Marketing Your Unique Jewelry in Gift Shops

by Jean Forman.

After creating and selling many of my authentic sea glass and wire crocheted jewelry pieces myself, I finally decided to approach a few local gift shops.

Cloisonne sea glass pendant by Jean Forman of Lucky Sea GlassTM

I specifically targeted shops that are near my home (in different directions) and that sell unique, artistic jewelry.

With some trepidation, I admit, I called a couple of these shops and asked whether they would be interested in seeing my handmade jewelry.

Most of them were very polite, but indicated that they were not taking on any more jewelry. A few suggested I call back in six months or in the Fall. Clearly, calling ahead did not seem to work for me.

My next approach was to stop in a shop one weekday morning and ask the shopkeeper whether she would be interested in seeing the seaglass and wire crocheted jewelry I create.

Surprise! She said, “If you have it in your car, why don’t you bring it in right now?”

She selected 25 pieces from me that day almost a year ago, and continues to show my jewelry.

I found another shop near my home almost by accident. After lunch out with a few friends, we stopped into the shop.

While they were browsing, I asked the owner whether she would be interested in selling my handmade jewelry. She was very open to it, and told me to call her (which I did the very next day!).

Now, I am in two shops.

Although conventional wisdom is to call ahead, I have to say that sometimes you just need to put yourself out there!

Anyway, it’s harder to say “no” in person than on the telephone, isn’t it?!

Jean Forman
www.luckyseaglass.com