Starting Out

by Cassie Apostolopoulos
(Rock Point, Maryland)

This set was sold when a customer saw this picture

This set was sold when a customer saw this picture

I am a single mother raising an active three year old son and taking care of my disabled mother, so I had to find a way to make money from home.

I love art and color, I have quilted and painted for years loving all the different color and shape arrangements - but I hate to do anything twice.

When I started beading years ago it was at shows putting beadwork on customers' shirts while they waited (I was selling pottery at the time).

I started beading again last spring and thought with all my beautiful designs it would fly out the door... THEN REALITY HIT.... AND HIT HARD.

I have had several shows at my home and they did great but no one would sign up to have a party for me even though I made it profitable for them to do so.

Then I tried a web site... it took me two weeks to figure out the web site and get it running... it is not complete, I need to put more photos on the site...I though this was the way to go for now... but I can not figure out how to get viewers to the site.

I am going to do a big show in two weeks and hope that will get me the exposure and sales I need to continue.

I love, love, love making jewelry and use anything and everything I can get my hands on... and I only do one of a kind... remember I hate to do something twice.

Everyone who sees the jewelry buys, it's just a long road to get started.

After the big show I am setting up at a local restaurant during busy times and that should help.

I have read everything I can get my hands on... so far the best was Ultimate Guide to Your Profitable Jewelry Booth by Rena Klingenberg... I am telling you that every single page has valuable information on it. It is a GREAT book and I recommend it to anyone selling jewelry... even if you do not do shows if you sell anywhere in public... THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU.

I am looking forward to reading her other books, she really knows what to do because she has already tried all the things you and I are thinking up and think no one has thought of... and what works.

Please check out my site and let me know what you think (remember it is not finished).

Good luck to you and to me...

Cassie Apostolopoulos
Dezns by Sasscee

Comments for
Starting Out

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Sounds Like a Good Start!
by: Rena

Well, wow, Cassie - it's great to hear how much my book has helped you! :o) Thanks so much for your lovely feedback.

Also, I can see why the piece in the photo above sold right away - it's beautiful and very appealing.

For getting traffic to your jewelry website, have you checked out these suggestions? -

The Reality of Selling Jewelry Online

No One Shops from My Website / Online Storefront

It sounds like your work sells well when you get it in front of the right people (which is wonderful!)

So the best thing may be to consider who your best buyers have been so far, and go after more of that type of customer.

Also be sure to keep building your customer contact list (via email or snail-mail), so you can notify customers of your upcoming events. Repeat customers are the best kind!

I can so relate to not wanting to do things more than once. I've always struggled with that issue myself. For me, doing something the first time is fun because it's a creative experience - but doing it again is work because the fun part is already done.

p.s. - Love the pic of your son on your website! He looks like a happy little cutie with very kissable cheeks!
" Nothing Happens But First A Dream"
by: Paul and Sandy

Shortly after Orville Wright flew his historic first flight at Kitty Hawk, a North Carolina reporter asked if everything was like he thought it would be. He said, ' Actually, I preferred the dreaming of flying to doing it. I would lie in my bed at night and imagine the wind passing by, the view from above like a bird, and the exhilaration of it all."
starting out
by: Laurie

I am a WAHM of two little boys, and I know how hard it is to get out there and find the right venues for selling. I knew when I started out that I couldn't do it all so I chose to focus on local sales and save the internet for later.

I am in my second season of our local farmers market which runs every saturday from may to october. My sales have drastically increased! I sell consistently there every week and get customs (especially weddings) throughout the week. It also gives me the chance to put out save the date cards for all my fall shows. I have also picked up a few wholesale accounts.

This market has been the perfect place to build a customer base, learn about displaying my work, price points etc....not to mention the 6hrs of kid free time a week :)


Getting Out There
by: Cindy C

I found that starting as a local (no web site) with my jewelry worked for me. I started with neighbors and friends and worked outwards from there. I do local shows and street fairs just to get my name out and I always have repeat customers coming back year after year.

I also take all my jewelry to work and host "parties" three times a year for my co-workers. I've done very well and get lots of custom orders even though 80% of my co-workers are male engineers! If you are not working at a job outside your home (and it sounds like you have your hands full at home!), you must have friends or neighbors who work -- and, who have already purchased and enjoy your jewelry. Would it be possible for them to host a "lunch time trunk show" at their places of employment where you would arrive and host the "show" at lunchtime?

Good luck to you -- hope these ideas help!
pick your target
by: fabricdragon

hi!
i am re working my business right now, moving from one kind of product to another. so while i am not "new" i have had a hard re fresher course in re starting my business....

you need to think about who you are selling to, and WHERE.
i used to mostly do conventions. indoors, tables provided.set up hours and take down hours....
well when i started doing fairs and outdoor events i had to re work my displays fast.

consider that you need to have everything you use portable, able to be handled by you, alone!
fast and easy to set up and take down
aaaaaand pretty without competing with your stock.

you also need to know your price target. my old jewelry stock was selling at a store. where 50-100 dollar items sold (slowly, but they sold) at street fairs? most folks start balking at 20 + and anything over 40 is a rarity.
i had to force myself to make a lot more simple stuff, that didnt take HOURS and wasnt "perfect" to meet the price goal.
Starting Out
by: Janet

Hi, I have been making jewelry for about 15 years. I work in a law firm and have friends who work in law firms. Most law firms in my area (downtown Washington, DC) have holiday craft shows. Check with friends who work in law firms or other businesses to see if you could be a vendor at their event. Most of the time the fee is nominal, usually they give the money to charity. Great exposure!

Janet
www.picturetrail.com/earart
lobelady@aol.com
web site
by: Anonymous

I looked at your web site and one think I noticed is you did not state the length of the necklaces.
Starting out...
by: Angelina B.

Hello,
I have looked at your website and noticed that there were spelling mistakes... You need to do a spell check before your site goes live.

Good luck. :-)

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