What Kind of Merchants Want Handmade, One of a Kind Jewelry?

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What Kind of Merchants Want Handmade, One of a Kind Jewelry?

by Contessa
(Farmington, CT USA)

I used to sell only at fairs, but now find it too strenuous physically and would like to sell through merchants in my area. How do I find a number of stores to approach with my work?

Nearly all the stores in this locale are upscale chain stores with their own lines of jewelry. Are these types interested in local artists or am I limited to finding independent boutiques and gift shops?

Contessa

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What Kind of Merchants Want Handmade, One of a Kind Jewelry?

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Merchants to try for your jewelry
by: Rena

Hi Contessa,

Of course, I don't know anything about your particular area - but in my area some of the stores that have been happy to carry my one-of-a-kind pieces include:

beauty shops
gift shops
clothing boutiques
flower shops
bridal shops
restaurants
museum gift shops
art framing shops
coffee shops
day spas
clock shops
bookstores
truck stops
menswear shops (makes it easy for gentlemen to buy gifts for their lady)

Also, your jewelry may be perfect for filling a niche for local independently-owned jewelry shops. Be sure to see my article about that type of opportunity, Getting Business from a Local Jewelry Store.

For some of the opportunities I listed above, you'll do best to find out what kind of jewelry they'd like to carry, and then gear some of your creations to suit what they'd like to sell.

And if everything in your town turns out to be a chain store that's not interested in your work, then try some nearby towns.

Also be sure to mention the kind of opportunities you're seeking to everyone you know. It's possible that someone will have a great lead for you, or will be able to refer you easily to someone they know.

Anyway, I encourage you to think of every local business as a possibility for carrying your one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry. Great opportunities are often in the most unexpected places!

Best of luck to you, Contessa, and please keep us posted!

Right on Rena!
by: Rita Juhlin

Rena is absolutely right! I've never done a "show" all my sales come from small businesses like small restaurants. In fact, some of my biggest sales came from a restaurant. The trick is to convince the owner that the wait staff has the time to deal with it.

There are endless possibilities out there but you have to go after those possibilities!

Good Luck to you!

Thanks! Great Tips!
by: Jen W

Thank you for these great tips. I had not thought about going to local business'. As I think about it I have seen jewelry at local beaty shops ect. This will be one of my goals this year.

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