Newsletter - May 28, 2008

The Jewelry Crafter

A newsletter for the home jeweler

This newsletter will be published every 2 weeks, and will include hints and tips for your jewelry business. Any feedback or comments about the topics presented here are always appreciated. Click here to e-mail us.

This Week’s Sponsor:

This Week’s Topic - Alternatives to Craft Shows

by Mary Harvey

Craft shows are a great way to sell your jewelry, but for some people, doing shows isn’t an option. Here are some alternative ideas for selling your jewelry:

• Friends and co-workers - These are a great source of sales. By wearing your jewelry, or having friends wear your jewelry, you are gaining exposure. You never know when you will sell a piece right off your neck. And always remember to carry some of your business cards with you to hand out to potential customers.
• Selling on Ebay - some people have great success selling their jewelry on ebay. The best way to start is to look at some of the listings, determine what’s selling and for how much. If you really want to get into the ins and outs of Ebay, a great resource is the Ebay Secrets course, shown in the banner link above.
• Home shows - If you can’t sell at a craft show, try putting on your own show. Find someone who would be willing to host a party, or host one yourself. Home shows can be a very lucrative way of selling your jewelry, and best of all, you set the schedule.
• Websites - having your own website is a great way to advertise your jewelry. We will go into the ins and outs of creating your own website in a future issue.
• Galleries or other retail outlets - This is a great way to sell your jewelry. Most galleries and other stores will charge a commission on each sale, or you can wholesale to the store. Most times, you’re better off to go commission. Make sure that you have a written agreement stating what the commission percentage will be, who is responsible for theft or other loss, and how often you will get paid. Always get contracts in writing so there will be no questions later. Some great places to sell jewelry, besides galleries, are beauty shops, hospital gift shops, local coffee houses, bridal shops, etc.
• School fund raisers - make jewelry in the school colors, and sell them at school functions. Make sure to give a percentage to the school.

There are lots of ways to sell your jewelry - these are just a few. With a little imagination, some luck and a lot of determination, you can make your jewelry hobby into a business. If you’re not successful with one of these ideas, try another. Don’t get discouraged, and most of all, don’t give up. 

Next Issue - Tips for setting up a website