Sheldon Designs

by Sheldon
(Florence AZ USA)

I have always enjoyed rocks. I picked them up as a kid and kept the pretty ones. I have developed a good eye for things that are striking. I have made many into pendents that receive a lot of great comments.

However, selling is slow. I use colored neck cable and sterling chain. I have put fancy bails and sterling silver pinch bails on them.

I have priced them about 3 to 4 times my cost.

I have both polished and glazed stones. I also have very nice display cases.

Am I doing some thing wrong or is just slow because of the economy?

Sheldon

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Sheldon Designs

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Rock Lover Jewelry
by: TeriB

Well Sheldon the economy, I'm sure, does have something to do with it. BUT you might also try some simple wire wrapping---that may make your designs stand out and look more unique. That may or may not be feasible depending on the type of stones you have and their size, but adding wire, even colored artistic wire, can really enhance a stone pendant (artistic wire isn't all that expensive). Good Luck! People also seem to love specials and 2 fer deals, or sales.

Selling more jewellery
by: Michelle

Hi
I have found if people can "touch" the jewellery they are much more likely to purchase as they get a sense of ownership from picking up the item, if they pick it up twice, you've made the sale if you can close the sale then and there, if your display cases look too "arranged and neat" or are closed off people will look, comment on how nice they are and then walk off! which can be heartbreaking! Let them pick up the items and handle them - this takes a bit of courage because you are always worried that things will get damaged or stolen - but, I say better to make sales and have "shrinkage" than make no sales and get despondent and either give up or lose that creative edge!
Golden rules, have a lost leader item at the front - either your cheapest item or your brightest coloured item with discounted price "show special" only price, and have the jewellery disarranged rather than nicely arranged to a degree. this will draw people in and let them feel they can "rummage around" for exactly what they like. Think about how you shop, do you ask for an item to be bought out when you are shopping or are you more likely to think, oh it's too hard or too dear, I won't bother....

Light is also very important, I found on outdoor stands we make more sales when the sun is sparkling on the jewellery than when the sun is obscured by our pergola. Try and get a nice desk lamp or battery powered lamp of some sort to add some sparkle to key pieces.

Make a few cheap bright items for children, to draw mums and grandmas into your stand, this WORKS WONDERS!!!
Good luck and remember it takes 2-3 years to see profits and good sales from ANY business, no matter how big or small it may be.

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Submitted by: Michelle

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Hi I have found if people can "touch" the jewellery they are much more likely to purchase as they get a sense of ownership from picking up the item, if they pick it up twice, you've made the sale if you can close the sale then and there, if your display cases look too "arranged and neat" or are closed off people will look, comment on how nice they are and then walk off! which can be heartbreaking! Let them pick up the items and handle them - this takes a bit of courage because you are always worried that things will get damaged or stolen - but, I say better to make sales and have "shrinkage" than make no sales and get despondent and either give up or lose that creative edge! Golden rules, have a lost leader item at the front - either your cheapest item or your brightest coloured item with discounted price "show special" only price, and have the jewellery disarranged rather than nicely arranged to a degree. this will draw people in and let them feel they can "rummage around" for exactly what they like. Think about how you shop, do you ask for an item to be bought out when you are shopping or are you more likely to think, oh it's too hard or too dear, I won't bother.... Light is also very important, I found on outdoor stands we make more sales when the sun is sparkling on the jewellery than when the sun is obscured by our pergola. Try and get a nice desk lamp or battery powered lamp of some sort to add some sparkle to key pieces. Make a few cheap bright items for children, to draw mums and grandmas into your stand, this WORKS WONDERS!!! Good luck and remember it takes 2-3 years to see profits and good sales from ANY business, no matter how big or small it may be.

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helpful hints
by: Anonymous

I began selling better when I priced my jewelry according to supply cost and time put into it. I double my supplies--then add a time fee depending on how long it took to make. Some prices were more reasonable some were more--but the customer response to the prices was better.

Because of the economy concentrate on lower priced items. Under $20 earrings are always a hit for an inexpensive gift. Bracelets are also a great affordable addition.

Discounts for buying more than one or two items is a great incentive. Just make sure you have it on a nice sign in your booth and tell the customer in person. It is more professional--good signage always helps me sell more!

'Sandwich' Patter
by: Helene

Hiya, Sheldon. Here is an idea I picked up from Toastmasters. Chat with your customers and sandwich your comments: start with a positive, then an improvement sentence, then another positive.

For example: That's a pretty scarf you are wearing. I have just the thing to make it look even better. This ring has 2 uses: as a ring, of course, and as a scarf pin. May I show you?

You are engaging the customer with a compliment followed by pointing out multi-uses of your product, and finishing with another useful statement.

You can also put ideas in people's heads: at a show before Easter suggest a piece of jewellery to take the place of a chocolate treat. This is particularly helpful with diabetic children who want to participate in the egg hunt.

These items may be your least expensive items, it's true, but your charm and helpfulness will gain a loyal customer who will come back and may bring another shopper with her.

I hope you will send Rena an update with how your sales have improved. That's the good thing about being 'down.' There's only one way to go and that's UP!

Helene ~~ Glass0Beads.Etsy.com