Thread: Selling at class?

On occasion, if a student has a cool dance related product that they sell/can obtain they might bring it or information about it to class to show off... and that's cool. Many of us expand our interest in this dance into vending opportunities and we all love a bargain and oo-ing and ah-ing over beautiful things so bringing this stuff to class can be a real treat...

But what about when a student regularly uses the time time before and after class the sell their products? Bringing in displays and taking orders...Is this pushing it a bit?

The thing is we haven't had this situation before, so in dealing with it one needs to ask... Where do you draw the line?

What is ok... Suzie bringing in her home made jewelry every now and then vs Suzie bringing in 1/2 dozen costumes every class to sell...?

I would think it was ethically precarious to take advantage of someone else's business to provide a ready market but then some people might think nothing of taking all the opportunities they can to sell their product and we do tend to be a supportive lot.

I just don't know ..c::

Does anyone have an policy in place regarding students selling products at their school they would like to share?

It depends on how disruptive it is and how pushy she is, if it's just passing the Avon catalog, taking orders, and delivering products, that's fine. But if it interferes with class or she is too pushy, she needs to stop.

Hmm, it sounds like you've given a bit of positive support and they're taking a mile. I haven't had students trying to sell stuff at class, but my teacher contract says "Jewel Bellydance reserves the sole right to sell products such as CDs, DVDs, costuming and props to students at Jewel Bellydance class venues, unless agreed otherwise. Teachers who wish to sell goods to students may retail at their own outlet and advertise this to students. Jewel Bellydance will not have any responsibility for the quality of these goods."

So, I guess I would be happy for students to use my newsletter or provide the occasional flier at class advertising their goods. I'd also be happy for them to donate a prize of goods or vend at my end-of-year concert. But not conduct their actual business at my classes - unless they want to set up a formal arrangement whereby I get 20% of sales revenue. It's my advertising dollar, rent and continued hard work that's got the students there. Besides, it impacts on class time.

I don't like it much. Occasionally is the key, but yes, in this case it's using your business to do her business and that's not really OK, especially when it starts to impinge on class time.

Our school has a sale table for bits and bobs, which also has a hanger where people put things like harem pants and cholis (one of the tribal students makes them), or skirts, veils, whathaveyou. All of that stuff is obviously left there at the owner's risk and we ask for a donation to the school in payment for using our premises/students.

For things that are too precious to leave lying about, people put up notices with perhaps a sample or some photos.

Thanks Jewel, that's the sort of info I was after. Like I said it has happened in a miniscule and informal basis for years (the school has been running since late 90's) but just recently this behaviour is getting more common... I think it's the web that's increased access to products and information on what's out there. Some are more savy than others and they are just getting in first you know.

I think maybe a formal policy would be best. Like Zum I was thinking that either charging for sales space/taking a cut if they want their stuff in the studio or having a advertising board for products at a fee per ad and people can contact them outside of the school. But not just taking things to class to sell before and after.

Thanks guys :-)

Originally Posted by zumarrad

I don't like it much. Occasionally is the key, but yes, in this case it's using your business to do her business and that's not really OK, especially when it starts to impinge on class time.

I agree with zumarrad


I am a student of dance, I am also a vendor. I take business cards with me to class to hand out only if someone ask for cards etc.etc.... The teacher has announced that I sell belly dance related items. I do not take items into class unless the teacher has asked me to.

When she does ask it is usually before a performance, such as the practice rehearsal, for students to get last min. items.

My business is run from my home. That is where I prefer to do business.

Class is to learn about belly dance, not what one can buy!!!

i don't know how it works in australia, but i know here people must be careful not to get in to trouble for selling without a permit. you certainly wouldn't want to get mixed up in that.

i think the other ladies are right, cards and fliers = ok
a truck load of goods every week is pushing it and taking advantage of the clients you generate. you should get a cut!

I think it is fair to let students know that occasionally is ok but if they want to do it regularly they will have to pay a commission to the Studio.

Especially if they are buying stuff especially to sell at a profit (as opposed to selling off second hand or unwanted stuff). Maybe tell them they can leave a catalogue and get people to contact them directly. Maybe they can bring their goods in during the Studio open day - for a fee.

Maybe say to them "you seem like you are becoming interested in setting up a vending business. have you thought about having a website so people can order from you directly?" remember people are often clueless as they drift from hobby stuff into professional territory ... they probably haven't even considered the fact that they are leveraging off years of hard work to build up a thriving studio business. and that this could hurt the studio they love!!

Deal with it before it gets out of control!!!

(Is there anyone you need me to say a few gentle words to?)

Thanks Jil but I might handball this one to mumsy... I just don't think she's noticed it's happening since it's mostly in classes she doesn't teach.

The open day is a good idea though since they are fairly regular... though last thing we need is another mini bazaar springing up accidentally, that day is pretty crazy as is :-).

Good to see u, we still need to do our morocco workshops shake down
hugs xx

i am a seamstress, and the place where i take classes sells bellydance things also...if i sell my things (bellydance accessories) there, she gets a commission. everyone gets something, but don't do it while disrupting class!

I am a Belly Dance merchant. I never take a trunk show to a class unless invited by the teacher. I think it should be an invatation only thing.

If the studio sells dance stuff then a commission should be paid.

Just my 2 cents worth,
Janie

http://www.designsbyjanie.com

we have "a wall", that we all sell off of.anyone can place a dance related item up for sale.bayla zena one of our teachers, is a vender, and sews custom costumes.this has only enhanced the whole process.but, it is not shoped at during class hours.
z

Thanks everyone, your comments have been really helpful.

I think it comes down to a. Not allowing another business to willy nilly take advantage of your paid space and ready customer based and b. Finding a suitable balance in 'the rules' to suit the individual studio.

:-)