Jewelry Business BlogJanuary-February 2006
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February 28, 2006
Great idea for using leftover wire scraps
Here's a tip from Renee Downing of Renee Amber Designs:
I do a lot of wire wrapping with sterling silver. I also love to experiment with polymer clay. Since I don't like wasting anything (and I mean anything!), I save the leftover tails of wire that I snip off the end of my wrappings. They may be as short as a quarter inch, up to an inch.
I'll take these "tails" and arrange them strategically, or even haphazardly, onto my polymer clay pendants before baking. To ensure that they stay in place, I use tweezers or a toothpick to gently press the sterling silver tails into the clay. The result is a unique and often beautiful pendant to string on wire, leather, etc.
February 27, 2006
Neat way to store and use your orphan beads!
Jennifer Garrett of Star Hill Designs has a fantastic tip for your orphan beads (those one-of-a-kind or leftover beads that you don't quite know what to do with):
Whenever I find an interesting or unusual bead, I will save it in an small glass jar (like an old baby food jar with the label removed) on my desk. As I come across coordinating beads, I will add them to the jar. Once I have enough beads for a piece and inspiration strikes, I will use them to make something. By keeping the beads in view of my work space, I'm much more likely to use them than if they are buried at the bottom of one of my many bead boxes!
February 24, 2006
Make your custom jewelry orders profitable and hassle-free
Last year I published this article in the Jewelry Business Blog, but I've had so many customers looking for this info that I'm giving it an article page of its own:
Custom Jewelry Orders
Custom jewelry orders can be a nicely profitable part of your business, if you follow these simple procedures to protect yourself and prevent misunderstandings with the customer.
February 22, 2006
Jewelry Business Success News issue #34 is out!
This morning I sent out issue #34 of Jewelry Business Success News to 7271 email subscribers. Inside are an answer to a reader's question about jewelry business plans, and a new article on selling more jewelry by educating your customers.
You can read it on the back-issue page at the above link.
February 20, 2006
To incorporate, or not to incorporate?
At some point, you may want to protect your assets by making your jewelry business a limited liability company (LLC). Our newest guest author, Simon Maher of LLC Made Easy, explains when and why you may want to take this step:
Should You Incorporate Your Home Jewelry Business?
Learn why you may want to incorporate your jewelry business, what type of business entity you should choose, and how incorporating can protect you. Guest author Simon Maher demystifies the concept of incorporation.
February 19, 2006
It's all about gold - Part 5 of the valuation course
Here's the latest installment of the jewelry valuation mini-course by David Foard F.G.A.A. of Online Jewelry Appraisal Center:
It's All About Gold and Precious Metals
Learn how to calculate the base gold value of any item, why exchange rates affect people outside the US, and the importance of your coins. Part 5 of guest author David Foard's mini-course, "How to Value Your Jewelry at Home or Work".
February 18, 2006
Make your handcrafted jewelry website stand out
Here's a jewelry business website tip from Nersel of Nersel and Irene:
There are so many jewelry websites that sometimes you wonder how you will distinguish yourself.
When you promote and advertise your business, emphasize what differentiates you from the other jewelers. Maybe your jewelry is all handmade like ours, or you use unique designs, or you are inspired by an event in your life or by someone special, or your jewelry has a meaning or story.
These will drive customers to your site. For example, on our website, Nersel and Irene, we provide a brief description of each product we have, our inspiration, and the meaning of the stones we use in our jewelry.
February 17, 2006
Help a fellow jewelry artist recover from disaster
Remember Melanie Solis, whose "Hurricane Katrina Success Story" was in the last issue of our newsletter?
I've just received this message from her:
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Hi everybody,
As you know, I'm trying to start my jewelry business. I saw this contest, "Self-Made in America" in the popular "INC MAGAZINE" website and entered my story about what happened to me with the hurricane.
I just got an email from INC and they said that I am one of 50 finalists! Here is the link to rate and vote for my story:
If you get a chance, please rate my story and submit a short comment. If chosen, I could win a $10,000 grant to help me start up, plus a trip to a business seminar in Chicago. Your help is greatly appreciated!
Thank you to all who have supported my dream of starting my business!
God Bless,Melanie
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I've already voted and left a comment. Best of luck, Melanie! :o)
February 16, 2006
Where do you sell your jewelry?
Cheryl Coccaro of Gypsy Woman Caravan is a true entrepreneur. In addition to writing the definitive guide to selling jewelry and other items on eBay, "Easy Internet Selling", she is also the creator of My Perfect Ear earring display and My Jewelry to Go travel case for jewelry.
Here's Cheryl's newest article:
Tips for Selling Your Jewelry Creations
If you're like many jewelry artists, selling your jewelry is the most challenging part of your business. Cheryl Coccaro shares her tips for getting your work out there - and getting it sold.
February 14, 2006
The right conditions for selling jewelry
I'm pleased to introduce our newest guest author, Jeffrey Miller of Jeffrey Design, who covers a topic that puzzles many of us:
The Mysterious Chemistry of Jewelry Sales
Making jewelry sales can require a delicate balance of conditions. Join guest author Jeffrey Miller on a quest for the perfect jewelry sale.
February 9, 2006
How will you end your jewelry business someday?
Returning guest author Sally Jones of Tea Business Guide provides food for thought in her new article:
Your Jewelry Business Exit Strategy
Your business exit strategy is important to consider ahead of time, regardless of whether you're in business alone or with partners. Guest author Sally Jones discusses exit strategies and what to include in them.
February 8, 2006
Jewelry crime is on the rise ... And here's how you can fight back
New guest author Rachael Loving of Loving Jewelry does an outstanding job of providing security and anti-theft tips for jewelry businesses:
Security and Your Home Jewelry Business
Security is an important issue for your jewelry business. You can protect your inventory and yourself from becoming a jewelry crime statistic by taking these security measures.
February 7, 2006
Where do you buy your jewelry making supplies?
I'm pleased to introduce our newest guest author, Lesley Jones of Bead Genie Creations. Here she shares some great insights into purchasing jewelry supplies:
Online Jewelry Suppliers
How do you select online jewelry suppliers? Guest author Lesley Jones' tips will help you navigate between wholesale, retail, large and small jewelry suppliers, shipping issues, hidden costs, etc.
February 5, 2006
Serving the jewelry engraving market
Recently I received this interesting email from former dentist Dr. Lew Jensen:
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I started a strange little hobby at home in my shop, engraving - of all things - eggshells. I was a very unhappy dentist for fifteen years and my hobby started a fire burning that lead me to my "high-speed" engraving world.
I have discovered that adding "personalization engraving" really helps jewelry sales. We did a test for 1928 Jewelry in California and had 800% increase in their costume jewelry sales.
One of my engravers in Florida started specializing in jewelry engraving and ended up with over thirty retail jewelry stores asking if she would engrave their sales.
If you offer the "almost customer" the option, "I can engrave this custom jewelry piece for free, if you purchase today," you put a very practical and low cost incentive into the sale that is almost magic.
I have developed a custom engraving system out of the hobby that I started many years ago. We are the pioneers of the "new way to engrave" with my invention - the ParaGraver.
My engraving drill rotates at over 300,000 r.p.m which is ten times the speed of a Dremel type tool and considerably faster than a normal dental drill. We use a little mist of oil - and the dentist cannot.
There are a lot of people who build custom jewelry, but very few who offer custom engraving, but if you could do it yourself, and offer it - the results will really surprise you.
We represent a custom engraving circle that has really grown over the years, but I haven't really focused on this particular niche, so as I stumbled onto the Home Jewelry Business Success Tips website, it occurred to me that I might have something that would really help you guys out.
We have people using this form of interactive marketing as a great sales hook and it works like magic. If you couldn't offer the engraving right while the customer is standing there - it wouldn't work so well, but because my sytem uses a pattern for everthing engraved, it is as easy as "tracing a line."
Many of the jewelers in our area bring in their pieces to have me engrave them, and the price ranges of the work has really increased over the years. Our network fees start out at $60.00 per hour for all custom engraving and we end up doing everything from Waterford Crystal to all the major brands of perfume.
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Author Dr. Lew Jensen has two websites related to his passions: DoctorLew.com and Profitable Hobbies.
February 4, 2006
Report from a weekend art show
I've just finished Day 3 of a 4-day art show. A major trend I'm seeing at this show is a significant increase in the number of customers purchasing my goldfill jewelry instead of my silver.
I'd have to say that (even here in my less-trendy neck of the woods), yellow gold is indeed making its forecasted fashion comeback.
Also, a lot of customers are looking at my amber jewelry but not necessarily buying it. Possibly they're on the lookout for the color of gold?
Another customer preference at this particular show is the color turquoise. Anything in the turquoise / aqua color family is doing well this weekend.
The second most popular color is green, followed by red. Red's popularity may be influenced by the approach of Valentine's Day, since a large percentage of my sales at this show are for Valentine gifts.
My bracelet sales have slowed a bit compared to previous shows, while necklaces and earrings have picked up speed.
February 2, 2006
Arranging the mirrors in your jewelry display
Including mirrors as part of your jewelry display helps your customers see how they look when they try on your jewelry or hold it up to their faces. Mirrors can definitely increase your sales!
Here are a few tips for using the mirrors in your jewelry display for maximum effectiveness:
- It's a good idea to have a mirror in each 2 to 3 feet of display space. That way customers can see themselves easily, and won't have to wait their turn to look in a mirror.
- Be sure your mirrors are big enough for a customer to see her entire face at one time.
- After setting up your jewelry display, step out of your booth and stand where your customers will be. Angle the mirrors so that customers can see themselves easily and comfortably without hunching over or leaning forward.
- Polish your mirrors periodically during your shows and parties. The edges get fingerprinted and smudgy as people use them, which doesn't make the best impression. For quick mirror cleaning, you can soak a few paper towels in window-cleaner at home, and bring them in a zip-top baggie to the show or party. Bring a few dry paper towels for the final polish.
February 1, 2006
December Jewelry Business Blog entries now available in archives
Now that February has started, I've moved the December 2005 blog entries to an archived page, where they'll be permanently available:
Jewelry Business Blog December 2005.
January 31, 2006
Pricing jewelry for maximum profit
Pricing is one of the most challenging issues for jewelry artists who sell their work. If you've ever wondered whether you should raise or lower your prices, read on!
I'm pleased to bring you this new article by guest author Patricia Snow of Patricia's Art Gallery:
Pricing Jewelry for Maximum Profit
Pricing jewelry is a tricky issue. Will raising or lowering your prices help you sell more jewelry? The answer may surprise you, as guest author Patricia Snow discusses her experiences with jewelry pricing.
January 30, 2006
Fresh ideas for your own jewelry business
Next time you have the opportunity to browse through a gift shop or souvenir shop, you can have fun doing some research.
Look around and see what kinds of items they sell, how they display and promote them, and what they place near the checkout to tempt shoppers to buy at the last minute.
What kinds of merchandise do they offer for different market segments (kids, women, men)? What price points do they have?
How do they categorize or group things?
What do they feature in the main store window to entice people into the shop?
Also, take note of anything about the merchandise or shop that turns you off.
Visiting businesses like these and analyzing everything they're doing (both right and wrong) can be an excellent way to improve your own products, displays, and promotions!
January 26, 2006
Tips for designing body jewelry
It may still be winter, but it's not too early to think about adding some body jewelry styles to your line for spring and summer.
Body jewelry remains an extremely strong seller, and sales tend to be highest in warm-weather months.
However, it's important to be aware that a serious issue in making and selling body jewelry is the risk of infection. Body piercings are much more likely to experience infection, irritation, reactions, and other problems than ear piercings are.
So the most important aspect of body jewelry is the type of metal used.
Metals to avoid in body piercings:
Sterling silver, gold, plated metals, and any metal containing nickel.
Metals recommended for body piercings:
Niobium, titanium, and implant-grade surgical stainless steel (316L or 316LVM).
Your safest bet is probably to embellish wholesale body jewelry that's made from one of the recommended metals.
More tips on body jewelry:
Ideas for Body Jewelry Displays
Body Jewelry - Enhancing the Body's Beauty
January 24, 2006
Bead blanket trays for portable jewelry making projects
I just came across Christina M. Wojcik's bead blanket trays. What a neat innovation!
January 23, 2006
Tips for photographing jewelry
Barb from Accent Yourself sent in these jewelry photography tips:
"For taking great photos of your jewelry, you have to have 2 things -
- a tripod (these are less than $30 at Wal-mart)
- daylight
I always take my photos on a bright day. It doesn't have to be a sunny day; however, too many clouds make for a darker photograph.
You can tell on my website which photos were taken on days with good light. My best pictures are taken on days when it is bright outside.
Here are some other tips for taking photos:
Use ceramic tile or scrapbooking paper for your background. Most of my best shots are when my pieces are simply laid out on a large tile square or on a large scrapbooking paper. There are so many different patterns and themes of scrapbooking paper around that you can change your layouts & photos often.
One piece of advice - make sure your background isn't too large or too busy. It will take away from your jewelry.
Keep it simple! Too many pieces in a photo make for clutter and confusion. I prefer to shoot sets or individual pieces then tie them together on a webpage.
Best of luck taking photos of your jewelry. There definitely is a science to it!"
January 20, 2006
Another Jewelry Artist's Hurricane Success Story
After reading "A Beader's Hurricane Katrina Success Story" by Melanie Solis in this week's Jewelry Business Success News, Delia Stone of the Ruby Lane shop Delia's Stones sent in this inspiring account of how her jewelry making supplies saved the day when she fled from Hurricane Ivan:
I was reminded of my evacuation from Hurricane Ivan. At the last minute, I decided to take my case of jewelry making supplies with me... at the time I mostly did it with the thought that I could catch up on some of my jewelry projects while I was in North Carolina.
However, the morning after the storm I was bombarded by phone calls from loved ones saying "don't come back!"
When I left, I only had enough money in my pocket for gas there and back, with the barest of essentials, and had discovered that I was even falling short of that. To top it all off, I had car troubles which required additional money to prepare me for a safe trip home.
What to do? And then it hit me... I began to look up bead shops in the area where I might be able to offer workshops. I managed to book several workshops while I was there, which made me a good deal of money.
It was the one and only thing that saved me... how fortunate I was to have thought to grab my case before pulling out of Pensacola.
The only thing that I regretted was not having thought to grab my jewelry, because I feel certain that I could have sold a good deal of my work while I was there to shops and via home parties through people that knew my situation and wanted to help.
So I agree with Melanie... NEVER leave home with out your jewelry and your supplies. They're as good as an American Express card!
January 19, 2006
Jewelry Business Success News issue #33 went out to 7012 email subscribers
You can read it in the newsletter archives: Jewelry Business Success News #33.
This issue includes links to our seven newest articles, plus a great true story - "A Beader's Hurricane Katrina Success Story" by Melanie Solis of Mel's Designs-n-Beads.
January 17, 2006
Part 4 of David Foard's mini-course, "How to Value Your Jewelry at Home or Work"
Here is the newest installment of the jewelry valuation mini-course by David Foard F.G.A.A. of Online Jewelry Appraisal Center:
The Importance of the Worksheet
Where to get a valuation worksheet, what it means, and how to fill in the blanks before calculating. Part 4 of guest author David Foard's mini-course, "How to Value Your Jewelry at Home or Work".
January 16, 2006
Jewelry home party safety
As soon as you finish setting up your jewelry displays at a home party, walk through the entire area that will be used by the party guests.
When the guests arrive, they'll be looking at your jewelry, not at where their feet are going. So make sure there's nothing to trip over, and that your displays, lights, and extension cords are all secure and stable.
If the party household has small children, be very careful not to place anything dangerous (scissors, etc.) within their reach.
January 13, 2006
Processing credit card payments at shows and parties using ProPay
Yesterday a reader asked me how I use ProPay (my merchant account provider) to process credit card payments at shows and parties.
Here's what I do when I accept customers' credit cards at jewelry shows and parties:
On the customer's receipt, after I write up the sale, I simply use a pen to write down the customer's credit card number, expiration date, phone number, zip code (required as a security measure for processing through ProPay), 3-digit CVV number on the back of the card, and name that's on the card.
Then when I get home from the show or party, I process all the credit card payments on ProPay via my computer. In several years of accepting credit cards via ProPay, I have never had a bad card or any problem with doing this.
But if something did come up, I have the customer's phone number so they could give me a different card or arrange for another form of payment.
You could also capture the customer's credit card info using one of those "knuckle-buster" credit card imprinting thingies, but it's cheaper and takes less space to just use a pen to write it on the receipt yourself.
My receipts are 2-part carbonless ones, so I keep the bottom copy and the customer gets the top copy.
I'm very careful to keep my receipt book hidden and secure, so none of my customers' credit card info can be stolen or abused.
January 12, 2006
A cheap earring display idea
Here's an idea from Emma of Gem-Porium:
Another inexpensive earring display technique I have used is a flower-arranging oasis covered with black material. Earrings can be stuck into the oasis.
One disadvantage to this is that the oasis eventually deteriorates and will need replacing - but on the plus side, this is very cheap to replace.
Another disadvantage is that for outdoor shows the oasis may need to be stuck onto a receipt pin to avoid being blown over in the wind.
January 11, 2006
What does it take to be your customers' favorite jewelry business?
From new guest author Tanya Hacko of Fantasy Fair comes this interesting essay on what makes customers chose the businesses they prefer:
Your Jewelry Business and the "WOW Effect"
Does your jewelry business have the WOW Effect? Guest author Tanya Hacko discusses this magical combination of product and customer service.
January 8, 2006
Combining jewelry making parties with a jewelry trunk show
Here's an interesting approach from new guest author Lanie Ketcherside of Lanie Raquel Fine Bead Jewelry:
Luxe Jewels - kits for teaching jewelry making parties
Luxe Jewels kits have added a new facet to guest author Lanie Ketcherside's jewelry business - combining jewelry making parties with jewelry trunk shows.
January 6, 2006
How to get the most out of the Tucson Gem Show
I'm pleased to introduce our newest guest author, Judith Altman of Judith Altman Designs. Here she shares her great tips on what to bring with you to the gem and bead "show of shows":
Preparing for the Tucson Gem Show
The Tucson Gem Show is a wonderfully vast and overwhelming marketplace of gemstones, beads, and related goodies. Guest author Judith Altman shares her recommendations for a successful and pleasant experience at this renowned gem show.
January 5, 2006
What are your beading resolutions for 2006?
Don't miss this new article from returning guest author Kathy Reading of Catju Designs:
A Beader's New Year's Resolutions
At the dawning of another year, jewelry artist Kathy Reading pens her top 10 resolutions for the new beading year. Warning: Some of these resolutions may resemble your own! :o)
January 4, 2006
Spring 2006 Color and Jewelry Trends
Eva of Belle Pour La Vie says, "Hey, fellow jewelers - here are the color and trends for 2006.
I know it's hard as a jeweler to keep up with trends and colors, but adding the latest trends and colors to your jewelry line can boost your sales.
2006 is all about floral and tropical designs. Coral, jade, pale blues, hot pinks and bright greens are what it's all about! So get out your bead boards and start creating!"
You can read more about Spring 2006 colors and trends on the Pantone website.
January 3, 2006
Thank-you's Make a Memorable Impression on Your Customers
Kathy Schick of Laurel Lane Studios has a wonderful tip for maintaining contact with your customers after the holidays:
The hectic pace of the holiday season is behind us. Most people are taking a deep breath and getting back into their normal routines.
Now is a great time to send “thank-you” cards to your customers. It'’s quick and easy to create cards on your home computer or visit any office supply store for beautiful yet simple cards.
In addition to offering sincere thanks, this is an effective way to entice your customers to continue shopping with you. Offer a percentage off their next purchase, free shipping, or announce upcoming new lines or upcoming shows.
Of course, be sure to include your business card.
January 1, 2006
I wish you a joyous and prosperous new year!
To start this year, here's a great tip from Patrick of Merlin's Mercantile:
To close a sale when a customer is indecisive or hedging about the price, use "If I could ..., would ...?"
For example, the customer is looking at a ring for $24.95 but is about to walk away. Say to the customer, "If I could go $20.00 on that ring, would you buy it right now?" (With a cost of a little over $4.00 this is an affordable discount.)
Nine times out of 10 the customer will jump on the $5.00 (or 20%) savings, and you make the sale that was going to walk away.
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