Marketing Your Unique Jewelry
in Gift Shops

© by Jean Forman; all rights reserved

After creating and selling many of my authentic sea glass and wire crocheted jewelry pieces myself, I finally decided to approach a few local gift shops.

I specifically targeted shops that are near my home (in different directions) and that sell unique, artistic jewelry.

With some trepidation, I admit, I called a couple of these shops and asked whether they would be interested in seeing my handmade jewelry.

Cloisonne sea glass pendant
by Jean Forman of Lucky Sea Glass^TM

Most of them were very polite, but indicated that they were not taking on any more jewelry. A few suggested I call back in six months or in the Fall. Clearly, calling ahead did not seem to work for me.

My next approach was to stop in a shop one weekday morning and ask the shopkeeper whether she would be interested in seeing the seaglass and wire crocheted jewelry I create.

Surprise! She said, "If you have it in your car, why don't you bring it in right now?"

She selected 25 pieces from me that day almost a year ago, and continues to show my jewelry.

I found another shop near my home almost by accident. After lunch out with a few friends, we stopped into the shop.

While they were browsing, I asked the owner whether she would be interested in selling my handmade jewelry. She was very open to it, and told me to call her (which I did the very next day!).

Now, I am in two shops.

Although conventional wisdom is to call ahead, I have to say that sometimes you just need to put yourself out there!

Anyway, it's harder to say "no" in person than on the telephone, isn't it?!