Marketing Ideas for Your Handcrafted Jewelry
Thanks to Randi-Sue Dekard for allowing
us to publish this article. Visit her web site Designing Diva Jewelry.
Ideas for Marketing your Handcrafted
Jewelry does not require a large budget but some of that creativity you
have used in your designs.
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Day Spas and Salons: Call local day spas and salons. Ask
to speak to the manager or business owner. Set an appointment to
show your jewelry. Have your pitch ready on why their customers
would benefit from having this product. Think about whether you will
wholesale or allow consignment of your jewelry. Be on time and
remember your look is just as important as the jewelry presentation.
Once the salon or spa places an order/consignment, check back to see
what pieces are selling or what comments they have heard from
customers. This information is invaluable in finding out what
customers want!
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Boutiques and Specialty stores: Independently owned
boutiques, gift, gallery and specialty stores are always on the look
out for unique and original items to offer their customers. Prior to
calling the store, do a little detective work to give you an edge.
Pay attention to what the store carries (classic, funky, etc) and
the price. This will help you customize not only your pitch but your
jewelry presentation to the owner/manager. Remember, always be
courteous and call ahead.
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Community Events: Check out your local paper for upcoming
events. Your local Chamber of Commerce can be a huge asset as they
often have a calendar listing of events. Promote yourself by
showcasing your jewelry at local events or donating items for Silent
Auctions. Do not forget to advertise in your local paper or submit a
press release when you will be at a local event or the fact you
donated an item to an event. Do NOT underestimate these local
events. I have made over 1k for a 3hr school function that cost me
$30 to enter; I consider $300 an hour successful, don't you?
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Jewelry Trunk Show: Host a private trunk show in your
home or look in to renting a community hall. Promote your event
through friends, family, and the local paper. I hosted a trunk show
before prom and promoted at the high school and local paper; I had
so much business that I had to put a deadline for taking orders for
prom. As a result of private shows like this, I have repeat
customers and positive word-of-mouth-business referrals.
Here's to your success with your handcrafted jewelry business.
Handcrafted jewelry is Randi-Sue Deckard's
passion. She is the owner of Designing-Diva
Jewelry; she handcrafts original and limited
edition silver jewelry in her North Texan
studio. She has had incredible mentors
throughout her jewelry career and is passionate
about sharing her business knowledge with
others. You may visit her website at
http://www.designing-diva.com or you may
e-mail her at
contact@designing-diva.com with your
comments or questions.
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Randi-Sue Deckard © 2007
Used with permission of the author
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The Business Side of Jewelry
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