Just Wondering

[sammy]

I like turning pens but am always wondering what I can do with them once they are made. I've given a lot away, have my specials in a display box and have others scattered about the house.

The only other option seems to be to sell them. So, what do other forum members do with their output, what percentage of pens are sold.

 

[Bill Mooney]

I send or sell all mine for Blind Veterans UK s fundraisers.

 

[Penpal]

I give most of mine as gifts.

Peter.

 

[Cumbrian Craig]

If, I'm asked to make a pen, then I sell it, the others are gifts.

Regards

Craig

 

[Gadget-UK]

Sold a few and the money raised goes to SSAFA or a local Children's Hospice near where I live.
The rest I give away as gifts to friends and family.

My son has a Facebook page and he sticks them on there and has sold a few and we also have a couple of Craft Shops near us that sell them on a sale or return basis.
Though we don't push the selling side, it more a challenge to try new things

 

[JerseyBill]

Hi George. Like most of the other guys I make for gifts or "to order" and sell these. I got close to putting some on a table at a charity's Christmas fair a couple of years ago - but a friend saw them and bought them as gifts for his colleagues and business contacts. So I donated to the charity instead. You could watch for fairs / bazaars that charities put on around Christmas. You pay a fee or donate.

My biggest dilemma is what to charge. IAP guys seem to charge anything up to 600% of parts cost, which I feel is damn steep, but some of them are in business. If I get back my cost for new kits and blanks with some extra for a charity of my choice I'm happy! That way I get free fun!

 

[wm460]

I sell some give some away, and donate quite a few to my favourite charity.