Why do small businesses depend on positive reviews?

Spade and Archer, like other small businesses, depends on positive customer reviews to keep our business going. Positive reviews act as testimonials from real customers, helping to establish trust and credibility. When potential customers see positive experiences from others, they are more likely to trust the business.

1. Influences Purchase Decisions:

   • Many consumers read online reviews before making a purchase decision. Positive reviews can influence potential customers to choose a particular product or service, leading to increased sales for the business.

2. Boosts Visibility and Search Engine Rankings:

   • Online reviews can contribute to a business's online presence. Positive reviews can improve search engine rankings, making the business more visible to potential customers searching for products or services in a specific area.

3. Differentiates from Competitors:

   • In a competitive market, positive reviews can help a small business stand out from the competition. If customers see that others have had positive experiences, they may choose that business over others with fewer or negative reviews.

4. Provides Valuable Feedback:

   • Reviews, both positive and negative, can provide valuable insights for small businesses. Positive reviews highlight what the business is doing well, while negative reviews offer opportunities for improvement. This feedback loop can be invaluable for enhancing the overall customer experience.

5. Word of Mouth Amplification:

   • Positive online reviews serve as a form of digital word of mouth. Customers often share their positive experiences with friends and family, extending the reach of the business through personal networks.

6. Builds a Loyal Customer Base:

   • Customers who have positive experiences and leave good reviews are more likely to become loyal patrons. This loyalty can lead to repeat business and long-term customer relationships.

7. Addresses Skepticism:

   • In an age where online scams and unreliable businesses exist, positive reviews can help alleviate skepticism. Customers are more likely to trust a business with a track record of positive reviews.

8. Encourages Customer Engagement:

   • Responding to positive reviews provides an opportunity for businesses to engage with their customers. Acknowledging and thanking customers for their positive feedback can strengthen the relationship between the business and its customers.

9. Demonstrates Transparency:

   • Having a mix of positive and, if applicable, constructive negative reviews demonstrates transparency. It shows that the business values honest feedback and is open to continuous improvement.

We always appreciate your positive reviews google. You can find them here for Portland and here for Seattle.

Why is Spade and Archer starting the Makers Program?

Why is Spade and Archer starting the Makers Program?

For years we have been asked by local makers and artists to feature their work in our projects. We wanted to find a way that we could support them with more than just putting one of their pieces up with a sign next to it. So instead we have taken to social media with posts, podcasts, blogs and newsletter to get the word out to our community and share some of our favorite makers with you. Supporting local makers and artists is important for small businesses for several reasons:

1. Strengthening the Local Economy: When small businesses source products and artwork locally, they circulate money within their community. This, in turn, stimulates economic growth, creates jobs, and bolsters the financial health of the region.

2. Unique and Authentic Products: Local makers and artists often create unique, handcrafted, and original products. These items can set a small business apart from larger competitors, offering customers something they can't find elsewhere.

3. Community Building: Supporting local makers and artists fosters a sense of community and camaraderie. Small businesses that promote local talent can become hubs for cultural exchange and community engagement.

4. Environmental Benefits: Buying locally often means reduced transportation and packaging, which can have a positive environmental impact by lowering carbon emissions and waste.

5. Quality and Customization: Local makers and artists typically take great pride in their work, which often results in higher quality products. They may also offer customization options, allowing small businesses to tailor products to their specific needs.

6. Creativity and Innovation: Supporting local creatives can fuel innovation. When artists and makers have a local market, they may be more encouraged to experiment, try new things, and push boundaries.

7. Storytelling and Branding: The stories of local artists and makers can be woven into a small business's branding and marketing efforts. This storytelling can resonate with customers, fostering a deeper connection and brand loyalty.

8. Personal Connections: Small businesses and local artists often establish personal relationships, which can lead to a more cooperative and mutually beneficial partnership.

9. Preserving Cultural Heritage: Many local makers and artists draw inspiration from and contribute to the preservation of local culture and traditions. Supporting them helps maintain cultural diversity and heritage.

10. Building a Supportive Ecosystem: By supporting local makers and artists, small businesses contribute to the growth of a creative ecosystem in their area. This, in turn, can attract more talent and make the region a vibrant hub for art and creativity.

11. Resilience and Self-Sufficiency: Relying on local talent can make a small business more resilient to global economic fluctuations and supply chain disruptions. It reduces dependence on distant suppliers and markets.

12. Goodwill and Positive Reputation: Small businesses that support local makers and artists are often seen as more socially responsible and community-focused. This positive reputation can attract loyal customers and support.

In the coming years we will be searching out the best and brightest makers from around the Pacific Northwest and share their work and their story with you.

Makers Program: Sasheen Turner

We would love to welcome Sahseen’s Vault as the newest member of The Maker’s Program by Spade and Archer. Sasheen Turner, founder of ’Sasheen’s Vault', is a Portland, Oregon based abstract artist known for her deliberate use of color to convey specific emotions and feelings. With each painting, she shares her innermost thoughts and experiences, creating a captivating artistic journey.

Shasheen Turner in the newly renovated kitchen at 5335 SW Patton Road.

Sasheen's art is a vibrant symphony of emotions, as she carefully selects hues to represent passions and tranquility.  Sasheen's affinity for large-scale pieces allows her to fully express her creativity and fill up wall spaces. These grand creations have become her signature style, attracting art enthusiasts and collectors.

The all whte textural large format piece “Long Shot -Shhh” is perfect in the living room of 5335 SW Patton Road.

Jenelle Etzel, owner of Living Room Realty, made the initial connection from Sasheen to Justin, founder of Spade and Archer. Sasheen and Justin’s first meeting at Little Bitter Bar ignited a collaboration fueled by Justin's constant support of local makers and his belief in Sasheen's talent. Sasheen's artwork is currently featured at 5335 SW Patton Rd listed by Suzann Baricevic Murphy of (W)here Real Estate. The collaboration has brought her abstract expressions to life. The partnership showcases the transformative power of art in elevating spaces.

“Attention” hangs in the entrance hall at 5335 SW Patton Road.

Sasheen's journey radiates positivity and inspiration. Her unwavering commitment and fearless exploration of colors have garnered high praise from many.  Through collaborations, Sasheen's work continues to inspire and leave an indelible mark on viewers.

This entire bedroom was built around Sasheen’s pink and peach pallet in “Unburdened Self.”

Reach out to us at Spade and Archer to learn more about the Maker’s Program and home staging made easy in Portland and Seattle. Contact Sasheen Tuner to learn more about her breathtaking art. Contact Suzann Baricevic Murphy of (W)here Real Estate to find out more about 5335 SW Patton Road.

“Attached to nothing” hangs in the entrance hall of 5335 SW Patton Road.

ASK JUSTIN: SHOULD WE ASK PEOPLE TO TAKE OFF THEIR SHOES AT OUR OPEN HOUSE?

Requiring people to take off their shoes at open houses can have both advantages and disadvantages. While it's intended to maintain cleanliness and protect the property, there are some risks and considerations to be aware of:

1. Cultural Sensitivity: Some individuals may find it uncomfortable or offensive to be asked to remove their shoes, as it might be against their cultural norms or personal preferences. This can create a negative first impression and potentially deter potential buyers.

2. Liability Issues: If someone were to slip and fall while walking in their socks or barefoot, it could potentially lead to liability issues for the homeowner or the real estate agent hosting the open house.

3. Inconvenience: Requiring shoe removal can be inconvenient for attendees, particularly if they are wearing complicated footwear (e.g., high heels) or have difficulty bending down. This may discourage some people from attending the open house.

4. Slower Foot Traffic: The process of removing and putting on shoes can slow down the flow of attendees, making it harder for the agent to manage the event and accommodate all potential buyers efficiently.

5. Potential Damage: If attendees are asked to remove their shoes, there is a risk of them causing unintentional damage to the property, such as scuffing floors, staining carpets, or scratching hardwood surfaces.

6. Personal Hygiene Concerns: Some people may be concerned about the cleanliness of the floors in the property and may prefer not to walk in their socks or bare feet. This could be particularly problematic if the property is not kept in pristine condition.

To mitigate these risks and still maintain cleanliness and safety, real estate agents and homeowners can consider these strategies:

• Provide disposable shoe covers or booties for visitors to use while inside the property.

• Use area rugs or runners in high-traffic areas to protect the floors.

• Keep the property clean and well-maintained to reduce concerns about floor cleanliness.

• Offer a seating area near the entrance where visitors can comfortably remove and put on their shoes if they choose to do so.

Ultimately, whether or not you ask people to take off their shoes at open houses should depend on the local cultural norms, the condition of the property, and the preferences of the seller and their real estate agent. It's essential to strike a balance between maintaining the property's cleanliness and creating a welcoming and accommodating environment for potential buyers.

ASK JUSTIN: WHY SHOULD SELLER AVOID FAKE ITEMS WHEN STAGING A HOUSE FOR MARKET?

Sellers should avoid using fake items like fake plants, blow-up mattresses, and fake food when staging a home for several important reasons:

1. Misrepresentation: Using fake items can mislead potential buyers. When buyers see fake plants, blow-up mattresses, or fake food, they may assume that the seller is trying to hide real issues with the property or that the space is not as functional as it appears. This can lead to a lack of trust and turn off potential buyers.

2. Lack of Authenticity: Authenticity is key when staging a home. Real plants, comfortable mattresses, and real food in the kitchen provide a sense of genuineness that can make a property more appealing. Fake items can make a home feel less inviting and more like a staged set.

3. Emotional Connection: Staging is all about helping potential buyers envision themselves living in the space. Real items create a more emotional connection and allow buyers to imagine their own lives in the home. Fake items can create a barrier to forming this connection.

4. Quality Perception: Using fake items can give the impression that the seller is cutting corners or not investing in the property. Buyers may assume that if the seller is willing to use fake items in staging, they may have neglected other aspects of maintenance and upkeep.

5. Aesthetic Concerns: While staging should make a home look its best, fake items can often be visually unappealing or cheapen the overall aesthetic. Real plants, quality furnishings, and actual kitchen appliances and utensils can enhance the visual appeal of a space.

6. Durability and Functionality: Fake items like blow-up mattresses or imitation furniture may not hold up well during showings, potentially leading to embarrassing situations if they deflate or break. Real items are more reliable and functional.

7. Smell and Taste: Fake food items in the kitchen can give off strange odors or look unappetizing. Real food and kitchen items, on the other hand, can create a pleasant atmosphere and evoke positive feelings.

8. Potential Legal Issues: Using fake items with the intent to deceive buyers may have legal consequences, as it could be considered fraudulent misrepresentation.

In summary, sellers should strive for authenticity, transparency, and a genuine connection with potential buyers when staging a home. Using real, high-quality items and furnishings can help create a more positive and trust-inducing impression, making the property more attractive and increasing the chances of a successful sale.