Posts tagged Jewelry Business

So You Want to Sell Your Handmade Jewelry

Skimming the Web for info on the handmade jewelry industry, I repeatedly encounter articles on how to earn money by selling jewelry you make yourself. Noble occupation and one I stumbled into a few years back after becoming burned out on writing. But it’s the money-making slant to these articles that I object to. I don’t want to rain on anyone’s parade; but as a published author and former consultant on entrepreneurship and small business development, I simply feel compelled to sprinkle a bit to help you be committed to success. If you are thinking about selling your handcrafted jewelry or have recently launched your jewelry business – this series is for you. Don’t forget to subscribe via RSS or email so you don’t miss a single installment.

It’s In Our DNA

It is seems to be in the DNA of Americans to want to strike out on our own and that’s a very good thing and a major reason this recession is only temporary! Millions of people start businesses every year. In fact,  in this weak economy, even more people are taking the leap to owning their own business. The reasons are as varied as  the businesses – some are motivated because they lost their job and don’t see any alternative, some simply need extra cash to make it from paycheck to paycheck and others just don’t want to wait any longer to realize a dream. The flip side to the rapid growth of new businesses is that most will fail. Wow! No one wants to start out thinking they are going to fail – but you must expect the best and prepare for the worst.  Jumping blindly into any entrepreneurial adventure can be costly – financially, physically and emotionally. A failed business can eat through your savings, make you sick and strain your family relationships. I’m not trying to discourage you – I just want you to be fully informed.  If you are armed with knowledge, you’ll be better prepared to succeed. Remember even “just selling a few necklaces” at a local craft show or home party is a REAL business with all the inherent ups and downs.

Don’t miss the next installment: Are You an Entrepreneur?


Selling Your Jewelry Art

Selling product is the goal of having a business. It has become even more important to concentrate your attention every day on growing your sales as competition is tremendous. I spend 90% of my work time promoting and marketing Rose of Sharon Jewelry on a budget. I'm always wondering around Twitter, Facebook and the Web looking for ideas and ways to maximize our exposure.

I found Craft Biz Blog this evening and thought I'd share it with my fellow jewelry artists and other handmade sellers. This article especially caught my attention - Why are Your Crafts Not Selling? Terri Belford is a Craft Business Coach and she has an interesting angle on this age old question. Even in a down economy, people are joyously buying handmade but not everyone is selling! Drop by her site use this article to really look at what you are doing. It can be tough to be truthful as your art is your soul but if you want to be profitable then it is worth the potential uneasiness.

To leave a comment and join the conversation - check the link to the left. I'd love to hear your ideas on how you keep on selling.

Making beautiful handmade jewelry or quilts or clothing or home decor uses your creative brain - but marketing and selling uses your analytical brain. And not every one is adept at using these opposite skills. If that is the case, perhaps you have a relative or friend who can help out - partnering with someone with opposing talents is a great way to fill out your business team.

Pricing Your Handmade Jewelry

This post is directed to the jewelry artists who are readers. Pricing is always difficult as it isn't just manipulating numbers. Often you have to look into yourself and set a value on your talent. That can be a hard task. This article by metal artist Jodi of Jewels by Jules on her blog is very valuable and thought provoking.
5/11/09 - My apologies to Jodi Bombardier. As I originally called her Jules. Well, her business was named after her daughter Jules but I misread the web site. Don't forget to drop by Jewels by Jules and also her informative Online Wire Wrapping Instructional site.

Whether you jewelry making is a fun sideline business or your bread-n-butter career, stop by and learn some valuable info on handmade jewelry pricing.


Joining the Handmade Community

This evening I've been busy joining a variety of handmade communities online. This gives me an opportunity to promote Rose of Sharon Jewelry, A.F.F. Jewelry and New Life Jewelry Art to people who appreciate the creativity, uniqueness and economic power of buying handmade.

There are lots of places to promote your handmade jewelry business online and even more communities that cover anything you might hand make.

You'll find us on PlumDrop now (see the box in the right column), JewelryGeeks and Buyhand.me. I just love sharing the photos I took recently - cannot just let those little digital images go stale in my laptop!

Here is a lovely Violetta by Sandra Lee. It will be in the store next week.violetta-necklaceIf you cannot wait, drop me a line to reserve.


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