The day I crossed over to the dark side...

How much do you hate being stopped in the street by a person with a clipboard?

I take the most umbrage to the people who try to get me to give to charity by standing order. I'll do my giving based on measured, responsible research to the [usually low profile] charities that I feel a particular affinity to, not because someone flirted me out of frugality, I tell myself. It is begging for good looking people. What do you mean, spontaneous generosity?! Has Ebenezer Scrooge hacked my computer from beyond the grave? No, I really AM this mean! And, dear reader, what is worse is that I have crossed over to the dark side. No, not death. I mean customer research. There were sweets, there were smiles, there were prizes and yes, there was even a clipboard too.

I'm talking about the York Does Vintage fair, where I rolled up, suitcases in hand, to ask the good [and more generous] vintage shoppers what they thought of my upcycled vintage jewellery. It is in the ancient and historic Merchant Adventurer's Hall, right in the heart of York. Even its name thrills me.

But why? Why oh why did I sink this low? Its like this. Its all very well diving into a swimming pool but its riskier if you don't know how deep it is. Same goes for business and finding a market for my goods. Gotta ask the public if they'd actually buy my stuff. Simples.

With the promise of the chance to win gift vouchers for my jewellery, I asked 'how much would YOU expect to pay for this necklace?' and got people to write the cost on price labels to pin on the dummy next to the necklace [which I will tell you all about one day soon]. Pin the tail on the donkey, with a twist!

My lasting impression was that people are very eager to help, very enthusiastic about upcycled pretty jewellery, keen to come to my classes to learn how to do it for themselves, and wonderfully supportive. 

Has it changed my view on street canvassers? Perhaps I'll be a little more empathetic, but on the other hand, I now know how to use/wield a clipboard ...