Leaving TIAS

We've decided that after a six month trial at TIAS to admit defeat, pick up our marbles and leave. A single sale in January can't justify the monthly fee that we're charged; the company doesn't seem to be seller-oriented in their support (just read about my recent experience with them trying to process credit card transactions as an example); and their cloodgey, clumsy search engine that prevents getting a good result a couple of times a day means that even if someone ever found us on the World Wide Web in the first place, they can't always get the search engine at the site to work properly. Here's an immediate example of how they aren't oriented towards serving their dealers - I sent them a message yesterday afternoon about terminating our service with them, and here it is, the next day, and I have yet to receive an acknowledgment or reply from them. It really says it all. On the Information Highway, TIAS has been a Dead End for Time Travelers!

I'm feeling defeated by this decision, but at the same time, greatly relieved. It was so disheartening to check my emails every day and NOT see any orders. It was discouraging to write press releases twice a week, only to have them swamped amongst the scores of others on the TIAS site within hours. It's really, really hard work to take good product photographs and write the appropriate copy, only to have it sit unread and unseen in your store. I've learned how to take great pictures! And I'll continue to post my best ones here for people to enjoy.

The reality is that our antiques and collectibles business is quite successful - the shows that we've been doing have been getting better and better with each time out, as we refine our product selection and learn our customers' wants and needs. This after only 4 months of doing shows. It makes sense to cut back spending money where it's not being used wisely, and concentrating more on the areas where we are doing well.

Upcoming for Time Travelers: Memorial Day weekend we'll be close to home at the Sun, Sand and Swing event at our very own Treasure Island. Right on the beach! Music! Food! (I wonder if we'll sell anything??!!) We'll just have to see.

The last weekend in May we'll be doing a one day show in Arcadia, Florida - surely the last outdoor one of the season!! This is a regular event that gets great reviews from all the dealers we've spoken with.