Sale 1 (Second Wave) is out the door

The second wave of Seven Deadly Sins truffles (i.e., the rest of the first sale) went to the post office yesterday, so today's been devoted to some much-needed down time. Because your friendly chocolate-maker is tired.

The hectic, seat-of-the-pants stressapalooza of the first sale was replaced this time around with more of a nose-to-the-grindstone sort of a vibe. Instead of interspersing the chocolate making with ordering supplies, driving around getting supplies, freaking out over the lack of mailing boxes, etc., I was able to concentrate on just making truffles and packaging them up.

Of course, this time I did it all on my own, without help from husband, friend and husband-of-friend. Which is how it should be because, hey, this was my crazy idea, and it's up to me to make it work. So I did. Despite sticky mailing labels that wouldn't peel, and packing tape that kept wadding up, and numerous other little annoyances** that have nothing to do with chocolate but still had to be finessed. (Stupid, stupid tape gun ...)

And after acting as chocolatier, office staff, assembly line and loading dock foreman, I'm whipped. Which is why today's involved a lot of surfing the 'net and petting the dog (who's been feeling a little neglected lately, since she's banished from the kitchen and that's where I've been spending all my time.)

But I look at that stack of wrapped boxes and, while there are still a LOT of things that need to be worked out -- better cushioning so that the truffles don't rattle around during shipping, issues with bloom on the chocolate, cold packs for shipping to warmer climates -- I feel like I'm accomplishing something pretty unique here. And the support from all of you who have placed orders has been awesome.

I've been thinking about running regular contests for blog readers, offering free stuff in exchange for ideas on themes and flavors. Let me know what you think -- would it be more trouble than it's worth, or would it be fun for customers to kick in their own ideas? Let me know in comments.

** Like, maybe I should have installed and figured out the USPS postage software during some earlier down time, rather than waiting until I was smack in the middle of getting everything together for the post office. That sort of thing.

Comments

[Maggie]

It sounds like a huge amount of work, but the chocolates were so good! My husband and I enjoyed them all - we've finished our first box. I managed to get in on the 2nd order of them, so I'm excited for more! Get some rest though! :-)

[Dawn]

Oh, I'm resting. When I can. :-)

I'm glad you enjoyed the truffles!

[Philotera]

Sleep is good. Dog petting is good. No one loves you like your dog.

The chocolates are amazing. Anyone who doesn't order is Very Silly. Fortunately, M. and I have strong personal preferences that are different (me, cherry; him, orange) so we don't have to have a Star-Trek style pit fight over them.

I've also been forever curious about what -real- marshmallow was like, and forever way to lazy to make 'em, so that was a true added bonus.

I like theme ideas. I thought what you are currently doing is fun, but maybe a "marco polo" exotic spices series (or Genghis Khan depending on how the day goes).

Or c'mon, movie themes! I could totally get into movie themes! The Casablanca series goes from north Africa to Paris! How awesome is that.

OK, I'll ge good and shut up now.

[Krissy]

hi, didn't get my chocolates. are you delivering in portland at another time?

[Mary Crowell]

I like Philotera's suggestion for exotic flavors. Like chili maybe! That would be interesting as the 'extra' chocolate in the seven deadly sins package. :-)

[Barbara]

I found you through Eric Snider...and I really am craving chocolate now!! I'm all for reader competitions if it involves me maybe getting free food:)
What about a seasonal theme? Like Red Velvet, White chocolate and Bluberry flavored truffles for the 4th?