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Five Tips for Being a Jewelry Artist Who Sells More

by Klew (Karen Lewis).

Help customers understand the work that goes into your products

I began with jewelry parties with friends. Since I have a unique product and somewhat mysterious I introduced myself and jewelry with a 30 minute demo so customers would understand the work that goes into the product.

Have a dynamic, accessible display

Making my displays at different levels / heights it makes for a more dynamic display as well as dimension. Arrange your display to be accessible and not too much clutter. Have eye level displays too so that they don’t have to bend over to look at your pieces. Use a plain color table cloth to show off your work. For outdoor shows, have a comfortable director’s chair so as not to be sitting lower than the customer (they will always say “Don’t get up. I’m just looking”). Never wear sunglasses! They need to see your eyes!

Take advantage of opportunities that come your way

I did whatever came my way, to “pay my dues” as they say in L.A. Fashion shows, gifts for sales reps, TV personalities, your hair stylist can also give your business a boost when you gift her / him something in return for a plug or three.

Keep being original; don’t worry about trends

Keep inventing new ideas, designs. I never did listen to trends. I listen to my heart and create what I would love to be seen in – not what someone suggests because it’s popular! At first I thought well, if it doesn’t sell I will wear it or still can give it for a gift.

Always do your very best work, and be ready for custom orders

I make each thing as if I were making it for myself or a dear friend. My best … every time, never settle for less – never. Always have a project to work on when not busy, not a book! Your project will attract attention and bring in customers and custom orders. Have a plan as how to handle custom orders – be ready with the answer.

Karen Lewis (a.k.a. Klew)
Klew Expressions

Comments:

Being a jewelry artist who sells more
by: Rena

Klew, thanks so much for these fantastic tips! I really appreciate your sharing your experience and insights with us.

Also thank you for sharing the stunning views of your polymer clay artistry! Just incredibly gorgeous!

Thanks
by: Julia Luna

Thanks for the tips this website always offer.

Beautiful work Klew.
Greetings from Spain

(www.facebook.com/Mano.Maya.Art

Selling more jewellery
by: Nikki

Good points here. I always have something at hand that I am working on in the quieter moments, I take findings and the makings for a number of projects, and always offer to alter eg hooks, add an extension chain etc to help customise items for buyers. They also love seeing photos of me at work – for example, I have laminated some pictures of myself at the torch, making glass beads, as a conversation starter and to let them see some of the bead making process – people like to know how things are made and I have made sales as a result of the explanations that have come out of the photos. Yes, no sunglasses, if at all possible. And wear some of your own pieces while on your stall.

Photos!
by: Line

thanks for the advice about the shows. I use a digital photo frame displaying photos of one type of beads being made from start to finish. Since I work polymer clay as well and I am always amazed that the pieces I make start out as little blocks of primary color I figured it might be a good way to seperate myself from my fellow jewellry makers at the shows. Most of the beads I use are mine and customers don’t realize that. These photos show the process and it stops them long enough for me to talk to them.

Give a Customer whatever she desires
by: Marie

I always try to make my customers feel special. When a customer ask me to make something I make her the very best that i can and i never lie to a customer. If a customer ask how it look i tell the truth because she has friends that will tell if i lied even if i loose the sale. Iknow she will come back

Good Advice
by: Janine Gerade

Dear Klew,

I have been a fan of your work for a very long time and am delighted you gave some sound advice here!
You canes are so intricate and I love the natural color palettes you use.

I am working this year on making original pieces that I love, that I am yearning to create and not follow the trends. It’s hard to do sometimes. Nothing makes me more crazy than what happened a month ago.
At a showing (A retail/fine wine store that asks me to come back every few months) customers ask for “chunkier” necklaces and more smoky quartz color bracelets. I offered custom made and also to bring more next time. I brought my new pieces per their request and they didn’t buy it!
On the good side at least I love it and wear it myself. I then slowly work it into my online inventory. Good thing I like what I do!!

Goods tips
by: Ingrid

Thank your for this interesting post.

www.prettyharbor.com