Bear Artists Online - TBACA

Think again...

Did you realise that some websites actually charge to belong plus advertising fees to have a static banner on a single page on their website ... US$264 a year, or for non members ($25 a month x 12) $300 a year?

At TBACA you not only get your static banner, you receive a rotating banner, a lovely gallery, a photo album for your available bears, 4 chances each week to be featured on the front page, and a show to boot for less than half of what they are asking.

PLUS discounted advertising rates with ABC, lower registration fees for the ACD awards, and a reduced membership fee when you re-enrol.

Not to mention the additional advertising and feature coverage in printed media, that is done on behalf of every member of TBACA.

Mmmm...perhaps we are too cheap...maybe I should be putting the rates up!!

Hmmm, I have just been reviewing this very topic myself, I am really too scared to add it all up at the moment, what with magazine advertising too.  But like you have mentioned previously, we all need to keep our names out there.....where do you draw the line.

I completely understand how much time and effort goes into keeping these websites going (big thanks to you Sandi) but at the end of the day you can't support them all, so you go with the ones that offer the best service for the dollar and also keeping in mind that you as the artist need to participate in what each website offers too.

So the time factor needs to be addressed as well, I'm finding it really difficult to live in the real world, create new pieces, as well as keep up with all the websites, blogs, forums, online shows, "in the fur" shows and competitions. Something has got to give!!!

I look forward to hearing everyone else's take on this........

Kim, I am not saying you should cut back on your advertising, but check where you are getting value for your dollars. (If you get a chance take a look at my blog - Don't Cut Your Advertising Budget)

If one is a hobbyist and needs to get advice on how to make a bear or apply a new technique, any of the 'free sites'  with experienced members onboard, including our own FREE Site Membership, would suffice.

If one is an artist who wants to become recognised as such and sell their bears, in other words run a business from home, they should be looking at it from a business point of view and placing their advertising dollars where it's promoting them to collectors (not just fellow artists) and giving them the most benefit for their money.

Your own idea of entering competitions Kim, is an ideal way to promote yourself inexpensively to collectors...you get great printed media coverage that reaches collectors at very nominal costs.

I hope this discussion doesn't stop with just you and I...I too am looking forward to hearing everyone else's take on this...:)  

I really like the fact that you address everyone's needs, from hobbyists through to the professionals, and your dedication is much appreciated.:)

I will say that this website is one I will be sticking with for sure, and I still think online shows are the best thing since sliced bread.;)

You certainly give us bang for our bucks, Sandi I have thought about some of the other sites, and I must admit I do baulk at the prices! And frankly, right now I'm flat chat keeping up anyway! So I'll stick with TBACA and poke around in the free sites. If I find a way to need less sleep maybe I'll look into other venues It won't ever make me rich, but it keeps me busy and I get to travel and meet some wonderful folk when I'm out and about........beats being stuck with a load of other peoples' misbehaving kids!!!

Hi Ladies!

I must admit I started wincing a couple of months ago when I realised I'd taken out 4 more or less consecutive ads in a teddy magazine. I started wondering if I'd actually fallen prey to persuasion rather than made the decision myself! I changed my mind from feeling "guilty" when I again heard from collectors, at the last show I did, comments like " Flutter-By Bears ; I know them" or "I've seen these in magazines"  or " I always go through the websites on all the ad's before coming to a show ; I loved the website"     It is a great response to get when you assume you're "invisible"!

I know I've still got business areas I could improve ; and I'm trying my best to prioritise my time and efforts - but I'm going to continue with "paid" advertising where I can , and sites where I can reap multiple benefits which give opportunities not to be invisible .... and TBACA is my Top for that!

Big Hugs All,

Ruth xxx

Do I think it's expensive?  Hell no!  It's less than US$10 per month (just over US$2 per week - I bet most of us spend more than that per week on junk food!!!  - and look at what we get:  international coverage at one online event, constant static banner advertising, forum feedback & help, static photographic gallery year-round, banners for personal blog & website use, reduced magazine advertising pricing and lots of great teddy friends!!!  What more could you want????  

I've spent more than this on O-N-E show table alone!!!  - now Kim, THAT's scary!!!!!

While promotion & advertising costs are certainly an individual decision, when you compare value for money - this site is certainly worthy of our support!!!  Thanks Sandi.:D

I'm afraid I'm one who has gotten caught up in the "joining everything" syndrome only to find out that it's impossible to keep up and be happy with what you're doing. Sandi, you provide so much for everyone here and the site is always evolving to make it better. I'd say TBACA is a bargain.

Just a quick comment...what a great ad you sent out today. I love seeing a bit of everyone's work.

I don't think our membership is expensive, we get a first class service and wonderful promotional opportunities, with the ACD awards and magazine articles. TBACA is definately the best money I have ever spent.

Cheers Susan

I couldn't agree more.  I think that when times get bad, people always stop their advertising, which is the worst thing to do as collectors and the like then think that you have closed and forget about you....so I think that advertising is the Most NB tool you can have. 

I agree that our membership fees are very well worth it.......

Thanks Sandi....

Bear hugs

Susan

Thank you all for your feedback, and I am pumped you all think TBACA is worth the fee you pay each year. We may be a small group, but I like the intimacy and we certainly have enthusiasm and quality on our side!

Hi Everyone! I cannot believe the value we receive for being a member of TBACA. And  I agree if you want to get "out there" you have to reinvest the money from your sale into advertsing.

Lastly,  I like that we are a small group because with the bigger groups I have found you get lost amongst all the other artists!

I am sooooo grateful I found TBACA...oh and such a patient Sandi who is just so willing to help!

Warm Bear Hugs

Wendy

I think this site is THE BEST VALUE!! I love how it is small and close and unique in what it offers!!!

Good one Sandi!!!

Hugs Lindaxx

I think we are getting fantastic value for our money. Most of my expenses go on advertising so I have to choose where my money goes. So great value for money is always first choice. Thank you Sandi for all the wonderful work!!!

Hugs Silvia

I'm a bit late getting here... (BLTN) ... just wanted to say I agree with all the above comments ... this is a diverse and wonderful group ... and more so because of hard working and dinky di Sandi !!! We certainly are getting great value for our membership fee .... in very many ways ... and not the least in advertising alone.