Are you looking for new local places to sell your jewelry?
Here’s a tip from Arriel of Ari Designs:
I had never thought about selling to coffee shops, but they are real gathering places for folks to congregate.
If you can find a coffee shop in your area that sells crafts and jewelry, all the better.
But even if they don’t, it’s an excellent chance to approach the owner about consigning your jewelry.
Most likely she is looking for ways to attract new customers into her shop, and unless she’s already selling a lot of jewelry, I think she’d be happy to work with you.
Even if you don’t make full price on your sales (after her commission), it’s still a great opportunity to get your jewelry out there on a daily basis in front of new people.
Be sure to leave your business cards next to your jewelry displays so people can contact you.
You could wind up with a whole new customer base!
Thanks so much for this great jewelry marketing tip, Arriel!
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for the great idea. I’ve been thinking about approaching a tea shop here in town, but just keep putting it off. You’ve inspired me to seriously consider stopping by and talking to the owner soon.
I have a question! I have a lady who offered to sell some of my jewelry at her place of business. She has a boss over her, so she can’t do a regular consignment. What, or how much is customary to give as comission. I don’t want to be a “cheapscate” , but also don’t want to give away all my profit. I would realy appreciate any and all ideas
Hi Siggi,
First you might ask the lady who’s offering to sell your jewelry at work whether she’d like to be compensated with some of your jewelry (either something you have in your inventory, or custom jewelry). Many people are thrilled to earn free jewelry by helping you make some sales! If so, you could compensate her as you might if she were hosting a jewelry party. (In this jewelry party article, scroll down to the subheading “Jewelry Party Hostess Rewards”.)
If she prefers to earn a cash commission for her sales, I would say that something in the vicinity of 20% of her total sales would be a nice (and motivational) figure.
I hope this arrangement works out well, Siggi! We’re getting into the best time of year for people to be interested in shopping from things co-workers bring in. If all goes well with this round of sales, you might see if this lady is interested in taking in a second round of jewelry in November to catch some more holiday gift-shopping opportunities from her work group.
Thanks a million Rena! I will do as you suggest. This lady actually asked me about my jewelry when I was trying on “Mastectomy-Fashion”, She runs the shop where Mastectomy appearel, etc. are for sale. She told me that some of the ladies coming in ask her if she sells something nice to “make them feel good”. She now has a glass-case for my jewelry, and handmade purses. I gave her 14 Fresh water pearl bracelets to sell, all with toggle closure. She brought them back after a few weeks, telling me that the ladies all prefer elastic bracelets. I find it cheapens them somewhat, but I will make them elastic. I can’t seem to hide the knot though. If I make a tiny, single one, I am afraid it will come open. Anyone have any ideas or tips how to make knots small enough and not break.
I just wanted to add that I’ll be consigning jewelry to a tea shop a few towns over. There are beads caps made that look like tea pots (when you add your choice of bead in the middle). This was a perfect way to get my foot in the door. I also made a couple of stretch bracelets with tea pot and teacup charms on them. And as to your question about covering the knots, I used a double strand of elastic which does make a thick knot. I use a crimp cover to cover them.
Fantastic, Karen! Finding a way to make your jewelry appeal perfectly to niche interests such as tea is a great way to sell your work. Best of luck with this tea shop venue!
Siggi, I make elastic bracelets for my granddaughter (4) and also interchangeable beaded watch bracelets. I use the clear magic elastic and a drop of Hypo cement on the double knot. Seems to be very sturdy. The biggest problem I have with stretchy bracelets is the elastic is too thick for the holes of most beads.