We also supply them with information about the care of the product, how to clean fabric or leather. Usually they'll need chairs, drapery or accessories to go with their purchase, so we send them notes about what they might be planning to do next with their homes. The pieces chosen for the auction are by customer request. They come in and tell us what they would like to see in the auction. They are buying things they absolutely love, and they make other smaller purchases during the auction.
Carpets do very well at the auctions, too.
It provides another option to the more traditional lay-away plan. We're trying to help our customers put a whole look together, to be able to afford to finish off an area at a time rather than just buy a sofa and have to wait to purchase chairs, a carpet or accessories to go with it. Because of Dervilia's uniqueness, local media have provided a great deal of valuable public relations exposure. On site design service has been offered from opening day, and now represents 40 to 50 percent of total business. We try to bring in a cross section of good quality products, including a collection of whimsical and fantasy pieces, antiques, mirrors, carpets and accessories, at affordable prices.