Newsletter - March 11, 2009

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.

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Security at Shows

by

Mary Harvey

Show season is just around the corner, and if you’ve ever done an art or craft show, you worry about theft. It’s almost impossible to prevent theft completely. If someone really wants something, they’ll find a way to get it. In this issue, we will discuss a few precautions you can take to make it harder for sticky fingers to make off with your inventory.

A great way to prevent theft is to keep your inventory in cases. These can be as elaborate as glass and wood showcases, to portable aluminum cases, to simple trays with glass or acrylic tops. Jewelry that’s in a case is harder to steal. There’s been a lot of discussion about whether you should keep your case tops open or closed. It’s been my experience that with an open case, there’s a barrier between you and your customer. Not only that, but it’s quite easy to reach around when no one is looking and grab something. I keep my case tops closed so that there isn’t a “wall” between myself and my customer.

Another tip is to have several people working your booth with you, especially if you don’t keep your inventory in cases. More eyes watching equals less possibility of theft. If you have to work a show alone and have to leave your booth, make sure to lock all your cases, and see if you can find someone to watch your booth. Many shows provide “booth sitters” who will sit at your booth while you get something to eat, use the facilities, etc.

What about weekend shows? Should you leave your jewelry in the cases overnight? If you do, you are taking a big chance. I’ve known people who have left their tools in their booth and stock in their cases at shows where there was supposedly good security, and have returned to find things missing. My feeling is if you don’t want to lose it, take it with you, no matter how good they say the security is. 

Take a complete inventory before and after the show, so that you know if something is missing, and keep good sales records. Also, look into getting an insurance policy that will cover your for theft and liability at shows. Most independent insurance agents will be able to quote one for you. Having your own policy is important because if something is stolen, it isn’t the show management’s responsibility.

 Finally, if you hand out business cards, it’s a good idea not to have your home address on it. Get a post office box and put that on your cards. Listing your home address on a card that says “jewelry” on it is an invitation to a thief.

You can’t always prevent theft, but you can help to minimize your chances of getting ripped-off by taking these, and other, simple steps.

Happy Showing!