What were your GROSS SALES for 2011

[Chasper]

This is an annual poll that has been taken in 6 of the last 7 years. You can see the results of previous polls here What were your GROSS SALES for 2010

[tt1106]

40 dollars.
I did a pen for my Boss' Secretary to give to him. I netted 10.:)

[wiset1]

I guess I probably should sell some of these pens, but I seem to give them away for charity/auctions and to some of the Marines that work with us. The others sit in a box in my closet...I guess I should do something with them.

[Chasper]

Don't just post what your sales were (or were not), for your vote to count you need to check one of the choices.

[Ruby pen turning]

Originally Posted by wiset1

I guess I probably should sell some of these pens, but I seem to give them away for charity/auctions and to some of the Marines that work with us. The others sit in a box in my closet...I guess I should do something with them.

Well yah you need to sell some. Giving them to charity is the best thing to do. I am sure the charities can get some good bucks for your pen creations. The rest of them you need to sell so you can get more $ to buy more kits,wood, and best of all more or better tools.


I wish I kept better track or track at all of m expenses. I know we did very good this year at shows and ETSY. Helped pay bills and some left over for a new band saw and to restock on wood and kits. Now I can start the cycle all over again.

[BSea]

This was my 1st year turning pens. I sold just about $500 worth. But most of that was in the last 2 months. I know Christmas had something to do with that, but it's a start. I know this will probably never be more than a hobby for me because I hate the "production mode" style of making pens. I've been know to take 3 weeks to complete a pen. I've re-finished a pen multiple times till I get the finish where I want it. So I never expect to make a living doing this. I'd just like to come closer to breaking even.

[paintspill]

i think i would like to talk to the 2 that made $100,000 +

[alphageek]

Originally Posted by paintspill

i think i would like to talk to the 2 that made $100,000 +

Just remember that is GROSS ... With that kind of sales comes lots of costs too... Travel, booth fees, etc. I believe that both of those people are active forum members.

[drgoretex]

Heh...the tax man LOVES this thread...

Ken

[Displaced Canadian]

My wife tells me that I could make actual profit if I quit giving pens away. I sell through someone else and they make money, me not so much. It helps him out and I'm happy. I only sell about 40 a year. My pens are getting better and the price per pen has gone up. Hats off to the big sellers. Not something I would want to do. I would love to watch you work one of those shows, couldn't help you. My people skills are more, " Do you want it or not? No? Then get out of the way. Who's next?" I hear that doesn't work for sales.