Feedback please!

[sparklyscotty]

Hi guys. I am looking for feedback from quite a few perspectives for a new idea I have. I am particularly interested in yur thoughts from customer, entrepreneur, financial, and legal points of view.

Here it is...

I am a jewellery designer with products that always sell well at craft fairs, bridal exhibitions, jewellery parties etc. I also have a website that serves me well as an online catalogue and showcase for my customers. Many people have asked if I have (or plan to have) a studio/ shop. I don't. This is because I am sure the overheads would destroy my profit margin, and also force me into more into the job of 'shop owner' than jeweller. However, this year I have been teaming up more and more with other people in my situation... people who make handbags, candles, soaps, glass ornaments, art etc. I am considering planning a venture that will combine studio / shop space for multiple artists. It would be sort of a co-op, and would be a tourist experience as well as a shop.

The format would basically be a shop where artists could use the space as their studio to meet clients and customers, and an outlet to sell their products. A studio that is open to the public to watch us create the products that they buy. Appointments for commissions could be made, window space would exhibit our finished products, display space could store 'off the shelf' ready to buy products.

I am thinking that the shop would see a turnover of artists- people in between starting up their own shop but needing more than just occassional craft fairs. Recently graduated art students for example, or people like me who are looking for a nice atmosphere to work and sell in while offering customers a 'physical' and static place to find me.

I know that there are hundreds of logistics to go through, but I wanted to bounce the idea around here to start with.

I look forward to your feedback.

-Angel-

[SillyJokes]

I've visited places like this. The last one was near Penrith where they also had a pottery museum so it was a bit of a day out.

You may also need a good play area for kids and a coffee shop.

Are you in a touristy place already? Can you combine it with some sort of museum or heritage site?

Just found link to place I mentioned

http://www.wetheriggs-pottery.co.uk/

[emma, 27]

Sounds like a great idea. I would imagine you would need a large space to accomodate artists and customers. I am sure you would get a lot of interest, especially from art students and if it is in the right location - lots of tourists too.

Good luck

Emma

[bitsnstuff]

Hello,

It is a great idea. There is a place exactly like that in Billericay called Barleylands.

http://www.barleylands.co.uk/home.htm

They have a restaurant, coffee shop, craft area, workshops, farm petting zoo, and a whole lot more. They also have loads of regular events, which of course, provides more tourist/prospects.

Maybe you could approach them for info, as you are not in a competing area?

Hope that helps.

Kate

[sparklyscotty]

Thanks guys. And especially thanks for the links. I know that there is a similar place in East Kilbride, but as far as I know there isn't something like it in my area (West Coast of Scotland) The area I am in is VERY popular with tourists, and I am sure that summer and christmas would be very profitable times of year.

[SillyJokes]

I would be very surprised if you couldn't get some sort of grant or government help to set up a place like that. Ask your local chamber or business link.