Posted by Rich Terry on November 15, 2015 at 12:39pm
I do about 25 shows a year and as most know I make women's handbags. I know many of the people who would be considered my competition but we all know each other and we are vey friendly and discuss issues, shows, how the season is going, what's new in their lines, etc. This morning I stopped in to talk with another bag maker that I have never spoken with before just before the show opened. I just wanted to tell him that I liked his work.He was talking with someone so I just stood there and was looking at one of his bags. As he approached me he told me to get the f&$k out of his booth and said you don't even make your own bags. It was at this point in time I realized what a proctologist goes through on a regular basis, meeting ass holes face to face.
That's the best reason ever for not going off on him when he deserved it. You were able to stay on the high ground and even helped him out! You get a big red star Rich Terry.
Update... As important as it is to post the down side of situations It is just as important to post the good side of those situations.
The gentleman which was my reason for posting this initially is at the same show I am again this weekend and this moring he came over an apologized for the interaction we had last weekend. He is from Arizona and is not use to our snow and cold. I carry a propane torch with me in the tool box for just such ocassions and I removed all of his locks for him. We shook hands and called it a day.
Sorry for the delay in getting back on here... You all know what life is like on the road with a fall tour. I don't know his name but he works for Berkshire bags. I found them on the internet.
The sad part is the assumption on his part that I was looking to copy his line but all the styles he has I retired some 7 or 8 years ago. I use to make a couple of styles of totes and even though they were my own designs I discovered to many other exhibitors making totes so I quit producing them. Most every style I make is in my signature style and has a flap closure.
Seemed pretty narcissitic of him to think that his product was worth copying when in fact everything in his booth is very basic and has little originality.
Look at it this way: with an attitude like that, that craftsman isn't selling much. You can't hide that level of negativity with just a smile, and it's likely he doesn't do that much either.
I did a high-end ish show this summer & a fellow artist stopped in my booth to examine my glasswork. She announced she worked in glass too and preferred a different style. I smiled and replied "isn't it great that every artist has their own style." She continued to pick apart my style and point out what she didn't like. Then she dropped this gem ... "Not to be offensive BUT... this really offends my aesthetic!" I was flabbergasted. I wanted to tell her to get the hell out of my booth. All I could do was smile and say "every artist has their own style." Unbelievable.
Comments
I agree, Rich. You definitely took the high road and GOOD ON YOU!!!
That's the best reason ever for not going off on him when he deserved it. You were able to stay on the high ground and even helped him out! You get a big red star Rich Terry.
The gentleman which was my reason for posting this initially is at the same show I am again this weekend and this moring he came over an apologized for the interaction we had last weekend. He is from Arizona and is not use to our snow and cold. I carry a propane torch with me in the tool box for just such ocassions and I removed all of his locks for him. We shook hands and called it a day.
Sheesh, that's awful, Carol! It sounds like we all need to start bringing sage to shows with us! haha
The sad part is the assumption on his part that I was looking to copy his line but all the styles he has I retired some 7 or 8 years ago. I use to make a couple of styles of totes and even though they were my own designs I discovered to many other exhibitors making totes so I quit producing them. Most every style I make is in my signature style and has a flap closure.
Seemed pretty narcissitic of him to think that his product was worth copying when in fact everything in his booth is very basic and has little originality.
Look at it this way: with an attitude like that, that craftsman isn't selling much. You can't hide that level of negativity with just a smile, and it's likely he doesn't do that much either.
What was his name?
What a creep! I hope I don't have to be next to him!
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