| DJ: What exactly is a WAHM congo?
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| 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..
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MB: A group of wahm's (or dad) who join together to list products on one site to make shopping easier (and more fun!)
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| DJ: What types of products can be found at your congo?
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| CMA: We offer diapering products, tie dye, boutique clothing, babywearing, scrapbook artistry, bath and body and wool care.
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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.
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| DJ: Do the participating WAHMs all exclusively through this venture or is this an “extra” storefront for them?
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| 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.
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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.
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| DJ: What makes your congo just a bit different from other congos?
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| 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
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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.
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| DJ: How is your customer feedback?
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| 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.
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MB: We have great customer feedback and it shows week after week when repeat visitors shop.
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| DJ: How do the WAHM participants feel about working together? Is there competition?
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| 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.
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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.
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| DJ: How can a WAHM know if joining a congo would be in their best interests?
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| 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.
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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.
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| Congo Information
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Karri Shelnut
Corner Market Artisans
http://www.cornermarketartisans.com
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Mary R.
Moms Boardwalk
http://www.momsboardwalk.com
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