Knowledgeable humans,
at your service.

Over the years I've discovered that advice calls work best when we start with one simple question. When you book, I'll ask you to answer a short questionnaire to help you figure out what that question might be.

It's okay if you're not sure. Makers often come to me because their wholesale business (and their feelings about their wholesale business) = a big ball of snakes.

That's fine. All you have to do is pick one snake. As we go along, you might find the others start to untangle themselves.

In terms of the general topics we can talk about, have a look at the "What can I help you do?" section on the Book An Advice Call page.

We'll talk via Zoom for 45 minutes. You'll receive instructions on how to join our call using your computer when you book.

Choose to chat via audio-only if you prefer - that's completely fine by me.

Advice calls happen on Tuesdays and Thursdays. When you book your call, you'll see the next available slot in your local time zone.

If our time zones conflict or you're in a hurry to talk, just let Anthony know when you book and he'll do his best to accommodate you.

Yes, absolutely.

If you're preparing for a trade show, you can book a package of two advice calls here.

But otherwise, let's keep it simple and start with one. If you'd like to book more calls, Anthony will send you the link to do that after we talk.

Yes! I'm an introvert too and I know how hard it can be to call up someone you don't know.

Here's how we fix that:

We'll talk via Zoom - just click a link to join my meeting room.

Choose audio-only if you like - that's fine with me.

You get to say "Here's what would help me get the most out of our call." There's a space for that on your client questionnaire.

I've worked with hundreds of creative people and I am one myself. I'll take good care of you.

Yes. We only ask that you use your call within 18 months of purchase.

Yes - there's a link to cancel your call and choose another time slot at the bottom of your invitation email.

Or shoot Anthony a line at anthony@indieretailacademy.com and he'll take care of you.

You have 18 months to use your advice call.

Occasionally, the tech gremlins come out and cause trouble when it's time for us to talk.

You'll receive step-by-step instructions on how to log into my Zoom meeting room when you book. If something isn't working, try closing Zoom and start again by clicking the link in your invitation email. That often does the trick.

If not, no need to panic. Just email me at clare@indieretailacademy.com, let me know what's happening and we'll figure it out.

If you don't show up for our advice call and I don't hear from you, I'll wait in our Zoom meeting room for 30 minutes. I know unexpected situations can come up, especially when you're juggling lots of responsibilities.

If you miss our call completely but would still like to talk later, we can rearrange one new appointment - please email Anthony at anthony@indieretailacademy to set this up.

No. I'm not a lawyer, accountant or financial advisor. An advice call is not a substitute for the legal or professional advice provided by your own lawyer, accountant or financial advisor. More on that here.

Sure. If that's the main thing you want to accomplish with your advice call, you can tell me that in your client questionnaire.

I'll get it up on my screen and we'll talk it all through.

Just your computer or phone. It's pretty simple and intuitive - all you have to do is click the invitation link in your booking email and follow the steps.

If you'd like a walkthrough, find one here.

Yes. I'll check it's okay with you to record the call at the start. If you'd like a copy of the recording, Anthony will whizz it over after we wrap up.

That's normal!

If you're nervous because you have a question that isn't covered here... email me or open the chatbox and we'll take care of it.

If you're nervous because you feel like you're in a big mess... I can help you clear it up.

Also I've seen (and been in) some big messes in my time. They ALL got fixed by doing one small thing at a time.

If you're nervous because you're worried you'll get bad feedback about your linesheet, catalogue, pitch email or website... I'll tell you what I think could use some work, but I'll also tell you what you're doing brilliantly.

I'll be straight with you about areas for improvement, for sure, but I'll be just as straight about what's already good.

If you're nervous about spending money on consulting... you know your financial situation. If now's not the time, bookmark this page. I'll be here when you're ready.

If spending the money is possible, however, remember this is about helping you make more money from selling to shops. There are no guarantees, of course, but that's my goal for you.