I’ve found that Christmas and New Year’s parties can be great venues for making casual jewelry sales.
Of course, you don’t make a sales presentation or do anything obvious! 
Simply wear some of your most eye-catching or unique pieces, and be ready with a short, interesting blurb you can say about your jewelry business when people compliment your jewelry.
I’m always amazed at how many people are willing to buy something from me right there on the spot at a social event.
To be prepared to make these impulse sales, see Tip #13 in my list of ways to sell more jewelry during the holidays.
You also may be able to schedule a jewelry party from a compliment on your jewelry at a holiday gathering.
After hearing about your jewelry business, people often say, “I’ve been wanting to have a jewelry party, but didn’t know anyone who did them!”
Or you may be able to schedule a jewelry wardrobe-matching session for someone who sighs, “I love jewelry, but I just never know what to buy that will go with my clothes.”
Also, casually let any interested businesspeople know that your jewelry can help them solve their business gift-giving responsibilities. You’d be surprised at how many people are excited to hear that your fantastic, unique accessories can make client or employee gifts.
(For details on selling your jewelry as business gifts or via wardrobe-matching sessions, see my book, Secrets of a Handcrafted Jewelry Shopping Service.)
So even if you feel more like staying home than going out to a holiday party, consider adorning yourself with your own wares and mingling with some new folks - for at least an hour or two.
Make sure you’ve got a supply of your business cards tucked away in your purse or pocket.
You might make a good sale or two with no selling expenses - or you might even gain a new lifetime client!
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Rena,
This why I love being in the jewelry making business!
As I often tell my students, it’s got to be one of the easiest “sales” businesses in the world simply because all you have to do is wear your jewelry pieces when you go out in public and your sales prospects will start the conversation with something like, “That’s so beautiful. Where did you get it?” It’s like taking candy from a baby!
That’s why I especially recommend jewelry making for those who hate the idea of having to sell something. Let your jewelry do the talking for you!
Thanks Rena for the great idea.
Hi Rena,
Last Christmas, I brought my jewelery to a reunion of women teachers who taught together 25 yrs. ago. I was one of them. We meet every year at Christmas in someone’s home and we have a good time. Everyone is always glad to see everybody and we take turns talking about our families and what’s new and exciting.
I had asked the hostess a week earlier, if I could bring my jewelery and she said yes she would love to buy something and she emailed everyone to say I was going to bring my stuff.
I came a little late and I quickly set up my stuff in the living room and left it there. Most of the guests were already there in the familyroom. I didn’t end up selling anything.
I was very embarrassed about bringing my stuff because I imagined that my friends were giving me the message they didn’t appreciate me using our get-together to make some profit. Nobody said anything like that. I just thought it myself.
To save face, I gave all the ladies a free pair of Christmas earrings. I said I didn’t do it for the money, I just did it for fun as a hobby. What happened there?? I can’t figure out why no one bought anything? My stuff is beautiful as I am told by many people. Any ideas or comments would be appreciated
Sincerely,
Rose