Buying handmade isn't always easy, but it's always special!
One of my favorite bad ass customers, Cass (who just so happens to organize Babe's Ride N Rage) , DMed me on Instagram last week after I asked my IG community (in the stories!) to give me advice on how I can make the Bird Trouble buying process easier for all my customers.
It’s something I think about often. I could hire a website developer and really flip this website. Currently, that’s not something I can easily invest in as I’m saving for some other huge goals. Cass first applauded me for asking ( such a PMA babe which I appreciate 100% ) and then told me she wanted to chime in on how she orders Bird Trouble and how she feels about the process. She gives some great tips if you’re overwhelmed with Bird Trouble leather / color / style options so continue reading if you’re interested!
Our spur of the moment online conversation ended in us contemplating and agreeing on how buying handmade is totally unique. It’s not always easy but it’s always special. If made well and shared well, it is well worth your hard earned money. It’s a human’s time. It’s different than going to Target and big box stores, obviously. You don’t meet the makers who create each product at Target.
Shopping directly from the designer and maker is special. I can assure ya’ll that buying Bird Trouble doesn’t have to be a complicated. I’m here to help you through the process via email or content I’ve shared across the web!
Here’s what Cass said about ordering Bird Trouble and what the process is like for her… and yes, she’s okay’d that I share this! :
Before I make a Bird Trouble order, I scour every page on the website and make notes - what bags, what leathers I like, ect.
Bird Trouble has so many options that initially it can be a little overwhelming but once you research the website and instagram, the process of buying is easy!
I scour the Bird Trouble Instagram and watch all the videos! I save photos of what I love and will send them to Alexz for references or if I have any questions (ie: what’s this color called?).
Because there are so many options (which I love), I have watched the Bird Trouble Instagram videos repeatedly before asking Alexz questions or even placing an order so I can figure out what I want and envision but also not waste Alexz’s time.
Again, I make notes and put color combos and ideas beside the bags/designs I’m most attracted to!
I’ll come up with my idea, email Alexz with any questions and usually place my order at that point!
The best part is, after my order is place, I (always) forget stuff and then we get to converse via email without headache or hassle. That accessibility to chat with Alexz, Bird Trouble’s creator, makes the process really easy. It's not just a "hit buy" button and then panic about forgetting something!
I think a lot of people get lost on what and who a handmakers/independent designer actually is. The level of love & dedication is something I truly love paying for, on top of great designs/ideas!!! I think 2020 has put a lot of pressure on folks like yourself and I want want every handmaker to know they are AWESOME and doing a damn fine job!
Cass’s motivation and empowerment energy is something all handmade makers and entrepreneurs want to be given in return of their service.
I just gotta say ya’ll, before I end this blog post, us handmakers / independent designers / small business entrepreneurs really, really appreciate this kind of compassion and energy from our customers.
I spend my work days alone and while I get few customer visits (especially now with Covid-19…), I feel I’m quite the recluse. To read these kind of messages from my customers makes the struggles all worth it.
xo - Alexz of Bird Trouble