UNWANTED XXX SOLICITATION

Everybody's Uncle

(1) How do I stop unwanted solicitation for xxx rated trash I didn't ask for?
(2) Where can I sell my handmade crafts without spending a lot of money I don't have?

Thank you.
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Porno trash seems to come out of thin air.
Joining a chat room, any chat room, is a porno magnet.
Pop-up screens invade us on a regular basis.

What to do:
If you have parental control options, set to a teenage or child level to block offensive incoming material
Use two different screen names.
Use unrestricted setting while you are online, another for friendly E-mail.
Use a filtered service.
Avoid chat rooms.
Do not open unwanted E-mail.
Contact your online service for filtering or other suggestions.


To market home crafts:

Be objective about the quality of your product. The product should be as good or better than the competition. At least in the beginning, it should be offered at a very competitive price. Even if you have to work on a very small margin, the goal is to create a market. Creating a future market is more important than current profits. Delivering excellent quality at below market prices is a winning formula, one I have used successfully many times. A great product is more important than paid advertising.

Develop a tolerance for unrealistic expectations of buyers. They are usually clueless as to the amount of time and effort needed to create quality crafts. They are also good practice in handling the public, a skill that is essential in ALL one-on-one businesses. Word of mouth is the best advertisement and the least costly.

Home parties cost nothing to organize and often result in a profitable evening or lunch. A commission on sales (usually 10% -- in merchandise) and a free gift or two for the host is low cost but excellent promotion. Upscale homes and hosts are desirable. Hand out cards/literature to all attendees. Be charming and professional. Dress and groom appropriately. Sell yourself - first, last and always. Avoid smoking, drinking, and vulgarity. THEY are at a party; YOU are doing business.

No sale today does not preclude future contact. Individual finances change from week to week. Be patient, some clients have to be reeled in slowly. Show courtesy and appreciation to all party guests just for the fact that they attended. Make friends - people do business with people they like.

Church groups, fund-raising organizations, and other crafters with local experience can be sources of information. Check local newspapers for craft show promoters. Flea markets are for bargain seekers that might pay $10 for Mona Lisa. Fine crafts require a more sophisticated clientele. The library has books on starting and growing businesses of every type.

Pay attention to the business of doing business. Insurance, tax, accounting, expense control, are important factors. Don't overspend on costly dream scenarios. Be realistic; stay lean and mean until the business cracks the market. Think big - spend small.

Good luck,
EU