Handmade Jewelry Business: Three Questions Every Jewelry Designer Needs to Ask Themselves

Many jewelry designers have mastered the art of making beautiful jewelry designs and have developed a jewelry product and packaging that is quite marketable. But many of you have forgotten that the most important representative of their jewelry line is you, the jewelry designer! Yes, the tasteful impression and message you send your customer can have a large impact on your jewelry sales. Before you attend your next craft or jewelry show to sell your jewelry designs, ask yourself these questions:

1. Ae your wearing an eye catching jewelry design that is representative of your collection?

It's absolutely imperative that you wear your own jewelry designs when you're at a show. In addition, you shouldn't just randomly select a piece of jewelry to wear. It should be a necklace that catches the eye and makes a strong statement. Look through your collection and try on different necklace and earring designs. Narrow your selections down to a few that really catch your eye. Now have a reliable friend or family member help you select the one that has the most impact. Put this necklace and earrings aside to wear at your next jewelry or craft show.

2. Are you a good back drop for your jewelry design?

You've chosen a special necklace and earrings to wear to your next craft and jewelry show. Now, it's time to choose an outfit that's a suitable backdrop for your jewelry. Plain, simple colors usually work best with an eye catching, bold jewelry design. You want people to see your necklace, not focus on your clothing. I like to display my jewelry against a simple black top and pants. Black always looks tasteful and will never detract from the impact of your jewelry designs. If it's warm outside, you may want to choose a lighter color, just make sure it's monochromatic. If possible, consider wearing a fashionable shoe to coordinate with your jewelry show clothing. You can really ruin a nice look by wearing tennis shoes or flip flops with an otherwise tasteful outfit. Remember, you want your total look to be one of class and sophistication. If you were using a print ad to advertise your jewelry, would you want the model to wear flip flops? Keep your presentation consistent with the image you want your jewelry to portray.

3. Are you a good salesperson for your jewelry?

I think many jewelry designers would benefit from the sales training drug representatives undergo in the pharmaceutical industry. Having interacted with many of them as a physician, these reps know how to sell themselves and their products. How? These reps are trained to know everything about the product they carry. If not, they're trained to get the answer. Do you know everything you need to know about the jewelry designs you market? You should be able to skillfully describe the steps you take to design and produce your jewelry designs in a manner customers can understand. No heavy technical jargon! You should also be able to give some background information on the stones and beads you include in your jewelry.

Before you attend your next show, spend some time with a friend who can play the role of customer. Have your "customer" ask you specific questions about your jewelry designs Practice answering these questions in a manner you both can understand. This will allow you to be practiced and polished when you attend your next jewelry show.

I'll be following up with more articles on how to sell more jewelry at craft and jewelry shows over the next few weeks. Stay tuned!