I've been making bunting from vintage children book pages for a while now and quietly selling them in our shop. I haven't seen the idea elsewhere but knowing what this online world is like, it's more than likely someone else makes something kinda the same too. And if not, here's my idea - and go forth and copy it, because that's what happens in this ole world. We share, we inspire and then we rip off. Yes I am feeling cynical today. : ) By "we" I mean people not specifially "us". BUT seeing as this is my 200th blog post, who would have thought I could manage that. So if you help me out with an answer to a question, then one or two of you will randomly receive a paper bunting and / or other Arthur's Circus treats. It appears we have a lot of viewers to our online shop. So here is my question what does or doesn't make you buy something from it or perhaps other online shops? Is it the price, is it the postage or is it something else? What are you looking for when you look online? You can email us if you don't want the world to see, although I moderate comments so no one has to know. Oh and you could also buy our bunting here.
15 comments:
I have to be unable to get it anywhere else.And I have to be pretty confident that it will look that way in real life.The price doesn't matter if its special.The postage is just life isn't it?
You sound a bit fed up.I had major issues with another blogger earlier in the year.It took all my time up being angry and upset.It made me question sharing my creations in this place and I realised that she wasn't worth my energy.It passes.Have a lovely weekend : )
Well, I'm pretty sure that I already said this in a previous comment, but since you have now specifically asked...
The reason that I have only "window shopped" at your online store IS the shipping cost. I absolutely love everything about your store, from the merchandise to the presentation! You really do have great taste and style! And there are certainly MANY things in your shop that I would love to procure for my own collection. It's just that I live in the U.S. and can't justify/afford paying what it takes to get it here from Australia. I guess that I will just have to keep my fingers crossed for a surplus sale or bargain bin! In the meantime, I will continue to enjoy reading all of your blog posts...
I love your shop, but so far I haven't bought anything (yet). I think the prices you have are reasonable, but most things I really love aren't in my budget. I love how you photograph your shop, seeing how lovely everything is displayed inspires me when decorating my kids room.
Thankyou Clare, Anthony and Lisa, all I needed was one or two comments to feel better...I'm a little tired and yes fed up, trying to be a good parent and good shop keeper, but feeling that Arthur needs me more than I am available. It's hard to switch off from the shop and it's hard to switch off being a mum. And when you're doing something you enjoy yet not being paid for it as such, it can be a little confusing.
Hey, I live just around the corner from your shop and walking past to get my morning coffee brightens my day. Bought a birthday present for a friend from you guys and she totally loved it and will come back for a browse when I have another gift to buy.=)
As a mother of two small children - what leads me to shop online is the attraction of being able to shop toute seule in the evening hours, in peace and alone to browse the shelves of virtual shops. I have bought, and will continue to buy things from your shop as the visual stimuli are always compelling. Even when I have the luxury of shopping on my own, I like to know that there are places where I can go and where I know I can count on the authenticity and quality of the stock :o) Happy days - I suspect the ol GFC has a lot to do with slow times - who knows with catchy diseases around there may be a big swing away from the real shops and into the wonderful world of online shopping.
oh, just one more thing - vis-a-vis the mama work life balance. If it's any consolation I don't think there's any easy way to juggle that, I have a full time job this year and spend my whole life running from pillar to post never feeling like I'm giving anyone all of what they need or deserve, that's another motivator for a good online shop it's a little reward just for me :o)
Oh, I sure hope that you don't quit the shop! You really have a knack for it. I've never seen another online retailer quite like you, before! And judging from the actual store pics that you share, I can tell that you've really got talent for merchandising.
While I can understand your dilemma, I can only imagine what it's like to raise a child AND own/run a business! But it seems to me that you do have the ideal situation, being that you live right over the store. I think you've even shared some of the advantages that result from such an arrangement. I would think it's certainly better than if you worked away from home and had to put Arthur in daycare.
Sorry about the epic comment, I just thought you might like some extra unbiased input & support!
me too! I am an avid follower of your blog and admire EVERYTHING in your shop. Mainly when I shop online, I look for bargains to justify the shipping costs. Because I am in Melbourne, I would prefer to come in and see everything in person and browse and see what I would really like.
You have impeccable taste, but sometimes impeccable taste is out of my budget ;)
Don't get down and out! You guys are doing amazing things!!!!
x
Hey Natalie, I think the storybook bunting is TOO ace, and I have never seen it anywhere else - and I thought I had see all the vintage storybook things in the world!x
Your shop is wonderful--never doubt that. I live in the US, and I would take one of everything in your shop, if I could. I trust that the products are presented truthfully, I love your style, and I would dearly love to support your shop. I just can't afford it. A year ago, I would have already bought something, for certain. I just can't do it anymore...What you do is unique, and lovely, and uplifting, so I hope that you can hang in there and get thru these tough economic times (as we all will!). And remember that all working moms, myself included, struggle. You are not alone!
I think everyone has said it already...
anyway, I do love perusing your shop, but have yet to buy, all your items are beautiful, but I guess because the items are generally vintage/one offs I am hesitant to buy things knowing that I will have to keep them out of reach of my two little destroyers! that being said, i think everything is priced fairly, but i am less likely to buy on impulse.
i am saving up for your 'little people' print though!
I look at your site and blog when I'm feeling low. I haven't purchased anything from your online store because coming into your shop when I am in Melbourne is one of my biggest treats - plus last time I came in with my fella we bought up BIG, and I'm planning on doing the same thing when we're down next weekend -- so watch out I'm coming for your scary (squeaky) toys and photography!!
Here's some more ideas to toss into the mix. Postage is a killer, but so to can be exchange rates. I live in NZ, and our currency buys so little when I shop online. That said, I've never bought anything online from within NZ, because I still enjoy the shopping experience and it is important to support your local independent shops. I can ignore the additional costs of buying online if it's patchwork fabric that's not available in NZ because I'm not just buying 'a thing' but 'something that fuels my creativity' and I know I'll bring me hours and hours of sewing time. I wouldn't buy anything that might break en route because sometimes packaging is just woefully inadequate, and if it is adequate, that just adds to the postage cost!
I agree with all the other comments made, and adore your store and style. I haven't yet bought from you simply because I plan to travel to Melbourne this year and want to visit the actual Arthur's Circus and say hello properly.
In trying to keep the work/life balance right, remember not to ever give up no matter how tough it seems. You might not realise it right now but in naming the store you've shown Arthur how important he is in your world; by having an interest outside parenting, you're demonstrating that anything is possible in life; and by not giving up, you're teaching him to be resilient and strong. These are the best attributes you can give your child, especially in these times where nothing is certain.
I love these - I've been meaning to comment on them for a while and remembered whilst writing about Jennifer Colliers dresses made from vintage story books. Have you seen her work?
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