BeadStyle : selling jewelry

1000 Markets

Cathy Jakicic — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:55:00 GMT

I've blogged about Etsy before (and actually have a site there myself) but I recently received some interesting information — and some cool samples (see photo) — about another online market option — 1000 Markets.

1000 Markets is very similar to Etsy, but with some small differences for the buyer and seller.

For the buyer

The "markets" are divided into categories with individual Web addresses. You can start browsing from 1000markets.com, but if you are a regular shopper for specific items or experiences, you can go directly to walls.1000markets.com, ecofriendly.1000markets.com, childsplay.1000markets.com, or luxe.1000markets.com, etc. Check out the full list of categories here.

For the seller:

It is free to open your shop. 1000 markets deducts an all-inclusive fee when you make a sale. They call it MarketSimple™ pricing.If you make and sell your own artisanal products, then you can open a shop. You can read their merchant guideon the site. 100markets uses Amazon Payments for their sales and currently only supports US sellers. for more information, go to their seller information area.

Like etsy, they have some absolutely beautiful things there. Has anybody shopped or sold here? What has been your experience?

New Xilion bead

Cathy Jakicic — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:48:00 GMT

Though there’s been buzz about this for awhile, the official press release arrived this week about the new Crystallized – Swarovski Elements Xilion bead.

Called an enhancement of the popular bicone shape (5301), the Xilion (5328) has more facets and a hole with rounded edges to “amplify sparkle” and protect threads.

According to the release, the Xilion’s “harmonious design and dimensions make possible beautiful combinations with its predecessor, the bi-cone bead 5301.”
Good news for bicone fans, especially those with a stash. More good news – you can call your bicones ”vintage” soon. That makes a sexier label for the jewelry designs you sell!

The Xilion,which will be phased in gradually, will be available in 66 colors, 20 effects, and in sizes from 3 mm to 10 mm. The 2.5 mm bicone will still be available.

Great recessionista idea

Cathy Jakicic — Fri, 08 May 2009 17:23:00 GMT

Word of mouth is a fabulous thing for finding life's hidden treasures. My sister just told me about a jewelry line (that a friend told her about) that has hit on a great idea in financially challenging times for artists. The line is called "Circle of Friends." The necklaces feature a simple circle-centric pendant that is customized with a few gemstones. Each piece is only $10, and the many different styles offered make them really nice, personalized gifts for a range of different personalities and styles. It goes to show that with a really simple, adaptable idea, it's possible to keep material costs down enough to be able to offer a reasonably priced, but not cheap-looking creation.

Holiday craft fair tips

Stacy Hillmer — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 16:04:00 GMT

This weekend took me to two holiday craft fairs where jewelry makers were selling their wares. I was very interested in picking up some new pieces and scouting for inspiration for my own pieces.

However, I was somewhat disappointed – not in the jewelry, but in the way it was presented. Many of the jewelry makers I saw did not have their work displayed in a way that was conducive to browsing (and hence buying). Many necklaces were simply laid out on a table, which just didn't make them pop. Bracelets were often piled in plastic containers, a jumble of color that turned my eye away. And some of the designers I wanted to know more about did not have business cards or flyers listing their future shows. Needless to say, I walked away empty handed.

Don’t let this happen to you! A few simple tips will ensure that your jewelry shines its brightest, capturing the imagination of potential clients.

Etsy.com recently published an excellent blog – Seller How-To: Craft Fair Tips – that makes a lot of good points. I encourage you to read the whole article (you won’t be disappointed), but here’s an overview:
• Display your jewelry in a new way. Many people are making jewelry right now, so yours needs to stand out in the crowd. I found some good ideas at www.jewelry-display-ideas.com.
• Print business cards on your home computer, attach your info to every piece of jewelry, and make flyers about your future shows. Some people might not be ready to buy today, but they’ll want to know how to find you in the future.
• Develop a mailing list of past, present, and future buyers by collecting business cards for a raffle or having clients write their contact info in a guest book.
• Once you’ve established a mailing list, send out thank you notes, newsletters, show invites, and coupons (which will help you find out how effective your mailings are).
• Network with your competitors (or rather, think of them as your business partners). They might just become your next client. Plus, you can learn a lot about what’s been selling well for them, what display techniques work, etc.

So you want to sell your jewelry...

BeadStyle Magazine — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:16:00 GMT

You’ve perfected your technique, polished your designs and have gotten positive reviews from friends and family. Now, you want to test the waters and try to sell your creations. There are a few things you will have to tackle:

1. Choosing a name: Try to come up with something that really describes what you offer. For example, my business’ name is BEADZ. I am a beader, not a silversmith, gem cutter or bead maker. My name defines the product I offer.
2. Getting a business license and/or sales tax license (depending on the requirements in your locale): Check with your state’s Department of Treasury.
3. Finding available arts and crafts shows: Start early, as some shows want applications received by the end of January for the upcoming spring/summer show season. Check with the Chamber of Commerce in towns you are interested in, check online craft show directories, talk to other vendors to get the “scoop” on the shows, and keep an eye on the classifieds in your local newspaper.
4. Displaying your wares: You will need to make an initial investment for displaying your jewelry. Needs may include tables, tablecloths, shelving units, jewelry display items, a tent for outdoor shows and lighting (a must for indoor shows). And don’t forget bags and gift boxes for your customers to carry things home in.
5. Transporting your stuff: You may need things like a vehicle large enough to carry everything, tote bags, roller bags, storage containers, and hand carts.
6. Promoting your creations: Business cards, table signs, large booth signs, a mailing list form, custom price tags and printed schedules listing your upcoming shows are all possibilities.
7. Sales processing: A merchant account so you can accept credit cards, receipt books, and a cash box with plenty of change!
8. Technology: If you want to develop a website, you need a domain name, a web hosting service, a good camera (great pictures equal great sales), website building software and photo editing software.

Most of all, have fun! You can’t do it all at once, and your business will constantly evolve and change.

I’m sure I’ve forgotten a million things, so please chime in with the things you use to sell your wonderful jewelry.

Craft fair tips

Stacy Hillmer — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Summer is here, so craft fairs are cropping up everywhere. If you’re planning to sell your beautiful handmade jewelry at a fair, etsy.com has some great tips for making your booth visible, inviting, and efficient. Take a look at the pictures of booths that have these qualities in abundance, and ask yourself, “Would I want to go into that booth? Why or why not? What does that mean for my booth?”

Does anybody else have tips for selling jewelry at craft fairs?