Where do I go to sell my products?
How you choose to sell your pieces will determine how much product you need.
Home Shows:
If you are doing a home show, I suggest that you have at least 2 dozen sets of necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Then you will need another 2 dozen varied earrings and 2 dozen varied bracelets. This is really the bare minimum to make your display look attractive. When I was doing home shows, I gave the hostess 15% of sales back in free jewelry, but only if she had at least 10 people at her party. 10 to 12 people always seemed to bring in $800-$1,000 for me.
Craft Fairs:
These were always great opportunities for selling large quantities of products. You need at least twice the product for craft fairs as for a home show. Make sure you have business cards to hand out to everyone, whether they purchase right then or not. Try to up-sell at all times. When they buy the bracelet, they’ll have to have the matching earrings! If it is a school craft fair, make sure you know the mascot and school colors. Teenagers have money, and they generally like simple, unique and inexpensive products. I usually took a tray of varied rings. They love that kind of thing. Have a large variety on-hand for teenagers!
Schools:
A teacher approached me at a craft fair and asked if I would be interested in setting up at her school. I got there at 8am and setup and left at 2:30. It was great! I ended up with several schools that I came to every month. The teacher must okay this with her principal, but I was so surprised at how open they were. I gave the teacher who set me up 15% of sales in free jewelry. This is great for the people with school age children. And don't forget preschools!
Businesses:
I also setup in several businesses every month. Lunch rooms, foyers, empty offices, wherever there are lots of people. I was fortunate to be able to set up at the American Airlines main office 2 or 3 times per month. They let me set up in the lunch room and charged me a flat $25. You can't beat that!
Realtors:
I found out that the realtors in our area have group tours and luncheons every Wednesday. I would setup in one of the empty homes (with permission, of course) where the realtors were touring or having lunch. I found that they actually appreciated me being there, as they never seem to have time to shop otherwise.
Churches:
Around here, there are a lot of churches that actually have gift shops. Religious-themed jewelry fits in well and they will take a small percentage of items that sell. They merchandize it, and all you do is give them the product! It is the same with colleges. I had my jewelry at the Texas A&M gift shop for years. It was the school colors, all bracelets and earrings.
Salons:
Great places to reach your target market! Hair salons, nail salons, spas...you get the idea. For some shops, I left displays onsite. For other salons, I set up a table once per month. I always sold more when I was present. You will sell your jewelry better than anyone!
Assisted Living Centers
Oh, my! The women at assisted living centers love jewelry. They don't get out much to shop, so you really are doing them a service. The one I set up did not charge me anything, so I offered 20% off all products for retirees. I can't tell you how much they appreciated the sale! And they will love you!
Your Home:
Twice a year I held an open house at my home, before Mother's Day and before Christmas. I invited other vendors: a friend who sold Mary Kay gift sets, a friend who made great handbags, a friend who sold jackets and a friend who made wood-making products. I invited everyone I knew, and the others did too. The open house was from 10 to 6, with snacks and drinks. GREAT FUN!
You:
You are your best salesperson. Always wear your product. Always be available for drop-ins. My house pretty much had a revolving door. I had many customers who depended on me for last minute gifts. Always make sure everyone knows how to contact you!
