I had this whole long post planned with pictures of the finished gloves, some new donuts, and a couple projects that may or may not be in my future. But I'm having internet issues. And if I try to upload another picture, I fear I may throw my computer through a wall in frustration.
So, instead, I'll leave you with a story.
Towards the end of the market, they hold a raffle for the customers. Every vendor is asked to provide some small item. (This day, I offered one of my crocheted donuts.) They combine the items into five prizes.
Oh, and raffle tickets are free.
You'd think it would be easy to give away raffle tickets. If they don't win, they didn't lose anything. But if they win...
So, it was getting towards raffle time, and the tickets they had given me to give to customers were still sitting in my booth. I offered them to every passing customer. No takers.
Then they started announcing numbers. The first number--666. I looked at my tickets. Sure enough, I had #666.
To the next passing customer, I waved the ticket. "This is the number he just called." She didn't quite believe me, but she took the ticket, and she got the prize.
She returned a short time after. She had a question about the donut. Because, naturally, the donut was in the box she won.
I just think about all the other passing customers that passed on those tickets. Sigh.
Isn't that crazy? Maybe if they did have to pay for them, they would place more value on the tickets.
ReplyDeleteSometimes people ignore you when you try to give them something, because they think there's a catch, they have to pay, or you're not being sincere. Too bad, too. It was nice of you to give away the winning ticket, though.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I think that's 90% of what it is. They look at me like, "You're giving this to me? Why?"
DeleteAs for giving the winning ticket away--I was ineligible to win anyway...
I bet people thought there was a catch because getting something for free makes people wonder if this is true.
ReplyDeleteTrue
DeleteDo you have to be there when the drawing occurs? That sometimes prevents me from taking the tickets, though I usually take them anyway and then try to give them to someone else if we aren't going to be there when it is time for the raffle.
ReplyDeletehope your internet issues resolve themselves soon!
betty
Yes, that's the other part of why the tickets go unused. They have to be there for the drawing. We don't start giving them out until less than an hour before, but still some leave before.
DeleteFingers crossed about the internet. I'll see when I get home...
crazy
ReplyDeleteYup
DeleteIt's true, I tend not to take things from strangers. Most of the time what people are handing out for free is either garbage, or there's a catch. And I can't be bothered. This seems like it's maybe not such a great draw and maybe the market needs to reconsider! Even if the tickets were $.50 that money could go towards a charity.
ReplyDeleteI get not wanting something from a random stranger, but what about the vendor clearly selling something at the market?
DeleteUgh, internet issues. I share your pain.
ReplyDeleteI wonder why they didn't want the tickets. I guess they must have thought it was an advertisement or something because you can't get any better than a free ticket.
I won't take tickets from people I don't know, and I won't take (or buy) a ticket where I have to be present to win. Is there a legal reason why the market can't sell the tickets? Even for 10 cents? Perhaps there is. Too bad. Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteWell, you do have to be present to win. And strangers? We're not some random people strolling along. We're clearly manning our booths.
Delete(Perhaps that's why it's easier to give the tickets away to customers who spend some time in our booths.)
Alex is right. $$ makes anyone hold a ticket tighter.
ReplyDeleteI suppose...
DeleteI've never heard a craft show give away tickets for a drawing. I heard they might charge a dollar and have some drawings so they can raise money for cause.
ReplyDeleteYes, craft shows usually have a raffle to help raise funds for whatever the craft show is for. This is a weekly market, though.
DeleteChrys above is correct. People are suspicious of free things because of the implied catch. And they're usually right.
ReplyDeleteUsually. Not always.
DeleteI was at an outdoor festival with some authors once, and people said no to bookmarks, too. Bizarre.
ReplyDeleteAh well, that I understand. I don't need any more bookmarks. I read on a tablet.
DeleteBest wishes on more reliable Internet service! Alas, I am one suspicious of anything supposedly free.
ReplyDeleteYes, but these truly are. I understand, however, why people would be suspicious.
DeleteI wonder if they thought they'd have to pay for them *shakes head* Glad you got one taker though!! You make the cutest things :)
ReplyDeleteThanks
DeleteI would have probably been one of those people who passed on the free ticket!! LOL
ReplyDeleteNext time you'll pay more attention, right?
DeleteThat's awesome that not only did you have a winning ticket but it was also for a prize you submitted! :) I can't believe no one wanted the free raffle tickets; that seems crazy!
ReplyDeleteThe other comments pointed out how people might think there's a catch. Which I can totally see.
Delete