DEAR ABBY: A year ago I discovered that I have a talent for creating a unique type of art which is marketable. At a holiday market in which I participated, a customer commissioned me to make two pieces for her. She also advised me on how I should market my art. I listened patiently but had no intention of following her advice.
When she came to my home to pick up the pieces, she brought three of her friends along and began advising me again. This time, she mentioned that when a person brings a group of purchasing customers (as these ladies were ... they bought nearly everything I have), I should ALWAYS offer a little "gift" to the person bringing the customers (i.e. one of my pieces as a token of gratitude).
Abby, I consider what I do to be my business now. I'm not selling cosmetics or kitchenware for another company. I don't think I have ever gone to any market with friends and asked the seller to give me a token for bringing friends who bought something. Is this what I should do? Please enlighten me. -- BUDDING ARTIST DOWN SOUTH
DEAR ARTIST: Someone who helps you to increase your business should be thanked for their effort -- as long as it is you and not the other person who is deciding on what is appropriate. Whether this comes in the form of a verbal expression of gratitude or something tangible is up to you.
While on one hand I think it was nervy of the woman to spring this on you, on the other I can't help thinking that business is business -- and this is a way of promoting it. Consider offering the woman a future discount.