unless I buy bulk! Or... unless people can find a webby that prints onto tshirt full colours cheaply! I cannot seem to find them where they're under a tenner :( Booooooo!
I can't remember, was it in Piggys old job we got the girlie meet tee's done?
Yeah I think it was Piggy's old old job :)
If no contacts there, I can get a quote off of my supplier..obviously higher volumes = better prices.
I will pitch for you get good price ya ;) one can only try! :D glad everyone is buying into the sandwich board idea! :D hope the stall goes brilliantly sweets :)
Yay!
BB x
Printed Tee's has just been discussed amongst another group I'm a member of and the following three came up:
http://www.tshirtstudio.com/
http://www.teeshirtnation.com/index.asp
http://www.logoprintuk.com/site/
You should be able to get quotes off those three. The first two are ones folks have used before, the third one is a customer of one of the guys in the group (his company provide their hosting and stuff)
Piggymon
09-05-2008, 07:32
Yeah I think it was Piggy's old old job :)
If no contacts there, I can get a quote off of my supplier..obviously higher volumes = better prices.
I will pitch for you get good price ya ;) one can only try! :D glad everyone is buying into the sandwich board idea! :D hope the stall goes brilliantly sweets :)
Yay!
BB x
*nods* :)
You'd have to get a litho print done as it's full colour, can't remember the costs but you would need to do at least 50 of each design ( I think... been a while ! ) they can also source the t-shirts, apply the print and bag/tag for you.
They do all of the Paul Smith t-shirts... You can also add glitter into the print \o/
http://www.targettransfers.com/custom.htm
:)
See now, I don't think it's worth it then. I don't know what designs would sell, nor what sizes and I have very little money now (I have spent up to my allowance on AKOF now... I want to start bringing some back in before I purchase bulk loads of goods I could end up being stuck with!)
I've always liked the idea of tshirts, as well as mugs, notebooks, badges, stickers etc... but I can't afford that risk. I've taken a big enough one to get to where I am today :)
In the future I will deffo look into those sites properly - so thank you kindly for digging them out :) For now though, I will just continue plugging my cards!
I found this:
http://www.streetshirts.co.uk/shop/extras.aspx?id=designer2
I can't check it out properly cos I don't have the most recent version of flash, but if it is what I think it is... (you upload a design and they print one offs) then I would be prepared to purchase a top from it with your design on :) obviously these will be more expensive, but if people want them enough it is an option :)
These obviously would be one off prototypes and not available for public purchases initially. ;)
However, obviously would need:
a) your permission to get done
b) suitable design (maybe one of the current designs with the webby on)
I really believe in you and think your cards are brilliant and think this is a great eyecatching idea and brilliant marketing for your site :) (if only in the first instance to get the card interest going!)
Obviously you hold the copyright and stuff... maybe my enthusiasm is because I just want one and am being a Princess ;) ... am sure others feel the same on here too.
Just thinking of alternative ways of doing things without you being out of pocket!
Although maybe we should wait till stock levels can support this level of Guerilla marketing? ;)
/work talk
BB x
Kell_ee001
09-05-2008, 13:20
I'd pay for a 1 off top with "focus" although if blonde could be changed to girl it would suit me better :o
lol :D You really want one don't you! Hehehehhee!
Well... how about I look into it :p
If people want a tshirt, email me at csouthern@akettleoffish.co.uk with a design you might like on it and size from the website above. If you're all willing to pay around £15 for a top to market for me, I will send out my permissions/organise a mass print off and see whether we can save some monies that way.
Look what you've started now :p ;)
GOOD NEWS people. Like... on the MASSIVe side of things.
Athena. I LOVE Athena. I am currently working at getting in with Really Good so I can be put into the Athena shops... but. Something occurred to me this morning.
Why am I trying to get in with all these publishers when I could theoretically publish myself?
*hmmmmm*
So, I rang up Athena and spoke to the buyer and within 5minutes he started asking me about prices... I was like "well erm eh I'm not sure - I just do the designing - but I can find out!" Talk about sound a complete and utter numpty. Anyway, 10minutes later he's interested.
:shocked:
He's asked me to send up my digital prints but wants to know pricing for lithographic prints (naturally - better quality). So yeh. I could.... COULD... be in shops soon!
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHoo oOO OO OOoOOHOHOHOHAHayya!
:D :D :D :D :D
There's only one miniscule problem at the moment.
Pricing.
Lithographic printing is generally much more expensive unless you're doing mega bulk.
Athena - they have 8 shops in the UK (I was shocked by this - I thought it was more) and generally buy in cards at 80p and sell them for £2.25. They will by a set of either 6, 10 or 12 of one design.
So. I need to produce the cards and envelopes and cello bags for way under 80p to be quids in. By lithography printing.
Looking at what _could_ happen:
They buy:
8 designs
10 of each
for all 8 of their shops
= 640 cards
at 80p per card
= £512
No to produce 640 cards by lithographic means... well... it's not going to happen. I will probably have to purchase somewhere between 3000 - 6000 cards and hope they come back.
At the moment... I'm guestimating prices will be at about £1250 for 3000 cards. I think I have overpriced... I hope I have overpriced... but yeh... that's 41p per card. Plus envelopes, cellobags = 44p per card. Postage works out as being 9p per card - so 53p. Which means a profit of 27p per card.
Not a lot.
I have overpriced everywhere though and hope hope hope when I get final figures they'll be muchly reduced.
Exciting though...
*fingers crossed* people! :D Everything is waiting for Monday price wise and then things are being sent as soon as I have envelopes and cello (which I anticipate being today/tomorrow/monday :D)
hAAAAAAAAAAAAa HAHAHAAAAAAA!
It's cheeeeeeeeap cheap cheeeeeeaper than expected!
BUT it means I will get a HUGE load of cards. As in... enormous. Like... 4000 - 8000!
*eak*
Looking at anywhere from 16p per card - 28p (depending on how many designs and what quantities of them)
Either way it's good. Means I will be able to come up with some top notch quotes!
*excited again* :D
MarcLister
09-05-2008, 16:18
Pheebles - I feel so sorry for your keyboard. ;D
I'd feel sorry for poor Desmo.
He's been getting me on MSN saying "how much do you think this is print wise, what about this, if this equals this then surely this is that, why doesn't that add up, is this silly, I'm confused - what's all this plate business, how bigs B3 sheets, what type of paper is this, what should I expect from that" etc etc.
ALL day. *edit* ALL YEAR *edit* ;)
I am so sorry Desmo but so so grateful for allowing me to "offload" ;D
Blackstar
09-05-2008, 16:44
I'd love an archaeologists dig old stuff tshirt personally, wouldn't mind paying £15 for one at all. :) I'll e-mail you now.
Sounds great :D
I'll see how well work pay me next week as I'd really like to help advertise your work and have a cool shirt :D
I'm convinced they mucked up on producing the cards - checked emails and it specifically says 20 designs, 15 of each - 300 in total! :D
All good printers will give you a few overs :)
I'd feel sorry for poor Desmo.
I do :p
Yay! \o/
:D
I would just like a generic image about the cards, or your opinion on the best card, whichever is better.
If you've got that much stock in I see would be good :D
Exciting times!
BB x
I want a Humphrey T shirt, definitely :)
If you do get some urls printed on sticky stuffs though, we'd be happy to put them on Humphrey. You can pay us for the advertising when you are rich ;)
I would love a Politically Correct Pirate tee :)
I would want a "focus" one... (that suggestion was mine, not garps....:-D) My dad would laugh so hard he cried, because for YEARS he kept telling me to focus...:-P
I have looked into Moonpig - it's interesting and someone I want to approach at some point... but the problem with Moonpig is that it's very catergorised. My work tends to be a little bit... random...
I will look into catering for it at some point but will focus on the locals first :D
I HAVE MY NATIONAL MARKET TRADER CERTIFICATE! I CAN NOW TRADE TO THE PUBLIC!
HoooooooooooooooooooooRAH!
*excited*
*very excited*
All I need now are my envelopes and cello bags. I am ITCHING to have these. Driving me nuts.
Davey_Pitch
13-05-2008, 13:29
Pheebs, would you be interested in me contacting our school shop to see if they'd want to sell the cards? I think a lot of them would go down really well in an all girls school :)
Davey P - I would love you to if that's possible! If they're interested I could send up samples for them to look at and then figure out a price with them so they make some dosh for the school too (as well as not over charge the kiddie winklies!)
Pheebs, would you be interested in me contacting our school shop to see if they'd want to sell the cards? I think a lot of them would go down really well in an all girls school :)
Thats a cool idea and I bet you are right, they would go down well... but I wonder if it's a bad idea to START selling the cards in an all girls school? Like if it would brand them as a solely teenage girl brand?
I could be wrong and maybe thats not even something to worry about. It just occurred to me that other people might think they were cards aimed at that population and then find them inappropriate for other folks...
I'm not in marketing though, so don't take my word for it:-)
Admiral Huddy
13-05-2008, 16:12
Maybe its some thing we could all do to help. There are a few local indepenent card shops in the area that could be intersted. Just provide a sales package and let us do the selling - just an idea.
The reward - knowing we helped the BD entrepreneur to her first 1M :D
I'm very much aware of where my designs go/what image they have. A friend of mine has just bought into a "couples" franchise (we're speaking Ann Summers styley) and offered to try and get my cards into their shops...
... I was very grateful for the offer but for obvious reasons turned it down :)
TBH, school wise I think it's great because they're small and although word will spread, it's not going to be substantial enough to set the image at one level. The more smaller places I get into the better really - it allows me to have a bit more welly when I go on to bigger shops :)
Independent stores ftw though. 100%
Need to contact NUS again this week - the chap I needed to speak to was away last week...
MarcLister
13-05-2008, 16:30
Need to contact NUS again this week - the chap I needed to speak to was away last week...He's from the NUS so he's away in a mental sense 100% of the time. :angry:
He's from the NUS so he's away in a mental sense 100% of the time. :angry:
:huh:
MarcLister
13-05-2008, 16:35
:huh:Useless organisation here at my Uni. Don't really see what they do that justifies their existence.
Buuuuuuuuuuuuut their shops tend to be genius and sell lots of cheap and fantastic cards :D :D :D
MarcLister
13-05-2008, 17:30
We don't have an NUS shop here I think.
And anyway they don't sell fantastic cards....yet. They aren't selling yours yet. ;)
Davey_Pitch
15-05-2008, 10:17
Davey P - I would love you to if that's possible! If they're interested I could send up samples for them to look at and then figure out a price with them so they make some dosh for the school too (as well as not over charge the kiddie winklies!)
I spoke to the woman today and she's happy to take a few cards (maybe 10 or so) to see whether they sell or not. The problem she said though is that she already sells cards and they go for around 50-75p, so whether your cards would sell at a higher price or not I don't know. I'm happy to pass some cards to her though and be the middle man if you want me to :)
I will have to get back to you Davey on that - if I have others buying in on my cards then I can possibly afford to sell them at a lower price (which will be much more suitable). If not, then with P&P and print pricing on a small batch it wouldn't be particularly economical!
Thanking you muchly though!
Just a quickie people - Drawn a "New Baby" card, but am concerned I haven't made this lil bubba look baby enough? Do I need to make it more obvious?
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/General-Baby.png
I led him down and it looked like he'd fallen over ;D
I will have another fiddle though!
MarcLister
15-05-2008, 19:01
Give it a nappy?
Knipples
16-05-2008, 07:57
I was gonna say pop a dummy in his or her mouth.
Or introduce a stork somehow?
Make it puke and **** everywhere :D
If he can sit and have a dummy that would probably be good. It's so cute, Pheebs!
:D :D :D
Hi Clare,
Just letting you know that I have had an afternoon of cold calling/emailing on your behalf. With the exception of the publishers (whom I have spoken with /met and am awaiting comments from), I have sent your work through cold to the following companies to get feedback:
Publishing: Boxtree (part of MacMillan); Ravette Books; I am seeing Express Publishing (as in the newspapers) tomorrow too….
Cards: WPL (cards and gifts); Half Moon Bay; Rainbow Cards; Paperhouse; Abacus Cards; Quitting Hollywood; Paper Rose; Valentine Marketing; Woodmansterne / Cardmix; Hallmark; Wishing Well; Portico; Pigment; Emotional Rescue; Greetz.co.uk (online print on demand looking for content – competitor to Moonpig)
I shall also be seeing American Greetings in New York at Licensing Show next month and will show them the imagery. Can I get an A4 presentation of all your card designs please for this trade show. If you can send me a disk with your powerpoint updated to show all available imagery in the way you segregate it on your website that would be great. I can then print and bind. Many thanks.
I will continue to contact more card publishers as I get through my list……..I am letting you know now because I’ve emailed them the KOF power point you sent and as that has your direct name and address they may contact you directly, so please be aware.
Let’s see what happens!? Exciting.
Cheers,
Maggy
:D :D :D
*excited*
Burble - I am sending your card off today so hopefully you'll get it in the next 24 hours!
And as for baby one I ended up with this:
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/General-Baby2.png
Thank you for all your feedback on it :D
I am contacting NUS again today, Athena would have received my cards and price list by now and a local independent shop in town will be looking at them this coming week :D
All's go go go go! :)
Kell_ee001
21-05-2008, 07:59
*sings "Go Pheebs! Go Pheebs! Go Pheebs!"* :D
Ladies and Gents - question for you!
You know I sent this Athena chap some designs and a price list last week... would it be unreasonable for me to call him up today and see whether he has received them/his thoughts? I don't want to come over as desperate if you know what I mean...
No, but how you phrase the question may be important. Some people may not respond well to seemingly being pushed (that's not to say that's what I think you're doing). Maybe ask him if he needs any more information from you?
leowyatt
22-05-2008, 13:28
I'd just call him to see if he'd received them that is all. Just explain you're calling people to check your stuff arrived as you've had trouble with post :)
THEY'RE GOING TO SELL MY CARDS! THEY'RE GOING TO SELL MY CARDS!
OMG
OMGOMGOMGOMGOmgomgoMGOMGOMGOMGOMBgomgogomogmgomg
OMG!
I cant type right nowe
OMG
WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
YAYAYyayAYYAYAyayAYAYYAYAYAYAYAYY*AYYAYAYYAYAYAWYY AYAIYIYAYAYAYYAYAYA¬!
HAhaaaaaaaaaaa HA!;D;D;D;D;D:D:D:D:D:D
Brilliant news Pheebles I am so so so pleased for you :)
MarcLister
22-05-2008, 14:40
I'd love to see how you react when you get some good news! :D
All my neighbours now know :D
OMG!
Ace. ACE ACE ACE.
Okay.
Calming down now.
Right.
Spoke to the chap and he's looking to place an order of x amount. I say x because I was concentrating so so SO very hard on not sounding like a completely over excited loon that I didn't quite understand fully what he wanted.
HOWEVER.
I've asked him to email me with quantities and what type of print and to list any card designs he specifically likes (he said he wants me to choose which ones they sell as I know which ones will be liked best). He's stated too that he will DEFINITELY be reordering as he knows they will sell like hotcakes (or words to that affect).
I am.... just... so so excited! And cannot stop refreshing my email! ;D
On the slightly downside, I heard some stuff from Maggy:
Hi Clare,
Athena sounds good – well done.
A4 presentation – basically I was thinking the same presentation which you sent me in the big presenter but in a manageable size and with your front cover explanation blurb too…..does this work? Otherwise I will leave it to you to choose, but I agree it needs to be capped.
No positive feedback yet I’m afraid on the cards. I’ve had two rejections from Portico (too close to something they already publish) and Half Moon Bay (too groovy and modern for their retro / classic styling).
Yesterday I showed it to Express Publications and the publishing manager liked the style but felt you needed to develop a storyline around individual characters (like Edward Monkton) for a gift book. So, for example, taking your chocolate card you could develop a book for choc lovers ie choc-a-holic character’s laconic sentiments and humourous take on the esteemed art of finding and eating chocolate. I thought it useful feedback.
Must dash….Cheers
Mags x
and also heard back from NUS
Dear Clare,
Thank you for your enquiry below. Unfortunately I'm afraid that we have just renewed our greeting cards tenders which started in May 2008 until April 2010 but we are looking to review our Clothing contract this summer and gifts/promotional items (which is a new contract area).
Please find attached our pre-qualifying questionnaire/covering letter, which explains in more details why this needs to be completed/Sound Sourcing Guide & Ethical Statements. This documents has to be completed by all new suppliers before being considered for our tender contract.
Please note: as part of our requirements All questions and relevant paperwork need to be returned otherwise your PQQ will be invalid.
Could you please complete and return the attached to myself along with full company/product details and samples if possible.
Please note unfortunately we cannot deal with companies that have not been trading for 3 years or more.
Kind regards
Nicola
Note the bold in the above - means they won't deal with me! Boo! Not to worry *pens in diary to contact them in 2 years 5months ;)
YAY!
:D
Thanking you people so far for support and help and advice! I am getting somewhere now! And much of my efforts and success is because of you guys :)
*hugs*
leowyatt
22-05-2008, 15:07
Great news pheebs :)
That's fantastic news Pheebs! I'm really pleased for you :)
TinkerBell
22-05-2008, 15:25
Congrats hun, I am super pleased for you! It is fantastic news and you should be so proud of your acheivements:D
FakeSnake
22-05-2008, 15:28
really, really pleased for you.. it can ONLY be onwards and UP wards for you now
glad I got the 1st batch purchased...
now all i need you to do is sign them all!!!!
Calm down dear. Its only a commercial... project ;) Congrats to thee. Awesome news :D
Soooooooooo happy for you :D *hugs*
No email yet!
*waits patiently some more*
Man. This is going to drive me bonkers!
Knipples
22-05-2008, 17:16
Pheebs, that is seriously fantastic news!!
Well done you.
xx
(dont know why I put kisses it just seemed like that sort of moment!)
I could upload the answerphone message I got, plus the sad little 'why aren't you answering your phone' I got at the end that immediately GUILTED me into sneaking out of my training session and ringing back ;D
Well done honey, I KNEW you could do it. We still on for our book then?? :D
Hehehehheehe I should imagine it would just be high pitched nonsense surely?! I don't remember what I said! You're more than welcome to upload it - could be a giggle! :D
Book for sure! You give me the story and I'll sort it! :D
Blackstar
22-05-2008, 19:02
:D YAY!
Davey_Pitch
23-05-2008, 14:06
Yay, excellent news Peebee, really really happy for you :D
Pumpkinstew
23-05-2008, 14:35
Great news. Well done.:)
I'm a bit off the pace as usual, but here's two thumbs up for you anyway.
:thumbsup::thumbsup:
That's fantastic news :D
Where's the nearest Athena to Chelmsford? Will they do a midnight launch like GTA IV? ;)
That's fantastic news :D
Where's the nearest Athena to Chelmsford? Will they do a midnight launch like GTA IV? ;)
I'm not sure where your nearest one would be :(
Will find out later for you!
And as for a midnight launch... I can always break into our local one if you'd like :D
Burble - I am sending your card off today so hopefully you'll get it in the next 24 hours!
No sign of it yet. The postal service here is disgustingly bad.
Excellent.
I know where to go looking for a card next time I need one :p (assuming there is still an Athena in West Quay here, I don't pay much attention any more)
There use to be an athena in cascades and I loved shopping there but it closed down :/
unfortunately not!
Arse :/
unfortunately not!
failcore :(
No sign of it yet. The postal service here is disgustingly bad.
Still nothing?! I'll post another one :) How beeezar!
*wubs*
Still no sign of it. Talking to one of my neighbours this morning he was moaning that he's not had any post for over a week. Thinking about it, neither have I!
We have a mortgage meeting at 12:15 so gonna whip it in the post on the way out of the door then :)
Having no post for a week is nooooooooot good news! We would be back logged to the high hills and back :D
Fingers crossed you'll get it this time round :D
Hey Pheebs fab news about Athena, the man has good taste!
Give me a nudge if you are in London for any more meetings and I will treat you to a celebratory lunch :)
PAPERCHASE....
PAPERCHASE WANT MY CARDS!
*speechless*
Only sensible thing I can think of is: Burble... I forgot to post your card last week, will DEFFO post it today (no sign of the other though?)
Paperchase...
:shocked:
Knipples
05-06-2008, 07:23
Yay well done girlie!
Wait wait wait... they've said they would be "very interested" and definitely "consider them"... but confirming terms and conditions...
I am figuring it all out at the moment... calculators tip tip tapping away and allsorts...
But by the sounds of things and how I read it they want them...
Congrats hun :) fingers crossed for it all getting sorted asap :)
TinkerBell
05-06-2008, 08:10
Burble... I forgot to post your card last week, will DEFFO post it today (no sign of the other though?)
That is great news about Paperchase:D
Paul is in South Africa at the moment, so your question won't be answered for a while:p
Fantastic news! Sounds positive and I hope the details all work out :)
I use the Paperchase at Victoria station a lot and I always think how well your cards would fit in - right kind of vibe but different enough from their other lines.
Awesome news Pheebs :D Hope the t&c's aren't too harsh and it all goes to plan :)
That's brilliant news :D
Me and my Mum are incredibly happy for you :D
PAPERCHASE....
PAPERCHASE WANT MY CARDS!
Excellent, I LOVE paperchase, awesome shop!
I shall have my eye out for your cards in there shortly :D
Well done!!
Thank you people!
The lady I need to speak to is actually out today but will contact her again tomorrow. Been speaking to a couple of people who supply them though and they have been GENIUS. Sheer genius.
It's getting exciting though.
May need some volunteer card folders and packers ;) :p
Oooh, sounds fantastic :D Fingers crossed :D
Only sensible thing I can think of is: Burble... I forgot to post your card last week, will DEFFO post it today (no sign of the other though?)
Still no sign of the other one. I got back from Africa yesterday had had oodles of post waiting for me but als no card.
Fantastic news about Paperchase! :D
That is brilliant news about Paperchase - fingers crossed :)
BB x
It arrived this morning and looks fab! Thanks Pheebles :)
Hooooooooorah! Finally! :D
Glad you like it!
I took all my cards to the church fair this weekend and thought I wouldn't sell many due to them not being very... well... churchy/old peopley!
Ended up selling about 45 in a couple of hours! Admittedly I was doing them super cheap buuuut I was the most expensive stall there so couldn't really push the prices much higher :)
All profits have gone to them though - but was nice to see what was popular! (two old dears... must have been mid 70's.... bought Blue Screen of Death!?!?! One did ask though what did "O/S" mean and then what did "IRQL" mean too... I was like "umm,... it's a nerdy thing!" Doh!) ;D
You need to do one more suited to them. 'Blue Rinse of Death' for example.
You need to do one more suited to them. 'Blue Rinse of Death' for example.
;D
Heeeeehehehehehee! Belmit makes me giggle lots ;D
Look look looky look look what I did yesterday!
My Store!!! (http://stores.ebay.co.uk/A-Kettle-of-Fish-Designs)
:D
I'm not sure whether it's worth it due to listing costs and having to renew them every 10 days, as well as monthly costs... but the first 30 days is free (other than listing prices) so figured I would give it a bash!
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay! :D
Still no news from the Paperchase! These people take *foooooooorever*!
*waits patiently*
Knipples
18-06-2008, 07:55
I just had a notification on FB to tell me this, so well done Pheebs.
(Now wheres my design :p )
Ah boo. I'll send you the couple that I did but didn't like! You'll see why I've avoided it thereafter :D
Just emailed the link to my Mum as she's been wanting to pimp it to her internet friends, so she can now :D
Just finished a card for Pickys second Cousin... and I like it lots and thought I'd share it with you!
I don't know Dylan very well, so I figured what would a 3 year old boy like and decided they'd like to be a Stupendous Space Rocket Dino Riding Hero!
I mean... who wouldn't?!!?
;D
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/dylansbirthday.png
It's the kind of thing I am hoping will attract personal orders (so people requesting custom party invitations/hen doo stuff/stag doo stuff etc!) :D
Ooh and still waiting on Paperchase! I've heard it takes fooooooorever but tried to call them today and the lady I need to speak to wasn't there... so will try chasing again tomorrow :)
*edit* ooerr I need to move around the writing on the card... it's a bit off!
I used the request doo-daa on your webby the other day :)
I've just seen it! Thought I checked it yester but must have not! Doh! I'll play with them today (though may need to catch you on MSN for one of them!)
*wubs*
Bit of an update:
Things have been hectic. Lots of chasing, lots of production of cards, assembling, drawing, website things etc. Mad.
However, things are good :)
How things are going from the business to business side:
Athena: I got on their case today and they're ordering tomorrow! Hooray!
Paperchase: Chased them yesterday and apparently they're doing their replan now. I've been shortlisted. It's all I know. Driving me nuts. SOOOO want it.
Really Good: Chased them again today. The main dude buyer is *always* out and yeh, I've now decided he's one of those people you just have to persist with until you get through. I will get through. Damnit.
Local Company - The Card Gallery: They're putting in their order at the end of the month/first week in August (which is an arse as I'm away, so will probably end up being mid August!)
Scribbler: Chased them again today, convo was bounced about a bit and although the guy didn't have the stuff in front of him he did say he didn't think it was something they will take on by memory. After some banter he's putting them through his boss - the only reason for not taking them on apparently is because their shops are too small to stock them. But we'll see. All in all I'm pretty sure it's a no.
Birthdays: Miserable response. They don't take on independent suppliers and would not give out a list of their suppliers. Happy people! (not!)
People I am waiting to hear from are: Asda (who I doubt will take on independent suppliers but fingers crossed) and Clintons.
So that's where I am! I'm developing some marketing ploys though and have a number of fairs to attend too so hopefully I can get my name out a bit more.
It will happen. It's just time, patience and persistence :)
And yes. Probably doesn't sound very exciting to you guys (it is for me - though equally frustrating) but thought I'd let you know! ;D
Oh yes and if anyone knows of any independent card type stores in their area/arty crafty places where you think my designs would fit, could you let me know their name and address! I will get on to them asap! :)
Matblack
02-07-2008, 16:38
Oh yes and if anyone knows of any independent card type stores in their area/arty crafty places where you think my designs would fit, could you let me know their name and address! I will get on to them asap! :)
Speak to these guys
http://www.fourblankwalls.co.uk/
MB
Hahahaha!
Just spoke with Asda and they normally deal through Hallmark supplier wise although they do take on independent suppliers too. Thing is... they generally only take on "larger" independent suppliers whose annual turnover is over a million!
So! Not quiiiiiite in that category yet ;D
Though she is really REALLY keen on them and does like them a lot - I have her email now too and she's been asked to be kept in the loop for possible future dealings as I grow.
Nice people. Nicer than Birthdays.
Hallmark though. Hmmm. Haven't attacked them yet (surprisingly). Will get onto them tomorrow. :)
Knipples
02-07-2008, 16:47
Oh yes and if anyone knows of any independent card type stores in their area/arty crafty places where you think my designs would fit, could you let me know their name and address! I will get on to them asap! :)
Oooooh me me!
I know of a couple!
Gimme a couple of days for me to get addresses etc!
*must stop overusing exclamation marks*
Oh yes and if anyone knows of any independent card type stores in their area/arty crafty places where you think my designs would fit, could you let me know their name and address! I will get on to them asap! :)
Think there's an indy in town, will take a look :)
Superb stuff people! Really need to establish a proper client base and then I have a bit more felxibility on the marketing side of things.
I need to attend trade fairs and the likes asap and they'll set me back at least a grand. :/
BUT. In the broad scheme of things it'll be worth it. If I can convince someone reputable that it's worth investing in me then all the better!
Most of the suppliers of smaller shops will go through a few agents, I know we used to use Hallmark, carteblanche, pineapple park and Noel Tatt as our 4 that we regularly stocked. (Local shop)
Not sure if you've talked to carte blanche as it's been a while since I last scanned this thread but it looks like they take on brands and have what looks like a good mission statement.
This reminds me... was talking to an old work colleague who still works at the Brighton Uni, I need to get the contact off of her.
BB x
Bit gobsmacked... just received a phonecall from Clinton Cards...
... the buyer *LOVES* the cards. She wants to see the actual cards. And she was discussing prices. And that she was trying to figure out their margin.
I have a meeting with them next Thursday
;D ;D ;D
Someone was listening to me somewhere. Someone.
*speechless*
Knipples
02-07-2008, 17:32
Absolutely FANDABYDOSEY!!!
Well done again girlie! Go you!
;D
Awesome news :D Soooooooooo happy for you :D
It could all go horribly wrong people and they might not want them afterall!
SOooOOOoo... yeh... my excitement is that I have a pitch and they love my cards.
I can't contemplate anything after that.
All I've wanted is a pitch. Give me a pitch and I will sell.
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!
TinkerBell
02-07-2008, 18:53
Woooo HOooooooo!!!! :D :D :D :D :D I am Soooo chuffed for you hun :D
Can't contain my excitement for you! W00000t!!1!1!
We have a Between the Lines in Alton and there's a few more in Hampshire, Surrey and Kent. Might be worth contacting them?
http://www.between.co.uk/
Piggymon
02-07-2008, 20:36
Excellent news ! :D
Card shop in town :
Deco
4 George Yard Shopping Centre
Braintree, CM7 1RB
01376 343385
2 shops in our small town that might be interested and a few indie ones in Norwich that I will get info from when I go in on Saturday :)
Blackstar
03-07-2008, 12:23
OMG! Amazing news Pheebs :)
Davey_Pitch
03-07-2008, 12:46
Awesome news Pheebs :D
Keeping everything crossed for you hun :)
Snuggle Ferret
23-07-2008, 13:25
Hey Pheebs, thanks for the prompt sending of the card. It was the wedding one; I got it this morning.
Hey Pheebs, thanks for the prompt sending of the card. It was the wedding one; I got it this morning.
I got that card too its fantastic :D
Ah-HA! I knew I recognised your name Snuggle! And I obviously recognised yours lommy (think I put snogs on it or something ;D)
Glad you both like it! :D
Yeah you put snogs on it. I'm such a lucky girl to have pheebee snogs :D lol
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/Requests/July2008/072308-Sam-BookWorm.png
:D
Just caught up with this, great news on Clinton cards :D That'll be a huge deal.
brilliant. I'd have known that was you if you weren't the one that posted that.
The original suggestion was "bookworm" but Pheeble was having a mental block with that so she took a different route on the "book" theme :)
I'm going to print it on A4 (at work when the manager isn't about) and put it on my library door :)
The original suggestion was "bookworm" but Pheeble was having a mental block with that so she took a different route on the "book" theme :)
I'm going to print it on A4 (at work when the manager isn't about) and put it on my library door :)
Yeh sorry it's not really very wormy :)
*doh*
Doing some more requests and things today... have to sort out my stuff for my stall too though. Bit manic! But all's good!
SidewinderINC
24-07-2008, 19:55
If any of my email makes no sense, I blame it on somebody leaving work today and me being in te pub since leaving.
Yup I am :D
I will let you know in the next month or two what they'll be and all :D
I finaly got it made! Thanks Pheebs its perfect! Going to wear it on the Friday for the Big Chill!!!
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c240/peatjg/tshirt2.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c240/peatjg/tshirt3.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c240/peatjg/tshirt.jpg
That is absolutely awesome!
Woweee looks brilliant! :D
which site did you use in the end - I wanna get mine done too :D
BB x
TinkerBell
28-07-2008, 20:31
That is Genius! Woooo :D something for the future :D
*looks forward to being able to purchase one*
Woweee looks brilliant! :D
which site did you use in the end - I wanna get mine done too :D
BB x
Spreadshirt I think, it lets you move stuff around (like the text on the back) more than others.
SidewinderINC
30-07-2008, 17:54
Pheebs, that card for my workmate is fantastic!
She's going to absolutely love it, and the other girls in the lab have seen it now and say it's fab!
Pheebs, that card for my workmate is fantastic!
She's going to absolutely love it, and the other girls in the lab have seen it now and say it's fab!
I'm just uploading the full sized one... one sec...
.....
.....
................ here yar!
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/Requests/July2008/073008-MattP-GoodLuckWithTheBabyBump.png
I have a bigger one this way too *fnar* if you need it! :) Tis simple but glad you like it!
Knipples
31-07-2008, 19:46
I want mine on a tshirt thankyou please!
Ive had it as my screen saver on my phone since you did it.
I know you werent mad keen on it Pheebs, but I love it!
Hello everyone, I am back by the way.....
;D
Hello knip
What did pheebs do you? i must have missed it.
Knipples
31-07-2008, 20:17
Heres the link to it that Pheebs sent me.
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/iftherewasafloodknipwouldbefine.png
Its because I like handbags, and pink (hence the name Knip - pink backwards) and I have 2 hamsters and 2 rabbits (hence the creatures in the handbag with me)
Seriously want this on a tshirt!
Awww I like it its good :D
SidewinderINC
31-07-2008, 20:51
two rabbits in front of you in that pic Knips!!! That's just greedy ;):p
Knipples
31-07-2008, 20:54
two rabbits in front of you in that pic Knips!!! That's just greedy ;):p
Sorry to shatter any illusions but they are real ones sadly. ;D
Murray and Dangerous, happily sat in their cage right now, back from their holiday to the petshop while I was away.
Mummy missed them too!
two rabbits in front of you in that pic Knips!!! That's just greedy ;):p
Why is that greedy? ;) :p I don't think it is lol
SidewinderINC
31-07-2008, 21:03
Why is that greedy? ;) :p I don't think it is lol
Well, it leaves little room for any extra :p
*ahem*
Well, it leaves little room for any extra :p
*ahem*
Who wants extra anyway lol :p
SidewinderINC
31-07-2008, 21:05
Who wants extra anyway lol :p
damn, foiled :p
Knipples
31-07-2008, 21:32
Honestly im back 24 hours and you perverts are at it already!
;) :D
Hey hey!
Bit of an update (though not much to report!) Waiting for trial dates with Clintons which is quite cool!
Been chasing a couple of big wigs too... some of which don't generally deal with small businesses buuut... they like the designs so fingers crossed they'll see it as a "risk" worth taking (there's no risk silly people! They will sell sell sell!)
Back on to catching up with requests! Paperchase have asked for some Mother's Day Card Samples of which one of them I sent waaas...
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/Seasonal-MothersDay-SuperMumx.png
(sorry about the smallness and writing in the background - I trust you guys but none of the blighters that can get onto here without registering ;))
As well as a couple of other requests, I've just done this... which I think was requested by Feeks son!
http://www.akettleoffish.co.uk/pheebsupload/BD/082408-David-DrWhoK9andTardis.png
He did ask for a "pimped up" tardis but I found myself giggling at the thought of K9 weeing on it instead... so may have to do another one if it's not liked! Boo!
So yeh. Slow progress. Gutted I missed out on the replans (they *generally* happen in February each year unbeknown to me - I started pitching in March/April). Not to worry! It will happen eventually!
TinkerBell
26-08-2008, 11:49
Wooooo, you know I loved that Mother's day card. It is absolutely bloody AWESOME! I want it!!
You are doing REALLY well hun, you should be really chuffed *Fingers crossed for you*
Is there any chance that I can buy some cards off you? Meant to ask a while ago but forgot!! :p
Oooh they're great :D I love the attention to detail :)
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