|
All About WAHM Congos
What is a WAHM
Congo or Comglomerate? It is generally a group of WAHMs that band
together and sell their products from one location or online storefront.
Usually there is a monthly membership fee that covers web site
maintenance, web hosting, and advertising.
WAHM Congos are
popular for consumers because they get to see a showcase of different
products all in one place. Since so many potential customers would
rather shop for their needs in one place only this often makes it a
profitable endeavor for WAHMs as well. Congos may have weekly or monthly
themes, and very specific stocking times, so each Congo is unique and
special.
Below we have interviewed two WAHM congo
owners to give you insight into the world of WAHM congos.
|
DJ: What exactly is
a WAHM congo? |
|
CMA:
Congo is
short for Conglomerate. In this case, it is a group of WAHMs
showcasing their products in one store. We use the Hyena Cart.. |
MB:
A
group of wahm's (or dad) who join together to list products on
one site to make shopping easier (and more fun!)
|
|
DJ:
What types of products can be found at your congo? |
|
CMA:
We offer diapering
products, tie dye, boutique clothing, babywearing, scrapbook
artistry, bath and body and wool care. |
MB: Anything
from cloth diapers, jewelry, knit goodies, pacifier clips,
wipes, painted wooden letters. soft shoes for baby, hand painted
tees, clothing and much more, it can change each week.
|
|
DJ:
Do the participating WAHMs all exclusively through this venture
or is this an “extra” storefront for them? |
|
CMA:
We have one
WAHM who sells exclusively online through this venture, however
most of the WAHMs have individual online stores in which to sell
their products. Corner Market Artisans is an additional place
for our WAHMs to sell their products and often they sell
specialty items not found in their stores. |
MB:
Both. Some of
our wahm's stock both here and their own store, but others use
this as their main store. It is great exposure for both. |
|
DJ: What makes your
congo just a bit different from other congos? |
|
CMA:
Our congo is
different for several reasons. First, we have such a wide range
of products. Shoppers can usually find items for themselves,
their children and gifts. It's a wonderful grouping of products
for a sort of "one-stop-shopping." Second, our WAHMs are
amazing! Not only are they talented women helping support their
families, but their artistry reflects their belief in doing a
job right. They work hard with their customers to do the best
job possible. Finally, our WAHMs work together to help each
other and help our congo succeed. We give each other product
advice, listing help and general emotional support for life as a
WAHM. I am blessed to be able to work with such kind, talented
and wonderful WAHMs |
MB:
We
were one of the first Congos to make an appearance back in
2005. We consistently provide quality products at a great
price. Our wahms are down to earth, easy to relate to friendly. |
|
DJ: How is your
customer feedback? |
|
CMA:
Our customers
return to us over and over again, to me that is the best
compliment. Our customers leave feedback for our individual
products in forums and at diaper registry areas. This feedback
is vital to our continued growth as WAHMs. Our WAHMs' feedback
is impeccable. Customers are very complimentary about our
products. |
MB:
We
have great customer feedback and it shows week after week when
repeat visitors shop. |
|
DJ: How do the WAHM
participants feel about working together? Is there competition? |
|
CMA:
There
is
competition, but in a good way. We urge each other to do better
with each stocking. Our WAHMs work together to help each other
be better Artisans, and we have never negatively competed with
one another. We have several WAHMs who sell soaps. However,
each soap maker's style is unique and different. The same could
be said for our Diaper WAHMs, and others. |
MB:
I don't think
that our wahms feel competition because each offers a different
product. Even though several of us offer cloth diapers, it's
our own line and therefore is different. We are all about
supporting each other and do so by purchasing items. |
|
DJ: How can a WAHM
know if joining a congo would be in their best interests?
|
|
CMA:
If
a WAHM has
been in business for a while, has a good customer base and would
like to pursue more exposure, a congo is a great idea. Congos
allow a WAHM to branch out and create specialty items that would
earn extra exposure in a congo. |
MB:
Well
honestly, they won't know unless they try it. It won't work for
everyone and if someone tells you it will, they are lying. Why
does one mama sell out each week but another can't sell a
thing. It all depends on the product, the demand and the
reputation of the wahm I think. |
|
