Some Advice - YouLookFab Forum

I have been thinking about this for a few days. I have not had any interest in my jewelry from my store on ArtFire. (I know that one of the photos isn't showing up, I am still trying to figure out how that happened).

Am I doing something wrong? I want to grow my business (not too much), but it does not seem to be going very well. I seemed to have better luck by word of mouth (not that much but somej) , but my Mom says that I need to get rid of some of the stuff I have made.

At first, I started beading and making jewelry just for me (and sometimes for friends), but now I am dissapointed that it does not seem to be selling very well or at all.

I love making jewelry and creating and yes, it is a hobby/very tiny side business, but it is still a little dissapointing.

Any tips or ideas?

Thanks! Hope all is well!

p.s. I love the Salvation Army! I bought three pins that I am going to make into jewelry and a great black jersey dress!

p.s.s. My business cards came today, and they are beautiful. I will post a photo when I get a battery for the camera.

15 years ago

Maya

Veteran

I'm not sure Kathleen, as I have never done anything like this before myself. Maybe there's a community specific to setting up your own shop who would be more knowledgeable.

Anonymous

Have you done a study on the success for that type of business? It is very hard to get a business going. You can have an idea and set up the business, have business cards printed, but you need customers to keep it going. Don't be too dissappointed if it takes a long time for people to get to know that your business even exists. It is not costing you any money to have the business exist, does it? Not like the old days when you would be paying rent on a shop and if you didn't make money, that's it, end of business. If you do not have overhead like that, be patient and keep practicing making your jewelry. Take pictures and have and idea book, do whatever it takes to get better and better at what you do. The business is open, it's not costing you any money to keep it open.
I have not seen anything you have for sale. Do you have a web address for us to visit to look at your jewelry? Getting the word out is a big start.
Good luck.

taylor

Starting a business is difficult in this economy for sure. Disposable income seems to be a thing of the past for lots of people who no longer have jobs.

I have a client who also makes jewelry, she uses Swarovski crystal and pearls...quite beautiful, and a fraction of what the retail stores charge and yet she struggles??? Perhaps people just shop what is familiar and convenient...The Mall, word of mouth etc. HANG in there, continue with the website and give it some more time, sell out what you have first:)

Debbie

I had a jewelry business for years. Jewelry was not sold too much on the internet at that time. Do local craft shows. If you know a teacher ask her to take it to the teachers lounge. I did reallly, really well for a long time. Until I basically couldn't stand doing it anymore.
If I can help you in anyway let me know.

Wow that's great Debbie.
Great idea to have Kathleen take her things to a teachers lounge. Perhaps her mother could take it to work and show it off too.

RoseandJoan

I echo Debbie, we have two lovely ladies in my town who make beautiful beaded jewellery, they will set up a small stall at the local school events, ladies nights and home parties. Maybe that will be a better avenue for you.

Louise

Do you have craft fairs or church fetes where you could have a stall for the day maybe sell some pieces and give out business cards? I'd also see if any clothes shops perhaps independent places would let you leave cards and how about leave cards on cafe tables etc? x

Edit- have you thought about? Ebay people have business accounts on there it's always the 1st place i look for anything x

Dusty

(website)

Active Member

If you're only wanting to do internet stuff - I'd start a blog and start networking! Get your blog going and visit the blogs of other crafty people and chat it up. Get some followers (smaller bloggers seem to follow most people who follow them) maybe do a giveaway and get some traffic into your Artfire shop that way. It's all about getting traffic.

For IRL sales (especially until you can get some traffic built up, it takes time) talk to the owners/managers of some small shops - boutiques, coffee shops, consignment shops and see if they'd be willing to display some of your jewelry for a share of the profits. I suggest that instead of craft shows just because you might not need to put out any money other than materials costs for that, whereas with craft shows, you'll have to pay to rent a booth.

Kristine

Debbie had some good ideas. Unfortunately I think there are a lot of jewelry makers out there, so it's probably difficult to get noticed online. It'll probably help to make some real world connections. I checked out your link and I like the styles. Maybe you could do some surveys to get some input on what people are looking for. Longer strands are one idea I have, they seem to be more popular know than shorter styles (although I wear both).

Debora

You are getting some wonderful ideas form the ladies. Your jewelry has a beautiful vintage feel to it. Do you have any local vintage shops or artisan's markets where you might be able to display it. Good luck!

Kate

I would look into etsy.com too! It's now the first place I go to look for accessories because they are all handmade or vintage.

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