April 01, 2007
Raffle or vain arsehat?
Before I started spinning, I couldn't afford handspun, so I've known the pain, really. In fact, I still can't afford handspun, except my own, so I guess I still know the pain. And so I started the swapping section of my shop, and it's gone over swell and I've really enjoyed all the cool swag I've been getting in exchange. I love the barter system. However, it's come to my attention that there are those that would like to partake of handspunny goodness but don't have things they want to swap, or aren't swappers, or whatever. I really want everyone that wants my yarn to have it. I do. If I didn't have to pay, you know, the mortgage, I'd love to give the stuff away, in fact, I sometimes do. A while back I was chatting (heh, I just typed shatting instead of chatting, and it's true, a while back I was shatting, but that's not what this post is about) with one of my favorite customers (wow, what if I was shatting with one of my favorite customers? yikes!) and she suggested I have regular raffles for my handspun. Her idea is that people could pay a buck and maybe win it but if they didn't they'd only be out a buck and I might get half or so of what I'd regularly charge so we'd all win.
I rejected the idea originally because...well...it seemed a bit, I don't know, vain, full of myself or full of my yarns, to hold a raffle. After all, aren't they usually held for charities or good causes or other benevolent circumstances?
But after getting 3 e-mails recently all in different states of lament for not getting the yarn/kit they wanted, I'm gonna give it a try, if there's anyone that would be interested.
So this is my question to y'all -- is there anyone out there that would be interested in a yarn raffle? I was thinking I'd do it something like this, one entry is a buck (paypal or cash), I'd take them for 2 weeks, then use an online random number generator to pick the winner. The winner would get 2 handspun yarns and one kit, one each for the next three months. That's one handspun hank(one is a kit) for 3 months. The first would be sent in May, with the 2nd and 3rd in subsequent months. If it went well, I could do it more often.
Anyone interested? Or is it a vain, full of myself idea and I should get a freakin' clue? let me know!
I think it's a good idea. I'd be into it.l
Posted by: Christy / Not Hip at April 1, 2007 01:12 PMI would love this. I can't really justify the cost of new wool but I sure would love some. Your kits are always gone so quickly as well, I don't really have time to torture myself even, should I, shouldn't I? It would kind of be like contributing to the community as well, support you, support someone's wool habit... it's all good.
Bea
Posted by: Bea at April 1, 2007 01:14 PMi'd do it! i think it's a great idea, your yarn is amazing, but my poor self could never rationalize buying anyone's handspun, no matter how much it makes me swoon.
Posted by: leethal at April 1, 2007 01:33 PMWHOOAOOAOA I'll do it! Multiple entries okay?
Posted by: Cirilia at April 1, 2007 01:44 PMHEY! Brilliant! I am SO in!!yes, yes, YES!! i would love the chance to plunk a few bucks down for the joy of yearning for yarns.
and what say you about that multiple ticket thing?
some charity raffles have that $1 for one, $5 for 7 deal, or something... hm? i would love more of your freakin' crazy ass genius yarn. and lo, i will have more. sometime. but for now, tuition. but no vain-full-of-yourself-ity here!!
oh no! yes yes yarn raffle yes!
ps your babies are adorable. arrr, i loves me rum.
Posted by: julie at April 1, 2007 02:00 PMI think it's a great idea! I always drool on my keyboard eyeing your yarn but I just can't bring myself to spend that much, yet.
Posted by: Lauren at April 1, 2007 02:10 PMBrilliant idea, Jacey. Creative marketing! Innovative technique. You will be imitated but never duplicated!
Posted by: Ellene at April 1, 2007 03:38 PMOh, hell yeah! Can we buy more than one ticket? :)
Posted by: Mandy at April 1, 2007 04:09 PMMy ass is poor as well, and my addiction is just as real. I think a raffle is altruistic. Try it and see.
Posted by: Molly at April 1, 2007 06:14 PMI'm on a yarn diet. Stop it.
Of course BIDDING isn't BUYING, is it? *g*
I'm in.
Posted by: Rabbitch at April 1, 2007 07:00 PMGreat idea!
Posted by: treehugger at April 1, 2007 07:19 PMFantabulous idea! I'm in!!!
Posted by: Charis at April 2, 2007 04:57 AMI think it's a wonderful idea...
Posted by: Heather at April 2, 2007 09:02 AMHi, I still need your measurements to complete the apron we wanted to swap... ;o)
Hugs
Bente
Sounds cool! I'd definitely be interested!
Posted by: Sophia at April 2, 2007 08:12 PMi am totally down and second/third the multiple ticket idea, although if you're wanting everyone to have equal opportunity to get their happy little hands on your fiber, maybe not and i think that would be great and fair too! wee bit is a beautiful perfect little cherub!!! glad you're all doing well!
Posted by: sean at April 3, 2007 02:42 AMAs someone also in the pay-the-mortgage-club, I'd love the raffle and the chance at some beautiful yarn I otherwise couldn't afford! Maybe check with the lady that runs the Sampler (http://www.homeofthesampler.com). She had a raffle running a few years ago, but ran into some weird state legislation thing about running a raffle. I'd love to buy a ticket, though!
Posted by: Erin at April 3, 2007 11:12 AMI think this a great idea. Random is wonderful. How about a yarn club? Or would that drive you nuts? MHK of the Month Club? Seasonal Handspuns? I'll stop now!
Posted by: Jennifer at April 3, 2007 11:58 AMI would totally be into a raffle. Please do this, ok?
Posted by: Ms. Angie at April 3, 2007 12:25 PMI would definitely buy tickets.
Another suggestion: Pancake and Lulu has a monthly yarn club and I got a subscription for Christmas from my sister. I enjoyed it so much and would sign up in a heartbeat for a monthly Insubordiknit yarn club. You could limit the number of subscribers like Kingpod does with her mail order club to keep it manageable. I use knitting as therapy and can afford to indulge. Plus, you should get paid for what your yarn is worth!
Great idea! I would certainly enter raffles for your stuff.
Posted by: Christine at April 3, 2007 04:48 PM